Steelworker News

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

(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers (USW) International Executive Board today appointed David McCall as the union’s new international president to fill the remainder of Tom Conway’s term. Conway passed away this week after four years as the USW’s leader.

“We are all mourning a great loss,” McCall said, “but even in our sadness, our union is strong, thanks in large part to Tom’s leadership and vision. Now, we’ll move forward the only way we can: together. Together, we’ll honor Tom’s legacy, as together, we fight for justice and fairness for working families.”

McCall served as USW international vice president of administration since July 2019. In that role, he bargained contracts with some of the union’s largest employers in steel, aluminum, rubber and other industries. 

Before his election as vice president, he served for 21 years as the director of USW District 1, a job in which he represented 70,000 USW members and retirees throughout the state of Ohio and bargained some of the union’s biggest contracts.

McCall began his career as a union activist with USW Local 6787 at the Burns Harbor integrated steel facility in Northwest Indiana. There, he worked as a millwright and served the local union in various positions, including grievance chairman and vice president.

During his tenure with Local 6787, McCall established the local union’s food bank and unemployment support committee. He joined the USW international staff in 1986.

McCall’s leadership during the American steel crisis from 1998 to 2002 helped to restore benefits to tens of thousands of retired steelworkers. During the global economic recession in 2008 and 2009, he fought to save thousands of jobs with a focus on long-term viability and sustainability.

“Our union is changing,” said McCall. “We’re organizing new members in new industries in both the United States and Canada, even as we bargain cutting-edge agreements for members in our traditional sectors. I am humbled to lead our union as we continue to fight for a better future for all working people.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

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

(PITTSBURGH) – It is with heavy hearts that the United Steelworkers (USW) union today announces the passing of International President Tom Conway at age 71.

Elected as the union’s president in 2019, Conway was known for his quick wit, formidable bargaining skills and unwavering devotion to workers and their families. 

“From his earliest time making steel to his steady hand leading us through the darkest days of the pandemic, Tom followed two simple guiding principles: the dignity of work and the power of working people,” said David R. McCall, the USW’s International Vice President of Administration. “Tom was never afraid of a fight, and thanks to his ingenuity and determination, generations of workers can enjoy better jobs and brighter futures.”

Conway relished going toe to toe with top leaders of some of the biggest corporations where USW members work, and over the course of his career, he became one of the union’s most accomplished contract negotiators in steel, aluminum, oil and other major industries, often directing bargaining during crises.

As president, he also spearheaded innovative initiatives to organize more workers into the labor movement, extending the benefits of union representation to workers in a variety of fields from manufacturing to higher education. Under Conway’s leadership, USW members gained some of the movement’s most significant organizing victories.

“Solidarity wasn’t just a word to Tom; it was a way of life,” said USW International Secretary-Treasurer John Shinn. “He understood that by working together, we will balance the scales against greedy corporations and the billionaire class.”

During his time in office, Conway relentlessly advocated for fair trade, demanding that the government enforce trade laws to prevent importation of illegally subsidized and dumped products that damage domestic industries and destroy good-paying jobs. 

At the same time, Conway worked not just to save jobs but to create them, finding new ways to engage both companies and elected officials to expand manufacturing, secure domestic supply chains and invest in healthy, flourishing communities. 

Conway first became an activist in USW Local 6787 in 1978 when he went to work at the Burns Harbor Works of Bethlehem Steel. While working as a millwright in the coke plant, Conway served as a griever for plant-wide maintenance and was a member of the safety and contracting-out committees. He joined the union’s International staff in 1987 and was elected as USW International Vice President in 2005.

“We will all miss Tom’s passion, his integrity, his gift for strategy and not least of all, his sense of humor,” said McCall. “His time as USW president was too short, but it’s clear he will leave an indelible impact on our union and beyond.” 

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

 

 

Contact: R.J. Hufnagel, 412-562-2450, rhufnagel@usw.org

PITTSBURGH – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today endorsed the reelection campaign of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Pennsylvania’s senior senator, who served in the chamber since 2007.

“Sen. Bob Casey is a staunch ally of working families, whether they live in Pennsylvania or anywhere across the United States,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “Time and again, he has proven his commitment to creating and saving good jobs, fighting for fair trade, ensuring quality, affordable health care, and preserving retirement security. He fights for us, and we intend to fight just as hard to get him reelected.”

