September 2009 Golden Lodge News

Volume 56, No. 8

September 2009

Negotiations start slowly; members’ patience needed Joe Hoagland President

Most of us have been through this before, some of us many times. Most of us have seen negotiations in many different ways. Some have started early and have been concluded early; others have started two or three months from expiration of the existing contract. And now, here we are, starting only one month out. It is difficult to be timely with our monthly newsletter because of the lag for printing and mailing. But as we go to press, there have been several bargaining sessions with the Company. The bargaining process normally starts slowly. Job Evaluation and local departmental issues are usually taken care of early in the process. Although your vigilance is your duty as an involved union member, your patience and trust are needed and appreciated. We’re not buying a car or haggling over the price of some item at a flea market. We pledge to keep you informed in as timely a fashion as is possible. We may not always provide updates

in the plants as quickly as you would like. Check our blogspot on the Internet at: www.uswa1123.blogspot.com We have had a good response on our efforts to update membership information and compile email addresses. If you want to stay informed, we can put you on our email list. Send your requests to: [email protected] TRA petition At press time, there still has been no determination rendered on our

petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance. We will post the decision on our blogspot when we receive it. Riffles appreciative A special “thanks and congratulations” to Vice President Paul Muller and Trustee Jim (Hip) Schweitzer on a successful Second Annual Poker Run. It was a good route and a great ride! The proceeds this year went to one of our members, Rick Riffle. One may not find a more appreciative family than the Riffles. There is more information on what happened to Rick, and his long road back to recovery elsewhere in this issue.

Rick Riffle and his daughter Melissa greet riders at the Golden Lodge parking lot prior to the Second Annual Poker Run. Rick was seriously injured on the job at the Gamb Steel Plant in January. After seven months in six different hospitals, he is now at home and continuing his rehab. Proceeds from the event will help defray some of his living costs.

Poker Run benefits injured Golden Lodge member Paul Muller Vice President

As I write this article, the Second Annual Poker Run is now less than two weeks old and already a number of you have called and commented on the success and the fun you had as a participant, and have asked to be notified for next year’s run. Not even the undesirable weather that morning kept you away. We had 182 registered riders that day. If you haven’t heard, the Poker Run was an absolute success, and the monies generated went to assist the Rick Riffle family with some of the needs that they have as Rick is recovering from his very severe accident in the shop. It was not a pretty start for those of us who started out early. We hit rain at Bolivar and throughout the rest of the run. We were wet and cold at the end, but were warmed by the success of what we did. When you look at the series of pictures on the other pages, you will see some happy, dedicated riders. We were able to provide some food and entertainment, door prizes etc., that helped to raise the funds that we donated to the Riffle family. A number of individuals donated their prizes back to the family. It shows the generosity of ALL those that participated. Rick and his family 2

came out and greeted some of the riders earlier that day as they left to start the run, and were present at the end of the run to greet the riders as they arrived, and stayed to wish the riders well at the end of the event. There were some emotional moments for us all, and Rick showed his appreciation by being with us right to the end. I believe we all shared the warm feeling of being family that day, and doing what we as family do for each other. I want to emphasize that it was a success not just because of those that rode the route that day, but also the number of people that took collections, helped with the work, or donated to the cause, and in their own way helped to make it a success. The Riffle family has asked that we pass on their heart-felt thanks to all of us, and commented on how much Rick and his family feel a part of a large Union family. There were riders from all over the area. A number of different

Unions participated and many of the residents in the area also came out to support us in this run. There is no way for me to personally thank each and every one of you; I hope this article does that. There are a number of people that I owe personal thanks, and if I miss one please consider yourself included. To Jim (Hippie) Schweitzer and his wife Gail for the efforts to arrange and organize this run, without whose help I could not have managed. To Keith Strobelt for his work in obtaining door prizes, and working a stop. Ron Roberts for all his help at the end of the run. Terry Nill, Mike Korns, Ed Korns, Joe and Edie Erwin, for working the stops along the way. To the proprietors of Rocky’s in Bolivar, the Touraine Club in Newcomerstown, to the owners of Moose Island outside of Uhrichsville, and again this year to the Sommerdale Inn in Sommerdale for their end of run hospitality. To all the businesses that donated door prize gifts, and Mike Poole for donating an American Made leather Harley jacket that drew many into purchasing a chance to win.

