November 21, 2008

USW signs pact with ArcelorMittal on health and safety issues

The United Steelworkers announced that it has reached a groundbreaking agreement with ArcelorMittal to improve health and safety standards throughout the company. The global agreement covers ArcelorMittal workers represented by unions throughout the world.

In addition to recognizing the vital role played by unions in improving health and safety conditions, the unprecedented agreement establishes universal minimum standards at every site the company operates. Many safety improvement measures such as plant specific joint management union health and safety committees are standardized, and training and education programs are instituted in order to immediately address current health and safety issues in North America and elsewhere in the company.

The agreement also included the creation of a joint management union, global health and safety committee that will target plants in the group in order to work to dramatically improve their performance.

Mr Leo W Gerard president of USW International said that "This agreement is an obvious signal to companies everywhere that unions are vital to safe and healthy workplaces. It is the most important issue for our members and we are pleased to be able to come to this agreement with the world's number one steel company."

Mr LN Mittal CEO of ArcelorMittal said that "This agreement will build on the work that we have already undertaken in the company. Health and safety is our number one priority and in signing this agreement we hope to set a new benchmark for the industry."

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America. Approximately 20% of them work in the steel industry.