Sen. Casey, Conway noted, was a champion of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is already creating good-paying union jobs and helping to modernize the nation’s transportation, communications and utility systems. In addition, Casey consistently supports efforts to invest in manufacturing and bolster domestic supply chains.

The three-term senator also supports the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act, designed to fight back against China’s predatory trade practices by updating the nation’s outdated trade rules, as well as measures to restore fairness to the nation’s tax code for workers and their families.

“Sen. Casey believes in growing our economy by putting the future back into the hands of working people, rather than in the hands of Wall Street billionaires,” said Bernie Hall, director of USW District 10, which includes 50,000 Steelworkers in the state of Pennsylvania. “Sen. Casey has proven that he is an advocate for workers’ rights, for strengthening Medicare and Social Security, and for ensuring higher wages for workers. We look forward to sending him back to the U.S. Senate for another six years.”

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 public sector and service occupations.

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

(Edison, N.J.) – United Steelworkers Local 4-200 announced today that they voted to reject a proposed three-year contract with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick.

“Short staffing remains our number one priority, and our members clearly don’t believe this contract went far enough in this area,” said Local 4-200 President Judy Danella. “We need better staffing so that we can keep workers safe on the job and continue providing top-quality care for our patients.” 

More than 1,700 members who work as nurses throughout the hospital have been on strike against management’s unfair labor practices since Aug. 4.  

“We encourage management to come back to the table with an offer that reflects our dedication and prioritizes safety and health,” said Danella.

For more on the strike visit www.nursesstrike.com.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, 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.

USW Rapid Response Director Amber Miller appeared on the Leslie Marshall Show to discuss how issue education and opportunities to communicate directly with elected officials empower USW members to effect meaningful political change.

"Rapid Response encourages members to take action, engage in the political process, and make their voices heard," Miller said. "We emphasize that elected officials are there to serve their constituents, and if we don't communicate our needs, someone else will."

The nonpartisan program educates and mobilizes members on issues like collective bargaining rights, workplace safety, retirement security and health care.

"Giant corporations hire high-priced lobbyists to represent their interests in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country," Miller said. "This is where we come in, empowering workers to have their voices heard and to make a real difference, not only within unions but in the broader political process."

Miller and Marshall also discussed the USW's recent advocacy efforts on a wide array of topics, including Ohio's proposed Issue 1, retirement security, veterans' benefits and the PRO Act.

“It's important for us, and our legislators, to understand that these aren't just bills – these have major impacts on people, and they need to see those faces,” Miller said.

You can listen to the full interview below.

USW Rapid Response Director Amber Miller appeared on the Leslie Marshall Show to discuss how issue education and opportunities to communicate directly with elected officials empower USW members to effect meaningful political change.

"Rapid Response encourages members to take action, engage in the political process, and make their voices heard," Miller said. "We emphasize that elected officials are there to serve their constituents, and if we don't communicate our needs, someone else will."

The nonpartisan program educates and mobilizes members on issues like collective bargaining rights, workplace safety, retirement security and health care.

"Giant corporations hire high-priced lobbyists to represent their interests in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country," Miller said. "This is where we come in, empowering workers to have their voices heard and to make a real difference, not only within unions but in the broader political process."

Miller and Marshall also discussed the USW's recent advocacy efforts on a wide array of topics, including Ohio's proposed Issue 1, retirement security, veterans' benefits and the PRO Act.

“It's important for us, and our legislators, to understand that these aren't just bills – these have major impacts on people, and they need to see those faces,” Miller said.

You can listen to the full interview below.

Contact: Chelsey Engel, cengel@usw.org, 412-212-8173 

El presidente de la USW Internacional Thomas Conway, el Vice President de Asuntos Humanos Kevin Mapp, y el Vice President Luis Mendoza emitieron la siguiente declaración en honor al Mes de la Herencia Hispanoamericana:

“El primer principio fundacional de nuestro gran sindicato establece que nuestro propósito es unir a todos los trabajadores, independientemente de su credo, color o nacionalidad. 

“Sabemos que nuestra unión es más fuerte debido a su diversidad, y este mes nos tomamos el tiempo para honrar a nuestros miembros, tanto pasados como presentes, de herencia hispana y latina que hacen de esta organización y país un lugar mejor.

