Who are we?
We are the Local 2-987 United Steelworkers union working with Sun Chemical in Muskegon, Michigan. We are North America’s largest industrial union with over 1.2 million members and retirees in the United States, Canada, and Caribbean combined. We follow the same 8 founding principles from 1942 that help us stay on the path for a better workplace:
To unite in one organization, regardless of creed, color or nationality, all workers eligible for membership.
To increase the wages, and improve the conditions of employment of our members by legislation, joint agreements or other legitimate means.
To endeavor to obtain by joint negotiation or legislative enactment a six-hour day and five-day week.
To strive for a minimum wage scale for all members of our organization.
To provide for the education of our children by lawfully prohibiting their employment until they have reached eighteen years of age.
To secure equitable statutory old-age pension, workman’s compensation and unemployment insurance laws.
To enforce existing just laws and to secure the repeal of those which are unjust.
To secure by legislative enactment, laws protecting the limbs, lives and health of our members (laws) establishing our right to organize; (laws) preventing the employment of privately armed guards during labor disputes and such other legislation as will be beneficial.
How to Join?
If you're interested in becoming a steward or just stay involved, the first step is always to participate in meetings! We encourage every single member, new or experienced, to come to the monthly meeting at the CIO Hall, located at 490 w western ave, Muskegon, Mi, 49440. If you are interested in learning about becoming a steward or safety representative, talk to your shift steward or comittee member for more information.
What have we Accomplished?
The USW have successfully negotiated contracts for improved working conditions, safer workplaces, reduced exposure to hazardous materials, and improved safety protocols. We have negotiated fair wages, benefits, and economical security for workers and their families. We also offer a pension plan which we have protected since the very beginning of the USW committee. For more information on what we are currently fighting for you can click on our union meetings tab.
Our Leaders
John Nichols: Union President
Ray Collins:Vice President
Brent Shaffer: Chief Steward
Ray Papracki: Financial Secretary
Warren Randall: Recording Secretary
Trustees: John Livingston. Ned Austin. Dave Gilleo.
A shift steward: Dan Klemp
B shift steward: Kevin Billings
C shift steward: Brett Ames
D shift steward: Tony Alviar
Every union member has the right to utilize their Weingarten Rights if they feel they have a need for representation, and they read as follows. “If this interview could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer or steward be present at this meeting. Until my representative arrives, I choose not to participate in this discussion.”