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WEIRTON, W.VA. – Weirton Steel Corp. today reported it is playing a support role in two steel unions’ campaign to continue the steel import tariff program. The Independent Steelworkers Union (ISU) at Weirton Steel and the United Steelworkers of America at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. today announced a petition drive aimed at convincing President Bush to continue the tariffs through March 2005. "Weirton Steel endorses the union’s efforts and our company’s print shop will produce the thousands of petitions the unions’ need. In addition, management personnel will help secure names on the petitions," said Mark E. Kaplan, Weirton Steel president and chief financial officer. "The petition drive complements the postcard campaign started last week by Weirton Steel and the ISU. We have printed 10,000 postcards for area residents to sign and mail to President Bush in seeking continuation of the tariffs. We congratulate the unions for beginning a second campaign. There is no question that the Upper Ohio Valley has been the leader throughout the fight against unfair steel trade." In March 2002, Bush imposed tariffs on 16 types of steel imports including products that compete with those produced by Weirton Steel and Wheeling-Pittsburgh. While his tariff remedy is scheduled to end in March 2005, the president has the option of terminating it halfway through the program which would be next month. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) recently heard testimony from parties for and against the tariffs. The ITC will provide Bush with their findings in mid-September. Weirton Steel is the fifth largest U.S. integrated steel company and one of the nation’s largest producers of tin mill products.
Weirton Steel Corp. Media Contact:
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