Steel workers protest as Bush raises funds

A fence separated several hundred retired steel workers from the presidential motorcade yesterday as it pulled into Downtown Pittsburgh, but that didn't keep the older folks quiet.

Hoping to get President Bush's attention as he arrived at the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel and Towers, the retirees gathered in Point State Park, where they waved protest signs and chanted slogans at the behest of young organizers from the United Steelworkers and other unions. They did a repeat performance for TV cameras.

They came from Ohio, West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Aliquippa seeking government help in maintaining their health-care benefits and in propping up the import-battered industry for which they once worked.

"We're here to tell this guy that we need a health care plan like the one he has," said Bobby DeMeo, 71, a retiree from LTV Steel's defunct Pittsburgh Works.

DeMeo, like many in the crowd, lost company-paid health benefits this spring after a debt-laden LTV stopped production and sold its assets in bankruptcy court.

"Since I lost my health care coverage last April, we've already paid $2,900 for prescriptions, doctor visits and health coverage. That's more than one third of our income," said Carol McMahon, whose husband, James, retired from LTV in Aliquippa.

"We're worried about our pensions and health care," said one elderly lady who would give only her first name, Anna. "Social Security too," added one of her friends. "Prescription drugs," yelled another.