Women of Steel, Women of Power: Katrina Fitzgerald, Local 1123
Katrina Fitzgerald has been a USW member and non-destructive testing operator at TimkenSteel for 15 years. To her, the role as a Steelworker isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment she takes seriously.
“There is a lot to be said about the quality of work and products produced by skilled union workers,” Katrina says. “Chances are the product I test is incorporated into your life directly or indirectly. I work hard to ensure that products used in your everyday life perform as intended to, keeping you and your loved ones safe.”
Aside from her job duties including operating testing equipment that checks the size and effectiveness of products used in components for mining, agricultural, and military equipment as well as in cars and trucks, Katrina serves on multiple committees and holds several leadership positions including co-chair of her Local 1123 Women of Steel Committee as well as chair of the Grievance Committee at Timken’s Gambrinus Steel Plant in Canton, Ohio.
She also serves on the executive board for her local and as a delegate for the AFL-CIO Hall of Fame Central Labor Council.
And no, it doesn’t stop there.
She is additionally involved with the Health & Safety Committee, Rapid Response, Blue Green Alliance, Human and Civil Rights, the CAT (Communication Action Team), and the Political Action Committee.
These diverse positions show how dedicated women like Katrina contribute to the union’s cause. And though being a woman in the mostly male-dominated steel industry has its struggles, Katrina is still more than honored to be a Steelworker and to serve as a role model for other women.
“I have been given the opportunity to not only be a part of a union that has such a rich and positive history,” Katrina says, “but I have also been given the tools, training and platform to help improve working conditions and make an impact in our community through one of many volunteering activities.”
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Women of Steel, Women of Power is a Union Matters profile series featuring women Steelworkers taking the lead, breaking stereotypes and serving the union proudly. To nominate yourself or a fellow sister for the series, e-mail Chelsey Engel at cengel@usw.org.
