About USW Local 983
USW LOCAL 983 · AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
United. Informed. Strong.
USW Local 983 represents members at Clearwater Paper in Augusta, Georgia. We are part of the United Steelworkers and USW District 9, connecting Local 983 members with the experience, education and support of a larger international union while keeping workplace representation rooted in our local membership.
Our work includes representing members, enforcing the collective bargaining agreement, addressing grievances, advancing workplace safety, sharing reliable information and building member participation.
Solidarity · Respect · Unity · Strength
REPRESENTATION STARTS WITH MEMBERSHIP
The membership is the union
Local 983 is strongest when members stay informed, attend meetings, raise concerns early, support one another and participate in the decisions and activities of the local. Officers, stewards and committee persons serve the membership, but effective representation depends on members sharing facts, meeting deadlines and taking part.
FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE MEETINGS & EVENTS
HOW LOCAL 983 WORKS
A member-led structure
Membership
Members are the foundation of Local 983. Members elect local officers, participate in meetings, raise workplace issues, vote when local-union action requires a membership decision, and hold the union accountable to its governing documents and democratic process.
Executive Board
The elected Executive Board helps conduct local-union business and carry out responsibilities under the USW Constitution, Local 983 bylaws, membership decisions and other governing requirements. The Executive Board does not replace the membership or frontline workplace representation.
Stewards and Committee Persons
Stewards and committee persons are frontline union representatives. They listen to member concerns, help gather facts, support early problem solving, assist with contract enforcement and connect members with the appropriate grievance or local-union process.
Grievance Committee
The Grievance Committee helps review, investigate and coordinate grievance matters so contractual issues are handled consistently. Exact grievance steps, time limits and authority come from the Local 983 CBA, bylaws and applicable procedures—not from a general website description.
Membership Meetings
Membership meetings give members a place to receive updates, ask questions, discuss union business and participate in decisions as provided by the local’s governing rules. Regular attendance helps prevent rumors and keeps representation connected to member priorities.
Local Union Committees
The Grievance Committee is currently Local 983’s only confirmed formal committee. It helps review, investigate and coordinate grievance matters under the CBA and established union procedures. Local 983 is also working toward formally establishing a Local Union Women’s Committee through Women of Steel, but it is not yet described as an established committee. Other committees will not be listed as official unless they are formally confirmed.
WHY BEING UNION MATTERS
The union difference
VOICE ON THE JOB
Collective bargaining gives workers a structured voice in wages, hours and working conditions. Members can raise shared concerns together and enforce the agreement through established union processes.
WAGES & BENEFITS
A union contract makes negotiated compensation and benefits part of an enforceable agreement rather than relying only on unilateral promises. The exact wages, premiums and benefits for Local 983 members are found in the executed CBA and related documents.
SAFER WORKPLACES
Union representation helps members identify hazards, raise concerns collectively, obtain information and training, and use contractual or legal safety processes without facing the issue alone.
JOB SECURITY & DUE PROCESS
A negotiated agreement can establish standards and procedures for discipline, seniority, job bidding, grievances and workplace disputes. Local 983 members should rely on the actual agreement for the exact protection and deadline.
AFL-CIO: WHAT UNIONS DO AFL-CIO: CURRENT UNION FACTS
SAFETY, RIGHTS AND RESPECT
Representation beyond a single issue
Local 983 works to support safe working conditions, fair treatment, workplace dignity and meaningful enforcement of the agreement. Jason Chasm is the confirmed Local 983 safety contact. Members should contact Jason or the appropriate department representative promptly when a concern involves safety, possible discipline, a grievance deadline, leave, discrimination or another time-sensitive issue.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS SAFETY & HEALTH UNION CONTRACT
CONNECTED BEYOND OUR MILL
Labor community resources
United Steelworkers
International union news, education, campaigns and member resources.
USW District 9
District support and connection for Steelworker locals across the southeastern United States.
Georgia AFL-CIO
The state labor federation connects affiliated unions and working people across Georgia.
Augusta/East Georgia Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
The verified Augusta-area central labor council provides a local connection to the broader labor movement.
VISIT THE AUGUSTA/EAST GEORGIA CLC
AFL-CIO
National resources on collective bargaining, worker rights and the union difference.
OUR UNION. OUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE.
There is a place for every member to participate
Participation can begin with attending a meeting, learning the contract, joining a committee, completing a training, helping a coworker find reliable information or sharing an issue with the right representative.