“Alentamos encarecidamente a los miembros del USW a participar activamente en sus locales y en el Consejo Laboral para el Avance de América Latina (LCLAA), el grupo electoral de la AFL-CIO que se ha convertido en la organización líder que aboga por los derechos laborales de los latinos en el país. 

“Este trabajo es fundamental para generar solidaridad y hacer del movimiento laboral una fuerza aún mayor en la lucha por la justicia social y laboral”.

El USW representa a 850,000 trabajadores empleados en los sectores de la salud, los metales, la minería, la pulpa y el papel, el caucho, los productos químicos, el vidrio, el suministro de automóviles y las industrias productoras de energía, junto con un número creciente de trabajadores en el sector público, la educación superior, la tecnología y ocupaciones de servicios.

USW honors Hispanic American Heritage Month

USW International President Thomas Conway, Vice President of Human Affairs Kevin Mapp, and Vice President Luis Mendoza released the following statement in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month:

“The first founding principle of our great union states that our purpose is to unite all working people, regardless of creed, color or nationality. 

“We know that our union is stronger because of its diversity, and this month, we take the time to honor our members, both past and present, of Hispanic and Latin heritage who make this organization and country a better place. 

“We highly encourage USW members to become active in their locals and with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the AFL-CIO constituency group that has become the leading organization advocating for Latino/a working rights in the country.

“This work is critical to building solidarity and making the labor movement an even greater force in the fight for worker and social justice.”

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

Contact: R.J. Hufnagel, 412-562-2450, rhufnagel@usw.org

The United Steelworkers (USW) union released the following statement today from USW International President Tom Conway following the introduction of the “No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act” in the U.S. House. The U.S. Senate also is considering a version of the bill.

“Simply put, the U.S. government should not be subsidizing corporate attacks on American working families. That’s why the USW supports the ‘No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act.’

“For too long, U.S. corporations have had the upper hand when workers want to organize unions, improve their working conditions and create a better quality of life for them and their families.

“On paper, workers have the right to join unions in this country. In reality, however, company owners often spend millions on lawyers and other high-priced consultants to run union-busting campaigns, based on fear, intimidation and falsehood, to deny them their legal rights. Companies even break the law on a regular basis in their effort to deny workers the right to bargain collectively.

“Worse yet, these same corporations have for years been able to write off these anti-union costs as business expenses, reducing their tax burden and thereby putting a heavier burden on workers and their families.

“The bill introduced today would end that practice and instead treat anti-union expenses just like any other corporate lobbying activity.

“Both houses of Congress should quickly pass this bill and send it to the president for his signature. It’s time to give workers a fair chance and end the practice of our own government underwriting union busting.”

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 public sector and service occupations.

Contact: Tony Montana, tmontana@usw.org, 412-562-2592

The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that members have voted to ratify a three-year first contract at Cleveland Cliffs Northshore Mining, where approximately 400 workers mine taconite in Babbitt, Minn., make iron ore pellets in Silver Bay, Minn., and transport products and tailings.

“Thanks to the hard work of our bargaining committee and the solidarity of our newly organized members, we negotiated a fair first contract with Cliffs,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez, who represents workers in Minnesota and eight other states. “The ratified contract will improve wages, benefits and working conditions while enhancing the security of our jobs.”

The agreement includes a lump sum bonus, annual wage increases, enhanced protections for job security and improvements in occupational health and safety. The contract also features high quality health insurance with no monthly premiums as well as defined benefit pensions, while maintaining an existing 401(k) with company-matching contributions.

“Workers were determined to win a contract that addressed workplace health and safety, retirement security and other critical issues,” Ramirez said. “We proved once again that we are most powerful when we stand together and speak with one voice.”

The USW also represents approximately 2,000 workers at four other Cliffs mining facilities in Minnesota and northern Michigan. Northshore Mining was the last remaining taconite mine on Minnesota’s Iron Range without a union.

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.

CONTACT: Joe Smydo, jsmydo@usw.org, 412-562-2281

(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway issued the following statement today regarding the minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):

“Health care workers in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities serve some of the most vulnerable members of society, and minimum staffing standards will help these workers provide the time and attention their patients need.

“The USW represents 50,000 health care workers, and our members witness firsthand how short staffing serves as the root cause of many of the most urgent concerns across the health care industry.

“As we look to fortify a system battered by the pandemic and increasingly strained by the nation’s aging population, we appreciate the administration’s efforts to pursue a minimum staffing standard.

