-
Local 14300’s Reagan Benge discovers newfound confidence at District 8 Women’s Conference Reagan Benge has worked as a material handler at Jackson Warewashing Systems in Gray, Kent., for three years and has been wanting to get more involved with Local 14300. She knew the USW District 8 Women of Steel Conference this past August was a great way to do just that. “Our local’s Women of Steel Chair invited me, and at first, I was a little on edge because I’m pretty shy,” Benge said. “But then I got to learn from other sisters and hear about their experiences, and it really inspired me.” Benge’s favorite part of the conference – the District’s first of its kind – was learning about the history of labor and all the sacrifices workers made to grow and strengthen the movement. She’s now ready to help build her local’s Women of Steel committee, which already is well on their way with organizing luncheon fundraisers for workers in need. “It’s changed the whole factory completely,” said Benge. “It’s building solidarity.” Benge is also grateful to have a union job because of the camaraderie that has given her a newfound confidence. “I feel like I have a backbone now,” she said. “I know my union will have my back.” One thing Benge is looking forward to is getting more women at the 200-member facility involved and even potentially running for local union office. In the meantime, when Benge isn’t at the factory or fundraising with her USW siblings, she loves to work on her Mustang and compete in drag racing competitions. Her advice to other women who want to get involved in their union but feel too nervous to start? “If you get the chance, you should definitely take the risk and step up,” Benge said. “If you don’t, nothing will change.” — Sep 20
-
Rapid Response Info Alert: Steelworkers, We Need You This Thursday in Ohio! Stand Up for Aluminum Extrusion Jobs USW members know firsthand that U.S. workers can compete with anyone when the playing field is level. However, in a global economy, we have to fight to ensure that workers are protected from unfair trade practices. That is why, October 25, 2023, alongside the U.S. Aluminum Extruders Coalition (http://usw.to/4YL), USW filed a trade case (http://usw.to/4Z4) regarding unfair aluminum extrusion imports from several countries that have harmed domestic workers and producers. These imports, sold at unfairly low prices, have led to reduced shifts, workforce downsizing, and idled extrusion presses across the country. Our union is committed to advocating for fair trade practices and supporting the ongoing investigations to safeguard this vital industry. For more information about the ongoing trade case, please visit the U.S. Aluminum Extruders Coalition (http://usw.to/4YL) website or read this article (http://usw.to/4Z5) co-authored by, USW International President David McCall. The final determinations regarding our petition will be made by the end of fall 2024. To prepare for the final sprint, USW District 1 is hosting Senator Sherrod Brown, who has been a supporter of this trade case since filing, to discuss the importance of the aluminum extrusion industry in Ohio and our nation’s trade enforcement laws. All USW Members are welcome to attend! Details for Event with Senator Sherrod Brown DATE: Thursday, August 29, 2024 TIME: 10:45am (EST) LOCATION: USW Local 1375 684 North Park Avenue Warren, OH 44483 Although an RSVP is not required, it is helpful for us. Please send an email to District 1 Rapid Response Coordinator, Sue Browne at [email protected], if you plan to join. — Aug 27
-
Rapid Response Feedback Report: Thank You, Indiana Steelworkers! With your help, our veterans’ bill has been signed into law. For the last four years, the USW has been championing legislation across the country that requires a standardized workplace posting that includes basic information about benefits to which veterans are entitled and a way to learn more about programs designed to help them. Here's what is included: • Free advocacy and assistance through the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Crisis Line • Federal disability compensation and other VA benefits • Educational opportunities • Assistance with substance abuse and other forms of addiction • Available tax exemptions and credits • Armed Forces Designation on IN driver license or ID card • Employment and re-employment rights • Pro bono legal services • Information for constituency groups like African American and LGBTQ+ Veterans Groups Our veterans often return to civilian life after serving our nation without guidance on how to receive the benefits their service entitles them. This legislation brings us one step closer to making sure their sacrifice is properly honored. We are so happy to share our bill passed the Senate and Assembly unanimously (http://usw.to/511) and has been signed into law in Indiana! (http://usw.to/512) This was done through the hard work of our Veterans of Steel siblings and USW members who support them through our lobbying efforts. We will continue to push for the same legislation in every state across the country. These efforts help to ease the transition back into civilian life and ensure that families and communities are supported after giving selflessly for our country. — Aug 27
-
