Kosice steelworks could be model for other firms
The international conference entitled Possibilities for the Future: Involvement through Education which took place recently in Esztergom, Hungary, was also attended by representatives of U. S. Steel Kosice. Vice President Human Resources Martin Pitorak gave a presentation to more than a hundered participants from ten European countries, primarily representing NGO's, development funds and private sector institutions, describing USSK's experience to date with the implementation of the Equality of Opportunities project aimed at supporting the employment of residents of the village Velka Ida and two Kosice city wards - Saca and Lunik IX. In cooperation with the local council leaders, since 2002 it has proven possible to create 171 job positions for Roma citizens using the personnel leasing method. A similar model of employing marginalized groups in the population could appeal to other firms in the East Slovakian region, and U. S. Steel Kosice is ready to share its experience with them.
Maintenance staff have new training center
The new training center for Cardinal Rules in Maintenance was opened on October 1st in the light mechanics workshops hall of the steelmaking plant electrical repairs unit in the Repairs Division. The idea of creating such a training center originated in 2007, and maintenance staff began transforming the intention into reality in January of this year. Before the training center could be opened, it was necessary to modify the premises and make all the practical training aids. Functional control panels and models were made by employees of the Mechanics Division, and maintenance staff themselves prepared the written training materials for the theoretical part of the courses. The training center contains ten separate stands, one for each of the cardinal rules. The idea of creating this training center stems from the aim of getting each maintenance worker to learn the best methods, strategies and activities making maintenance work more efficient, reducing costs and improving reliability.
Families do sport despite inclement weather
Not even the disfavor of the weather could deter around 250 steelmakers and their families from participating in the Families Do Sport event which took place last weekend at the Fun-Sports Area on Alejova Street in Kosice. This great steelmaking family, which naturally included American managers as well, was welcomed by U. S. Steel Kosice President George F. Babcoke with his wife Kathleen and his father, with whom he lined up next day at the start of the Kosice Peace Marathon. For big and small alike the organizers had prepared various competitions, and chances to meet professional sportsmen. The children could also get better acquainted with the work of the firefighters in the USSK Plant Fire Brigade. There was an entertainment program as well, of course. The winners of the sports disciplines were pleased with their prizes, particularly with tickets for an upcoming ice-hockey game in the Steel Arena.
