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record Oct 2013 - USW 1011 East Chicago, IN

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The agreement states we have a weekly tem- porary Incentive bonus protection equal to 20%. This temporary Incen- tive bonus protection shall not apply in certain situations (e.g. deduc- tions for quality and pro- duction interruptions that are related to Em- ployee CARELESSNESS in the performance of duties assigned or in the use of company property or Employee report offs. ) What this means is we have a protection of 20% unless we do something really out of the “normal” operations. ( things were discussed like if an entire crew calls off to watch the Su- per bowl and we cant run the operation, they will not give us 20%, it will pay what the plan pays if below 20% that week. It was discussed that if during operating, we aren’t paying attention and cause significant equipment damage or delay out of the “normal” operating pa- rameters, that they will not give us 20%, it will pay what the plan pays if below 20% that week. It was also discussed as we ob- serve the plan during the pe- riod, that if “normal” operations occur and the plan would have paid below 20%, then they will pay the protection of 20% for that week. Its early into the plan but the first pay period used both options, as the first weeks calculation was 8% which paid the 20% protection and the second week paid 25%. So the first pay period was viewed as a positive, as it showed there is upside to the agreement for members above the 20% level if we operate well. We will continue to moni- tor the agreement moving for- ward. COLD ROLL / COATING RU- MORS – There have been a lot of rumors about the possibility of an idle of operations with our Pickle, Tandem and #2 Galv lines. Management has run wild with the rumors. The union was never contacted. After discussing with the Interna- tional Union Officers, we for- mally requested a meeting with plant manager in regards to the rumor. In that meeting it was confirmed that they are explor- ing options to consolidate as- sets. Although no decision has been made to do so at this point, they are looking into the possibility as prices and de- mand have capacity utilization on these lines at lower than like level. We have requested the information that will be used to present any ( if any ) plan to the ArcelorMittal officers that would ultimately make the final deci- sion. We are currently waiting for that info, as they say they are still in the process of gather- ing. We will continue to share info as we are made aware. In the meantime, please stay fo- cused on safety as I felt the company has been reckless in their approach to this situation. Do not let their rumor distrac- tions take away our focus on working safely. I truly believe our members are the very best operators and having lived From the President’s Desk 4.6 Local 1011 SPOOKY EDITION October 2013 United Steelworker Local 1011 3629 Euclid Avenue East Chicago, IN 46312 219-398-3150 Fax 219-392-0447 Lonnie Asher—President, Ext. 20 Mariano Flores—V.P. , Ext. 19 Aaron Morales—Recording Secretary, ext. 12 Kenneth Matusiak—Treasurer, ext. 22 John Dec—Financial Secretary, Ext. 17 John Hartman—ICD, Ext. 18 Gary Mullens—Incentive Chairman, Ext. 13 Jim Flores—Chairman of Grievance, Ext. 11 Brothers and sister of Local 1011, Hope this edition of The Record finds you and your family doing well. Let us not forget our re- cently passed members and our members off on Sick leave. We wish them a speedy recovery and hope to see them back in the plant soon. INCENTIVES - In the Hot Strip, we entered into a temporary agreement on Sept 15 th for a period of 180 days. There has been some confusion as to what was agreed upon. As per Art. 9 sect. B of our contract, the company has the right to install a new plan, with the un- ion having the right to challenge the plan between 90-180 days of install. The purpose of enter- ing a temporary incentive agree- ment for 180 days is to avoid the “unknown” for the 90-180 day period and then be a the mercy of the plan during the grievance procedure. So after much discussion with the lead- ership, we felt reaching a tem- porary agreement with some form of “protection” was in our member’s best interest. Ques- tions have risen like, “what does 20% protection mean?” The RECORD Continues on page 3 Please contact Lonnie Asher or Mariano Flores
Transcript

The agreement states we have a weekly tem-porary Incentive bonus protection equal to 20%. This temporary Incen-tive bonus protection shall not apply in certain situations (e.g. deduc-tions for quality and pro-duction interruptions that are related to Em-ployee CARELESSNESS in the performance of duties assigned or in the use of company property or Employee report offs. )

What this means is we have a protection of 20% unless we do something really out of the “normal” operations. ( things were discussed like if an entire crew calls off to watch the Su-per bowl and we cant run the operation, they will not give us 20%, it will pay what the plan pays if below 20% that week. It was discussed that if during operating, we aren’t paying attention and cause significant equipment damage or delay out of the “normal” operating pa-rameters, that they will not give us 20%, it will pay what the plan pays if below 20% that week. It was also discussed as we ob-serve the plan during the pe-riod, that if “normal” operations occur and the plan would have paid below 20%, then they will pay the protection of 20% for that week. Its early into the plan but the first pay period used both options, as the first weeks calculation was 8% which paid the 20% protection and the second week paid 25%.

