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Via Workers World News Service
Reprinted from the Sept. 14, 2000
issue of Workers World newspaper
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LETTER TO WW

Solidarity with AK Steel strikers

On Sept. 1, 1999, AK Steel--then Armco Steel--declared war on the city of Mansfield, Ohio, when management locked out approximately 620 members of Steel Workers Local 169 as the existing labor agreement expired.

The company had brought in an army of approximately 200 uniformed private security guards to intimidate Local 169 members in May of 1999 during negotiations.

These jack-booted thugs walked around the plant, slapping their billy clubs into their hands while glaring at our members on the job. A former guard told the News Journal that he and the other guards were trained to provoke violence.

Since the lockout began, the guards have been seen following Local 169 members and their families around town, to and from the Union Hall, grocery store and even following children home from school.

AK Steel has filed numerous lawsuits against the local, the international union, individual union members, city officials and even a local police officer. The suits are a blatant attempt by the company to further intimidate our supporters and put additional financial pressure on individuals whose jobs the company has taken away.

Despite AK Steel's shameful reign of economic terrorism and intimidation tactics the members of Local 169 have remained strong and have vowed to last one day longer!

Join us for a one year of solidarity rally on Sept. 9. The program begins at 12 noon in the Town Square in Mansfield. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided.

Speakers include: Steel Workers Secretary-Treasurer Leo Gerard, Ohio AFL-CIO President Bill Burga, Steel Workers District One Director David McCall and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich.

Directions by auto: From the north: I-71 south to Rt. 30 west to Rt.13 south (Main Street Exit). From the south: I-71 north to Rt. 13 north (Exit 169). From the east: Rt. 30 west to Rt.13 south (Main St. Exit). From the west: Rt.30 east to Rt.13 south (Main St. Exit).

For more information, call Local 169 at (419) 522-9375.

Mike Zielinski
Steel Workers organizer

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