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.
*A complete list of phone numbers and email addresses for Officers, Stewards, Division Representatives, and Safety Representatives can be found HERE [1].*
*A complete list of phone numbers and email addresses for Officers, Stewards, Division Representatives, and Safety Representatives can be found HERE [1].*
Unless workers have a union contract, they are at the mercy of company policies.
Most employment handbooks clearly state that policies are “guidelines only and not a contract of employment” or that the terms of the handbook are subject to change without notice.
Even under a company’s “open-door” policy, there is nothing to really make anyone believe that the policy is meaningful.
It’s not surprising then that workers without a union are often subject to arbitrariness and unfairness on the job.
Workers without a contract are considered “employees at will.” That means they can be fired at any time and without reason, the only exceptions are termination for discrimination, whistle-blowing or union organizing.
If you join a union and have a contract:
- Discipline, up to and including discharge, is subject to a grievance procedure and binding arbitration, depending on the terms of your contract. - Contract negotiations require both sides — labor and management — to listen, and reach reasonable compromises acceptable to both sides. - Wages, benefits and working conditions are negotiated. If you are not satisfied, you can work for changes during contract negotiations. - Neither labor nor management can make unilateral changes to a signed contract. If modifications are necessary during the life of a contract, both sides must agree. - Hiring and promotion is covered by contract. Seniority and other factors can be written into the agreement.
If your workplace is non-union:
- You are an “employee at will.” Your employer can discipline or fire you at any time for any reason; you have no recourse. - “Open door” policy means the employer will listen to you… and then do whatever he or she wants. - Employer determines wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of work. If you’re not satisfied, your only option is to get another job. - Wages, benefits and other terms and conditions can be changed by the employer at any time. - Hiring and promotion is up to the discretion of the employer.
The Facts
Union employees make an average of 30% more than non-union workers.
92% of union workers have job-related health coverage versus 68% of non-union workers.
Union workers are more likely to have guaranteed pensions than non-union employees.
A union is a democratic organization of people working together to change or preserve aspects of their workplace through collective action and collective bargaining.
What difference would a Union make?
Having a union means that you can collectively meet and negotiate with management over any issues that affects you and your job, including wages, benefits, and working conditions. A union contract is a legally binding document where these agreements are put in writing. Having a union gives you a stronger voice in working with management to make the company stronger, more prosperous, and better place to work.
Who runs the Union?
You do. The union is a democracy at every level. You elect your negotiating committee and leadership for the local, district, and international union.
Aren’t there already laws that protect us?
Laws governing employment, safety, discrimination and overtime all exist because millions of union members fought for them. A union grievance process ensures that everyone is treated fairly and equally, without favoritism and discrimination. A union contract, with the aid of union resources and staff, ensures that these laws and rules are enforced.
What sorts of benefits and protections can we achieve through collective bargaining?
Winning a contract through collective bargaining means having a legally enforceable document that guarantees your conditions of employment. Those benefits cannot be changed unilaterally by the employer without negotiating with your union.
Here are some examples of the kinds of things Steelworkers have won:
- Wage increases - Enhanced dental, vision, and health insurance (including lower co-pays for services and prescriptions) - Improved family benefits, such as dependent health coverage, child-care subsidies and paid maternity leave - Vacation and sick leave - Improved workplace health and safety - Protections against discriminatory practices sexual harassment and assault - Improved disability access and resources for people of color - A fair and transparent grievance procedure that has independent enforcement through arbitration
*A complete list of phone numbers and email addresses for Officers, Stewards, Division Representatives, and Safety Representatives can be found HERE [1].*
*A complete list of phone numbers and email addresses for Officers, Stewards, Division Representatives, and Safety Representatives can be found HERE [1].*
*A complete list of phone numbers and email addresses for Officers, Stewards, Division Representatives, and Safety Representatives can be found HERE [1].*
*A complete list of phone numbers and email addresses for Officers, Stewards, Division Representatives, and Safety Representatives can be found HERE [1].*
The Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic is something we are taking very seriously, the health and safety of you and your family is our number one priority. We have had numerous meetings with the Company regarding best practices. Local 6787 and ArcelorMittal are following CDC guidelines to protect our health at work. The Company and the union are having additional cleaning through our current housekeeping contractors. They will be sanitizing restrooms and welfares as well. The Company states they do have a decent amount of cleaning supplies on hand, but it is crucial we use these supplies ONLY for work. They are not to be taken home.