So the first pay period was viewed as a positive, as it showed there is upside to the agreement for members above the 20% level if we operate well. We will continue to moni-tor the agreement moving for-ward.

COLD ROLL / COATING RU-MORS – There have been a lot of rumors about the possibility of an idle of operations with our Pickle, Tandem and #2 Galv lines. Management has run wild with the rumors. The union was never contacted. After discussing with the Interna-tional Union Officers, we for-mally requested a meeting with plant manager in regards to the rumor. In that meeting it was confirmed that they are explor-ing options to consolidate as-sets. Although no decision has been made to do so at this point, they are looking into the possibility as prices and de-mand have capacity utilization on these lines at lower than like level. We have requested the information that will be used to present any ( if any ) plan to the ArcelorMittal officers that would ultimately make the final deci-sion. We are currently waiting for that info, as they say they are still in the process of gather-ing. We will continue to share info as we are made aware. In the meantime, please stay fo-cused on safety as I felt the company has been reckless in their approach to this situation. Do not let their rumor distrac-tions take away our focus on working safely. I truly believe our members are the very best operators and having lived

From the President’s Desk 4.6

Local 1011 SPOOKY EDITION October 2013

United Steelworker Local 1011

3629 Euclid Avenue East Chicago, IN 46312

219-398-3150 Fax 219-392-0447

Lonnie Asher—President, Ext. 20

Mariano Flores—V.P. , Ext. 19

Aaron Morales—Recording Secretary, ext. 12

Kenneth Matusiak—Treasurer, ext. 22

John Dec—Financial Secretary, Ext. 17

John Hartman—ICD, Ext. 18

Gary Mullens—Incentive Chairman, Ext. 13

Jim Flores—Chairman of Grievance, Ext. 11

Brothers and sister of Local 1011,

Hope this edition of The Record finds you and your family doing well. Let us not forget our re-cently passed members and our members off on Sick leave. We wish them a speedy recovery and hope to see them back in the plant soon.

INCENTIVES - In the Hot Strip, we entered into a temporary agreement on Sept 15th for a period of 180 days. There has been some confusion as to what was agreed upon. As per Art. 9 sect. B of our contract, the company has the right to install a new plan, with the un-ion having the right to challenge the plan between 90-180 days of install. The purpose of enter-ing a temporary incentive agree-ment for 180 days is to avoid the “unknown” for the 90-180 day period and then be a the mercy of the plan during the grievance procedure. So after much discussion with the lead-ership, we felt reaching a tem-porary agreement with some form of “protection” was in our member’s best interest. Ques-tions have risen like, “what does 20% protection mean?”