Pictured are some of the bikes in the Golden Lodge parking lot, as the riders register for the Second Annual Poker Run Sunday, August 23.

September 2009

To all of you that were a part of this whether it was passing the word, putting out flyers, or donating to the run, thanks again. Last, but not least, on a personal note to my wife, who also gave of her time in keeping the food line going, and for being dedicated enough to ride with me in the cold, and the rain, to help me stay dedicated to the task of making this a successful run, when it would have been easier for her to stay warm and dry at home. Thanks Sharon. The success of this run has already started us thinking of plans and preparation for the Third Annual Poker Run. We can only hope that the future runs will be as successful as the past two. Thank you all again for your help and participation.

George “The Animal” Peters, Dept. 752, rides in at the end of the Second Annual Poker Run. George was one of about 180 participants who braved the rainy weather to help a union brother. Proceeds of the event were given to Rick Riffle, who was severely injured in an accident at Gamb Steel.

Dear Golden Lodge members, Words just can’t express how amazing the day of the Poker Run was. Thank you to Hip Schweitzer and Paul Muller for organizing this event, along with their wives, they did a wonderful job. Thank you to the members who were so gracious to donate door prizes, food, 50/50 and their time. God was sure with Rick and his family the night of Jan. 18th, and every day since then. If you would have asked me seven months ago that Rick would be home and doing outpatient rehab and walking with a walker, I myself would not have believed it. Rick is getting stronger every day. Next summer, Rick will be back riding his Harley motorcycle and some day helping someone else in need. This money will help Rick in his recovery. Please continue all thoughts and prayers towards Rick’s recovery. God Bless each and every one of you. The Union has proved we are one big family. Thank you so much. Stay tuned to our website for daily accomplishments. (www.caringbridge.org/visit/rickriffle) Sincerely, The Riffle Family Rick, Connie, Melissa, Chad

September 2009

GOLDEN LODGE NEWS GOLDEN LODGE NEWS STAFF Tom Sponhour, Editor Joe Hoagland, Managing Editor Ron Roberts, Associate Editor Chris Tunney, Associate Editor

LOCAL 1123 OFFICERS Joe Hoagland, President Paul Muller, Vice President Pat Eslich, Recording Secretary Joey Shearer, Financial Secretary Kathy Boyd, Treasurer James Schweitzer, Trustee Susie Camper, Trustee Keith Strobelt, Trustee Paul McKenzie, Guide Bill Webler, Outside Guard Bob Seward, Inside Guard Published monthly, except July, by the United Steelworkers, Golden Lodge Local 1123, AFL-CIO, in the interest of its members and to further the aims and programs of the Union. USW Local 1123 represents bargaining unit workers at the Canton, Gambrinus, and Faircrest plants of The Timken Company. USW Golden Lodge Local 1123 1234 Harrison Ave. S.W. Canton, OH 44706 (330) 454-6137 Fax (330) 454-3461 Email - [email protected]

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Timken ‘whacks’ their salaried personnel More money now left for hourly employees? By Chris Tunney Associate Editor A few months ago, the Company began reducing their salaried workforce. That week was colorfully referred to as “Soprano’s Week”, due to all the salaried personnel being “whacked”, and escorted out, off their jobs. Most recently, another round of cuts for management, allegedly including benefit reductions, pay cuts of four hours a week, and the remov-

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al of their “matching contribution” to their 401(k) plans. Remember, the less senior folks had already lost their defined pension plans years ago. And, being the good soldiers that they are, our management was very vocal in letting us hear about all their despair. Of course, we reminded them of a couple of things; a reduction in their salary means more money left for bargaining unit employees, and secondly, it sounded to us like they could use a good Union!

As all of this is happening, we have to ask ourselves, if this is how the Company treats their salaried people, and remember, they LIKE them, what do they think about us? Let’s read and find out. On their website, under the Alloy Steel & Steel Components page, it says, “Associates in our steelmaking facilities have a relentless focus on increasing efficiency while improving quality.” In our interplant Steel News on Page 7 this month, it states: “Every associate should take pride in knowing that his or her efforts help contribute to the plant achieving the Foundation of Quality Excellence Award.”