“We look forward to providing comments on the proposed rule as our members continue the fight to build a strong, safe and resilient system of care.”

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

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

(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today welcomed the Commerce Department’s decision to institute new tariffs on dumped tin and chromium coated sheet steel products from China and two other countries.

“Foreign dumping into the U.S. market has already cost a significant number of good, community-supporting jobs,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “The preliminary antidumping duties Commerce announced today are a step in the right direction toward stabilizing our market, restoring fair prices and protecting U.S. workers.”

The USW and Cleveland-Cliffs filed a countervailing duty (CVD) petition against China and antidumping (AD) petitions against China and seven other countries in January.

Today’s announcement includes preliminary antidumping duties of 122.52 percent for Chinese goods, as well as smaller margins for Canada and Germany. A final ruling is expected in January 2024, which will include a detailed verification process for all countries listed in the petition.

“The sad reality is that when some of our trading partners saw significant cost increases in their home markets because of global events, they chose to dump here rather than reduce production,” Conway said.

“If we don’t curtail this dumping now, it will eventually choke out our domestic industry, leaving us with no alternative but to rely on foreign goods. We saw how dangerous that dependence was during the pandemic, and we must be proactive now.”

Thousands of USW members make tin mill products in a number of locations, including in California, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

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

Minneapolis — The United Steelworkers (USW) today announced that the union reached an agreement to work together with NewRange Copper Nickel LLC (New Range) as it looks to mine a variety of critical minerals in northeastern Minnesota.

USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez, who represents workers in Minnesota and eight other states, said that it is essential that new mines continue the tradition of providing good, community-sustaining jobs.

“USW jobs on the Iron Range are safer and pay more than ever thanks to the leadership, hard work and dedication of union members,” said Ramirez. “The next generation of workers also deserves the rights, benefits and security of a fair, union contract.”

NewRange, a joint venture between Polymet Mining Corp. and Teck Resources Limited, holds deposits for copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metal (PGM) minerals needed for meeting the country’s growing clean energy and transportation needs.

“USW members and their families have lived and worked in Minnesota’s Iron Range for generations. As we look to the future, it’s essential that we’re building out all our domestic supply chains,” said Ramirez. “That begins with mining.”

Tannice McCoy, general manager of NewRange, said she similarly looks forward to working with the USW to develop a domestic source of critical minerals needed for the clean energy economy.

“We are pleased to make this important cooperation agreement with the United Steelworkers,” said McCoy. “It is built on the shared value of responsible mining that provides economic opportunity to workers and surrounding communities while protecting the environment.”

The USW (www.usw.org) represents 850,000 workers 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

Contact: R.J. Hufnagel, 412-562-2450, rhufnagel@usw.org

Pittsburgh – The United Steelworkers union (USW), released the following statement today from USW International President Tom Conway in response to the Biden administration’s release of guidance to support implementation of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions of the bipartisan infrastructure law.

“The USW is pleased to see the Biden administration move forward with implementation of BABA, which requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects are produced in the United States.

“Strong BABA implementation is a critical step toward reshoring lost industrial capabilities, strengthening broken supply chains, and establishing the United States as a leader in the manufacturing of new technologies.

“By promoting investment in domestic manufacturing, Buy America policies ensure that taxpayer-funded investments align with the highest labor and environmental standards in the world.

“The union is eager to review the details of the issued guidance as they are critical to the policy’s success. The USW will continue to amplify our members’ voices, and we look forward to remaining engaged in the process to ensure the full application of BABA.

“Through our members’ hard work and dedication and strong Buy America policies, the USW can continue to supply our nation’s critical infrastructure needs.”

The USW represents 850,000 men and women 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 public sector and service occupations.

Contact: R.J. Hufnagel, 412-562-2450, rhufnagel@usw.org

The United Steelworkers union (USW), which represents more than 11,000 hourly workers at U.S. Steel facilities across the United States, released the following statement today:

“The USW has been in contact with U.S. Steel to discuss the company’s announcement that outside entities have expressed interest in buying all or part of the company, and that the company has initiated a review process.

“USW members have been through sales and potential sales of employers many times before, and our priority is always to ensure that USW members’ rights are respected and that jobs and benefits are protected.

“While we don’t know exactly what the future holds for U.S. Steel, we do know that the USW’s labor agreement with U.S. Steel contains strong successorship language to protect workers’ rights, and that the company is obligated to provide the union with notice before a sale can proceed.