The RECORD

Continues on page 3

Please contact

Lonnie Asher or Mariano Flores

Page 2 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

The Wellness Committee would like to remind our members, since we have had a lack of responses to our reim-bursement of gym memberships and marathons, the process in which needs to be followed in order to benefit from the program. When the committee was conceived department billboards were a must in order to deliver healthy in-formation and provide communication of activities promoted by the committee. However with the complications of organizing a new committee we have found some tasks have been delayed and the ordering of billboards seemed to be one of those tasks. This makes it difficult to spread information concerning the committee and the activities pro-moted by the committee. After struggling through the approval process and red tape of ordering the items needed, the billboards have been approved and ordered and should be delivered soon for installation in each department. So as of now the only way of communicating information is through “The Record” and word of mouth. Please if you see this, pass it on to anyone you know who may be interested in receiving some of their hard-working, union dol-lars returned through The Wellness Committee reimbursement program. For all of you who have a gym membership or participate in classes offered by community centers or various park departments (sorry no Weight Watchers as this is not a gym), the reimbursement plan has been set up as fol-lows: The Wellness committee will refund up to $30.00 a month per individual starting with the month of August 2013 to December 2013 for budget reasons, which will change in 2014, to the positive or negative. A paid receipt must be scanned and emailed to usw1011wellnesscommittee@ yahoo.com for each individual month. Please type Gym Membership in the subject line or your email may be removed and not accounted for payment. Your name and clock number must be given in the body of the email. Membership contracts will not be accepted, due to it not showing payment for each month. Also if you have a paid gym membership but also have to pay to take a certain class then please only send 1 receipt for each month either the class or membership fee as you will receive only $30.00 per month based on availability of 2013 funds. If you have participated or are planning on participating in any races, runs, marathons, mud, triathlon etc. as of January 2013 thru December 2013 the Wellness Committee will refund up to $30.00 per event once paid receipt is received via email. The paid receipt needs to be scanned and emailed also to [email protected] with Marathon typed in the subject line. Your name and clock number need to be given in the body of the email. For example, if you participate in 4 events totaling $200.00 the Wellness Committee will refund $120.00 back to you as long as you can show proof of payment for four events at $50.00 a piece. The vending machine program which was stated in the September issue of “The Record”, concerning the healthy choices and discounted prices has come across some procedural issues between the vending company and ArcelorMittal. We are attempting to resolve some of these differences for our members in some of our upcoming meeting. I would like to congratulate the winners of the drawing of the plant and nationwide biometric screening partici-pants. If you participated in the biometric screening offered by the Wellness committee, you were entered into a nationwide drawing for three cash prizes. The $3000 prize winner was Kathleen Grossmann, IHE, the $2000 win-ner was Jeffrey Younciak, Weirton, and $1000 winner was Anthony Gentry, Burns Harbor. Also participants were entered into a $500 plant drawing, which winners were Jaime Montanez, Randy Peregrine, Louis Scuderi. Con-gratulations to all of the winners. Hopefully without too much more delay you will be seeing department billboards which will be the instrument used to spread the word further and quicker concerning the Wellness Committee. Please remember to pass this in-formation along to others and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact myself Ken Matusiak, or any other wellness committee member.

Thank You, Kenneth J. Matusiak Wellness Committee Chairman

Page 3 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

through shut downs in the past, know what it takes to operate safely and in a sustainable manner. I believe once the information is sifted through, the offi-cers will agree.

Stay focused and be safe. Fraternally yours,

Lonnie Asher

President

USW Local 1011 Brothers and Sisters Now that the summer is over and things are cooling off, it’s time to get ready for the much anticipated top change on H-3 furnace which will have the furnace down for repairs from November 4th through Novem-ber 14th. With this top change H-3 furnace should be ready to continue to roll for another 4 to 5 years easily. Our department has recently gotten new employees which should help in filling some much needed positions in our department that were open due to retirements and transfers. And we also have finally filled all our Ore Dock bridge operator positions! As always I can’t stress it enough to continue to wear all of our safety equipment when on the job, and to continue to work safely!

In Solidarity,

Eddie Gonzalez

Area 1 Griever

Boo from the Crew The Training Center has the welding school is full of MTM Tier 1. They are ready to finish their welding school at the end of this week. Starting the next week on Lubrication Training one of the factors they have to pass. We have added one more MTM to the Tier1 course, which makes the total of 13 MTM in school at this time. We also have added four MTE to the course. That is a total of 12 MTE in school at this moment. If you think you need some up-skilling in your department to per-form your job competently, confidently and safety take advan-tage of them and notify your griever. We are getting close to MTE Tier 2 training here at the Training Center. We are still working on are equipment to get the class up and running soon. Also, working on some up-skilling class for the departments, the departments are helping us with some the equipment we need to train on. In the near future Brake class here at the Training Center. Some of the MTM Classes have passed 4 factors already. MTE have passed 4 Factors. Have a great and safe month.

Larry Smith (Sarge) USW 1011 Training Coordinator

STEAL GOOD IDEAS SHAMELESS,

SHARE GOOD IDEAS WILLINGLY.

