The Weirton Steel mill produced half of the world’s steel in 1950 and nearly 20 percent by 1970. By the later 1970s, imports of steel from foreign nations were flooding U.S. markets and boxing out Weirton’s position. This phenomenon didn’t just impact Weirton but also other domestic manufacturers. Although calls grew nationally from steelworkers and their unions for antidumping, counter­vailing duties, and escape clause petitions, Weirton and the industry continued to suffer. In 1982, Weirton’s parent company National Steel announced its plans to shut down the steel mill. As an alternative to paying for shutdown costs and pension liabilities, the company offered employees the opportunity to buy the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees decided to take pay cuts and bought the mill…

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