“We look forward to hearing more from U.S. Steel about its plans so that we can continue to work toward a strong future for the company’s USW work force.”

The USW represents 850,000 men and women 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 public sector and service occupations.

Contact: Joe Smydo, jsmydo@usw.org, 412-562-228

(ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands) – The United Steelworkers (USW) today called on Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. to immediately relocate union members working in deplorable conditions at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in St. Croix.

About 26 members of USW Local 8248 and USW Local 9489 work for the BMV in structurally deficient trailers at the Patrick Sweeney Police Headquarters. These workers and the public they serve face crumbling floors, water-damaged walls and moldy ceilings, among other threats to their health and safety at the termite-infested BMV offices.

“The workers have a collective bargaining agreement that requires the government to provide safe working conditions and gives them means to enforce the government’s obligations if they’re placed in harm’s way,” said USW District 9 Director Daniel Flippo, who leads tens of thousands of union members in the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven Southern states.

“They perform essential services and want nothing more than to continue serving the public. But they can only do that if the government finally steps up and honors its obligations, which will also protect the public who visit these offices,” Flippo continued.

The USW is demanding an emergency meeting with Bryan, legislators and other officials to resolve the health and safety threats.

“It’s unconscionable for the government to put its citizens at risk,” Flippo said. “We stand ready to assist Gov. Bryan in finding a common-sense alternative that protects workers and the public.”

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 public sector and service occupations.

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

Macon, Ga. — The United Steelworkers (USW) announced that members this week voted to ratify a four-year first contract covering about 325 workers at Kumho Tire.

“The membership at Kumho Tire fought for years to win the rights and benefits of a fair union contract,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “Thanks to their solidarity and the hard work of our bargaining committee, they achieved that goal.”

USW District 9 Director Daniel Flippo said that the contract provides yearly wage improvements and other pay increases. It also includes additional paid time off, a joint health and safety committee and other workplace protections, all while maintaining quality health care and other benefits.

“The power of solidarity won a fair contract, and we proved that our voices are strongest when we stand together for the benefit of everyone,” Flippo said. “With the ratified agreement in place, our jobs will be more secure, prosperous and safer than before.”

USW Rubber and Plastics Industry Conference Chair Kevin Johnsen said that workers at the Kumho factory in Macon, Ga., became the first tire workers to unionize in more than 40 years when they voted to join the USW in September 2019 – nearly two years after their initial vote was marred by the company’s numerous violations of workers’ rights.

“Our members at Kumho know firsthand the difference a union can make,” Johnsen said. “This contract ensures that the standard of living for USW members, our families and communities will continue to improve.”

The USW (www.usw.org) 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.

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

Edison, N.J. – Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 4-200 today at 7 a.m., began an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick.  

The more than 1,700 nurses work throughout the hospital, in many cases providing care for some of the most complex cases in the state. 

Their most recent contract expired on June 30, after several months of bargaining. The parties then extended it through July 21. 

Workers provided the hospital’s management with notice of their intent to strike on July 24.

“Our members remain deeply committed to our patients,” said Local 4-200 President Judy Danella. “However, we must address urgent concerns, like staffing. We need enough nurses on each shift, on each floor, so we can devote more time to each patient and keep ourselves safe on the job.

“We are deeply grateful for the community that supported us as we worked through the pandemic and for all those who are with us now as management is forcing us to make the painful decision to go on strike.”

Danella said that the local remains ready to continue bargaining and invited management to join them at the table.

“Nursing is more than a job for most of us,” said Danella. “It’s a mission. Our top priority is negotiating a fair contract so we can return to patient care.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, 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.

 

Contact: Tony Montana, 412-562-2592, tmontana@usw.org

South Glens Falls, N.Y. — The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union has sent a letter to Essity urging management to reconsider the Swedish company’s decision to mothball the paper mill, which employs about 350 full-time hourly workers.

“The community needs management to consider alternatives to shutting down in South Glens Falls,” said USW International Vice President Luis Mendoza. “Hundreds of loyal, experienced workers deserve to work for an employer with plans to operate the mill.” 

The Essity Board of Directors in mid-July announced plans to shutter the South Glens Falls mill, which was previously owned by SCA Tissue. Further, Essity has indicated that it will neither seek a buyer to operate the facility nor allow the USW to look for one. 

