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

  • Ahlstrom Paper Workers Join USW

    In his 20 years of work as a union roofer, Hamlet Hernandez learned the difference that a union makes, not only through improved wages and benefits, but also in scheduling, health and safety, and othe... —

  • Rapid Response Turns 30

    In 1995, workers saw a shifting political landscape in Washington, D.C. The North American Free Trade Agreement had taken effect a year earlier, and the 1994 elections saw an anti-worker majority take... —

  • From the SOAR President: Don’t be Fooled by the Smoke Screens

    Having just returned from the SOAR Conference and USW Convention, I could easily write an article that would fill many pages, but I will focus on a few critical issues that are important to us. At the... —

  • From the SOAR Director: Social Security Changes Fuel Concern Among Recipients, Advocates

    In recent months, Social Security recipients and their advocates have been voicing concerns about the Trump administration’s plan to gut more than 7,000 jobs across the Social Security Administration... —

  • Shipbuilding Case Gains Steam

    Plan Helps Chart Course to Revitalizing Domestic Industry The USW-led petition aimed at reviving domestic shipbuilding got a boost this spring when the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released a plan... —

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.

Learn More

Get Involved!