Steelworker News

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) and its labor partners today welcomed the comprehensive report from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on its investigation on commercial shipbuilding and its findings that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) engaged in a broad range of tactics designed to dominate and control the maritime, shipbuilding and logistics sectors.

The USW last year led a coalition of labor organizations in filing a Section 301 petition, calling for the investigation. Partners included the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.  

The USTR’s report illustrates how the PRC decimated U.S. shipbuilding, maritime and logistics capabilities, contributing to the loss of thousands of jobs. These illegal trade practices, including subsidies, preferential sourcing policies and unfair labor practices, also significantly weakened the nation’s economic and military strength. 

Under Section 301, a report identifying unreasonable, burdensome and/or restrictive practices can lead to the president implementing policies to address the harm. This decision will fall to the incoming administration. President Donald Trump has already indicated a willingness to hold the PRC accountable and has said that our maritime industries have “suffered tremendously.”  

The original petitioners on the case have since been joined by other unions and groups in seeking to stand up to the PRC, put American workers and manufacturing first, and protect national security. The USTR’s report lays a firm and undeniable indictment, requiring a swift, decisive response.

“We’re thankful for the USTR’s comprehensive investigation, laying bare the deeply troubling impacts the PRC’s trade policies have on our members and their communities,” said USW International President David McCall. “By targeting global maritime, shipbuilding and logistics sectors, the Chinese Communist Party has systematically – and publicly – worked to dominate this vital sector, leaving us increasingly dependent on the PRC and its industries to meet our economic and national security needs. Now, we have the opportunity to turn the tide, create good, community-supporting jobs across the commercial shipbuilding supply chain and restore American maritime capacity and power.”

“As a shipbuilder by trade, I’ve seen firsthand how China’s unfair trade practices have decimated the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industry,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “It is well past time to take swift and bold action to restore U.S. shipbuilding to a position of strength. As the largest shipbuilding union, the IAM stands ready to work with all partners in this fight to protect our national security, reinvigorate this critical industry, and defend the dedicated and skilled American workers who build these vessels for our military, commercial industry and more.”

“The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers applauds this report from USTR and sincerely appreciates their diligence investigating the harmful and illegal practices of the People’s Republic of China as they attempt to dominate the global shipbuilding and maritime space,” said Timothy Simmons, President of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. “We agree with the Section 301 investigation’s conclusions: that China’s predatory actions in the logistics, maritime and shipbuilding sectors demonstrate a clear and unambiguous intent to dominate global markets to the detriment of American workers, employers, and our national security. We hope the incoming administration will build upon the clear findings of this report and implement strong remedies that level the playing field for American workers in the shipbuilding and maritime sector.” 

“We must prioritize national defense and security by reducing our reliance on China for critical infrastructure. The Chinese Communist Party has systematically worked to dominate the maritime, shipbuilding, and logistics sectors, leaving us vulnerable and dependent on foreign industries to meet our nation’s needs,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper. “We’re grateful to the USTR for its thorough investigation, which sheds light on the devastating impact of these unfair trade practices. Now is the time for bold action to rebuild America’s shipbuilding strength, create good, union jobs, and reinvigorate this critical industry.”

For further information on the case, see www.USAshipbuilding.com.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444

(Niagara Falls, N.Y.) – United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 Director David Wasiura issued the following statement today, calling on Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to address serious concerns about ortho-toluidine exposure stemming from its Niagara Falls chemical facility:

“Our union has worked for decades to push Goodyear to enact common-sense health and safety protections against occupational exposure to ortho-toluidine, a known carcinogen.

“Thanks to the relentless efforts of countless USW members, we’ve been able to institute a full-time health and safety representative and other major improvements to in-plant health and safety protocols.

“Now, it’s past time for Goodyear to look beyond the walls of this facility and address the risks associated with possible ortho-toluidine exposure on the wider community.

“Up until this point, Goodyear has been willing to hide behind outdated federal regulations, but this is simply not good enough. Goodyear must reduce exposure to the lowest possible level – inside and outside the plant.

“Our members are proud to live and work in the greater Niagara area, and we will continue to fight to keep every stakeholder safe and healthy.”

