Joe Machinest, general maintenance for 47 years, deceased. “All my friends are dead. The pension plans only last six months. Usually, after retirement, people die within six months,”

James and Carol, James was a laborer for 30 ½ years. “When we were left with only $500 a month from the pension plan, I had to pick up aluminum cans to get gas money. I was a security guard at $11.97/hour and then went to a valve shop and made $5/hour. My muscles are torn, but I don’t get any disability so I can’t do any manual labor.”

Marion, Roll grinder for 34 years. “When the mill went down there were people who committed suicide. Back when the whole area was nothing but steel, we didn’t have to worry about a job. We knew very little about anything except how to make steel. We didn’t know anything about business or how to start a business.”

Walter, Blast furnace technician, electrican for 42 years. “My brothers all worked in the steel mill. I lost a brother to lead poisoning, and another to stress on the job. In the maintenance department, we were dirty all over and worked with noise, smoke, dirt and acid.”