September 2009

The Company praises our efforts in their own Quality Policy, posted throughout each facility. They even boasted about us on a full page ad in the Program for the local Football Hall of Fame Balloon Festival. “It takes teamwork to improve the world around you. ….we work together to achieve excellence in all we do.” The best part is Article XV, on page B-139, in our current Basic Labor Agreement. Paragraph A states, “The Company and the Union have a long-standing relationship which benefits both parties. The Company places high value on the continuation and improvement of its relationship with the Union.” As we move through these closing weeks of our current agreement, let us take the Company at their word. We are holding our heads high, bargaining in good faith, and

September 2009

negotiating for a fair share of our well deserved slice of the pie. If we stay united, educate ourselves on the National Labor Laws that may affect us, and receive accurate communications in an effective and timely manner, we will prevail. This is our recipe for success. Staying informed, staying positive, and staying involved, because it is our future. Listening to our Union leadership, don’t feed the rumor mill, and above all, do not fall prey to the “divide and conquer” strategy by bickering with each other. Let us stand tall, look them straight in the eye, and ask for what we truly deserve. We deserve their respect, their appreciation, and ultimately, a fair contract for all. We are the skilled labor force that provides the quality products to our thankful customers.

September 28 2005 Basic Labor Agreement expires

October 7 Regular Union Meeting 7:30 p.m.

October 14 Stewards Classes 9: 00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

October 21 Regular Union Meeting 9: 00 a.m.

January 1, 2010 2005 Pension Agreement expires Without us, without our expertise, without our knowledge and experience, there would not be any customers. No customers means no profits, no dividends, and no future. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” No one said it would be easy. However, we must collectively step up to the task, remembering that even though we cannot change the direction of the wind, we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination. By utilizing the tools available to us, including education, awareness, and by staying involved, this will lead to empowerment, as the stakeholders of our own futures. Leading with a willingness to cooperate and having a positive attitude is our formula for a productive environment to reach our ultimate goal. A fair contract for all. 5

Pension Agreement does not expire until Dec. 31, 2009 Members could still retire even if there is a work stoppage in Sept. The 2005 Basic Labor Agreement expires on September 28, 2009. If there is no agreement reached by then, and if there would be a work stoppage, the 2005 Pension Agreement does not expire until the end of the year. Language in the Pension Agreement under Article VI, Paragraph E, Page P-60, states, “In the event of a strike at the termination of the 2005 Basic Labor Agreement, the operation of this Pension Agreement shall not be suspended during the period of such strike until the termination of this Pension Agreement”. This means, if you are eligible to retire, you may retire anytime up until the December 31, 2009 expiration of the Pension Agreement. Also, concerns are surfacing about the Special Retirement Payment, sometimes called severance pay. That issue is covered under Article II, Paragraph D, Page P-21. “…a special retirement payment from the Pension Fund in an amount determined by multiplying the recipient’s average straight-time hourly rate during his last two (2) completed pay periods prior to his retirement by the appropriate hours shown below as applicable to each recipient: Years of continuous service on date of retirement

Multiplying hours

5 years to 18 years

400

18 years and over

360

Generally, overtime has no affect on increasing your special payment, as it is figured using your average straight-time hourly rate. One way to roughly gauge how much you may receive is to look at your pay stub and take your gross pay and divide it by the bottom number of hours shown in the left column. This should give you a very close estimate of your average hourly straight-time rate. The Special Pension Benefit of $400 per month is also guaranteed in the Pension Agreement for the later of 12 months or the month a member is eligible for 80 percent of his or her Social Security Benefit. That age is 63 for anyone born between 1943-1954.

