USW expresses condolences to Horsehead victims, Local sets up memorial fund

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.usw.org/media_center/releases_advisories?id=0309

Contact: Bernie Hall, Local 8183 president, 724-777-1021

Beaver, Pa. -- United Steelworkers (USW) Local 8183 and the entire Steelworkers family today expressed its deepest condolences to the loved ones of those injured and killed in last night's explosion at Horeshead Corp.'s zinc processing facility in Monaca, Pa. The union also announced today that it has established a memorial fund to help the victims' families.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our two brothers and by the injuries to two others. Nothing will ever take away all the pain, but we hope this memorial fund will in some small way help their loved ones cope with this terrible tragedy," said Bernie Hall, president of USW Local 8183, which represents about 500 Horsehead workers.

Those wishing to donate can send checks or money orders made out to the Keller and Taylor Families Memorial Fund to USW Local 8183, 1445 Market St., Beaver, Pa. 15009.

The USW has investigators from its Health, Safety and Environment Department on the scene. Representatives from the Steelworkers' Emergency Response Team are also on site to assist the victims' families and local union members. The union will have no further comment at this time.

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America and has 850,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. It represents workers employed in metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, atomic energy and the service sector. USW Local 8183 services 14 work sites with more than 1,000 active and retired members. For more info: www.usw.org.