(PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall today issued the following statement in response to President-elect Donald Trump reiterating his opposition to the proposed U.S. Steel-Nippon sale:

“The USW welcomes President Trump’s continued opposition to Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, a deal with serious long-term implications for U.S. economic and national security.

“President Trump first voiced his concerns shortly after the transaction was announced, vowing to block the sale if elected. This week, he once again stated that he is ‘totally against’ the merger and that he would ‘block this deal from happening.’

“It’s clear that President Trump understands the vital role a strong domestic steel industry plays in our national security, as well as the importance of the jobs and communities the industry supports.

“Our union thanks him for his continuing commitment to American manufacturing and agrees with him that with proper attention, U.S. Steel will flourish well into the future as a domestically owned and operated company.

“This transaction has been under review for more than 10 months. More time won’t change the fact that it’s bad for USW members across the states where U.S. Steel operates, nor will it alter the dire national and economic security risks the deal poses to our country. It’s time for this deal to be rejected so we can all focus on the future.”

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.

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Pittsburgh - United Steelworkers (USW) officials in both Canada and the United States today expressed their concern with President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose a blanket 25-percent tariff on goods from Canada imported into the United States.

“If applied, these extraordinary tariffs leveled on Canada would dramatically harm workers in both our countries,” said USW International President David McCall. “There is no question that we must address the holes in our global trading system, but Canada is not the problem.” 

USW leaders further noted that the Canadian and U.S. economies are deeply integrated, and Canada recently moved to better align with U.S. policies to help stem the flow of unfairly traded products making their way into North America. Canada is also a unique national security partner.

“There is absolutely no doubt that working families are the first to get hurt by unfair trade practices, including global overcapacity in key sectors,” said USW Canadian National Director Marty Warren. “The answer, however, is to work together as allies on sensible trade policies that will allow us to contain bad actors like China.”

“Our union in both the United States and Canada has been on the front lines for decades fighting for worker-forward trade policies that keep our critical supply chains secure,” said McCall. “Now, rather than taking a step back, we must capitalize on our current momentum in order to create lasting change.”

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

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Pittsburgh – University of Pittsburgh graduate workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The roughly 2,100 graduate workers organized to gain a voice on the job and the ability to negotiate over vital issues like funding security, stipend increases, protections against discrimination and harassment, improved family benefits, a voice in hours and conditions of work and affordable health insurance.

“My colleagues and I are a critical part of the research and education that makes the University of Pittsburgh a world-class academic institution,” said Caroline Layding, a graduate researcher in Pitt's biostatistics department.

The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board held an in-person election for the graduate workers over the past several days. An overwhelming majority voted in favor of joining the union.

“We are so proud to join the Steelworkers and we can't wait to meet the university administration at the bargaining table,” said Layding.

The workers will become part of the 850,000-member USW, one of the largest labor unions in North America, which has its headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh. Staff at Pitt unionized with the USW in September, and faculty at Pitt unionized with the USW in 2021.

“Graduate workers provide vital contributions to the university community, and their efforts to achieve a seat at the table will ultimately provide widespread benefits as Pitt becomes a stronger place to work and learn,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents about 50,000 Steelworkers in Pennsylvania. “We welcome Pitt grads into our union and look forward to helping them bargain a first contract that reflects their work as researchers and educators.”

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

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LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA – Nearly 300 Logan Regional Medical Center workers voted yesterday by an overwhelming majority to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The newly unionized workers at the 132-bed acute care facility in Logan, W. Va., include registered nurses, nursing assistants, patient care technicians, phlebotomists, pharmacy technicians, respiratory therapists, patient transporters, unit secretaries, and others.

Workers began organizing nearly a year ago, fueled by their shared desire for staffing levels that will enable them to continue to provide their patients with the highest quality of care. Unionizing will provide them with the opportunity to bargain over equitable wages and fair seniority policies, have a voice on the job, collaborate more closely with management, and enhance workplace transparency. 