Former USW official joins White House as Manufacturing Counselor President Obama has appointed former United Steelworkers official Ron Bloom as the administration’s senior counselor for manufacturing policy. The White House said Mr. Bloom will provide leadership on policy development and strategic planning for Mr. Obama’s efforts to revitalize the manufacturing sector. He will retain his role as senior adviser to the secretary of the Treasury assigned to the President’s Task Force on the Automotive Industry. “Last week we learned that our manufacturing sector expanded for the first time in 18 months and had the highest monthly output in two years. It’s a sign that we’re on the right track to economic recovery, but that we still have a long way to go. That’s why I’ve asked Ron Bloom to help coordinate my administration’s manufacturing policy, Ron has the knowledge and experience necessary to lead the way in creating the good-paying manufacturing jobs of the future.” Prior to joining the Treasury Dept. he served as special assistant to the president of the USW. His responsibilities included the union’s collective bargaining program, and dealing with companies facing financial difficulties. -From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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September 2009

Dismal job situation continues; More stimulus money needed The nation’s dismal job situation continues to fall despite optimistic declarations by some economists that the nation was showing signs of pulling out of the Great Recession. Those declarations offered little comfort to the 25 million U.S. workers without jobs or working only part-time because they can’t find anything else. Not helping the unemployed’s frame of mind was the view of many experts on both left and right that the “recovery,” if in fact there is one on the horizon, will be of the “jobless” variety. That means the stock market and business will get back on their feet but without refilling many of the 6.7 million jobs that have disappeared since December 2007.

September 2009

And adding to the worries of those with job woes is the view of some that the economy may take yet another dive – that the recovery that may be in the works may stall as a new wave of home foreclosures, job losses and other factors rear their collective head. The “official” jobless rate stood at 9.4 percent in July, down onetenth of one percent from June but still expected to rise to at least 10 percent by year’s end. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, commenting on the slight decrease in the jobless rate for July, said things would have been significantly worse had not the Obama administration moved ahead with its stimulus program. Sweeney said the

program has helped to slow the pace of job loss to less than half of what it was at the beginning of the year. “President Obama’s Economic Recovery Act has clearly slowed the rate of job decline,” Sweeney said, “but the current deep and broad economic crisis is not going to be solved quickly – or with one shot in the arm of economic stimulus. Much more needs to be done.” The AFL-CIO executive council called for a second round of stimulus for the economy: “Urgent action from the federal government is needed to boost economic growth and jobs, and invest in America’s future,” the council declared. “We need a second installment on the Obama Administration’s economic recovery program, and this second installment must focus like a laser beam on job creation. “This is not the time to fret about budget deficits or inflation,” the council cautioned. “It is entirely appropriate to enact policies that will temporarily increase fiscal deficits for a year or two in order to generate jobs and income during this economic crisis. At this critical juncture, the consequences of the government failing to act on a sufficient scale, and in the right way, could be catastrophic.” Fewer than half of the “officially” unemployed are receiving Unemployment Compensation, and unless Congress acts soon, another 1.5 million jobless workers will stop getting checks as various programs run out of money. 7

SOAR NOTES

I.W. Abel Chapter 1/27

REVERSE MORTGAGES: THE NEXT FIASCO? By Jim Reed Reverse mortgages can be valuable as a last resort for seniors who want to stay in their homes and have significant equity, but need money to supplement income or payoff an existing mortgage payment. With a reverse mortgage, they can trade some of that equity for a lump sum and monthly payments. But these loans can be terrible for those that don’t understand the complicated rules that govern them, and how quickly high fees and interest charges can mount up. They can end up stranded in their homes without any remaining equity to cover unexpected costs later in life. Use of these loans is exploding as lenders, who shoulder almost no risks, push them to the increasing ranks of retired baby boomers, especially for spending on new cars, vacations, and more. The people making these loans, and advertising them to seniors on T.V., get the rewards but escape the risks that come with them. It’s going to be another sub-prime mortgage mess. Loan bailouts have soared. The annual sum of reverse mortgages taken over by a federal insurance fund has more than quadrupled in four years, from $81.3 million in 2004 to $381.3 million in 2008. Taxpayers are being tapped to subsidize reverse mortgages for the first time. 8

