Steelworker News

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

The United Steelworkers (USW) today applauded Michigan legislators for repealing the state’s falsely named “right-to-work” (RTW) laws and restoring workers’ power to bargain strong contracts and safe working conditions.

“This victory, correcting a grave injustice to working families, occurred only because union members helped elect Democratic, pro-worker majorities to the House and Senate last fall,” said USW District 1 Director Donnie Blatt, who leads USW members in Michigan and Ohio.

“Corporations and Republicans rammed RTW through the legislature in 2012 to bust unions and silence workers,” he added. “But we refused to be cheated out of our hard-won labor rights. We fought back, and like union members always do, we got the job done.”

States with RTW laws allow workers to receive union services for free. These laws, pushed by corporations and other anti-labor groups, undermine worker solidarity and starve unions of the resources needed to bargain strong contracts, ensure safe working conditions and hold employers accountable.

“It’s all about dividing and conquering,” observed Kent Holsing, president of USW Local 12075 in Midland, Mich., one of thousands of union members who turned out for rallies demanding the repeal of RTW. “It’s an effort to undermine the effectiveness of the union.”

Workers in RTW states make significantly lower wages—and they’re less likely to have employer-provided health insurance—than their counterparts elsewhere. At the same time, they face a higher risk of dying on the job because they lack a strong, unified voice on safety.

“RTW is nothing but an attack on the dignity and lives of working people,” said Blatt. “This victory enables working families to build brighter futures.”

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: Tony Montana – (412) 562-2592 or tmontana@usw.org

MINNEAPOLIS — The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that workers at Bobcat’s Rogers, Minnesota production facility have voted for union representation in a secret ballot election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

After the election, USW International President Thomas M. Conway welcomed nearly 200 Bobcat employees into the union.

“Every worker needs a strong voice on the job and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity by their employer,” Conway said. “As USW members, Bobcat workers will have a strong advocate to bargain for better pay, benefits and working conditions.”

“A fair union contract will improve the standard of living for workers now without sacrificing the security of their jobs, earnings or benefits in the future.”

USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez said that strong unions improve occupational health and safety and can help employers attract and retain workers.

“As companies seek to increase production, it is absolutely essential for workers to have a say on issues that could impact their health and safety," Ramirez said. "Fair, competitive pay and benefits will keep loyal, experienced workers on the job, and ensuring adequate staffing will keep the plant running as safely and efficiently as possible."

About 700 workers at Bobcat’s Bismarck, N.D., plant previously voted to join the USW in September 2022. The union will next seek to engage management in negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements.

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.

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

The United Steelworkers (USW) today welcomed the appointment of International President Tom Conway to the White House’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN).

“I want to thank President Joe Biden for appointing me to this committee, which counsels his administration on matters affecting hundreds of millions of working people,” Conway said.

“USW members know firsthand the importance of enacting and enforcing trade policies that enable American workers to compete on a level playing field with their counterparts around the world,” added Conway. “I’m honored to safeguard and advance their interests as a member of ACTPN.”

Working closely with the U.S. Trade Representative, ACTPN members representing labor, business and other fields provide guidance during negotiations for new trade agreements and help monitor trade pacts already in place. 

“Good trade policy grows middle-class jobs and protects national security,” Conway said. “I will use my voice on ACTPN to help President Biden achieve these goals crucial to the nation’s future.”

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

Contact: Tony Montana – (412) 562-2592 or tmontana@usw.org

PITTSBURGH — The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that professional football players have filed a petition for a representation election with Region 16 of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on behalf of roughly 475 professional athletes in the XFL.

USW International President Thomas M. Conway said that organizing and bargaining collectively for better wages, benefits and working conditions is the surest way for players to achieve security and stability in their lives and careers.

“No matter whether it’s a factory or football field, every worker deserves a voice on the job and in determining their own futures,” Conway said. “As part of the USW, players will have a strong advocate to bargain fair and safe working conditions across the league.”

USW International Secretary Treasurer John Shinn, who represents the union on the AFL-CIO Sports Council, said that football players, like all workers, deserve fair treatment on the job.

“Our union is committed to working with players to improve conditions and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect by the league,” Shinn said. “From our successful experience bargaining with the USFL, we know that players standing together in solidarity can win contract improvements throughout the season that will truly raise their standards of living.”

Ryan Cave, an executive with the United Football Players Association, said that players are organizing for the empowerment that comes with a union contract.

“All players throughout the league working together to build unity and solidarity is the key to getting results,” Cave said. “We know athletes stand to gain the most when we use one voice to demand fairness and justice on the job, and that’s what XFL players will achieve by organizing a union.”

