For Release: Sunday, January 21, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO PLEASED OLIN AGREEMENT REACHED

Washington D.C.-- U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello D-IL said today that he was happy that an agreement has been reached between the management of Olin Corporation and the District 9 Machinists union.

Costello is pleased that the agreement, which was approved today by a 2-1 margin, is completed and that workers will return on Tuesday, January 23. During the dispute Costello remained in touch with both officials of Olin and the Union in an attempt to keep both sides at the bargaining table to reach an agreement.

Two weeks ago, he brought in officials of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Insurance to assist workers at Olin with their COBRA benefits during their time off work.Costello said "that the agreement reached between the union and Olin will put hundreds of workers in the Alton area back on the job and will help the Winchester division of Olin to remain competitive in the future".

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