November 19, 2003

Marcello Malentacchi
General Secretary

International Metalworkers Federation

54 bis, route des Acacias
Case postale 1516
CH-1227 Geneva
Switzerland

Dear Marcello:

Enclosed you will find the Resolutions approved recently by the Unions representing workers in Gerdau Group.  These Unions, representing Gerdau workers in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, the United States and Canada, gathered during July 30, 31 and August 1, 2003 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

After a successful three-day meeting they approved the attached resolutions.

As you can see, they are very comprehensive and directed to action. Their goals are to increase union density in the Group, improve working conditions and advance international solidarity and global bargaining.

We call your attention to Resolutions number 1 and 5. Resolution number 1 calls for the creation of a Council of Unions/Workers of Gerdau under the auspices of the IMF. Resolution number 5 calls for the initiation of global bargaining with Gerdau.

We request that you table these resolutions during the next IMF Executive Board meeting. We hope the creation of a Council of Unions/Workers of Gerdau will be approved in the meeting. We also hope we can start the process of global bargaining with this Group.

In solidarity,

Fernando Lopez                                                                      Lawrence McBrearty

Acting President                                                          National Director for Canada

CNM – CUT                                                              United Steelworkers of America