For the 2023 season, the eight-team XFL will employ about 475 athletes who will play a ten-game regular-season schedule, followed by a four-team playoff for the league championship. The first game was played on February 18, and the championship will be held on May 13.

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: Beth Turnbull, 412-562-2442, bturnbull@usw.org

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement today in recognition of International Women’s Day:    “As the USW marks International Women’s Day, we recognize that in addition to the persistent 18-cent gender wage gap, women face a broad range health and safety challenges.

“More than one in four women experience intimate partner violence before the age of 50, according to a global analysis led by McGill University and the World Health Organization. 

“Additionally, women’s bodily autonomy remains under attack at both the federal and state levels, as extremists in our judicial and legislative branches continue their efforts to restrict access to essential health care. 

“In response, the USW includes among its bargaining priorities mental health resources, paid leave for workers experiencing domestic violence and reliable, high-quality reproductive care, and we have successfully negotiated many vital protections.

“Additionally, the union’s cutting-edge Raising the Bar initiative provides workers in both Canada and the United States with resources on accessing personal protective equipment that fits all body types, addressing harassment, dealing with workplace-related pregnancy and breastfeeding issues and more.

“As a union, we vow to continue the fight for true gender equity and affirm our commitment not simply to equal pay for equal work but also to comprehensive health and safety for all workers.”

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. For more information: http://www.usw.org/. 

Contacto: Yaphet Torres, ytorres@usw.org, 787-780-0885

Haga clic aquí para ver este comunicado en inglés. (Click here to view this release in English.)

(San Juan, Puerto Rico) – La United Steelworkers (USW) anunció hoy una afiliación con la Unión de Empleados Profesionales Independiente (UEPI) que otorga a los trabajadores de la industria de generación de energía de Puerto Rico un poder de negociación aún mayor. 

La USW tiene un sólido historial de ayudar a los trabajadores profesionales y de la industria energética en América del Norte a obtener contratos robustos. Ahora, la USW brindará el mismo apoyo a los miembros de la UEPI que se desempeñan en diversos roles profesionales, incluidos técnico de instrumentos, inspector de construcción e ingeniero civil, en la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE), la empresa de servicios públicos que produce electricidad para Puerto Rico.

La afiliación garantizará que los miembros de la UEPI tengan un espacio en la mesa mientras el gobierno busca privatizar la generación de energía en la isla. 

“Estamos orgullosos de darles la bienvenida a estos trabajadores a nuestra familia sindical”, dijo Del Vitale, director del Distrito 4 de la USW, quien dirige a decenas de miles de miembros de la USW en nueve estados del noreste de Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico.

“Los miembros de la UEPI brindan servicios críticos que mantienen a Puerto Rico en funcionamiento, y se merecen un trato justo y salarios para mantener a sus familias”, agregó Vitale. “Su lucha ahora es la lucha de la USW. Estamos con los miembros de la UEPI en firme solidaridad”. 

La UEPI solicitó la afiliación debido a la representación efectiva de los trabajadores profesionales de la USW, incluidos los trabajadores del gobierno municipal y los medios de comunicación en Puerto Rico, así como la negociación exitosa del sindicato para miembros en las industrias atómica, eléctrica, de gas natural, petrolera, solar y eólica.

“Estamos muy emocionados de lograr la afiliación de nuestro sindicato a la Unión de Trabajadores Siderúrgicos”, dijo Miguel Cruz, presidente de la UEPI. “Sabemos del trabajo que han logrado representando a miles de trabajadores del sector energético. Sin duda, esto será un gran beneficio para nuestra membresía”. 

La USW representa a 850,000 hombres y mujeres empleados en las industrias de metales, minería, papelera, caucho, productos químicos, vidrio, suministro de automóviles y producción de energía, junto con un número creciente de trabajadores en el sector público y de servicios.

Contact: Yaphet Torres, ytorres@usw.org, 787-780-0885

Click here to view this release in Spanish. Haga clic aquí para ver este comunicado en español.

