GEORGETOWN, S.C. (AP) - The leader of the union at the Georgetown Steel mill says there is no way to prevent the mill from closing later this month.

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that United Steelworkers 7898 President James Sanderson says time has run out for workers and the mill to reach an agreement to keep the mill open after July 12.

Mill owner ArcelorMittal is shutting down the facility indefinitely because the economic downturn has diminished the need for steel.

Sanderson says union members rejected a proposal from the mill owners to take a $3.65 per hour pay cut and work just 24 hours during slow periods.

Posted 7/3/2009