RTI International Metals, Inc. Announces Continuing Strike At RMI Subsidiary

Business Wire, Feb 15, 1999

NILES, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 1999--RTI International Metals, Inc. (NYSE:RTI) announced today that its RMI Titanium Company subsidiary continues to be struck by the United Steelworkers of America at its Niles, Ohio plant. The strike began October 1, 1998, after the labor agreement between them expired. In an effort to meet customer needs, RMI has been operating the facility with non-striking employees.

Violence by striking workers and their supporters intensified last week, prompting Judge Peter J. Kontos of the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas to order a one week "cooling off" period. His order limits the number of pickets and the number of production workers at the facility, effectively curtailing RMI's operations. The order continues in effect until a hearing on Friday, February 19, 1999. RMI plans to take legal action to obtain relief from what it believes is an unfair and illegal ruling by the court restricting the Company's right to conduct business.

The economic impact of the ruling is not known at this time, but could be material if the order is extended and/or results in the loss of customers' orders.

RTI International Metals, Inc., headquartered in Niles, Ohio, through its various subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes titanium and specialty metal mill products, extruded shapes, and engineered systems for energy-related markets. The Company's products are used for aerospace, industrial and consumer applications.