(San Juan, Puerto Rico) – The United Steelworkers (USW) today announced an affiliation with the Unión de Empleados Profesionales Independiente (UEPI) that gives workers in Puerto Rico’s power-generation industry even greater bargaining power.    The USW has a strong record of helping professional and energy-industry workers across North America win strong contracts. Now, the USW will provide the same support to UEPI members who serve in various professional roles, including instrument technician, construction inspector and civil engineer, at the Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE), the utility producing electricity for Puerto Rico.    The affiliation will ensure that UEPI members have a seat at the table as the government looks to privatize power generation on the island.    “We’re proud to welcome these workers into our union family,” said USW District 4 Director Del Vitale, who leads tens of thousands of USW members in nine Northeastern states and Puerto Rico.    “UEPI members provide critical services that keep Puerto Rico functioning, and they’ve earned family-sustaining wages and fair treatment,” added Vitale. “Their fight is now the USW’s fight. We stand with UEPI members in steadfast solidarity.”    UEPI requested the affiliation because of the USW’s effective representation of professional workers, including municipal government and media workers in Puerto Rico, as well as the union’s successful bargaining for members in the atomic, electric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind industries.    “We are very excited to achieve the affiliation of our union with the United Steelworkers,” said Miguel Cruz, president of UEPI. “We know about the work they have achieved representing thousands of workers in the energy sector. Without a doubt, this will be a great benefit for our membership.”    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: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today welcomed the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) unanimous preliminary determination on tin and chromium coated sheet steel products from China and seven other countries.

“USW members know better than anyone how dumping and illegal subsidies jeopardize U.S. jobs, hurt domestic industries and imperil our communities,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “Today’s decision is a step in the right direction toward clamping down on unfairly traded tin products sold in the United States.”

The USW and Cleveland-Cliffs in January filed a countervailing duty (CVD) petition against China and antidumping (AD) petitions against China and seven other countries. The ITC set preliminary antidumping margins ranging from 46.76 percent to 296.04 percent.

“Our members work hard making high-quality products, and they deserve to compete on a level playing field,” Conway said. “Today’s ITC determination provides us with a path forward for workers under siege from dumped and illegally subsidized imports.”

Thousands of USW members make tin mill products 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.

More information, contact: Ron Wilkey (636) 524-1239, rwilkey@usw.org or Tony Montana (412) 562-2592, tmontana@usw.org

Hannibal, Mo. – The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that roughly 100 members of USW Local 11-205 on Wednesday ratified a new, five-year contract with Continental Cement after an eight-day strike over unfair labor practices. 

USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez said that community support, along with the unity of the membership, were key to the union’s success in resolving the issues at the bargaining table.

“Our solidarity was the determining factor that enabled us to fight off the company’s demands at the table for workers to give up their rights and voices over scheduling and other issues,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez. “We owe gratitude to the community for supporting our members and their families during the labor dispute.” 

“With a fair contract now in place, USW members look forward to returning to work with the knowledge that we can accomplish great things together in Hannibal,” Ramirez said. “Continental Cement is lucky to have a dedicated, loyal workforce, and as production resumes, we expect management to treat them with the respect that they have clearly earned and deserve.” 

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 in public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) announced Wednesday that workers at the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site in Philadelphia voted overwhelmingly in favor of union representation in a ballot election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board.

United Steelworkers District 10 Director Bernie Hall said the 65 employees at the museum recognize that a strong union provides everyone with a voice on the job.

“These workers love what they do, and they know having union representation will only make their jobs safer and ensure an even more fulfilling experience for museum visitors,” said Hall.

Workers at the historic prison serve as educators, retail employees, administrative staff, and more. The group decided to organize in order to collectively address health and safety concerns, transparency with scheduling, protections against discrimination, and competitive pay.

“This museum is incredibly important to this city’s history and its future,” said Joshua Lewis, who works at the site as an educator. “We want to make sure its legacy endures.”

The USW will be reaching out to museum management to schedule dates for negotiations.

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: Beth Turnbull, 412-562-2442, bturnbull@usw.org

USW Applauds Reintroduction of PRO Act in U.S. Senate, House

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today joined lawmakers from both houses of Congress to call for the passage of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.

“Too many corporations brazenly trample workers’ rights and get away with it because current penalties are too weak to provide an effective deterrent,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “It is crucial that our leaders in Washington work together to pass the PRO Act so there can finally be real accountability.”

USW members joined U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) as the pro-worker coalition announced the reintroduction of the PRO Act in the House and Senate.

Conway noted that 71 percent of Americans approve of unions, according to a 2022 Gallup poll.

“It’s clear that more and more Americans want unions in their workplaces,” he said. “Passing the PRO Act will provide a much-needed corrective to the assault on workers’ power, ensure workers have a voice on the job, and strengthen their capacity to negotiate for the fair pay and safe working conditions everyone deserves.”

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, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) and Titan International, Inc., today called for restrictions on downstream products made from Russian petroleum inputs, citing in particular concerns over imports of off-the-road (OTR) tires from India.

“The United States and its allies rightly issued sanctions against Russian petroleum after Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “But Russia and Russian producers managed to find ways to utilize producers in third-party countries to continue profiting from exports.