USW District 4 represents workers in a wide array of occupations in New York and eight other New England states, including approximately 40 workers at Goodyear’s Niagara Falls chemical facility.

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, (412) 562-2444, jkamm@usw.org

(PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall today issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden blocking the proposed U.S. Steel-Nippon sale:

“The USW welcomes President Biden’s decision to block the U.S. Steel-Nippon deal. We have no doubt that it’s the right move for our members and our national security.

“Throughout the past year, as the proposed transaction was under review, our union’s first and only concern has been the long-term viability of our facilities as we look to ensure a strong domestic steel industry well into the future.

“Nippon has proven itself to be a serial trade cheater that for decades worked to undermine our domestic industry by dumping its products into our market. Allowing it to purchase U.S. Steel would have offered it the opportunity to further destabilize our trade system from within and in the process, compromise our ability to meet our own national security and critical infrastructure needs.

“It’s clear from U.S. Steel’s recent financial performance that it can easily remain a strong and resilient company. We now call on U.S. Steel’s board of directors to take the necessary steps to allow it to further flourish and remain profitable.

“We’re grateful for President Biden’s willingness to take bold action to maintain a strong domestic steel industry and for his lifelong commitment to American workers. Moving forward, we’re confident that with responsible management, U.S. Steel will continue to support good jobs, healthy communities and robust national and economic security well into the future.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, (412) 562-2444, jkamm@usw.org

(PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall today issued the following statement in response to President-elect Donald Trump reiterating his opposition to the proposed U.S. Steel-Nippon sale:

“The USW welcomes President Trump’s continued opposition to Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, a deal with serious long-term implications for U.S. economic and national security.

“President Trump first voiced his concerns shortly after the transaction was announced, vowing to block the sale if elected. This week, he once again stated that he is ‘totally against’ the merger and that he would ‘block this deal from happening.’

“It’s clear that President Trump understands the vital role a strong domestic steel industry plays in our national security, as well as the importance of the jobs and communities the industry supports.

“Our union thanks him for his continuing commitment to American manufacturing and agrees with him that with proper attention, U.S. Steel will flourish well into the future as a domestically owned and operated company.

“This transaction has been under review for more than 10 months. More time won’t change the fact that it’s bad for USW members across the states where U.S. Steel operates, nor will it alter the dire national and economic security risks the deal poses to our country. It’s time for this deal to be rejected so we can all focus on the future.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org; Shannon Devine, 416-938-4402, sdevine@usw.ca 

Pittsburgh - United Steelworkers (USW) officials in both Canada and the United States today expressed their concern with President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose a blanket 25-percent tariff on goods from Canada imported into the United States.

“If applied, these extraordinary tariffs leveled on Canada would dramatically harm workers in both our countries,” said USW International President David McCall. “There is no question that we must address the holes in our global trading system, but Canada is not the problem.” 

USW leaders further noted that the Canadian and U.S. economies are deeply integrated, and Canada recently moved to better align with U.S. policies to help stem the flow of unfairly traded products making their way into North America. Canada is also a unique national security partner.

“There is absolutely no doubt that working families are the first to get hurt by unfair trade practices, including global overcapacity in key sectors,” said USW Canadian National Director Marty Warren. “The answer, however, is to work together as allies on sensible trade policies that will allow us to contain bad actors like China.”

“Our union in both the United States and Canada has been on the front lines for decades fighting for worker-forward trade policies that keep our critical supply chains secure,” said McCall. “Now, rather than taking a step back, we must capitalize on our current momentum in order to create lasting change.”

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in tech, public sector and service occupations.

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Contact: Cheyenne Schoen, cschoen@usw.org, 412-562-2446

Pittsburgh – University of Pittsburgh graduate workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The roughly 2,100 graduate workers organized to gain a voice on the job and the ability to negotiate over vital issues like funding security, stipend increases, protections against discrimination and harassment, improved family benefits, a voice in hours and conditions of work and affordable health insurance.

“My colleagues and I are a critical part of the research and education that makes the University of Pittsburgh a world-class academic institution,” said Caroline Layding, a graduate researcher in Pitt's biostatistics department.

The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board held an in-person election for the graduate workers over the past several days. An overwhelming majority voted in favor of joining the union.

