USW, WH Digital Announce Partnership to Help Freelance Tech Workers

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, (412) 562-2444, jkamm@usw.org

The United Steelworkers (USW) union and WH Digital, a product of the Work Hard Pittsburgh Cooperative, are proud to announce a new initiative, Freelancers Organized for Change, Unity, and Strength (FOCUS), aimed at helping area freelance tech workers thrive. 

The first phase of the project, which launched May 1, provides opportunities for tech workers to connect with one another to discuss common concerns and explore potential solutions.

“Freelance workers face a number of unique challenges, from nontraditional employer-employee relationships to the need to ensure their work is properly valued,” said USW District 10 Director Bobby “Mac” McAuliffe. “The USW welcomes the opportunity to help workers explore creative options so that they can better advocate for their own interests.”

FOCUS was made possible by a two-year grant from the LIFT Fund, which supports innovative labor union/worker center partnerships. Planned events include listening sessions, trainings, workshops and community outreach.

“We work with a number of tech freelancers, many of whom enjoy their flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects,” said Maddi Love, director of marketing at WH Digital and Work Hard Pittsburgh executive committee member, “But workers still need a voice on the job. Providing a space in which workers can learn from each other and work collaboratively will improve conditions across the board.”

The initial stages of FOCUS will center largely on identifying and connecting area tech freelancers so they can start an open dialogue.

“We want to hear from workers across this sector so we can better understand their needs,” McAuliffe said. 

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations. 

WH Digital is a full service creative and technical agency committed to equity and worker empowerment. We organize the Pittsburgh region's best tech and tech adjacent talent to solve problems for organizations big and small.

Press Inquiries

Media Contacts

Communications Director:
Jess Kamm at 412-562-2446

USW@WORK (USW magazine)
Editor R.J. Hufnagel

For industry specific inquiries,
Call USW Communications at 412-562-2442

Mailing Address

United Steelworkers
Communications Department
60 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222