For Immediate Release

Sparrows Point Division
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Public Affairs Department
Baltimore, MD 21219
(410) 388-6077

BALTIMORE, Md., Nov. 22, 1996 -- Donations this Fall to United Way by Bethlehem Steel employees, retirees and the corporation topped the $1-million mark for the first time since 1983, the company and the United Way of Central Maryland announced today.

"Over the past two years our employees have increased their level of giving by almost 50 percent," said Duane R. Dunham, president of Bethlehem's Sparrows Point Division. Mr. Dunham, who is a member of the United Way Board of Directors, attributes the success to the Rgenerosity of our people and the enthusiastic union and management teams who ran the campaigns of 1995 and 1996."

In addition to donations from the Sparrows Point division, BethShip-Sparrows Point Yard was a large contributor, along with he Patapsco and Black Rivers Railroad (a Bethlehem subsidiary) and BethlehemUs Baltimore sales office in Hunt Valley. The units employ about 6,000 people. Bethlehem retirees in the Baltimore area also made donations. Corporate donations were made on behalf of the Maryland-based facilities by the Bethlehem Steel Foundation, Bethlehem, Pa.

Larry E. Walton, United Way president and chief professional officer, congratulated Bethlehem's employees and the corporation, saying, "I welcome Bethlehem Steel's return to the $1-million club." Bethlehem employees and the corporation were the first to give a million dollars in the mid-1970's when employment at the plant and shipyards was about 25,000. Employees and the corporation last gave $1-million in 1983 when the work force had dropped to 14,000.

"Considering the decline in the work force over the years, I think Bethlehem's achievement is amazing and that its employees have a true community spirit," Mr. Walton said. "The United Way ad its affiliated agencies are certainly grateful to the company's employees."

Another community activity at the steel plant and shipyard is the year-long Harvest For the Hungry campaign spearheaded by the United Steelworkers of America. Last year the campaign netted $29,000, much of which came from the Thanksgiving and Christmas gate collections at the facilities.