About USW

 The United Steelworkers (USW) is the largest industrial labor union in North America, representing over 1.2 million active members and retirees across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. The USW principle is to unite in one organization, regardless of gender, ethnic group, age, sexual preference, political or religious beliefs. To increase wages, improve working conditions, and equality for all since the 1930’s. 

A little background of our Union. On June 17, 1936 the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC) was formed. March 7, 1937 the SWOC union signed their first contract with Carnegie-Illinois steel for $5.00 a day wages and benefits. Other steel mills wanted Union contracts. The majority of the mills were empty after the massive walkout on May 26 1937 and unable to continue production. However, two Republic Steel mills in Youngstown, Ohio and the Southside of Chicago remained open. May 1937 known as "The Memorial Day Massacre" or "Little Steel" strike. The company was SCABBING. A peaceful protest march to the plant in Chicago was planned. Police opened fire and used clubs to beat men and women as a result 10 protesters were dead and more than 100 protesters injured.

May 22, 1942 Delegates to SWOC convention in Cleveland United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and elected Phillip Murray as the first USWA president. June 30, 1942 Amalgamated Associations of iron, steel and tin workers merge with USWA. Then on June 30, 1942 the Aluminum Workers of America merge with USWA. October 2, 1946 In Hamilton, Ontario win strike for union recognition at Steel Company of Canada (now Stelco) that had more than 1,000 scabs. This establish the USWA as the predominant union in Hamilton, Ontario. October 31, 1949 USWA wins the first company funded pension plan for the workers in a collective bargaining contract with Bethlehem Steel.