Steel mill in Georgetown likely to be closed until 2011

Aliana Ramos - aramos@thesunnews.com

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The ArcelorMittal steel mill in Georgetown is likely to stay closed until 2011, said President James Sanderson, with the United Steelworkers Union Local 7898.

Sanderson said he got the call from the company on Friday night and has waited to make the announcement public until he could talk with steelworkers.

The steel mill was closed indefinitely July 10 due to a lack of orders, laying off more than 200 workers.

Through the years the steel mill topping off Georgetown's Front Street has weathered storms - literally and figuratively. Its colors have changed like a seasoning tree from green to rust to barren poles looming over locked gates. Those who labored in the mill's belly endured wilting heat to make the cold, coiled rods. This photograph was taken six years and two days ago. The mill, belching its life force skyward in smokey puffs, is crowded on the Sampit River by shrimp boats. Trace ten years of the mill's endurance and weakness coupled with the bold and weary workers. Photo by Janet Blackmon Morgan / jblackmon@thesunnews.com

"They will not be reopening the mill this year because of a deterioration of the market and they are not projecting 2010 will be better. It doesn't look like it going to reopen until 2011," Sanderson said. "The workers are very much concerned about their future and livelihood."

Steelworkers will continue to receive the supplemental pay. The benefits are based on years of service and pay grade. The supplemental benefits are slated to run out for those with the longest service by July 2011. The workers are also eligible to receive paid training for other job opportunities.

The union has been working with Horry-Georgetown Technical College since the mill went idle to plan courses workers were interested in. The courses have not yet started.

For more information see Tuesday's edition of The Sun News.