Page 4 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

HALLOWEEN SAFETY Halloween could be one of the most dangerous nights of the year for young children.

The majority of injuries that occur at Halloween time are caused by falls and contact with motor vehicles.

Please consider the following tips, which can help ensure that your little ghosts and goblins return safely from trick-or-treating.

VISIBILITY

1. Make children more visible to drivers by attaching retro-reflective tape, fabric, or decorative patches (available at fabric stores) to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. White or light-colored costumes may be somewhat more visible at close range, but only retro-reflective materials are considered highly visible in low light.

2. Give trick-or-treaters flashlights to help light their way.

TRAFFIC

Reminders for children:

1. Tell children to walk, not run, while trick-or-treating.

2. Remind children to stop at all corners.

3. Tell them to cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.

4. Tell them to look left-right-left again before crossing, and not to cross if a car is coming.

5. Tell them never to run into the street from between parked cars.

6. Never let children under age 10 go trick-or-treating without the supervision of an adult or older sibling.

Reminders for motorists:

1. Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals.

2. Watch for children walking in the street or on medians and curbs.

3. Enter and exit driveways and alleyways carefully.

4. Teach children to get in and out of the car on the curb side, away from the traffic.

FALLS

Apply face paint or cosmetics directly to the face. If a mask is worn, be certain it fits securely.

Cut the eye holes large for full vision.

Make costumes short enough to avoid tripping.

Secure hats so they will not slip over children's eyes.

Dress children in shoes that fit. Adult shoes are not safe for trick-or-treaters. The larger size makes it easier for them to trip and fall.

Allow children to carry only flexible knives, swords or other props. Anything they carry could injure them if they fall.

Teach children not to cut across yards. Lawn ornaments and clotheslines are hidden hazards in the dark.

Tell your children to stay on the sidewalk at all times.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Set an established route for your child with a specific return time.

Instruct children to stop only at well-lit houses or apartments and never to enter the homes of strangers.

Remind kids not to eat any of their treats until parents have had a chance to check them.

Make this the safest Halloween ever.

Be Safe

Jack Shanley

Safety Chairman Local 1011

Bargaining Unit Work Committee

Brothers& Sisters,

The B.U.W. Committee and Grievance Committee are currently gathering information for the “Commitment Language Case” that has been filed into the Expedited Arbitration Procedure. The “Commitment Case” will eventually take work away, from employees of Outside Entities, who both work inside, or outside the plant, and retrieve the work back for the Bargaining Unit to perform. The Basic Labor Agreement “Commitment” lan-guage gives the arbitrator the power to impose hiring orders and penalties.

In Solidarity,

BUW Committee

John Dec Chairman

John Pearson

Mike Scharnke

BUW Sub-Committee

Jim Tauber -Coating

Steve Seno –Cold Roll

Terry Mikula –Hot Mill

Joe Ladendorf –Utilities

Rich Barron -3SP

Terrance Robinson –Iron Prod.

Alex Ponce –Vac Services

Page 5 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

Union brothers and sisters,

One question and concern that many Union mem-bers have on occasion is: How does the union handle harassment between union members? Harassment is not only against company policy but it is also a violation of union policy. It is our duty to help maintain a harassment free environ-ment for all union members. If you have an issue with a coworker, please try to make it clear to them so that they can be aware of the problem and given the opportunity to cease the behavior. If this does not work or is not possible, please do not be afraid to contact your griever or a member of the Civil Rights committee so that we can inves-tigate and try to quickly resolve the issue.

The holidays are approaching quickly and I want to remind everyone of our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. I believe this is our most important charity event because our union is able to come together and help those families in need during the holidays. We are very blessed and this is defi-nitely the time to be thankful and help others in need. Please grab one of the food drive bags that are being distributed and fill it with canned goods or just bring your own filled bags.

Last and but not least, stay safe at work.. and don’t forget to cheer for the Colts this season.

In Solidarity,

Sharita Alexander

Civil Rights Committeewoman

Civil Rights

USW Local 1011 Membership Card

To receive a wallet USW Card, either e-mail me at ([email protected]) and put Union Card in the subject, with the fol-lowing information: Name, Address, Department, or stop in at the Union Hall.

