Work stoppage brings out the best in some people

Work stoppage brings outthe best in some people
EDITOR:
The majority of the negotiating team of USW Locals 2155 and 2155-7 would like to inform the community about some things that might have been miscommunicated to our community.
First, we would like to thank Locals 1112 and 1714 for their financial donation rather than a food bank donation. After communications with their leaders, we felt that the distribution and storage of food would be better served as financial donations that the union could turn into grocery certificates for our members. There have been many locals, individuals and community services that have helped our members during this work stoppage.
The committee will continue to strive to settle this labor dispute as soon as possible. As committee members we all have a voice and decisions made are by committee. As individuals we all have different ideas and opinions, but as representatives of our locals we must represent the body by the majority vote. We along with our president, Todd Weddell, have and will continue to do what we think is best for our members. With informational meetings, newsletters and verbal communications, we have attempted to keep all members informed of the current affairs.
The negotiating committee overall would like to thank Weddell for an outstanding job. He is working 24/7 being in contact with local leaders, congressmen, senators and other union leaders to help settle this lockout. Anyone who has held a leadership position realizes the enormous duties and responsibilities that comes with this position. During the current labor dispute the unbelievable pressure that is thrust upon Weddell is overwhelming, but not once has he backed down from his duties.
RAY RASCHILLA Jr., FRANK S. RENO, JIM PROFATO, JOHN GROVE, JOHN PIEROG and JAMES B. LINGO Jr.
Niles
Teens: Know all the rulesbefore entering work force
EDITOR:
Soon, if not already, thousands of teens will be out on summer vacation and entering the work force. A variety of jobs awaits them, providing extra money and at the same time teaching them valuable skills and work experience. Along with this extra income and work experience lies the risk of being seriously or even fatally injured on the job.
Statistics show that 80 percent of U.S. teenagers work during their high school years. In 2001, 45,000 teens were injured at work and 175 died as a result of an on-the-job injury (U.S. Department of Labor).
The concern and challenge have been addressed by a number of federal agencies, collectively known as the Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and Health (FedNet).
The agencies' Web site, Teen Summer Jobs: Safety Pays, is available at www.osha.gov/teens. Topics covered include safe driving, lawn care, life guarding, farming, construction, parks and recreation and restaurants.
Teen employees, parents and the employer must be involved and ask questions.
There are five basic things teens should do to help reduce the risk of being hurt on the job:
1. Talk to the employer. Discuss the assigned task. Ask if any special PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is needed for the assigned task.
2. Know your rights. Be familiar with state and federal child labor laws.
3. Stay alert and be safe. Don't take chances.
4. Get safety and health training. Many jobs require safety training before performing the task.
5. Search for safety practices and tips. Find out if others have been hurt doing your assigned task.
Parents should make sure they know what job the teen will be accepting and what is required.
Employers should make sure they are familiar with applicable laws, both federal and state.
Assistance in understanding what should be done and what laws apply is available at www.youthrules.dol.gov or www.osha.gov/teens or by calling (866) 4USWAGE (federal) or (614) 644-2239 (Ohio, ODC, Wage and Hour Bureau).
JOHN P. LESEGANICH, CPEA
Safety and health consultant
Canfield