“With our victory, we’ve shown the hospital, the community, and ourselves what it means to stand together and fight for what’s right,” said Canaan Varney, a registered nurse at Logan Regional Medical Center. “This isn’t just a win; it’s a turning point. Now that we’re unionized, we expect change. We expect fair wages for our work and a voice in the decisions that impact our lives and our community. This victory is about more than us; it’s about the patients we serve and the community we love. Together, we’re building something better, and I couldn’t be prouder to stand with all of my coworkers as we take this next step forward.”

“Our union is thrilled to welcome the dedicated workers of Logan Regional Medical Center to the United Steelworkers,” said USW District 8 Director Larry Ray. “These new members work around the clock to care for the small, tight-knit community of Logan, serving their neighbors, family, and friends in some of the most complex and challenging moments of their lives. By forming their union, Logan Regional Medical Center workers have taken a critical next step in their ability to do their jobs with excellence, retain talented health care workers, and provide exceptional care to their community for years to come.”

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.

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Pittsburgh – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today condemned Sumitomo Tire’s decision to shutter its Tonawanda, N.Y., facility, costing 1,200 USW members their jobs.

USW District 4 Director Dave Wasiura, who represents workers in New York and eight other Northeastern states, expressed his deep disappointment in Sumitomo management and urged it to find a better solution than the abrupt closure.

“Our union has partnered with Sumitomo for years, helping to secure investments, as together we’ve navigated the ups and downs of the tire industry. That management went straight to enacting this extreme measure without coming to us is nothing short of a betrayal of its highly-skilled, dedicated workforce.”

Wasiura said the impacts of the decision will also ripple far beyond the plant itself.

“Sumitomo’s decision to wipe out these good, union jobs is devastating, not just for workers but for the entire community that they help support.”

Sumitomo management informed the union of its decision late Nov. 6 and will cease operations effective Nov. 11.

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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Pittsburgh – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement in response to the Nov. 5 election:

“The American people have spoken, and the USW will respect and honor the electoral process and the Constitution of the United States.

“Unfortunately, one of the great tragedies of this grueling election season has been the way in which key figures sought to divide working Americans against each other, be it along the lines of gender, race, occupation or country of origin. Now more than ever, Americans must come together for the benefit of our representative democracy.

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration we have made huge strides on behalf of workers, standing up for retirement security, making health care more affordable, overseeing historic investments in our critical infrastructure and instituting a long-needed industrial policy to build out our manufacturing base.

“We must defend these historic victories, and will not rest until they reach their full potential. We will work tirelessly until all workers have fair wages and strong benefits, until everyone can come home safely from their jobs, until our supply chains are robust and resilient enough that we can withstand the next global disruption.

 “Our union is intent on moving forward in a way that heals our divides rather than inflames them, and the USW will do its best to work with the Trump administration in the best interests of our members and their families.

“But we will not allow the billionaire class to run roughshod over workers’ rights, outsource jobs and call it fair trade or institute tax policies that mortgage our collective future for the benefit of the already wealthy few.

“Our mission remains the same regardless of who occupies the White House or the halls of Congress: to fight for working people.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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PITTSBURGH – Nearly 80 Squirrel Hill Health Center workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, citing their desire to better advocate for their patients, collaborate more closely with their administration, seek equitable wages and benefits, and have a voice on the job.

The newly unionized workers serve as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, medical and dental assistants, therapists, patient advocates, community health workers, billing specialists, front desk staff, and more across the Center’s four Pittsburgh-area locations in Squirrel Hill, Brentwood, Bellevue, and Turtle Creek.

Workers started organizing in May of 2024, driven by their shared commitment to providing the highest-quality, most compassionate care to the vulnerable populations they serve.

“My coworkers and I organized because being able to care for ourselves helps us provide our patients with the exceptional care they deserve,” said Tiahna Flannigan, a patient advocate at the Squirrel Hill Health Center. “Having a union will enable us to be seen and heard when it comes to our working conditions so we can continue to do right by the patients we serve.”

