PITTSBURGH -- News From USW: The United Steelworkers (USW) welcomed yesterday's announced purchase of Oregon Steel Mills (NYSE:OS) by Evraz Group S.A. (LSE:EVR) that is expected to commence during the week of November 27, 2006, according to information received from the company.
"We believe
The USW and Oregon Steel were engaged in a bitter 78 month labor dispute before the contract was settled in May 2005.
"Our relationship with the current management has improved dramatically since then," said USW District 12 Director Terry Bonds from his office in Albuquerque, N.M. "This company is committed to the production of long products and I believe that capital improvements will secure our future."
USW Local 2102 represents some 600 workers at the Pueblo mill.
"Our members are united and willing to work with the new company," said Local 2102 President Randy Padilla. "We've got an experienced and dedicated work force and our commitment is to continue producing a world class product.
"Our seamless pipe mill is working good and our rail mill is working 24/7. The company has talked about building a complete new mill that will allow us to produce a rail that exceeds 400 feet in length. Now, that's a world class product."