“We are so proud to join the Steelworkers and we can't wait to meet the university administration at the bargaining table,” said Layding.

The workers will become part of the 850,000-member USW, one of the largest labor unions in North America, which has its headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh. Staff at Pitt unionized with the USW in September, and faculty at Pitt unionized with the USW in 2021.

“Graduate workers provide vital contributions to the university community, and their efforts to achieve a seat at the table will ultimately provide widespread benefits as Pitt becomes a stronger place to work and learn,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents about 50,000 Steelworkers in Pennsylvania. “We welcome Pitt grads into our union and look forward to helping them bargain a first contract that reflects their work as researchers and educators.”

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in tech, public sector and service occupations.

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For Immediate Release: November 22, 2024
Contact: Jenn Wood, jwood@usw.org, 412-562-1160

LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA – Nearly 300 Logan Regional Medical Center workers voted yesterday by an overwhelming majority to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The newly unionized workers at the 132-bed acute care facility in Logan, W. Va., include registered nurses, nursing assistants, patient care technicians, phlebotomists, pharmacy technicians, respiratory therapists, patient transporters, unit secretaries, and others.

Workers began organizing nearly a year ago, fueled by their shared desire for staffing levels that will enable them to continue to provide their patients with the highest quality of care. Unionizing will provide them with the opportunity to bargain over equitable wages and fair seniority policies, have a voice on the job, collaborate more closely with management, and enhance workplace transparency. 

“With our victory, we’ve shown the hospital, the community, and ourselves what it means to stand together and fight for what’s right,” said Canaan Varney, a registered nurse at Logan Regional Medical Center. “This isn’t just a win; it’s a turning point. Now that we’re unionized, we expect change. We expect fair wages for our work and a voice in the decisions that impact our lives and our community. This victory is about more than us; it’s about the patients we serve and the community we love. Together, we’re building something better, and I couldn’t be prouder to stand with all of my coworkers as we take this next step forward.”

“Our union is thrilled to welcome the dedicated workers of Logan Regional Medical Center to the United Steelworkers,” said USW District 8 Director Larry Ray. “These new members work around the clock to care for the small, tight-knit community of Logan, serving their neighbors, family, and friends in some of the most complex and challenging moments of their lives. By forming their union, Logan Regional Medical Center workers have taken a critical next step in their ability to do their jobs with excellence, retain talented health care workers, and provide exceptional care to their community for years to come.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech, and service occupations.

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444

Pittsburgh – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today condemned Sumitomo Tire’s decision to shutter its Tonawanda, N.Y., facility, costing 1,200 USW members their jobs.

USW District 4 Director Dave Wasiura, who represents workers in New York and eight other Northeastern states, expressed his deep disappointment in Sumitomo management and urged it to find a better solution than the abrupt closure.

“Our union has partnered with Sumitomo for years, helping to secure investments, as together we’ve navigated the ups and downs of the tire industry. That management went straight to enacting this extreme measure without coming to us is nothing short of a betrayal of its highly-skilled, dedicated workforce.”

Wasiura said the impacts of the decision will also ripple far beyond the plant itself.

“Sumitomo’s decision to wipe out these good, union jobs is devastating, not just for workers but for the entire community that they help support.”

Sumitomo management informed the union of its decision late Nov. 6 and will cease operations effective Nov. 11.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444

Pittsburgh – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement in response to the Nov. 5 election:

“The American people have spoken, and the USW will respect and honor the electoral process and the Constitution of the United States.

“Unfortunately, one of the great tragedies of this grueling election season has been the way in which key figures sought to divide working Americans against each other, be it along the lines of gender, race, occupation or country of origin. Now more than ever, Americans must come together for the benefit of our representative democracy.

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration we have made huge strides on behalf of workers, standing up for retirement security, making health care more affordable, overseeing historic investments in our critical infrastructure and instituting a long-needed industrial policy to build out our manufacturing base.

“We must defend these historic victories, and will not rest until they reach their full potential. We will work tirelessly until all workers have fair wages and strong benefits, until everyone can come home safely from their jobs, until our supply chains are robust and resilient enough that we can withstand the next global disruption.