John A. Dec

Financial Secretary - USW LU 1011

Your Name Here

Starting this Monday October 14th through November 8th open enrollment will occur for the annual election of benefits. By now every member should have received a packet from the company. If you have not received one, need any forms, or have any questions please call the open enrollment hot line at 1-866-268-3489. Open enrollment choices will be effective 1/1/2014. During open enrollment you can; a) add or remove a dependent and/or b) enroll in a flex spending account. If there are no changes to your dependents you will be fine. In regards to flex accounts you have to reenroll each year. Please take the time to read your booklet.

Flex spending accounts are a great way to save money since the money is not subject to payroll tax. The one disadvantage is that any unused funds at the end of the calendar year will not roll over to the next year, this is commonly known as the “use it or lose it” rule. Flex spending accounts can help offset costs of health care and dependent/elder care. Of course there are some guidelines and restrictions. Throughout the booklet there are sections titled “SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS”. These are great reference guides to help you make your elections.

In our last edition of THE RECORD I wrote that Larry and I have been considering having a day where we would have meetings at the hall to answer questions concerning Flex Spending Accounts. We will be holding those meetings on 10/30 at 7:30 AM, 3:30 PM, and 5:00 PM. To help us help you, please call ahead for an appointment if you are having trouble with open enrollment. From me to you, there is nothing more frustrating when I have to tell a member that we (Larry and I) are unavailable because we have other appointments scheduled. Unfortunately, procrastination seems to be the norm for some, please do not wait for 11/8 to make any adjustments to your benefits elections. Remember to print any confirmation letters electronically or via fax. In case of a dispute the confirmation letters will be the determining factor.

With the upcoming holiday season our Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield Representative Anne Pennington will be here on 11/13 and 12/11.

As a rule of thumb I do not make my articles of a personal, political nature outside of battling for the working class. Yet, I feel that this venue is an important media for our members to be informed of important events that will shape the future of our local. On Tuesday 11/26 there will be an election for district director. I am asking the membership to come out and support Jim Robinson.

May the blessings of the One that guides us all be with you and your Families this Holiday Season. ADELANTE!! El Jefe,

Page 6

In this edition of QA - "On the Real", we would like to wish Rosey Newman a speedy recovery. Rosey has been on S&A. Also, welcome back to Rayfield Johnson who returned from S&A. We have posted for two Lab Learner positions. Those should be filled soon. This posting will really help out in the Chem lab. We are still waiting on a few grievances to be answered. Once that happens I will share with those affected. I am going to keep this edition short. As always be safe!

Sincerely, Rich Waddell QA Griever

Page 7 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

Eye Glasses With so many eye cases this year, I thought it would be a good reminder for everyone to go over some eye glass safety tips. If you wear prescription safety glasses there are a couple things you should know. We have an allowance of one pair of prescription safety glasses a year. You need to have an exam every year and obtain a new prescription in order to get a new pair of prescription safety glasses. Even if your prescription does not change you still need a new one for the year. Our insurance covers a yearly exam.

Remember that extreme heat and cold affects your safety glasses, it will cause your safety glasses to expand and contract. If this happens and your prescription safety glasses are not fitting anymore, go to the eye clinic and have your prescription safety glasses reshaped to fit your face. If your prescription safety glasses are scratched and you cannot see out of them, go to the clinic. If you have to have a new pair before your year is up, so be it. If you have problems getting another pair before the year is up contact your safety person. The clinic can put anti fog on your lenses, make them scratch resistant or put transition lenses on your prescription safety glasses. You have to pick one, the clinic cannot do more than one to your lenses. The transition lenses require a manager’s approval. Just because they allow for one pair, does not mean you cannot get another pair if they are broke. You can, if you have any problems getting another pair contact your safety person for help. If you are not sure if your safety glasses fit go to the clinic if you wear pre-scription safety glasses. If you wear regular safety glasses go see your safety person. The best fit is a 6mm gap or less, an 8mm gap is acceptable. Any gap bigger is not and you should be fitted for a better pair that fits your face.

There are also Chubs available to help keep your safety glasses from sliding off your face. If it is windy you may need to wear a pair of safety goggles for the day. Remember your body temperature and the temperature outside affect whether your safety glasses fog up. This can be minimized, but cannot be eliminated all to-gether. When this happens stop what you are doing and wait until your safety glasses clear up, go to a clean environment, clean your safety glasses, or have a spare pair to change out when this happens.

