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Logan Regional Medical Center Workers Vote to Join USW For Immediate Release: November 22, 2024 Contact: Jenn Wood, [email protected], 412-562-1160 LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA – Nearly 300 Logan Regional Medical Center workers voted yesterday by an overwhelming majority to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union. The newly unionized workers at the 132-bed acute care facility in Logan, W. Va., include registered nurses, nursing assistants, patient care technicians, phlebotomists, pharmacy technicians, respiratory therapists, patient transporters, unit secretaries, and others. Workers began organizing nearly a year ago, fueled by their shared desire for staffing levels that will enable them to continue to provide their patients with the highest quality of care. Unionizing will provide them with the opportunity to bargain over equitable wages and fair seniority policies, have a voice on the job, collaborate more closely with management, and enhance workplace transparency. “With our victory, we’ve shown the hospital, the community, and ourselves what it means to stand together and fight for what’s right,” said Canaan Varney, a registered nurse at Logan Regional Medical Center. “This isn’t just a win; it’s a turning point. Now that we’re unionized, we expect change. We expect fair wages for our work and a voice in the decisions that impact our lives and our community. This victory is about more than us; it’s about the patients we serve and the community we love. Together, we’re building something better, and I couldn’t be prouder to stand with all of my coworkers as we take this next step forward.” “Our union is thrilled to welcome the dedicated workers of Logan Regional Medical Center to the United Steelworkers,” said USW District 8 Director Larry Ray. “These new members work around the clock to care for the small, tight-knit community of Logan, serving their neighbors, family, and friends in some of the most complex and challenging moments of their lives. By forming their union, Logan Regional Medical Center workers have taken a critical next step in their ability to do their jobs with excellence, retain talented health care workers, and provide exceptional care to their community for years to come.” The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech, and service occupations. ### — Nov 22
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USW Slams Sumitomo Decision to Close Tonawanda Plant Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, [email protected], 412-562-2444 Pittsburgh – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today condemned Sumitomo Tire’s decision to shutter its Tonawanda, N.Y., facility, costing 1,200 USW members their jobs. USW District 4 Director Dave Wasiura, who represents workers in New York and eight other Northeastern states, expressed his deep disappointment in Sumitomo management and urged it to find a better solution than the abrupt closure. “Our union has partnered with Sumitomo for years, helping to secure investments, as together we’ve navigated the ups and downs of the tire industry. That management went straight to enacting this extreme measure without coming to us is nothing short of a betrayal of its highly-skilled, dedicated workforce.” Wasiura said the impacts of the decision will also ripple far beyond the plant itself. “Sumitomo’s decision to wipe out these good, union jobs is devastating, not just for workers but for the entire community that they help support.” Sumitomo management informed the union of its decision late Nov. 6 and will cease operations effective Nov. 11. The USW represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations. ### — Nov 7
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USW Statement on 2024 Election Results Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, [email protected], 412-562-2444 Pittsburgh – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement in response to the Nov. 5 election: “The American people have spoken, and the USW will respect and honor the electoral process and the Constitution of the United States. “Unfortunately, one of the great tragedies of this grueling election season has been the way in which key figures sought to divide working Americans against each other, be it along the lines of gender, race, occupation or country of origin. Now more than ever, Americans must come together for the benefit of our representative democracy. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration we have made huge strides on behalf of workers, standing up for retirement security, making health care more affordable, overseeing historic investments in our critical infrastructure and instituting a long-needed industrial policy to build out our manufacturing base. “We must defend these historic victories, and will not rest until they reach their full potential. We will work tirelessly until all workers have fair wages and strong benefits, until everyone can come home safely from their jobs, until our supply chains are robust and resilient enough that we can withstand the next global disruption. “Our union is intent on moving forward in a way that heals our divides rather than inflames them, and the USW will do its best to work with the Trump administration in the best interests of our members and their families. “But we will not allow the billionaire class to run roughshod over workers’ rights, outsource jobs and call it fair trade or institute tax policies that mortgage our collective future for the benefit of the already wealthy few. “Our mission remains the same regardless of who occupies the White House or the halls of Congress: to fight for working people.” The USW represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations. ### — Nov 6
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Workers at Squirrel Hill Health Center Vote to Join USW For Immediate Release: October 31, 2024 Contact: Jenn Wood, [email protected], 412-562-1160 PITTSBURGH – Nearly 80 Squirrel Hill Health Center workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, citing their desire to better advocate for their patients, collaborate more closely with their administration, seek equitable wages and benefits, and have a voice on the job. The newly unionized workers serve as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, medical and dental assistants, therapists, patient advocates, community health workers, billing specialists, front desk staff, and more across the Center’s four Pittsburgh-area locations in Squirrel Hill, Brentwood, Bellevue, and Turtle Creek. Workers started organizing in May of 2024, driven by their shared commitment to providing the highest-quality, most compassionate care to the vulnerable populations they serve. “My coworkers and I organized because being able to care for ourselves helps us provide our patients with the exceptional care they deserve,” said Tiahna Flannigan, a patient advocate at the Squirrel Hill Health Center. “Having a union will enable us to be seen and heard when it comes to our working conditions so we can continue to do right by the patients we serve.” Squirrel Hill Health Center workers serve a diverse patient population, including many immigrants, refugees, and uninsured and underinsured patients. The Center provides primary care, dental, OB/GYN, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and social services for patients. “Our union is proud to welcome the hardworking employees of the Squirrel Hill Health Center who work day in and day out to provide comprehensive care to some of our most sensitive patient populations,” said Cathy Drummond, chair of the USW Health Care Workers Council. “Together, we will ensure that every worker has the resources and support they need so that the Squirrel Hill Health Center remains a leader in providing essential care for our community.” Ballots were mailed to workers on October 17 and were counted today, October 31. The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech, and service occupations. ### — Oct 31
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USW Welcomes Treasury’s Final Rules Expanding Domestic Manufacturing Base Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, [email protected], 412-562-2444 Pittsburgh – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement welcoming the Treasury Department’s final rules for the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, which will help drive investments in key domestic industries: “This groundbreaking manufacturing tax credit has been essential in harnessing the momentum of the Inflation Reduction Act as we expand our critical mineral and clean energy supply chains. “The rules the Treasury Department announced today will further ensure than we are growing our manufacturing base and creating good jobs as we build out the energy technologies and industries we’ll need to carry us into the future. “In particular, we applaud the Biden-Harris administration for its inclusion of materials and extraction costs, a top priority for USW members. “As we seek to meet the full range of our needs when it comes to industries like solar, wind, batteries and more, we will need the responsibly mined minerals our members provide more than ever. “These final rules will help companies make crucial investments, and we look forward to working with employers across the clean energy supply chain to utilize these credits and build stronger, healthier communities.” The USW represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations. ### — Oct 24