HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE
*Letterhead with group’s Name, Address, Phone Number, Website
*Media Contact Person's Name and Phone (with area code)
*For Immediate Release or Release Date (all caps)
*HEADLINE in BOLD/CAPS; attracts attention and sums up issue.
*First Paragraph: Who,What, When, Where and Why
(as if it is the only part of the release published).
*Text is written in basic English, based on unbiased presentation of both sides and
neutral, cited facts, with all opinions in quotations attributed to individuals (with titles).
*Sum it up... conclusion. Lazy editors should be able to print the release
directly without any accusations of bias. Quotes should be as catchy or memorable as possible.
*Basic Font, 12 pt Double Spaced, Page Numbers, and end with ###
*Final paragraph: Action Plan or Key Dates. Website for more information, directions,
with public contact phone and e-mail. Keep to 1-2 single-sided pages so it can be faxed.
Committee of Labor Against Sulfide Pollution (CLASP)
5019 West Fillmore, Milwaukee WI 53219
(414) 543-8474
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 1, 1997 Contact: Gerry Gunderson (414) 543-8474
UNIONISTS BACK MINING MORATORIUM BILL, OPPOSE COMPANY PRESSURE
The Committee of Labor Against Sulfide Pollution (CLASP) announced plans to invite Milwaukee workers to a Tuesday, Oct. 14 rally and hearing in support of the Sulfide Mining Moratorium Bill. CLASP spokesperson Gerry Gunderson, a Milwaukee member of United Steelworkers of America (USWA) Local 1527, pointed to dozens of union local and Central Labor Council resolutions around Wisconsin in support of the bill. He denounced attempts by the mining equipment firms Harnischfeger and Bucyrus to "pressure" their workers to attend the hearing to oppose the legislation.
Bucyrus executives claim that Assembly Bill (AB) 70 would "ban mining in Wisconsin," and that existing mining laws protect communities from environmental and economic damage. Gunderson replied that "the Mining Moratorium Bill only requires companies such as Exxon to prove that they can do what they claim to be able to do—
to operate a sulfide mine for ten years without damaging the environment. Exxon says 'profit first', we say 'prove it first.' " He added, "The companies are distributing one-sided,
misleading propaganda to their workers. State mining laws used to be strong, until
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Committee of Labor Against Sulfide Pollution -- Page 2
corporate lobbyists secured exemptions for mining companies."
CLASP has documented what it called “poor worker health and safety track records” of Exxon Minerals and Rio Algom -- the two companies that co-own the Crandon Mining Company, which plans to open a zinc-copper sulfide mine next to a tributary of the Wolf River (see CLASP website below). Madison member of AFSCME Local 2412 Debi McNutt said, "The movement to keep Exxon out of Wisconsin has already bridged the gap between Native Americans and sportfishing groups. Now it is also bringing together many labor unions and environmentalists."
"We have spoken with union members in the Milwaukee area and around the state, and they have shown overwhelming individual support for the Moratorium Bill," said Gunderson, "The mining industry has singled out a few unions for high-pressure tactics, including suggestions that their jobs are at stake.” McNutt added, “Pro-mining companies have offered their workers no access to contrary views. Given access to both sides, many workers will choose to keep a clean environment, and to keep mining companies with poor worker safety records out of Wisconsin."
The Assembly Environmental Committee will hold a hearing on AB70, the Mining Moratorium Bill, on Tuesday, October 14, at 1 pm at the State Fair Park Trade Mart Building (84th & Greenfield). CLASP unionists will join environmental groups holding a rally at 12 noon, and some will also testify at the hearing. Contact CLASP at (414) 543-8474, or see
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