COMMUNICATION FROM THE PRESIDENT
NOVEMBER 5, 2008 - JOHN T. CIRRI

Profit Share: There were 1,182,236 eligible hours worked during the entire quarter from July 1st - September 30th, resulting in a profit sharing amount of $7.37 per hour with a maximum of 48 hours. Checks will be distributed Friday, November 14th. A strong third quarter mixed with good contractual language yielded one of the best profit sharing checks to date. One of our issues when we return to Pittsburgh to resume talks is to try and get all future checks treated as a pay check…the taxes on these special payments is a killer.

Contract Talks: Dave McCall and Ron Bloom are scheduled to be in Dearborn this week to review the financials of Severstal.  Return dates to Pittsburgh for the negotiating teams will be determined once that is complete. 

Severstal to receive Recognition Award: The Dundalk Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 1st Annual Business Recognition Awards Breakfast on Thursday, November 6th.  This event is to honor those businesses that have demonstrated excellence and achievement in various categories, including innovation, eco-friendly practices, image and presentation, service to the chamber and the local community, lifetime achievement, and overall commitment to the Greater Dundalk community. Severstal will receive the Foundation Award - Awarded for the continued investment and support of the Greater Dundalk community from a business or organization that helped to set the foundation of the region.

Job Postings: Vacancies in the jobs listed below are now available.  Employees desiring to transfer to any of these jobs must apply in person at the Employment Office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Applications Will Be Accepted Through:  November 18, 2008


SENIORITY DEPT/UNIT  Dept. Symbol   DEPARTMENT   JOB TITLE  LABOR GRADE EMPLOYEES NEEDED (EST. NO.)   NOTES
6-1     660  Tin Mill - Pickling        Service Tech     2  1 
6-2   675 Tin Mill - Tandem Mill Operator Tech 3 3   
6-2    675 Tin Mill - Tandem Mill Service Tech 2 4 
6-2    675 Tin Mill - Tandem Mill Utility Person 1 4 
6-3    685 Tin Mill - Washing &                      Annealing    Service Tech 2 2   
6-4  716 Tin Mill - Skin Pass/                        Duo Mill  Operator Tech 3 2 
6-5  720 Tin Mill - Plating Utility Person 1 6 
6-6  675 Tin Mill - Material Handling            Service Tech  2 13 
6-8 675 Tin Mill - Quality Assurance Operator Tech 3 1 

The estimated number of employees needed is subject to change based on the Unit and Departmental postings, which are being posted simultaneously.

NOTE: EMPLOYEES WHO TRANSFER WILL NO LONGER BE PROVIDED WITH A PROTECTED EARNINGS DIFFERENTIAL.

It should be pointed out that we are challenging the company's recent decision of not providing your protected earnings differential for those that bid from one unit to another unit in the same department. They have been paying that in the past on a verbal agreement.

The Tin Mill is running full, thus the reason for the postings, but there are many other areas that have had permanent vacancies that the company has not posted and the union is challenging their actions of not posting.

As Always, Think Safe…Be Safe!

John Cirri - President
USW Local 9477- Sparrows Point Plant
District #8 Baltimore, Maryland
Hall: 410-633-7400   Office: 410-388-4005