Squirrel Hill Health Center workers serve a diverse patient population, including many immigrants, refugees, and uninsured and underinsured patients. The Center provides primary care, dental, OB/GYN, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and social services for patients.

“Our union is proud to welcome the hardworking employees of the Squirrel Hill Health Center who work day in and day out to provide comprehensive care to some of our most sensitive patient populations,” said Cathy Drummond, chair of the USW Health Care Workers Council. “Together, we will ensure that every worker has the resources and support they need so that the Squirrel Hill Health Center remains a leader in providing essential care for our community.”

Ballots were mailed to workers on October 17 and were counted today, October 31.

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.

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Pittsburgh – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement welcoming the Treasury Department’s final rules for the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, which will help drive investments in key domestic industries:

“This groundbreaking manufacturing tax credit has been essential in harnessing the momentum of the Inflation Reduction Act as we expand our critical mineral and clean energy supply chains.

“The rules the Treasury Department announced today will further ensure than we are growing our manufacturing base and creating good jobs as we build out the energy technologies and industries we’ll need to carry us into the future.

“In particular, we applaud the Biden-Harris administration for its inclusion of materials and extraction costs, a top priority for USW members.

“As we seek to meet the full range of our needs when it comes to industries like solar, wind, batteries and more, we will need the responsibly mined minerals our members provide more than ever.

“These final rules will help companies make crucial investments, and we look forward to working with employers across the clean energy supply chain to utilize these credits and build stronger, healthier communities.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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Pittsburgh – University of Pittsburgh staff members today voted to become members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union and look forward to bargaining their first union contract with the school’s administration.

“Staff at Pitt have finally achieved what all workers deserve – a collective voice and the ability to take part in decisions that affect our work. It’s been a long road, but ultimately our solidarity carried us through to this historic moment,” said Emilee Ruhland, a Global Communications Strategist in the University Center for International Studies.

The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board held a mail ballot election over the past several weeks for the staff members. A strong majority voted in favor of joining the union.

“This will make Pitt a more secure workplace and a better place to get an education,” said Ruhland. “It’s a victory for the whole campus community.”

The roughly 6,300 workers will become part of the 850,000-member USW, one of the largest labor unions in North America, which has its headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh. Faculty at Pitt unionized with the USW in 2021.

“This win belongs to every staff member who stood together for a stronger, more inclusive Pitt,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents about 50,000 Steelworkers in Pennsylvania. “When workers have a voice, the entire university thrives—from the classrooms to the community that calls it home.”

Approximately 2,100 Pitt graduate workers this year filed for their own union election with the USW and will vote once the PLRB sets the schedule.

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

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PITTSBURGH — United Steelworkers (USW) District 10 Director Bernie Hall issued the following statement today following U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick’s visit to Charleroi, Pa.:

“David McCormick sunk to a new low by visiting Charleroi to exploit the closing of the Pyrex plant and the loss of hundreds of good union jobs.

 “McCormick himself has inflicted this very kind of heartache and misery on working people by cutting jobs at his own companies, teaching other employers how to outsource, and doing business with Chinese firms that undermine America’s economy and security. He’s a hypocrite who lined his pockets on the backs of ordinary Americans—and he’s unfit to stand alongside hard-working USW members.

“Sen. Bob Casey has reached out to the USW about the plant closing and continues working behind the scenes to help our members during this difficult time. He’s always by our side—fighting for manufacturing workers, standing up to trade cheaters and taking on corporate greed—and we know we can continue to rely on his support in the days to come.”

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.

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Pittsburgh – Approximately 160 workers at Eos Energy Enterprises in Pittsburgh voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW), marking a significant step in their pursuit of stronger job security, fair wages, and improved working conditions.

Eos workers manufacture batteries used to store electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind energy.

The decision to unionize reflects the workers’ desire for a voice in shaping the future of their jobs in the rapidly expanding clean energy sector.