“We are shocked and disappointed that Essity has made the additional decision not to look or allow the union to search for potential buyers,” Mendoza said. “This decision ultimately leaves these members, their families and the surrounding community in a devastating position.”

Mendoza said that the company’s actions in South Glens Falls are impacting morale at other USW represented Essity facilities.

“This decision is already having an effect on the other sites, as the remaining locations are worried that they will be next,” Mendoza said. “Over the years, the company has decided to reduce its foot print in the market by pulling out of the West Coast and now the Northeast.”

The USW and Essity are engaged in negotiations over the effects of the company’s decision to close the South Glens Falls mill, covering subjects such as severance pay and recall rights.

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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

(Pittsburgh) – Approximately 100 veterinary technicians and assistants, medical receptionists, animal caretakers and behavioralists, grant writers, educators, wildlife rehabilitators and other staff at the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) today announced that they filed for a union election on July 24 as they seek to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The group of workers are now seeking a formal vote through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), organizing for fair pay, job security, transparent communication and increased emotional and mental health support for workers, among other advancements.

“HARP's leadership frequently and loudly expresses to its employees how important our work is, yet this apparent appreciation is not adequately reflected in our pay or benefits,” said Sharif Khan, a Wildlife Rehabilitator at HARP.

“We seek a union not only to strengthen our position when advocating for ourselves or the hundreds of animals in our care,” Khan said, “but to give us a firm voice with which to help steer the organization towards success.”

By filing for a certification election, the workers look to create a collective bargaining unit comprising HARP’s North Side and East Side shelters and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Verona, Pa.

“We’re organizing a union because the people doing the frontline work to care for the animals aren’t given the resources needed to do those difficult jobs to the best of their abilities,” said HARP Development Specialist Frank Groth. “We work in many different roles across the organization, but what we all need is a voice in the decisions that affect us every day.”

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.

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

United Steelworkers (USW) Local 4-200 announced today that they have given Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick official notice that they will begin an unfair labor practice strike on Aug. 4.

The local is comprised of more than 1,700 members who work as nurses throughout the hospital. Their most recent contract expired on June 30 after several months of bargaining.

The group voted on Mon., July 10, to grant the union the authority to call the ULP strike and last week voted down a tentative agreement.

“Short staffing remains a major concern for all of the nurses,” said Local 4-200 President Judy Danella. “This is not a step we take lightly, but we have reached a breaking point. We have to stand up for ourselves and our patients.”

Members also continue to have concerns about other critical issues, including reining in rising insurance costs.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, 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.

Contact: Ben Davis, 412-562-2501, bdavis@usw.org  

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers today welcomed the announcement by the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Labor that the case filed against Goodyear on April 20 under the United States-Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) Rapid Response Labor Mechanism was resolved.

The case, filed by the independent union, the Mexican Workers’ Union League, centered on workers who were denied their rights at the company’s plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

On April 23, a vote on the legitimation of the plant-level labor contract was suspended after the incumbent CTM union stole the ballot box. In a re-run on May 8, the workers voted overwhelmingly to throw out the CTM contract that had been signed without worker participation.

“As the union representing Goodyear workers in the United States, the USW supported the Mexican workers’ fight to win democratic representation over the past five years,” said USW International President Tom Conway.

“All workers deserve to choose their union in a free and fair election. The USW thanks all the members of Congress who fought for strong labor rights enforcement in the USMCA and who supported the Goodyear workers and all Mexican workers who are fighting for democratic representation.”

• The agreement announced today provides that:
• The company will remain neutral with respect to the pending vote between the LSOM and the CTM for the right to administer the industry-wide collective agreement (contract law).
• The contract law for the rubber industry applies to the facility, and the plant level agreement is invalid. However, any terms and conditions in the plant level agreement that are more favorable than the terms of the contract law will be applied going forward. Workers who were misclassified will receive a year’s back pay and benefits, the maximum under Mexican law.
• The company will harmonize current plant rules and conditions with the provisions of the contract law, in consultation with the workers and the federal center.
• The government labor authorities will distribute information on the Contract Law throughout the rubber sector.

Conway said that the case established a strong precedent and called on all tire industry employers in Mexico to respect workers’ rights.

“We call on all tire industry employers to maintain strict neutrality in any union organizing campaign,” Conway said. “We also call on the Mexican authorities to arrest and prosecute the persons responsible for the theft of the ballot box earlier this year.”

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.