Be Safe,

Melissa Rivera

H-3 H-4 Blast Furnace

A government shutdown has furloughed about 800,000 of the nation’s 2.1 million federal workers. It hit as a bitterly divided Congress failed to approve a temporary spending bill to keep the government running. Supervisors at government agencies began meetings to decide which employees would continue to report to work and which would be considered nonessential and told to stay home under contingency plans ordered by the Office of Management and Budget, or OMB. The Office of Personnel Management has a furlough guide to help answer questions about a government shutdown. So, how will a government shutdown affect you? WHAT STAYS OPEN: U.S. Postal Service.

• Social Security. • Medicare. • Active-duty military. • Air-traffic control. • Immigration. • Border security. • Emergency and disaster assistance. • Federal law enforcement. • IRS can still process electronic returns and payments only.

WHAT CLOSES: Any federal agency that’s subject to appropriations. Each agency has the discretion to decide who is “excepted” or “emergency”, and who is furloughed.

• All National Parks. • All federally-funded museums, including Smithsonian and the National Zoo. • All federal government websites. • Research by Health and Human Services stops. So does the grant process. Depending on how long it lasts, that will also

impact medical research at hospitals and universities. • Applying for Social Security. If you’re a new retiree, your application won’t be processed. • IRS walk-in centers. Your paper tax return will not be processed. • Loan applications for small businesses, college tuition, or mortgages. • All Library of Congress buildings. All public events will be cancelled and web sites will be inaccessible. • Federal contractors will be out of work. • Federal workers (except “excepted” or “emergency” personnel) will not be allowed to work, not even from home. No

blackberry, no smartphone, no laptop. Not even allowed to check work email. • D.C. Government would also shut down, as it is subject to congressional appropriations and is considered “a federal

agency.” But the mayor sent a letter to OMB saying that all D.C. Workers are declared “essential.” THEN WHAT? In the past, when there is a shutdown, workers eventually get paid, retroactively. There is no guarantee that’ll happen this time; it will depend on what continuing resolution Congress passes. Also, keep an eye out for when the continuing resolution expires. It could run out in November, December, or next week. Then we go through this all over again.

In Solidarity,

Rich Barron

[email protected]

Page 8 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

Page 9 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

October is Breast Cancer awareness month and once again the WOS of Lo-cal 1011 will be raise funds and walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk October 13, 2013 at Hidden Lake. Please come out and join us or make a donation to our team.

The back 2 school drive was a huge success thanks to the support and hard work of our mem-bers. This year we were able to fill 160 back backs for the elementary schools in East Chicago. We would also like to that The Leon Lynch Learning Center for the use of the garage to gather up our donations and sort them. Now that autumn has arrived we are going to start our Thanksgiving food drive for St. Stanislaus food pantry in East Chicago. In addition to non-perishable food items we will also be collecting per-sonal care items for our low income seniors that receive food from St. Stanislaus. In addition to drop boxes in your areas donation can also be dropped off at Local 1011, the Training Center door 127 or Safety door 121 in the plant. We will again this year be participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. As we get more information on this we will pass it along. You don’t have to wait until we have the Angels to shop, we can always match your gift to an Angel once they arrive. Our goal this year is 150 Angels. If you have any question or want to get more involved please contact any of the WOS members for more information.

In Solidarity,

Isabell Sundin

WOS Chair

Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage means we face our fears. We are able to say, “I have fallen but I will get up”.

Maya Angelou, American author, poet, and activist

Page 10 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

THE BIG CHAIR

Brothers and Sisters,

A caution to users of “social media”, the Company on several recent investigations has used “Face book” posts to advance their investigation or to establish cause. The Company gathered information from “Face book” that was not “private” or the information was given to the Company by individuals “friends”. In most cases informa-tion such as pictures taken in the Mill, and posts related to their investigation is what is being used.