“Today’s victory at Eos is a pivotal moment for these workers who are eager to be part of this new and growing part of our economy,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents about 50,000 Steelworkers in Pennsylvania. “These are the jobs of the future, and workers deserve the opportunity to shape their working conditions and secure their place in this vital industry.”

“We’re proud to be contributing to our nation’s energy future, but for that future to succeed, we need to earn fair wages and be treated with respect on the job,” said Dante Williams, an assembly operator at Eos.

“Unionizing puts our future into our own hands, and now we’re looking forward to sitting down and bargaining a fair contract.”

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

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(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers (USW) today joined with domestic steel producers in filing trade petitions seeking anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of corrosion-resistant, flat-rolled steel imports from nine countries.

Corrosion-resistant steel, known as CORE, is among the most important value-added flat-rolled steel products in the industry.

“CORE imports from these nine countries almost doubled from 690,000 tons in the first half of 2023 to 1.35 million tons in the first half of 2024,” said USW International President David McCall. “These imports are destroying good union jobs in the United States and causing harm to U.S. companies.

“In particular, imports from Vietnam almost quadrupled from 122,000 to 468,000 tons,” McCall said. “Vietnam is ramping up its steel industry and exports at the expense of U.S. workers, and we can’t repeat the mistakes with Vietnam that we’ve made with China in the past.”

In addition to Vietnam, the nations included in the petition are Australia, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Corrosion-resistant steel is widely used in vehicles, appliances and construction, as well as in other industries. The U.S. market consumes an estimated 22 million tons of CORE products annually.

“In a strong economy with strong steel demand, the U.S. industry is only operating at 77 percent capacity utilization this year and has seen sharply reduced profits compared to 2022 and 2023,” McCall said. “Once again, the U.S. has become the dumping ground for excess steel capacity, and the USW will stand up against any unfair trade that hurts American workers.”

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.

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Pittsburgh – Workers at The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, solidifying their commitment to securing better working conditions.

The newly formed unit consists of approximately 100 employees, including café staff, maintenance and housekeeping teams, groundskeepers, gift store and visitor center associates, gallery attendants, museum experience associates, docents, educators, curators, and others vital to the museum's operations.

The workers are eager to negotiate a contract that addresses key issues such as job security, fair wages, health insurance, understaffing, and respect in the workplace.

“We are the backbone of this institution, and we're excited to finally have a voice in shaping our work environment, our pay, and our benefits,” said John Payne, a groundskeeper at The Frick.

The unionization efforts began last winter, with the group announcing its intent to file for a union election on July 31.

The Frick Museums are set on the grounds of historic buildings once occupied by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, who was infamous for his anti-union stance, notably during the Battle of Homestead, where many striking steelworkers lost their lives.

“This is a historic and symbolic victory for the labor movement, as we unionize in the very house of Henry Clay Frick, a notorious opponent of unions,” Payne continued. “In a way, this is retribution for the workers who died at Homestead.”

The USW also represents more than 500 museum employees across Pittsburgh’s four Carnegie Museums, which, as of last year, constituted the largest museum union in the United States.

“It’s an honor to welcome the dedicated staff of The Frick Museums to our union,” said Bernie Hall, USW District 10 director. “These workers are essential to providing a welcoming and enriching environment at this important cultural and historical institution. We are confident that the visitor experience will only improve as these workers gain a stronger voice at the negotiating table.”

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.

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(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today sent a letter to the Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission strongly supporting antidumping and countervailing duty petitions the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee filed earlier this year.

“Our energy security must be rooted in American jobs,” said USW International President David McCall. “That is the only way we are truly secure. If we’re serious about meeting our energy needs and addressing the threat of climate change, we cannot allow unfairly traded solar products to choke out our domestic industry.”

The petitions, primarily against Chinese-owned companies operating in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, identify a number of entities that were previously found to engage in unfair and illegal trade practices.  