Reverse mortgages started out as a product to give cash-strapped seniors supplemental income. The loan allows people 62 and older to cash in some of their home equity and receive a lump sum, regular payments, or a credit line. Existing mortgages are paid off with a portion of proceeds. Borrowers make no monthly payments, as long as the homeowner keeps the home in good repair and pays property taxes and insurance. The loan does not have to be repaid until the last borrower dies, sells, or lives elsewhere for 12 consecutive months. If the market value of the home is less than the loan balance when it comes due, the federal insurance compensates the lender for the difference. One couple’s story, Frank Myers now 64, appealed to me because his wife faced multiple health problems, bills were piling up, and Frank was persuaded by a broker to seek a reverse mortgage. There was only one catch, Frank wasn’t 62 yet, the minimum age for obtaining a federally insured reverse mortgage. The broker suggested Frank take his name off the deed so that the loan would be issued solely to his wife, Norma, who was 68 when the loan was closed in 2005. After his wife died in 2007, Frank was surprised to receive a letter from the mortgage company saying that her death made the mortgage

payable, and that foreclosure proceedings would begin if he did not refinance or pay off the mortgage. Initially, the couple received about $70,000 to pay off their previous mortgage, a lump sum of about $92,000 to cover medical bills, a new roof, and other expenses. But closing costs of almost $15,000 plus growing finance charges pushed the total payoff amount to more than $200,000. According to Myers, the home is now valued at only $130,000; and he can’t find money to pay off the loan. Attempts to re-negotiate refinancing, or some other solution has been fruitless. HUD warns against removing a homeowner’s name from a home’s deed. No matter how much a bank lends, the transaction is almost riskfree to them, because it is guaranteed by the federal government through the insurance fund. That insurance comes into play in certain situations, including when a loan goes into foreclosure after the death of a borrower with no heirs, or when a borrower fails to pay taxes and insurance on the property. It can also occur if the proceeds from the sale of the house won’t cover the balance owed. Borrowers pay a hefty premium for the federal insurance backing of these loans, up to $6,000 up front, plus fees that equal 0.5 percent of the principle amount of each year, but lenders reap the benefits. OCTOBER LUNCHEON Beef Tips and Noodles Green Beans Applesauce Cake-Coffee September 2009

Federal and state legislators are seeking stronger consumer protection for all types of reverse mortgages. Legislation has been proposed at preventing fraud, and requiring ads for government-backed mortgages present a balanced view of their risks and benefits. This country is going to be in more trouble if lenders have the freedom to just sign them all up for loans that can strip them of their nest egg, and then stick the taxpayers with the bill when it doesn’t work out. AT OUR SOAR MEETING Well, it was that time of year again. It was time for our annual picnic, and as always, the food was plentiful and delicious. Attendance was down some from last year, but it was a good time for those that were there. We missed Joe Kisela, who was Picnic Chairman for years, and did a super job of getting things together. His committee carried on, and his wife Linda took over for Joe, who passed away in April. She did a wonderful job. Thanks Linda! The newly elected President of Golden Lodge, Joe Hoagland, attended the picnic, and later briefed the members on the upcoming negotiations with The Timken Company, which begins in September, and some of the issues facing the union. SOAR wishes him and the negotiating team the very best, and stand behind our union brothers and sisters in any way we can help. CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS: Ann Raymond CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES: Dan and Norma Rossetti - 53 years, Gene and Jess Payne - 42 years. September 2009

The SOAR Annual District Conference will be held Monday, October 12, in Columbus. Any SOAR member wishing to attend can sign up at our regular meeting on September 1st. We are in the process of obtaining a bus for the trip. The cost for the bus has increased, and we are shopping around.

Just a Thought You can focus on what’s Behind you, or what’s Ahead, but not both.

Recent Retirees Golden Lodge congratulates the following members who have recently retired and will now enjoy their union-negotiated retiree pension and healthcare benefits. Robert L. Bowers David L. Braid Vernon L. Brown Raymond Cutts, Jr. Alva E. Dodd Gary E. Krider Ann R. Lee Alfred L. Mayle Mitchell S. McBurney Michael J. McCourry William K. Miller Richard Peters Michael J. Sedon Donald W. Sell Vernon L. Shaffer Linda J. Snyder Dennis J. Thomas Kenneth B. Thompson William A. Turner, Jr. Gregory S. Walent Howard D. Walters William K. Weaver Wray E. Weisler Terry L. Willaman

