Mr James Sanderson president of Steelworkers Union Local 7898 said that, with just days left to go until a total shutdown of the Georgetown steel mill, production of steel wire rod has already ceased. The plant is scheduled to stop operations and have all inventory shipped out by July 12th 2009. The last steel product was made last week.

He said that meanwhile, inventory is being shipped out at least until July 12th 2009. Some employees in the shipping department could be required to work a short time after July 12th 2009 to ship remaining inventory. He added that "We still have people working, but there is no production. There is no steel being made."

Company officials had indicated that a USD 3.65 per hour pay cut and other concessions would help the plant stay open, but agreement on those concessions could not be reached. The current contract is in effect until September 2012. Employees also disagreed with a request that they work only 24 hours a week.

Mr Sanderson said that "The union members made their voices heard. They wouldn't accept the company's proposal." He added that he is encouraged by the fact that federal stimulus money will be used to build roads and bridges, which will help the steel industry.

(Sourced from www.wireworld.com)