“This case is a perfect example of the kind of tactics that Chinese firms repeatedly use,” said McCall. “They target our market, they are found guilty and then they use other countries to flood our market with their unfairly and illegally priced products. Fair trade requires constant vigilance.”

USW members currently produce many of the inputs that go into solar products. The USW also reached an agreement this summer with Convalt Energy, a firm seeking to produce solar products in the United States, where the company will respect the rights of workers to form a union.

McCall noted the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to grow the domestic renewable energy sector.

“The investments we’re seeing are truly historic and will transform our energy landscape,” McCall said. “But we can’t allow China’s cheating to undermine this progress. This case is a critical part of securing our future.”

Read the USW’s letter here.

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today announced an agreement with Convalt Energy mutually pledging to prioritize workers’ rights as together they work to bring solar energy manufacturing back to the United States.

“Domestic workers are more than up to the challenge of combating climate change,” said USW International President David McCall. “But as ways in which we meet our energy needs shift, we must ensure that the jobs of the future are good, community-sustaining jobs. We applaud Convalt for trusting in its workforce and taking this decisive step forward.”

USW Vice President Roxanne Brown said that this sort of arrangement demonstrates the true promise of President Joe Biden’s energy policy.

“Today’s announcement is a tribute to the Biden-Harris administration’s leadership and commitment to workers,” Brown said. “Built into the bedrock of their efforts to breathe new life into our nation’s solar industry is the idea that workers must have a voice in what comes next.”

Convalt Energy CEO Hari Achuthan said that the agreement signals his company’s commitment to the communities in which it operates.

“We are in the midst of bringing the solar manufacturing supply chain back to the United States, and given the chance, we know domestic producers can compete and win,” Achuthan said. “The Biden-Harris administration has been a great partner in this effort.

“Our most important asset will be our people, and the agreement we’ve signed with USW signals our dedication to ensuring they are able to access their rights in the workplace. Convalt’s commitment to our workers and innovation, especially in next generation solar technologies, will be a winning combination and supports the administration’s goals to create good paying jobs right here in America.”

The agreement between the USW and Convalt commits the company to refrain from pressuring or intimidating workers during their unionization efforts, ensuring a free and fair election.

“Building out our domestic solar manufacturing capacity – from production of solar cells, modules and panels to the installation, maintenance and repair of solar energy equipment – must have a Made-In-America solution,” McCall said. “We look forward to working with employers like Convalt as we ensure long-term success across this sector.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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(MINNEAPOLIS) — The United Steelworkers (USW) union today announced its support for NewRange Copper Nickel’s plan to conduct a series of studies to determine whether new mining technology and sustainability developments can enhance environmental safeguards and mining performance for the company’s NorthMet project.

 “This project and projects like it are a vital part of our nation’s transition to clean energy, and will help to support a domestic supply chain of critical minerals while limiting the impact on the environment,” said USW District 11 representative John Arbogast, who works with thousands of USW members on Minnesota’s Iron Range. “The USW applauds the announcement by NewRange that it will embark on these studies.

“This announcement demonstrates that NewRange, working in partnership with the USW, is determined to improve the project beyond compliance with regards to tailings storage, efficient production, water treatment, and reduction of carbon footprint.” Arbogast 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.

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(PITTSBURGH) — United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement today in response to Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate:

“Vice President Harris couldn’t have chosen a stronger champion of workers to be her running mate, and the USW applauds her decision.

“From his many years of service in Congress to his time as governor of Minnesota, Gov. Walz has fought for working families every step of the way. A former union educator, he’s enacted some of the most significant pro-worker reforms in our nation’s history.

“Gov. Walz has given more workers access to paid sick and family leave; he has made major strides in protecting workers’ health and safety on the job; he has improved standards for patients and workers at Minnesota’s nursing homes; he has strengthened union organizing and collective bargaining rights; he has expanded unemployment benefits and taken steps to protect workers from wage theft and other abuses.