The following members of Golden Lodge have passed away and Bibles have been presented to their families. ROY L. “BO” JACKSON, 64, Dept. 71, passed away August 1, 2009. Brother Jackson joined the Union in 1971 and retired in 2001. CLIFTON D. VANCE, 28, 13675 Pennsylvania St. N.E., Alliance, passed away August 2, 2009. Brother Vance joined the Union in 2008. JOHN MIRLING, JR, 87, Dept. 91, 2552 Farber St. S.E., Magnolia, passed away August 4, 2009. Brother Mirling joined the Union in 1946 and retired in 1972. WILBUR R. NEEL, 79, Dept. 94, 6767 Lavonne N.E., North Canton, passed away August 5, 2009. Brother Neel joined the Union in 1976 and retired in 1994. EVA STOSIC, 89, Dept. 75, passed away August 6, 2009. Sister Stosic joined the Union in 1941 and retired in 1983. BEVERLY J. ROBERTS, Dept. 75, 6041 Sky Ridge Avenue, Louisville, passed away August 19, 2009. Sister Roberts joined the Union in 1969 and retired in 1995. LYNN J. BOLE, 74, Dept. 195, 1317 South Street, Louisville, passed away August 22, 2009. Brother Bole joined the Union in 1977 and retired in 1998. STEVE G. STROPKI, 89, Dept. 13, 4517-5th St. N.W., Canton, passed away August 24, 2009. Brother Stropki joined the Union in 1945 and retired in 1982.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? (Address changes, too)

Contact Golden Lodge by email at:

[email protected] 9

USW Health, Safety & Environment Conference

Golden Lodge member John Sommer receives I.W. Abel Safety Award By Chris Tunney Safety & Health Committee During the week of August 17, the United Steelworkers held their 2009 Health, Safety, and Environment Conference in Houston, Texas. Golden Lodge Safety Representatives Sean Els and I were in attendance, as well as 700 additional brothers and sisters from around the country and Canada. We were then joined by our management safety professionals, for an intense week-long program, which included many guest speakers, influential politicians, new OSHA directors, our own International officers, and various workshops for all to attend.

in our union internationally since the last conference a year ago. Fifty-six hundred workers die on the job, and there are 50,000 work related diseases annually. Safety is defined as the absence of risk.

sues, and it is as binding as any Basic Labor Agreement.

However, as Mike Wright, Director, USW Health, Safety, & Environment Department, stated, “Safety is a fundamental human right. We will work to improve local union safety language, increase safety campaigns, and fight for what we need.”

The newly appointed OSHA officials vowed to create a mission to protect workers from airborne diseases, reinstate ergonomic laws recently removed, rebuild and strengthen the foundation in health and safety worker rights, update permissible exposure limits, and outlaw blaming the worker policies.

The Company has to pay for any OSHA required PPE (personal protective equipment), and in a recent ruling, the OSHA settlement said that the Union has a right in safety is-

Also, for the first time in 14 years, the political environment is favorable to improve health and safety work rules.

Also, there was a new emphasis on the justice and dignity language. A reoccurring theme throughout the week included our position on the

The late summer’s heat and humidity did not dampen the cooperative atmosphere created by our visionary leadership. We are very lucky to have been at the forefront of training, as we learned that the USW had their first environmental conference way back in 1963. Many topics were addressed, and as each day ended, union-only and joint caucuses were held in the evenings. At each plenary session, the speakers motivated the crowds, fueling the passionate membership in attendance to become engaged and empowered stakeholders in our own futures. Of the many speakers, many topics, and overwhelming amount of information, a few items need to be addressed. We have had 41 deaths 10

HSP Melt Shop Melting Controller John Sommer, center, holds the I.W. Able Award he was presented at the USW Health, Safety, and Environment Conference in Houston, Texas August 20. John assisted Helen Kearns, who had been injured and was lying in molten metal after Number 9 Furnace exploded. John extinguished the flames on her clothing, then lifted and carried her to safety. On the left is Safety and Health Specialist John Alexander, and on the right is Health, Safety and Environment Director Mike Wright.

