USX steps up attacks on locked-out workers

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Since locking out 22,000 steelworkers at 25 major locations on Aug. 1, USX has refused to meet with United Steelworkers of America (USWA) negotiators to discuss a new contract.

While the USWA offered USX wage and benefit concessions of 82 cents per hour, the company demanded larger concessions than those forced on workers at other major steel companies.

USX has reduced steel cost per ton by contracting out maintenance, security guards, office, and some finishing operations to non-union companies. In some mills, more outside contractors than steelworkers were employed.

Not only has USX refused to consider the improved contract language covering contracting-out which was negotiated with other steel companies, but it has also demanded the right to continue sending out all work currently contracted out—includ -ing that which was in violation of the old agreement.

USX has also demanded the right to eliminate at least 1105 additional jobs. It has demanded wholesale job combinations and a decreased number of job classifications.

Much of the discussion at the 23rd USWA Constitutional Convention centered on the USX lockout. Delegates heard detailed accounts of the benefit, picket line, and communication networks.

After describing the AFL-CIO support committee which will help with publicity, money, and pickets, AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland said, , "If the line has to be drawn against these smug and comfortable elements of industry who are seeking. the last drop of blood and the last pound of flesh from America's workers, this is as good a place as any to draw that line."

In addition to seeking help from other unions, International Vice-President (Administration) George Becker explained that civil rights organizations, women's groups, and students are also being contacted for help.

Every week, the USWA International sends out $1.4 million from the Strike and Defense Fund to the 56 local unions representing the locked-out workers. Health insurance premiums are being paid from this fund.

The Federal government ruled that USX workers are eligible for food stamps. The states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Minnesota have declared this a lockout, which makes USX workers eligible for unemployment compensation. Most USX workers in Indiana and Alabama are also receiving the state benefits.

A number of local unions and USWA districts have begun organizing fund-raising efforts in behalf of the locked-out workers.

Solidarity with the USX workers was a prominent feature of many Labor Day parades and rallies. On Sept. 21, USWA Local 1014 in Gary hosted a support rally.

While refusing to negotiate, US has stepped up its provocations. On Sept. 3, 43 SOCIALIST ACTI U.S.W.A.

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& 0: 011 #3383 03 88:28 Socialist Action/Tina Beacock locked out steelworkers were arrested when they blocked an entrance to a mill in Gary, Ind.

On Sept. 21, US made another attempt to move steel by rail at its Lorain, Ohio, works. This time, when approximately 200 pickets moved to prevent the company from shipping the steel, police arrested 12 workers. The following day, 38 more workers were arrested.

On Sept. 24, US said it would no longer attempt to move steel out of its Lorain works in exchange for the union's agreement to allow the supervisors in and out of the plant.

ON OCTOBER 1986

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infringements of democratic rights.

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LOCKED OUT LU. 1014