For decades, the United Steelworkers Basic Steel Industry Conference has recognized that global overcapacity, unfair foreign trade practices, rising costs and sustained pressure on domestic manufacturing have created a difficult environment. The industry has also underinvested in North American facilities, preferring stock buybacks to boost short-term share prices.
These structural challenges threaten not only the long-term viability of the steel and iron ore mining industries in the U.S and Canada, but also the livelihoods of the workers, families, and communities who depend on it.
The North American steel and iron ore mining industries are the most efficient in the world, and USW members produce the highest quality steel in the most environmentally responsible fashion.
We remain committed to advocating for fair wage improvements that reflect the value and contributions of our work, safe workplaces, affordable health care, secure retirement benefits and comprehensive reforms to trade policy and the global economic framework that disadvantage North American workers.
This includes an urgent call to renew and strengthen Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) in the U.S., which has expired despite its critical role in supporting workers displaced or harmed by unfair trade.
Similar to Canadian Employment Insurance, Labour Market and Workforce Development Agreements, TAA provides essential benefits, including income support, training, and reemployment services and must be restored to ensure that workers are not left behind in a changing global economy.
At the same time, we will continue to confront the immediate, day-to-day challenges facing Steelworkers and our employers with clarity and resolve.
Our members understand a fundamental truth: there can be no lasting job security without successful companies.
In spite of the challenges, Steelworkers have consistently stepped up—through productivity, innovation, and sacrifice—to ensure the competitiveness of our industry.
When companies succeed, that success must be shared fairly with the workers whose labor makes it possible.
The challenges we face are many and, at times, management decisions fall short. We reject any attempt to scapegoat our members or retirees for problems they did not create.
We must continue to demand meaningful investments and capital expenditures in our facilities that go beyond routine repairs and maintenance. Modernizing the industry now will preserve jobs for the next generation of Steelworkers. The responsibility to secure a strong future for our union, our families and our communities demands leadership.
United, we will stand for fairness, accountability, and a stronger future for all Steelworkers.