Recently, legislation has been discussed on how to handle absences and sick pay due to COVID 19. We are waiting to see how this proposed legislation may affect us. We have been in close contact with our Legislators in Washington DC, as well as local Elected Officials and we’ll be sure to inform you as soon as new information becomes available.
The Union has made a request for information and clarification about eligibility for S&A benefits related to COVID-19 and various other issues that may impact absenteeism policies. As of the distribution of this flyer, management has not responded.
We work in a critical industry as military contractors as defined by the Department of Home Land Security. We have a special responsibility to maintain our work schedules. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure you stay healthy at home and at work:
Avoid discretionary travel, nursing homes, restaurants and bars. Limit your social interactions and store visits. Practice good hygiene, cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue. Avoiding shaking hands and wash your hands frequently.
tHIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE. The most important work we do as a union involves bargaining and enforcing good contracts to secure fair wages, dependable benefits, and safe working conditions.
+
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE. The most important work we do as a union involves bargaining and enforcing good contracts to secure fair wages, dependable benefits, and safe working conditions.
However, whether we like it or not, workplace health and safety, wage and overtime regulations, retirement security, even our right to organize and bargain collectively, are all tied to local, state, and federal laws and the people making them.
However, whether we like it or not, workplace health and safety, wage and overtime regulations, retirement security, even our right to organize and bargain collectively, are all tied to local, state, and federal laws and the people making them.
As we move into 2020, we want to hear about the issues that matter most to you. That’s why we’re holding a series of town hall meetings across the country. We’ll have a conversation about your priorities and share some of our union’s work that impacts government decisions.
As we move into 2020, we want to hear about the issues that matter most to you. That’s why we’re holding a series of town hall meetings across the country. We’ll have a conversation about your priorities and share some of our union’s work that impacts government decisions.
Meetings will be held at 6:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:30 PM.
Meetings will be held at 6:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:30 PM.
The most important work we do as a union involves bargaining and enforcing good contracts to secure fair wages, dependable benefits, and safe working conditions.
+
tHIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE. The most important work we do as a union involves bargaining and enforcing good contracts to secure fair wages, dependable benefits, and safe working conditions.
However, whether we like it or not, workplace health and safety, wage and overtime regulations, retirement security, even our right to organize and bargain collectively, are all tied to local, state, and federal laws and the people making them.
However, whether we like it or not, workplace health and safety, wage and overtime regulations, retirement security, even our right to organize and bargain collectively, are all tied to local, state, and federal laws and the people making them.
As we move into 2020, we want to hear about the issues that matter most to you. That’s why we’re holding a series of town hall meetings across the country. We’ll have a conversation about your priorities and share some of our union’s work that impacts government decisions.
As we move into 2020, we want to hear about the issues that matter most to you. That’s why we’re holding a series of town hall meetings across the country. We’ll have a conversation about your priorities and share some of our union’s work that impacts government decisions.
Meetings will be held at 6:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:30 PM.
Meetings will be held at 6:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:30 PM.
How is The new Flex Time agrreement working for people? Please feel free to contact any one of the board members to let us no. Maybe to talk about The New Contract in general.
How is The new Flex Time agrreement working for people? Please feel free to contact any one of the board members to let us no. Maybe to talk about The New Contract in general.
Stop down at the hall for our next meeting. We replaced our old projector with a new one. Check it out at our March Meeting.
Stop down at the hall for our next meeting. We replaced our old projector with a new one. Check it out at our March Meeting.
