We are the United Steelworkers, North America’s largest industrial union. We’re 1.2 million members and retirees strong in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. We proudly represent men and women who work in nearly every industry there is.
There are some important developments happening in Washington that are good news for Local 8888 members. Hazard pay for shipyard workers is in the Hero Act recently passed by the House of Representatives and sent to the U.S. Senate. The hazard pay measure is included in a $200 billion fund to support premium pay for essential frontline workers in the private sector who are sustaining their communities and the economy during this pandemic.
This critical provision, which Local 8888 lobbied hard for and Rep. Bobby Scott fought tirelessly to be included in the House bill, provides $13 per hour premium pay on top of regular wages, up to $10,000 to frontline workers in designated categories, including longshore and shipyard workers.
Getting this money in the Hero Act has been main priority for Local 8888 President Charles Spivey for the past 6 weeks or longer. "I cannot thank Rep. Scott enough for getting his colleagues in the House to recognize the full value of workers considered 'essential,' like shipbuilders in Newport News. He nearly gave blood to make sure we are compensated for the risks we’re exposed to on the job. So please contact his office and let him know how much you appreciate his loyalty and leadership. [757-380-1000]," he said.
But the fate of the Hero Act and your hazard pay is now in the hands of Mitch McConnell and his Republican majority in the U.S. Senate. McConnell, however, has thrown up a major roadblock. He says he won’t do a deal with Senate Democrats unless they agree to shield big companies from liability if their workers contract the coronavirus.
It’s a shame McConnell and other senators would hold your hazard pay hostage to favors for big business. Well, it’s time for YOU to act! Tell him to put frontline workers first and pass the Hero Act.
Let Mitch know you need your hazard pay NOW! [202-224-2541]
With your active support and our great lobbying team in Washington, we will continue to fight every day for your hazard pay and respect for your sacrifice.
Food Distribution next Saturday at the union hall of UFCW 1167 on May 23rd in Bloomington. Starts at 9am, but if you want to volunteer, please show up at 8am. The boxes of food will be distributed until the they are gone. They will have some really good food!! Please share, you never know who may be in need during these trying times.
+
Food Distribution next Saturday at the union hall of UFCW 1167 on May 23rd in Bloomington. Starts at 9am, but if you want to volunteer, please show up at 7am for the first shift or 11am for the second shift (lunch will be provided for the volunteers). The boxes of food will be distributed until the they are gone. They will have some really good food!! Please share, you never know who may be in need during these trying times.
On May 13, 2020, the USW announced its endorsement of Joe Biden for President. You can follow the link to watch a video from International President Tom Conway, explaining the process for this endorsement. You can also see the answers that Biden gave to USW's Candidate Questionairre. Donald Trump was offered the opportunity to provide answers as well, and did not return the questionairre.
Additonally, if you speak with other members please encourage them to sign up for our text program, check the Union website weekly, or if they are unable to do either, reach out to me for updates.
Additonally, if you speak with other members please encourage them to sign up for our text program, check the Union website weekly, or if they are unable to do either, reach out to me for updates.
Contractually the company must pay holiday pay for Memorial day for any member who performed work for the company on or after May 16th through the end of the month. If you have not performed any work for the company between May 6th through the 31st you will not recieve holiday pay. This should be helpful for our members claiming unemployment because the questioned is asked weekly.
+
Contractually the company must pay holiday pay for Memorial day for any member who performed work for the company on or after May 16th through the end of the month. If you have not performed any work for the company between May 16th through the 31st you will not recieve holiday pay. This should be helpful for our members claiming unemployment because the questioned is asked weekly.
A reminder that the Local's membership meeting that was scheduled for May 17th has been moved to June 14th. 633 S. Hawley Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53214 in Yatchak Hall at 9:30 a.m
"As companies continue to grow and integrate their global businesses unions will need to continue to expand and adopt models that rise to the scale their employers. While the strategic importance of building global union solidarity is self-evident to many in the labor movement, the barriers are also very real. Building global solidarity requires long-term relationship building and the dedication of serious resources. It takes time to break through cultural barriers, develop shared understandings of dramatically different labor relations systems, and develop strategic alignment. Unions around the world are facing dramatic challenges at all levels and dedicating the time and resources to building global solidarity and structures that can facilitate global campaigning is challenging. But the experience at Bridgestone-Firestone, through three dramatic and challenging labor disputes, offers a powerful example of what it takes to build solid global union networks and the potential of global union solidarity in building power for workers."
