Feb. 3, 2006 — The United Steelworkers International Union (USW) has expressed its support for Mittal Steel's proposal to merge with Arcelor.

"We supported Mittal's acquisition of International Steel Group, and we see the same benefits in this combination," said Leo W. Gerard, USW President. While Gerard noted that the union's first priority always will be representation of its members by negotiating and administering labor agreements, it is also committed to maintaining strong workplaces for the members.

Gerard noted that much of the shop-floor management in Mittal's plants today is in the hands of the workers, rather than front-line supervisors. He added that Mittal has invested extensively to position itself at the very top of the value chain. "We've had a few differences over issues from time to time," Gerard said, "but we have worked them out in a constructive and positive manner. In our experience, Mittal is a company that lives up to its commitments to employees and communities, as well as its other stakeholders."

"Our agreements with Mittal," added Dave McCall, USW Director of District 1 (Ohio), who chairs the Mittal Bargaining Committee, "have gone a long way toward making the workplaces healthier by drawing upon the talents and experience of the men and women who make the steel." Mittal has maintained and expanded the partnership model that was pioneered by ISG.

Gerard added that he maintains continuing dialogue with Mittal Chairman Lakshmi Mittal, and that such relationships between the company and the union are found at all levels.