Health Care Workers Dive into Tailored Programming at 2024 Health, Safety and Environment Conference Dozens of health care workers from districts across the union sharpened their skills and shared their stories last week at the 2024 Health, Safety and Environment Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa.Dietary workers, paramedics, pharmaceutical workers, CNAs, LPNs, and others participated in a full day of customized health care programming on Wednesday. In a first-of-its-kind offering, health care workers discussed how new technologies impact workers and patients alike in a session titled Technology in Health Care: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Sensors, and More. Members shared their experiences with robots that deliver food to patients, electronic welcome screens and kiosks, and automated call-backs for patients. While AI and new technologies will continue to impact USW workplaces, the union provides avenues to address issues and respond proactively at the bargaining table and beyond. “We’ve been down this road before as Steelworkers,” said Tamara Lefcowitz, course facilitator and coordinator for the Health Care Workers Council. “We’ve been dealing with new technologies and automation for 80 years. The biggest weapon that we have is a seat at the table.”Health care members of all stripes also benefited from workshops like Ergonomics in Health Care: Safe Patient Handling and Office Equipment, which reviewed ergonomic hazards unique to patient care and office work. Lisa Baum, an Occupational Health and Safety Representative for the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and a member of USW Local 9544, and Micki Siegel de Hernandez, the Communication Workers of America’s (CWA) National Deputy Director for Occupational Safety and Health facilitated the course. The workshop also featured a hands-on presentation of safe patient handling equipment and a practice computer workstation. Equipment specialists were available to answer specific questions.Wednesday’s programming concluded with Mental Health for Health Care Workers, a panel discussion examining the taxing nature of caregiving and how the union can help. The panel had several important takeaways for Elaine Stewart, a personal support worker from Local 8300 in Toronto.“Mental health impacts all of us in some way,” said Elaine. “As a union steward and member of my local’s health and safety committee, I feel like I will be better able to serve my coworkers if someone calls me needing help or support.” The health care track at this year’s conference was made possible by the USW Health Care Workers Council, the USW Health, Safety, and Environment Department, the Tony Mazzocchi Center, the Education and Membership Development Department, and the union’s Legislative and Policy Department. — Aug 27
-
FROM USW@WORK: Union Members Serve Up Pyrex Glassware When Heather Roberts travels outside of her small hometown of Charleroi, Pa., and tells people where she is from, more often than not, they recognize that it also is home to Pyrex, the iconic heat- and shatter-resistant glassware that has been a staple in American kitchens for generations. Roberts is president of Local 53G, which includes more than 260 workers who produce the glass storage and mixing bowls, measuring cups and baking dishes for which the Pyrex brand has been known for more than a century. “We take a lot of pride in what we do,” Roberts said of herself and her co-workers, which over the years have included her husband, mother, father-in-law, sister and numerous other relatives and neighbors. Members of Local 53G make the well-known glassware while, about 150 miles to the east, in Greencastle, Pa., members of Local 1024 process and manage online orders and distribution of the products. Roberts has worked at the factory for 17 years, and in 2015, she joined her co-workers and the town (population 4,200) in celebrating the brand’s 100th birthday. In honor of the centennial, Charleroi renamed itself Pyrex, Pa., for 100 days and held a large-scale celebration with a giant measuring cup as the centerpiece. When she and her fellow Women of Steel engage in their regular community outreach efforts, Roberts said, they often encounter residents who identify closely with the Pyrex brand, even if they never worked at the factory. When the company holds occasional public sales in town, lines stretch out the door, Roberts said. “People come from everywhere,” she said. For More Information: Visit corelle.com/pages/pyrex. #USWMade is a feature focusing on products made by USW members that consumers can purchase in stores or online. Follow the #USWMade hashtag on social media and check out the #USWMade playlist on YouTube to learn about other products made by USW members. If your local makes a product that you would like to feature in USW@Work, send an email to: [email protected]. — Aug 21
United Steelworkers Press Releases Feed
- Local 14300’s Reagan Benge discovers newfound confidence at District 8 Women’s Conference
- Rapid Response Info Alert: Steelworkers, We Need You This Thursday in Ohio!
- Rapid Response Feedback Report: Thank You, Indiana Steelworkers!
- Health Care Workers Dive into Tailored Programming at 2024 Health, Safety and Environment Conference
- FROM USW@WORK: Union Members Serve Up Pyrex Glassware