 “Our union is intent on moving forward in a way that heals our divides rather than inflames them, and the USW will do its best to work with the Trump administration in the best interests of our members and their families.

“But we will not allow the billionaire class to run roughshod over workers’ rights, outsource jobs and call it fair trade or institute tax policies that mortgage our collective future for the benefit of the already wealthy few.

“Our mission remains the same regardless of who occupies the White House or the halls of Congress: to fight for working people.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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For Immediate Release: October 31, 2024
Contact: Jenn Wood, jwood@usw.org, 412-562-1160

PITTSBURGH – Nearly 80 Squirrel Hill Health Center workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, citing their desire to better advocate for their patients, collaborate more closely with their administration, seek equitable wages and benefits, and have a voice on the job.

The newly unionized workers serve as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, medical and dental assistants, therapists, patient advocates, community health workers, billing specialists, front desk staff, and more across the Center’s four Pittsburgh-area locations in Squirrel Hill, Brentwood, Bellevue, and Turtle Creek.

Workers started organizing in May of 2024, driven by their shared commitment to providing the highest-quality, most compassionate care to the vulnerable populations they serve.

“My coworkers and I organized because being able to care for ourselves helps us provide our patients with the exceptional care they deserve,” said Tiahna Flannigan, a patient advocate at the Squirrel Hill Health Center. “Having a union will enable us to be seen and heard when it comes to our working conditions so we can continue to do right by the patients we serve.”

Squirrel Hill Health Center workers serve a diverse patient population, including many immigrants, refugees, and uninsured and underinsured patients. The Center provides primary care, dental, OB/GYN, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and social services for patients.

“Our union is proud to welcome the hardworking employees of the Squirrel Hill Health Center who work day in and day out to provide comprehensive care to some of our most sensitive patient populations,” said Cathy Drummond, chair of the USW Health Care Workers Council. “Together, we will ensure that every worker has the resources and support they need so that the Squirrel Hill Health Center remains a leader in providing essential care for our community.”

Ballots were mailed to workers on October 17 and were counted today, October 31.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech, and service occupations.

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444

Pittsburgh – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement welcoming the Treasury Department’s final rules for the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, which will help drive investments in key domestic industries:

“This groundbreaking manufacturing tax credit has been essential in harnessing the momentum of the Inflation Reduction Act as we expand our critical mineral and clean energy supply chains.

“The rules the Treasury Department announced today will further ensure than we are growing our manufacturing base and creating good jobs as we build out the energy technologies and industries we’ll need to carry us into the future.

“In particular, we applaud the Biden-Harris administration for its inclusion of materials and extraction costs, a top priority for USW members.

“As we seek to meet the full range of our needs when it comes to industries like solar, wind, batteries and more, we will need the responsibly mined minerals our members provide more than ever.

“These final rules will help companies make crucial investments, and we look forward to working with employers across the clean energy supply chain to utilize these credits and build stronger, healthier communities.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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Contact: Cheyenne Schoen, cschoen@usw.org, 412-562-2446

Pittsburgh – University of Pittsburgh staff members today voted to become members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union and look forward to bargaining their first union contract with the school’s administration.

“Staff at Pitt have finally achieved what all workers deserve – a collective voice and the ability to take part in decisions that affect our work. It’s been a long road, but ultimately our solidarity carried us through to this historic moment,” said Emilee Ruhland, a Global Communications Strategist in the University Center for International Studies.

The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board held a mail ballot election over the past several weeks for the staff members. A strong majority voted in favor of joining the union.

“This will make Pitt a more secure workplace and a better place to get an education,” said Ruhland. “It’s a victory for the whole campus community.”

The roughly 6,300 workers will become part of the 850,000-member USW, one of the largest labor unions in North America, which has its headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh. Faculty at Pitt unionized with the USW in 2021.

“This win belongs to every staff member who stood together for a stronger, more inclusive Pitt,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents about 50,000 Steelworkers in Pennsylvania. “When workers have a voice, the entire university thrives—from the classrooms to the community that calls it home.”

Approximately 2,100 Pitt graduate workers this year filed for their own union election with the USW and will vote once the PLRB sets the schedule.

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in tech, public sector and service occupations.

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