As I stated in the past the Company is enforcing their attendance policy which has resulted in some discharges. Unfortunately bad things in life happen to good people, fortunately there are options that can help. Family Medi-cal Leave Act (FMLA), Sickness and Accident (S&A) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are resources avail-able to Employees. If you need information about these resources don’t hesitate to contact your Griever or my-self, we will help.

The Union has appealed to Arbitration a Bargaining Unit Work case involving the “Commitment”. This case is paramount to the union’s growth and is a top priority. Speaking in terms of priorities I have appealed 2 discharge cases to the third step and should be hearing these cases within the next couple weeks.

We just settled a Third Step Crane Repair case, that will result in increasing the Crane Repair Unit by 5 Employ-ees. The increase will come by posting for 4 MTMs and 1 MTE and if not filled via the posting process then by hiring.

I have received many calls about the Vac Truck Arbitration Case and as of this date the Arbitrator as not in-formed us of his decision. Stay tuned…

The Company has informed me that in their opinion a “changed condition” has occurred at the Blast Furnaces. This “changed condition” was the result of a “new Ore Pellet” being used at H3 and H4 as well as a change in exported hot metal. It’s too early to report if any impact a modified plan might have on Employees earnings op-portunity. However any negative earnings opportunity will be aggressively grieved on behalf of the Union.

In closing if the Membership has any questions please do not hesitate to give me a call. Stay Safe.

Fraternally,

Jim Flores

Grievance Chairman

USW Local 1011

Page 11 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

News from the fairway!

Any ideas you want to see in our newsletter… You want to write a column… You want to advertise something… You want to get on the emailing “BLAST LIST”… You want to join a committee… You want to join our FACEBOOK site… just shoot me an email to [email protected].

Nelson Franco

Editor—in– Chief

On October 5th we wrapped up another season of the Lo-cal 1011/ArcelorMittal Golf League. As we have been able to do every year that I have been associated with the League we held the end of the year league outing at our home field Indian Ridge Golf Course. This year we had approximately nine foursomes, we were able to golf 18 holes in a best ball format and then finish the day with a “CBS” luncheon. During the luncheon we an-nounced the winners of both the team that placed first in the sea-son long point race and the end of year League Tournament Champions. This year’s first place winner was Team “Hookers” which consist of Klem Kutzar, Larry Oar Sr., Larry Oar Jr., Bob Oar, J. Jackson, Jerry Chirch, and Rich Baron. The Tournament Champion was team “Get’r done” whose members are Guy and Rich Weiss, Mike Carey, J.C. Johnson, Teddy Parks, Jack Woodworth, Rich Spar, and Bruce Chaffey. Congratulations to both teams. I would also like to thank all of the members of the league as well as Local 1011 and ArcelorMittal, it is with the help of everyone involved that we are able to have a successful season.

The Local 1011/ArcelorMittal golf league consist of active union members of local 1011 and employees of ArcelorMittal as well as retired members. The league plays every Tuesday at Indian Ridge golf course starting at 3pm with the last tee time around 4:30pm. If anyone is inter-ested in joining the league as either a single player or with a team in mind please contact us through either the local 1011 facebook page or the local 1011 golf league facebook page.

Aaron Morales President of the Local 1011/ArcelorMittal Golf League

Page 12 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

Brothers and Sisters,

There have been many questions arising on retirement. So I would like to go over the process of retirement as well as eligibility and benefits you are entitled to.

You will call the steelworker pension trust at (1-800-848-1953) approximately 30 days prior to your expected retirement date. Forms will be sent to you to complete this process. After you have reviewed your estimate call me or Mariano “Chief” Flores for an appointment to talk about your pension benefit to explain the various options on your read out. If at that time you elect to retire me or Chief will have a list of documentation (birth certificate, marriage certificate, social security card, etc.) that will be required to complete the retirement process with the steelworkers pension trust. Also I or Chief will discuss the Pension Enhancement Payment (10,000.00), continuation of health care benefits, and the bridging of life insurance (if applicable). Although you are owed a pension the month following the month that you retire, you probably will not receive a payment for 3 months after you retire, but it will contain the retroactive pension due.

Pension Eligibility

1. RULE OF 85 – A person is eligible if age (using years) and years of covered SPT service (LTV, ACME, OR BETHLEHEM AND ISG equals 85 or greater. Must be vested.