September 2009

company’s behavior-based safety plans and our “fix the hazard - don’t blame the worker” platform. We also learned about removing the barriers to safety improvement that are human-based. An example is that we use bargaining to negotiate conditions of employment, and postinjury drug testing is an example of a condition of our employment. Sadly, it is cheaper to focus on the injured brother or sister, than to re-engineer the hazard out of the process. Changes are coming, as we heard that the days of employees getting hurt or killed on the job as “just doing business”, are over! John Sommer presented USW I.W. Abel Award The two most notable events during our comprehensive week of classes and speeches were the presentation of the I.W. Able Award to our own HSP Melt Shop Melting Controller John Sommer, and USW President Leo Gerard’s comments to all in attendance. The award, established during I.W. Abel’s USWA presidency, is given to a member who has demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice himself for his fellow workers. Mr. Sommer assisted Helen Kearns, who had been injured and was lying in molted metal after Number 9 Furnace exploded. John extinguished the flames on her clothing, lifted and carried her to safety. John said at the conference, “It’s really no big deal; it’s just looking out for my fellow workers.” Great job, John, and congratulations on receiving the I.W. Abel Safety Award for 2009. September 2009

I.W. Abel, born in Magnolia, Ohio, was one of our founding fathers. In 1936, Abel found work at the Timken Roller Bearing Company and with the assistance of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC) organized Steel Workers Local 1123. He remained a member of the local until his death. He proved an effective and strong negotiator and union president, and in one year alone led 42 wildcat strikes. Abel was sworn in as USWA president on June 2, 1965. He was a vigorous proponent of workplace health and safety and worked to help pass the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970. Gerard captivates audience President Gerard captivated the audience with antidotes, stories, and his passionate agenda for the future. Starting at the beginning, when companies said things like, “you can’t have good jobs and clean air” and “you can’t have good jobs and a clean environment”, his response was, “let me tell you, if we don’t have both, we won’t have either!” . His message was clear, education, “knowledge without power is simply frustration”, “knowledge to see the hazard, courage to confront the hazard, and the strength to eliminate the hazard”. Companies’ mentality is that they know what is safe for us, and at the bargaining table, “ignoring us doesn’t mean it’s over, nor will it make us go away!” As a proponent of healthcare reform, by spreading the risk, generating a larger risk pool, will reduce costs. Also, the industry lobbyists and right wing zealots are spending

$2 to $4 million a day fighting healthcare reforms. Imagine how much companies could reinvest when health care costs are reduced from the current $7.50 per hour to the $3.00 per hour under the new plan being proposed. Touching on the deregulated trade issues, since the USA owes China $1.5 trillion in trade debt, a deregulated financial market, which is like “a three-year-old in a candy store”, to the environment and visionary green jobs of our future. So what does all this have to do with health and safety? “If you don’t have a job, you are not very safe”. “Silence won’t keep your job, silence won’t help your community, and silence can’t get legislation passed through Congress. Silence won’t guarantee a future for our kids”. Thank you President Gerard. As your front-line union activists, we will carry out your mission, spread your message, and as you closed your speech, “be strong, be proud, and be loud”. Guaranteed.

August 5 Meeting Joe Ferrel Jim Beneleit Daryl Bracken *Trish Hostetler **Lum Kennan August 19 Meeting Andy Schneider **Terry Bressler **Darryl Crum **Rick Metzgar **David Huberty *Donated to Meals on Wheels **Donated to Rick Riffle 11

Union members from the USW, IBEW, Ironworkers, Plumbers and Pipefitters, CWA , OAPSE/AFSCME and others, turned out to hear President Hoagland speak about the long and productive history between the Union and The Timken Company.

CANTON, OH

PERMIT NO. 973

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

On August 13 an informational rally was held at the Golden Lodge. On that day salary personnel were melting a heat of steel down the road at the Harrison Melt Shop while the bargaining unit employees in that area were laid off.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

Members rally to protest salary melting at Harrison

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

_________________________________

Canton, OH 44706

1234 Harrison Ave. SW

USW Local 1123 wishes to thank the members of the unions present for their show of solidarity.

Steelworkers Local 1123, Golden Lodge

Joe spoke of the 20 years of labor peace enjoyed by both parties. He stated that the company’s actions of having salary personnel operate the tools and equipment of our occupations did not help the bargaining process. Joe reminded the crowd our members were on the taxpayer’s dole while the Company obviously had work for them. Work they were ready and willing to do.

September 2009