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Biden Supports Steelworkers as USW Continues Opposition to Proposed USS-Nippon Deal Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, (412) 562-2444, [email protected] (PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall today issued the following statement as workers continue to fight to enforce their contracts with U.S. Steel and protect the domestic steel industry: “Steel is vital to our national security and critical infrastructure, and USW members are proud to manufacture some of the highest quality products in the world. “Unfortunately, the proposed sale agreement between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel puts our members’ and our nation’s interests in jeopardy. “Today we received personal assurances that President Joe Biden has our backs. He’s always been a friend to the American worker and our union, and we’re grateful he’s taking an interest in this matter. “It’s essential that we continue to safeguard our domestic steelmaking capacity, and we appreciate the president’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing our critical supply chains and rebuilding our nation’s economic strength.” 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. — Feb 2
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USW on Black History Month: We must all take action to ensure the survival of our democracy Contact: Chelsey Engel, [email protected], 412-212-8173 (Pittsburgh) -- USW International President Dave McCall and Vice President of Human Affairs Kevin Mapp issued the following statement in honor of Black History Month: “Black History Month is observed every February to recognize the many contributions Black Americans have made to our country’s culture and progress. But it is vital to remember that honoring Black history also requires fighting for a just future. “Now, more than ever, the labor movement must be proactive in the battle against extremist attempts to thrust our country backward in time. “We encourage USW activists to get involved in securing our democracy by joining voter outreach programs, volunteering at the polls, and educating our communities about issues impacting Black workers and families. “We also invite all union members to attend this year’s USW Civil and Human Rights Conference, which will be held in Detroit, Mich., on June 9-12. We must all play our part in ensuring the survival of our values of equality, freedom, and dignity for all.” The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations. — Feb 1
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USW Congratulates Goodyear Workers, U.S. Lawmakers on Union Victory in Mexico Contact: Ben Davis, 412-562-2501, [email protected] (Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today congratulated the Independent Union of Workers of Goodyear Mexico (SITGM) in San Luis Potosí on their successful negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement that brings their members under the coverage of Mexico’s industry-wide contract (contrato ley). The contract will significantly increase wages, benefits and job security for the workers, who had been illegally excluded from the industry-wide contract since the plant opened in 2018. “Fair contracts and a strong, democratically elected labor movement in Mexico benefit workers across North America,” said USW Vice President Emil Ramirez, who leads USW bargaining with Goodyear. “This deal will help close the gap between USW members and their Mexican counterparts, slowing the race to the bottom on wages and working conditions that hurts us all.” After the company-installed CTM union was caught on security cameras stealing a ballot box in a previous vote, Goodyear was forced to negotiate with the SITGM as a result of a complaint filed under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This led to an election in August that the Independent Union won by a vote of 899-30. “The USW thanks the members of Congress who supported Goodyear workers in Mexico over the past six years and in particular Sen. Sherrod Brown, who worked tirelessly on their behalf,” said USW Rubber and Plastics Industry Conference Chair Kevin Johnsen. “We also appreciate the Biden administration’s hard work on this case, especially the leadership and staff of the United States Department of Labor and the Office of the United States Trade Representative, as well as the actions of Mexican authorities who contributed to a positive outcome.” 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. — Jan 24
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USW Members Ratify Contract with Tecnocap after Weathering Numerous Violations of Federal Labor Law CONTACT: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, [email protected] (Wheeling, W.Va.) – Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 152M this week ratified a 2-year collective bargaining agreement with Tecnocap that raises wages, increases pension contributions, creates safeguards for workers and provides other improvements. The deal comes more than four years after the approximately 50 workers’ previous contract expired. In that time, Tecnocap, a manufacturer of metal closures, committed serious violations of federal labor law, such that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) this August went so far as to condemn the company as a repeat offender. USW District 8 Director Larry Ray, who represents workers in West Virginia and three other nearby states, credited the win to the strength and solidarity of the members. “It’s clear that Tecnocap had every intention of trying to break our resolve and force a deeply concessionary contract down our throats,” Ray said, “but we remained united, and ultimately we prevailed.” Over the course of negotiations, the union was forced to file more than 50 unfair labor practice charges. Tecnocap’s illegal actions included unilaterally cutting employee health insurance and forcing employees to work 12-hour shifts. “This battle was hard-fought,” said Ray, “but we beat back the company’s unreasonable demands and proved once again that we are most powerful when we stand together.” 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. — Dec 22
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USW Backs White House Call for ‘Serious Scrutiny’ of Nippon - U.S. Steel Agreement CONTACT: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, [email protected] (Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement today after White House National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard said Nippon Steel’s bid to buy U.S. Steel deserves “serious scrutiny”: “The USW welcomes Brainard’s statement and the administration’s assessment that the announced sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese-owned Nippon Steel deserves ’serious scrutiny’ to determine its larger implications for our national security and critical supply chains. “Our union shares many of the concerns expressed in today’s White House statement, including how this deal may impact the future of domestic steel production. “Brainard also rightly highlighted the continuing role that the steel industry and its workforce play in safeguarding our nation, and we agree that our nation’s security interests must remain paramount. “U.S. Steel has made it clear, time and again, that its first and only priority is short-term financial gain for shareholders, even if this comes at the expense of workers, their communities and the nation’s lasting capacity to continue meeting its manufacturing needs. “The USW appreciates that the White House is taking a larger view, demonstrating once again the president’s unwavering commitment to domestic workers and industries.” 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. — Dec 21
United Steelworkers Press Releases Feed
- Biden Supports Steelworkers as USW Continues Opposition to Proposed USS-Nippon Deal
- USW on Black History Month: We must all take action to ensure the survival of our democracy
- USW Congratulates Goodyear Workers, U.S. Lawmakers on Union Victory in Mexico
- USW Members Ratify Contract with Tecnocap after Weathering Numerous Violations of Federal Labor Law
- USW Backs White House Call for ‘Serious Scrutiny’ of Nippon - U.S. Steel Agreement