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USW Responds to ArcelorMittal’s Sale of Sparrows Point Mill

08/03/2007 - The United Steelworkers affirms the sale ArcelorMittal USA’s Sparrows Point Plant to Esmark, noting that negotiations will soon begin with both the seller and the new buyer.

The United Steelworkers (USW) affirmed the announced sale ArcelorMittal USA’s Sparrows Point Plant to Esmark.
 
"We have been closely monitoring ArcelorMittal's bid solicitations for the sale of Sparrows Point due to Justice Department's orders,” said Leo W. Gerard, International President of the USW. “We are looking forward to our growing relationship with Esmark and their commitment to invest in the acquisition. We have full confidence that the Esmark venture will grow steelworker jobs in Baltimore and fulfill the commitments to the retirees."
 
David McCall, USW chair of the ArcelorMittal bargaining committee, said negotiations with both the seller and the new buyer will be initiated and resolved in the very near future. "We should be able to reach an agreement that meets all of the commitments required by our successorship clause to our active and retired steelworkers at Sparrows Point."
 
"This sale of our plant was at first upsetting and it's the fourth owner since 2001, but it may turn out to be a blessing,” said John Cirri, USW Local 9477 President, representing about 2,500 active union members employed at Sparrows Point. "We have a great workforce, many upgrades and we produce world-class steel."
 
Cirri said that he will have the opportunity to review the new owners' business plan to confirm their plans for capital investments over the long term. "We'll schedule membership information meetings as needed," he added.
 
ArcelorMittal's fully integrated Sparrows Point plant—a former Bethlehem Steel facility—is capable of producing 3.9 million tons of raw steel annually. Products include hot-rolled sheet, cold-rolled sheet, galvanized sheet, Galvalume, tin mill products and semi-finished steel.