Local 897

The USW was established May 22, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, through the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) by a convention of representatives from the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers and the Steel Workers Organizing Committee, after almost six years of divisive struggles to create a new union of steelworkers. The founder and first president of the USW, Philip Murray, led the union through its first organizing drives and dangerous first decade, when the workers of USW went on strike several times to win the right to bargain collectively with steel companies. Through collective bargaining they secured higher wages and paid vacations.

 

shop floor moves

Rapid Response News

Rapid Response, our union’s nonpartisan grassroots activist program, provides an opportunity for every USW member to weigh in on legislation concerning labor and work-related issues. By joining together, we encourage government actions that will positively impact our families, contracts and communities. Learn more!

Rapid Response News

Union Plus Benefits

Did you know your USW membership entitles you to discounts on wireless, car rentals, movie tickets, car insurance and more? Visit the Union Plus website to view current discounts and programs.

Union Plus Benefits
Rally

What is a Union?

A union is a group of people working together to advance their interests in the workplace through collective action and collective bargaining.

Bargaining Basis

Bargaining Basics

Information on what it means to collectively bargain and how your involvement can help win fair contracts.

The Difference

The Union Difference

Unions allow us to speak with one voice to address the things most important to us on the job and build power for working people.

Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights

Most private sector employees have the right to organize under the National Labor Relations Act.

USW National News

  • Info Alert: 2026 Missouri Ballot Measures Pose Threat to Worker’s Rights!

    On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Missouri voters will head to the polls to participate in the state’s primary election and vote on two proposed constitutional amendments that could have lasting impacts on... —

  • Sojourn 250 Flag at USW Headquarters

    A historic U.S. flag made a stop at USW headquarters on July 1 as part of the National Flag Foundation’s “Flag Sojourn 250.”  Before its arrival in Pittsburgh, the flag was on... —

  • USW History Part of Flag Display

    A piece of USW history will be on display at a Seattle museum this year as part of an exhibit honoring the history of the American flag.   Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry is marking... —

  • Oil Workers Reach New Deal

    Four-Year Contract Raises Wages, Standards Across Industry USW leaders in the oil industry reached agreement in February on a new contract that will cover more than 30,000 workers in the oil and petro... —

  • Co-Op Federation Workers Join the USW

    Staff members of the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC) became the newest members of USW Local 9007 this spring when they voted to ratify their first contract.  Fo... —

Get Involved!

As USW members, advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. We push for pro-worker policies, and we give back to our communities. We keep each other safe, and we lift up each other’s voices. So whether you’re a seasoned veteran or an emerging activist, there’s a place for you to get more involved.

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Get Involved!