“In addition, Gov. Walz understands the importance of mining and manufacturing to the economy of Minnesota and to the future of this country, and he will never stop fighting for workers across all industries.

“American workers deserve leaders who fight for them every day. For four years, we’ve been fortunate to have seen exactly that kind of leadership from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. We have no doubt Tim Walz will continue that work to move our nation forward.”

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.

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PUERTO RICO – Nearly 500 workers at Genera PR today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The newly unionized workers serve as technicians, electricians, field operators, instrumentalists, maintenance workers, and more in 17 locations across Puerto Rico. Genera PR is an independently managed subsidiary of the New York-based energy company New Fortress, Inc., which generates electricity for the entire island.

“This is a historic moment for not only the USW but also our new members at Genera PR,” said USW District 4 Director David Wasiura. “This victory has significant implications for electricity generation in Puerto Rico as well as our ability to hold companies that seek to enrich themselves by privatizing public services to account.”

Puerto Rico began privatizing the island’s power generation in 2017 after the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) declared bankruptcy. Genera PR officially took over for the Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE) on July 1, 2023. Genera refused to recognize any of the unions that represented workers at AEE.

“The transition to the private sector left us without the protection of a collective bargaining agreement,” said Stephany Resto Sierra, an electrician at the Genera PR San Juan plant. “Winning our union was a priority because uncertainty reigned here previously. Now, through our union, we’ll be able to improve our working conditions and have a say in the decisions that affect us. We now call on Genera PR to sit down with us and swiftly negotiate a fair first contract.”

“Working in the private sector brings new challenges, and the surest way for us to improve our working conditions and defend our labor rights was through securing union representation,” said Oscar Roque, a worker at Genera PR’s Palo Seco plant. “We trust that future collective bargaining will be done in good faith and for the benefit of all parties.”

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.

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(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today proudly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

“When our union endorses a candidate, we first and foremost consider their values, and even more importantly, how they put those values into action,” said USW International President David McCall. “And Vice President Harris is a crucial part of the most pro-labor administration of our lifetimes, backing innumerable initiatives to help advance the interests of working families.”

McCall pointed to Harris’ strong record of delivering for workers during her time in office, noting that the USW enthusiastically endorsed her twice before as a vice presidential candidate.

“Vice President Harris cast the critical, tie-breaking vote when it came to securing more than a million workers’ pensions, including those of 120,000 USW members,” said McCall.

“She also was essential in the administration’s efforts to return the National Labor Relations Board to its mission of empowering working people, rather than serving the interests of wealthy corporations,” McCall said. “And her efforts chairing the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment are proving to be an essential part of the administration’s goal of helping more workers realize the benefits of union membership.”

These include more than 1,500 workers at bus manufacturer Blue Bird Corp. in Fort Valley, Ga., who now know the power of a union contract after voting in May 2023 to join the USW.

“Kamala Harris listens to working people, she understands their concerns, and she works hard to address those issues head-on, with real results,” McCall said. “We need to look no further than the fact that she has been instrumental in the administration developing this nation’s first real industrial policy in decades.

“Vice President Harris has been a true partner,” McCall said. “We look forward to continuing to work with her, and we are proud to give her our endorsement.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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(PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement today after Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection, thanking the president for his unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of working families:

“We are deeply grateful to President Joe Biden for his lifetime of service and especially for the past three and a half years as he navigated our nation out of a deadly pandemic and put us on a path to widespread, shared prosperity.

“President Biden’s commitment to workers has never faltered. He promised that he would spearhead transformational infrastructure investments, develop a much-needed industrial policy, safeguard retirement security, strengthen workers’ access to collective bargaining, secure our broken supply chains and build healthier communities.

“And on every one of these promises, he delivered.

“Most importantly, President Biden continually sought to unify our nation, to represent the interests of all Americans, not just the wealthy few or the well connected.

“Our union thanks Joe Biden for his exemplary leadership, and we vow to carry his mission forward as we work to build a brighter future for everyone.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

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