Union Launches Website, Multimedia Campaign to Restart Ormet
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today launched a multimedia campaign via the web site, www.saveohiojobs.org, seeking elected officials, community leaders and members of the general public to sign onto a statement calling for Ohio Gov. John Kasich to use the power of his office to save over 1,000 family supporting, community sustaining jobs at Ormet's smelter in Hannibal.
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USW International President Leo W. Gerard said that Kasich can and should intervene by bringing the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), American Electric Power (AEP) and Ormet back to the table to negotiate a resolution that will allow the facility to resume full operations.
"Our union, Ormet management and creditors worked together in the bankruptcy proceedings to reduce the company's financial liabilities by nearly $300 million," Gerard said. "It's time for the governor to make sure PUCO and AEP do their parts as well."
USW District 1 Director David McCall said that a recent report projects potential net regional job losses of over 3,000 amounting to nearly $238 million in lost compensation if Kasich allows the smelter to close, which would in turn cost the state $9 million annually in lost tax revenue and millions more for unemployment benefits, retraining, and social services.
"We encourage everyone to help send the governor the message that Ohio simply cannot afford to allow AEP to drive Ormet into liquidation," McCall said. "The impact of another catastrophic job loss will devastate these communities."
USW Local 5724 in Clarington earlier today hosted a preview of the union's "Save Ohio Jobs" video, now available online at www.saveohiojobs.org, to support the union's campaign to restart the smelter.
The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.
Note: Media can request broadcast quality electronic copies of "Save Ohio Jobs" by contacting USW New Media at 412-562-4334.
More information, contact: Donnie Blatt – 614-888-6052 (office); 740-504-8900 (cell) or [email protected]
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
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