COVID-19 (Coronavirus) News
USW Health Care Workers Council convenes online to discuss coronavirus health and safety challenges, future of industry
Members of the USW Health Care Workers Council convened online last Thursday to discuss issues surrounding the coronavirus, which continues to be a challenge for health care workers.
The Need for Action from the Senate is Critical. Contact your Senator TODAY!
We need meaningful legislation to protect the health and safety of workers who continue to go to work every day to provide us with our essential services, and to provide stability for those whose jobs have not yet returned. Please take action today!
Information on emergency legislative responses to the Covid-19 pandemic
Three bills have passed through the House and Senate and are now signed into law. We are lobbying for even more measures...click to get the latest.
USW President Conway: America still failing health care workers
In his latest weekly blog, USW International President Tom Conway slammed U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump, over the lack of support given to health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
USW members’ goodwill earns International union top community award
Members' dedication to service has earned the USW the Multiplying Good One In a Million Award.
Members in Appalachia win bonuses for front-line dedication
Members at Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) locations throughout eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia will finally see appreciation bonuses that acknowledge their hard work on the front lines of the pandemic.
District 3 launches new campaign website for essential care workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has focused the spotlight on the difficult and dangerous working conditions that health care workers face. From feel-good television ads to the regular banging of pots and pans, health care workers are rightly being thanked.
Tell the Senate We Need a Better Solution!
The relief package proposed by Senate leadership on July 27 is $2 trillion short, 73 days late, and woefully short of what is needed. Click to take action today!
Maria Somma discusses organizing during COVID-19 on the Leslie Marshall Show
USW Organizing Director Maria Somma appeared on the Leslie Marshall Show this week to discuss the importance of organizing for worker power during the COVID-19 pandemic.
USW joins coalition opposing health care immunity bill
The United Steelworkers joined fifty-four other organizations, including the AFL-CIO, in sending a letter last week to the U.S. House of Representatives expressing strong opposition to H.R. 7059, the “Coronavirus Provider Protection Act.”
Tell the Senate to Pass the HEROES Act!
As COVID-19 continues to threaten our lives and our livelihoods, we are counting on the Senate to pass the next much-needed stimulus bill, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. More...
Local 13-620 BASF Workers at Geismar Plant Help Fight COVID-19
The site is a big chemical supplier to Clorox and Lysol, and also makes a chemical product for Roche Pharmaceuticals that uses it to produce a drug to treat people with pneumonia.
Join unions across the globe for webinar to amplify young worker voices during and beyond COVID-19
Global Unions, including IndustriALL Global Union, have joined together to amplify the voices of young workers during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic in a series of two webinars.
Follow-up Letter to the American Hospital Association: Stop Muzzling Frontline Healthcare Workers
We initially signed on to a letter asking the AHA to do this in March.
COVID Alert: Battle looming over cost burden of mandated testing
Many care workers are frequently tested for the Corona virus, but unfortunately, there are recent reports of employers attempting to bill the workers’ insurance to cover the tests.
In midst of pandemic, USW adapts with virtual bargaining, arbitrations
Our union has adapted and been creative to keep servicing our members during the pandemic. Click for more.
Workflix and chill: join us for movies, talk and education
WorkFlix is an online conversation of the USW Education and Membership Development Department that brings USW activists, staff and leadership together in this time of crisis. More...
Michigan miners take care of fellow health care members in Upper Peninsula
To show support and solidarity for their 200 fellow members who work in health care, this local's membership mailed out nearly 200 gift cards valued at $25.00 each to those brothers and sisters who are working in nearby medical facilities.
Steve Sallman discusses workers’ safety during COVID-19 on The Leslie Marshall Show
USW Assistant Director of the Health, Safety and Environment Department Steve Sallman appeared on the Leslie Marshall show last week to discuss Workers Memorial Day and the Trump administration’s responsibility to workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
#USWMade: American Roots aims to make a million masks in midst of pandemic
A few weeks ago, USW members at American Roots were laid off as the USA-based apparel maker lost 80 percent of its business. Today, they're hiring as they work nonstop to make masks and PPE to help battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Click for more.
Members continue helping front-line workers stay fueled and protected
Across the United States and Canada, USW members continue supporting health care workers by ensuring they are fueled and protected in their fight against Covid-19.
Workers Memorial Day 2020: Join us for a virtual ceremony
A global pandemic is preventing us from getting together in person, but we will still honor our fallen siblings Tuesday, April 28, with an online ceremony. More...
USW Supports Latest COVID Aid, Calls for Continued Bipartisan Action
Congress Has More Work to Do
Congress has offered some relief to folks with the last trio of bills they passed, but we know that much was missing and more is needed. Click to read what we are asking Congress to do next.
Join our Solidarity Forever virtual sing-along!
In these challenging times, it's more important than ever to be together. Click here to learn how to submit your video for our Solidarity Forever Virtual Sing-Along!
CDC needs to retract guidelines that endanger essential workers
We signed on to this letter demanding that the CDC change its guidelines that endanger essential workers. Click for more.
Measures Must Be Put in Place To Protect Workers of Large Employers with Paid Leave
States must protect public health and fill in the gaps in the federal law on ensuring that all employees have access to coronavirus-related paid sick days.
USW Webinar on Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Click here to view a webinar presented by our Education and Membership Development Department on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
COVID-19: A Webinar for USW Health Care Workers
Click here to view our webinar for USW health care workers.
#USWCares: Our union donates hundreds of PPE to Pittsburgh hospital
Our International union was proud to donate critically-needed PPE to a hospital in our home city. Click for more.
Steelworkers join call to protect health care workers’ rights amidst COVID-19
The USW joined more than 50 labor and social service organizations in a letter to the American Hospital Association (AHA) denouncing health care administrator attempts to prevent front-line caregivers from speaking out about working conditions...
USW members, partners step up to make, donate supplies for health care workers
Hospitals and health care facilities across the United States are scrambling to find enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to deal with the coronavirus epidemic.
List of USW events canceled due to Coronavirus pandemic
Click here to see what USW events have been postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The list will be updated often so check back.
Congress Approves $2 Trillion Coronavirus Emergency Stimulus Package
The bill has more than ten times the amount spent on the first two coronavirus bills combined.
Letter to the American Hospital Association: Stop Muzzling Frontline Healthcare Workers
Today we signed on to a letter to the AHA urging them to stop muzzling healthcare workers with threats of disciplinary action for speaking out about coronavirus patient caseloads and dwindling hospital supplies needed to care for such patients.
USW Urges Congress to Build on Efforts to Aid American Workers
We applaud the bipartisan effort to pass a coronavirus stimulus package through the U.S. Senate and called on members of both congressional chambers to continue this effort to ensure that no workers are left behind.
In these tough times, there's help with mental health, substance abuse
Many of our contracts have bargained Employee Assistance Programs with employers that offer mental health and substance abuse help. Click for more...
Message from Our President: We fight on for working people in face of Covid-19
Our International President Tom Conway sent a message to USW members and staff about how the union continues to work hard in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Click for more...
COVID-19 Action Call: Congress Must Put People Before Corporations
We cannot allow corporations to cash in and leave laid off workers behind while taking federal funds. Call your Senators and Representatives today!
COVID-19 Action Call: PPE Donations from USW Locals Needed
We're asking all local unions to work with their employers to donate needed personal protective equipment to healthcare and other workers who desperately need it during the Covid-19 pandemic. More...
AFL-CIO petitions Labor Department for emergency coronavirus standard
The AFL-CIO has petitioned U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in response to the growing coronavirus outbreak.