Union Celebrates History of Progress, Notes Challenges on Safety, Fairness
Contact: R.J. Hufnagel, (412) 562-2450, rhufnagel@usw.org
PITTSBURGH (December 6) — The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement today from USW International President Leo W. Gerard on the fourth annual National Miner’s Day:
“The USW is proud to count thousands of miners as members of our own union, and thousands more as brothers and sisters in the larger labor movement. As we mark National Miner’s Day, we remember the decades of tremendous sacrifices and hard work that brought us to this day, particularly of those who came before us and who lost their lives as they fought to improve working conditions for miners and for all workers. We will never forget them, or their struggles.
“Still, while we as a union and as a nation have a long history of improving the lives and working conditions of miners, and we rightly celebrate that progress today, we cannot lose sight of the challenges that remain. Our sisters and brothers at ASARCO and elsewhere are fighting every day for fair contracts that protect their job security, pensions and health care. Too many miners across the country and the world still go to work every day not sure if they will make it home at night. Too many are still exposed to life-threatening health and safety hazards on the job.
“While today is a day to celebrate and remember, it is also a day to rededicate ourselves to resolving these important issues. We must continue – today and every day - to stand up for a better life for all miners.”
The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies.
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