“This not only hurts our Ukrainian allies and prolongs the war, but also undercuts domestic industries as third-country producers leverage access to cheap Russian petroleum inputs to drive down prices on products like tires they export to the United States.”

India was not among the nations to ban imports of Russian oil products, like the carbon black needed for OTR tires, and it now functions as one of Russia’s top export destinations. Russia is also India’s top source for oil imports.

At the same time, exports of Indian OTR tires to the United States jumped by nearly 38 percent compared to the same period in 2021.

“We owe it to workers in both Ukraine and the United States to close this loophole and starve Russia’s war effort once and for all,” Conway said.

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: Ron Wilkey at (636) 524-1239, rwilkey@usw.org OR Tony Montana at (412) 562-2592 or tmontana@usw.org

The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that workers who have been on strike against Continental Cement’s unfair labor practices since Wednesday will rally with the union’s “bat light” projector at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, at the plant entrance.

The USW bat light will return to Hannibal on Sunday to support members of USW Local 11-205, as they contend with Continental Cement breaking the law in management’s drive to force hourly employees to give up their voice over scheduling issues, overtime and cross training.

About 100 members of USW Local 11-205 engaged in a strike against Continental Cement over unfair labor practices on Feb, 22, 2023, and although the previous contract originally expired in May 2022, union employees continued working with and without a formal contract extension while bargaining continued.

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

ATTN ASSIGNMENT/EDITORS: Photo Opportunities, Interviews

WHO:  USW Local 11-205 members and leaders
WHAT:  Rally with bat light to support a fair contract for striking workers at Continental Cement
WHEN:  6:30 p.m., Monday, February 27, 2023.
WHERE:  Plant entrance, 10107 Hwy. 79, Hannibal, Missouri

Contact the USW for information about the bat light schedule for Sunday evening.

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

(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway released the following statement today after the Biden administration announced new tariffs on select Russian metals and inputs and Section 232 relief measures on Russian aluminum:

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Since the initial assault, Russia engaged in heinous attacks on civilians that last week the United States deemed ‘crimes against humanity.’ As a union, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and applaud efforts to quickly end the war.

“Over the past year, our nation, in cooperation with many of our friends and allies, imposed sanctions on Russia to limit materials and capital that support its war against Ukraine. However, Russia and Russian producers continue to profit from exports.

“The United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Secretary of Commerce today announced actions on products ranging from pig iron to steel products, nickel, platinum, copper, lead and others that are designed to erase the benefits Russian producers continue to reap and to starve Russia’s war effort.

“The invasion also had enormous economic consequences here at home. Over the past year, imports of Russian aluminum into the United States spiked by more than 50 percent.

“The sharp increase in energy prices caused by Russia’s actions also hurt producers and resulted in massive layoffs, stifling needed production for our own military and critical infrastructure. This includes contributing to the temporary idling of the last high purity aluminum facility in a NATO country, Century Aluminum’s Hawesville, Kentucky smelter.

“The tariffs authorized by the USTR along with the 232 tariffs announced by the Secretary of Commerce are designed to eliminate Russian aluminum from entering our market directly and through third countries.

“While these important measures will need to be carefully assessed in the coming weeks to ensure their effectiveness, this is a critical step forward.

“The USW worked closely with the Biden administration to limit access to our market in aluminum and other Russian exports. We are deeply appreciative of their engagement and today’s actions. These are important steps not only to fulfill the moral imperative to help Ukraine, but to support America’s workers.”

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: Ron Wilkey, (636) 524-1239, rwilkey@usw.org OR Tony Montana, (412) 562-2592, tmontana@usw.org

The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that roughly 100 members of USW Local 11-205 have engaged in a strike against Continental Cement over unfair labor practices.

Although the previous contract with Continental Cement originally expired in May 2022, union employees continued working with and without a formal contract extension while bargaining continued.

“Negotiations in Hannibal were hindered by management’s unfair demands for workers to give up their voice over scheduling issues, overtime and cross training, as well as its discriminatory terminations of union employees and refusal to provide information needed for bargaining,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez. “Now, Continental Cement’s actions have left workers no other options to make their voices heard than to strike against unfair labor practices.”

“Management needs to get the message that we are committed to fighting for the fair contract that USW members have earned and deserve,” Ramirez said. “It’s time for Continental Cement to obey the law and negotiate with workers in good faith for a fair contract in Hannibal.”

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 in public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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

(Pittsburgh) – The results of today’s Hello Neighbor union vote remain inconclusive as CEO Sloane Davidson continues to interfere with workers’ right to a free and fair union election. 

Workers at Hello Neighbor in January asked Davidson to voluntarily recognize their union and, when she refused, filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). 

USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall said Davidson additionally made this process as difficult and painful as possible for the workers who keep the organization thriving.

“Ms. Davidson could still voluntarily recognize the union, but instead she has spent her time on classic and vicious union-busting tactics. This includes intimidating and even firing workers,” said Hall. “These workers serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They deserve the same thing every worker deserves: a voice on the job.”

The USW filed unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB on Feb. 3 on behalf of several terminated Hello Neighbor employees and continues to provide ongoing support for the workers as they seek to organize. 

The election outcome will be determined pending these decisions at the NLRB.

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

About 60 workers at Carfair Composites Inc. in Anniston, Ala., won union representation on Feb. 6, with 98 percent of eligible workers affirming their decision to become members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The Carfair workers manufacture fiberglass-reinforced polymer components to supply the transportation industry, including for hybrid and electric buses. They chose to join the USW to gain a greater voice in decisions that impact their working conditions, wages and benefits.

“As we look to the jobs of the future, it’s essential that they’re good, family-sustaining union jobs,” said USW District 9 Director Daniel Flippo, who leads the USW’s bargaining and organizing work in Alabama, six other southern states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “The USW is proud to welcome Carfair workers to our union.”

Carfair, a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries, signed a neutrality agreement with the USW last April stating they would not interfere with the union-building process if workers decided they wanted the benefits of collective bargaining.

“Too many employers fight their workers tooth and nail to keep them from exercising their right to organize,” said Flippo. “True neutrality allows workers to make their own choice – and as workers at Carfair overwhelmingly demonstrated, workers want a seat at the table.”    

Carfair has two facilities in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota in addition to its Alabama factory.

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.

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

(Pittsburgh) – USW International President Tom Conway released the following statement in advance of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address tonight: 

“In President Biden’s first two years in office, he demonstrated time and again his deep commitment to building an economy that puts working families first, and his accomplishments so far have reflected that dedication. Tonight, we look forward to hearing the president lay out his plan for the next two years, in which we can work together to build on this progress.

“The president fought for a series of legislative victories – including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act – that led to the creation of more than 11 million jobs, ushered in historically low unemployment rates, and began to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure and supply chains using materials made by American workers.

“Those historic victories will ensure good-paying jobs for millions of American families for a generation. Now, however, President Biden is facing two years with an anti-worker majority in the House of Representatives whose leaders are threatening to drive our growing economy off a cliff in an effort to advance an extreme agenda.

“This far-right agenda could threaten the future of programs like Social Security and Medicare, putting at risk the secure retirements that millions of American workers have earned with their hard work and sacrifice.

“As discussions about the debt ceiling continue, the USW is committed to working with the White House and other pro-worker leaders in Washington, D.C., to ensure that any agreement on spending does not include concessions that would imperil the future of these programs.

“In the past two years, Americans have seen the most pro-worker president of our lifetimes fight, and win, countless times on our behalf. Tonight, as we turn our attention to the future, we are determined to build on the progress we’ve made and to keep fighting for an economy that puts workers first.”

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.

 

For Immediate Release: Fri., Feb. 3, 2023

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

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) stands in support of the workers at Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Hello Neighbor as they face a classic and vicious union-busting campaign.

The dedicated workers who provide top-notch and much-needed services to refugees and immigrants in the community filed a petition last month to form a union and have faced relentless harassment from their employer ever since. Most recently, the CEO terminated three workers, all of whom signed a letter stating their intent to join the USW.

More egregiously, the termination agreement forced them to choose between severance pay and a confidentiality clause, and the ability to bring allegations of unlawful activity to federal and other agencies.

“We’ve seen these types of anti-union tactics before, but it’s even more frustrating to watch an employer, whose supposed mission is to uplift the community, tear down their own workers,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who coordinates bargaining throughout the state of Pennsylvania. “Firing employees and taking staff away from refugees and immigrants who need and deserve help and resources does nothing to help anyone.

“We urge CEO Sloane Davidson and the Hello Neighbor board to reinstate the terminated workers and respect their right to organize.”

The USW has filed unfair labor practice charges today through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

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

The United Steelworkers (USW) union released the following statement in honor of Black History Month:

Black history is American history. Honoring that heritage is crucial to ensuring our nation moves forward on a path toward justice, not judgment; toward truth, not tyranny.

The recent fatal beating of Tyre Nichols is a stark and brutal reminder that we have a long way to go on this journey, and we in the labor movement must do our part to correct the course. We must have open and courageous conversations with each other, with our neighbors, our friends and our foes.

This Black History Month, let us remember that we must first see wounds in order to heal them.

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.