June 8, 2006 — Operations at WCI Steel, Inc. were purposefully idled for up to three hours this week to support implementation of the company’s new work systems. During the down time, the company held plant-wide safety discussions to ensure that all employees are following safe working procedures.

In an unprecedented move, every production unit in the plant was idled in a controlled manner as union-management safety teams in each department reviewed safety rules and listened to employees’ safety concerns.

“Employee safety has been and always will be our number one core value at WCI,” said Patrick G. Tatom, WCI President and CEO. “Although some employees may be working new or restructured jobs, safety will never be compromised. Any unsafe work practice will not be tolerated.”

As part of the safety review, all employees were told that if they discover an unsafe practice or working condition, work is not to proceed until the issue is corrected. According to Tatom, the company is making, and will continue to make, every effort to resolve safety concerns.

The new labor agreement with United Steelworkers of America Local 1375, which took affect May 1, provides the framework for new work systems that reduce job classifications and call for workers in every department to take on added responsibilities.

WCI’s safety policies require that before performing any job, all employees must receive sufficient training and review all Job Safety Analyses and Standard Operating Procedures applicable to their duties. In addition, managers must document that the employees have shown that they understand the JSAs and SOPs and, furthermore, that the employees have demonstrated that they are carefully following safe procedures completely.

“We realize change is difficult, but all hourly and salaried employees at WCI must make safety — for themselves and their co-workers — their top priority,” Tatom said. “We are committed to implementing the new work systems but not at the expense of personal safety. Each worker must realize safe work practices must be followed.”

WCI is an integrated steelmaker producing more than 185 grades of custom and commodity flat-rolled steel at its Warren, Ohio facility. WCI products are used by steel service centers, convertors and the automotive and construction markets. The company has nearly 1,600 employees.