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

  • USW Activists on the Ballot in Texas

    Two Steelworkers in Texas are working hard to take the fight for workers’ rights to the next level by running for statewide office in the March 3 primary election.   Marcos Velez, a member of Loc... —

  • Co-op U Manual Available for Free Digital Download

    USW members at Co-op Cincy authored a Co-op U Manual, a practical guide to building and strengthening worker-owned cooperatives.   This free guide, which includes exercises, tools,... —

  • Modest Relief, Mounting Costs for America’s Seniors

    By Robert Roach, Jr. This year will be a mixed bag for older Americans in terms of affordability. At the pharmacy counter, many seniors will finally see real relief. Prices will drop this year for 10... —

  • New Contract at Libbey Glass

    USW members who work at Libbey Glass in Toledo, Ohio, voted overwhelmingly in February 2026 to ratify a new contract, ending an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike that stretched more than five months... —

  • SOAR President Bill Pienta Says Goodbye

    At the December IEB meeting, USW President David McCall announced my pending resignation as President of SOAR, effective March 1. He also announced that, under the SOAR constitution, he has the respon... —

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!