2. Normal Retirement at age 65 must be vested. 3. Disability Retirement. Must be considered disabled by the social security act. Must be vested. 4. If you aren’t Rule of 85 eligible. Early Retirement age 55 – Benefit is reduced by 3% per year for each year under age 65. Must be

vested. 5. *You are vested if you have 5 years of combined service with Arcelormittal and predecessor companies

Eligibility Requirements for Medical Benefits

1. Retires with a normal or unreduced pension, and has at least 15 years of service with Arcelormittal and Predecessor Company. 2. May be eligible due to a permanent closure if certain requirements are met. Need 20 years + sum of 65. 3. Also, Eligible if retires, has at least 15 years of service and receives a Disability Pension from the SPT.

Medical Benefits and cost

1. Medical benefits are not part of pension. Each contract, retiree health care is negotiated for that contract. 2. Medical coverage is similar to the active employees plan, except that there is no vision or dental coverage. You may elect to

continue Dental and Vision coverage through cobra for up to 18 months. 3. Cost of Medical Coverage - $70 for a Pre Medicare retiree or spouse, $35 for a retiree or spouse covered by Medicare. 4. There is no charge for dependent children. There are over two pages of stipulations for dependent children under retirement

healthcare, so please call me or chief and we could go over these stipulations with you. 5. The rates of $70 and $35 will remain in effect through the end of the contract, December 2015.

Life Insurance

As a retiree your life insurance is $25,000.00 until age 62. After age 62 your life insurance is $15,000.00. At the time of retire-ment you can elect to convert your optional life insurance if you wish. In order to do that you need to contact myself or chief at the union hall and we will glad to get you names and numbers to give you quotes ( Just so you are aware it is not the same as to what you are paying for additional now).

Two notes I personally would like to mention to those considering retirement is take care of your dental and vision needs well before retire-ment, because you will lose these benefits upon retirement.

On another note for simple figures any member who works an average of 40 hours per wk for a year will receive (approx) $100 monthly pen-sion. On 48 hours per wk for a year will receive (approx) $120 monthly pension.

Frequent questions and answers:

How soon can I apply for my pension benefit?

The trust suggests 15 days prior to the participant’s retirement date. The law states applications cannot be sent to the participant more than 30 days in advance of the retirement date.

Larry Oar Benefits Coordinator USW Local 1011 Office: 219-398-3150 Ext 16 Email: [email protected]

What a Blast

Page 13 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

How is my pension effective date determined?

For active participants, the first day of the first day of the calendar month after your date of retirement. For terminated vested participants the first calendar month after the date you request an application, assuming you qualify for a benefit at that time.

How soon can I expect my first check after requesting an application?

The normal application process takes 90 days. In rare instances, it may take longer. The first payment will include all retroactive payments due beginning with the pension effective date through the disbursement date.

I am over 65; can I continue to work and collect my pension benefit?

Once a retiree reaches age 65, he or she may work any number of hours they want in any job they want.

What pension benefit options are available?

Along with the application, an option request form is included. This form reflects the options available to the single or married applicant, along with the benefit amounts.

I hope some of this will help you in your decisions, and as always you are welcome to contact me or Mariano “Chief” at the union hall.

In Solidarity,

Larry Oar Benefits Coordinator USW Local 1011 Office: 219-398-3150 Ext 16 Email: [email protected]

Parade in Lowell; Picnic in Hobart- Bean Bags; Great Cooks & Food, Bike Ride, Activities for the Kids

Lots of Fun

Page 14 The RECORD (www.usw1011.com)

Local 1011 Women of Steel

Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive

16% of children in Indiana Thousands of northwest Indiana are food insecure Senior Citizens are living in poverty

Imagine how many families can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal if every single one of us

donates ONE canned good or non-perishable food item. Monetary donations are accepted and personal care items are encouraged!

Donations boxes are posted in all areas throughout the plant and at Local 1011 Union

Hall. Please turn in your donations by November 22nd.

If you have questions, please contact one of the following Women of Steel members:

Isabell Sundin ** Verona Jones ** Cheryl DeCero ** Lori Casillas Juanita Jordan ** Michele Jones ** Sharita Alexander ** Sharon Perkins ** Arvella Swayne


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