history

Elliot Lake's Legacy: The Miners' Fight for Safety with the USW Union

Dive into the compelling history of Elliot Lake, once a burgeoning uranium mining town in northern Ontario, through the eyes of its miners and their brave fight for occupational health and safety. This documentary uncovers the harrowing journey of the workers, from the town's rapid growth and decline to the resurgence of mining with deadly consequences. Witness the power of unity as the United Steelworkers (USW) Union champions the miners' rights, leading a groundbreaking wildcat strike that changed the landscape of labor laws and health regulations. Join us in honoring the legacy of Elliot Lake's miners and the USW's relentless pursuit of a safer workplace for all.

Solidarity at the Shipyard: The Story of USW Local 8888's Fight for Union Power

USW Local 8888's story is a powerful example of shipbuilders at Newport News overcoming great odds to unionize. Workers faced tough conditions and company pushback but found strength in solidarity. Their fight for better working conditions, fair representation, and unionization is a tribute to the enduring spirit of labor movements, leading to significant improvements in their rights and benefits through collective bargaining.

Steelworkers: USX Workers' Historic 1986 Lockout

In 1986, US America's largest steel company faced its greatest challenge as it locked out 22,000 Steelworkers, sparking a historic battle for job security and fair labor practices. Discover the incredible story of perseverance and unity as the Steelworkers, standing strong against corporate might, sought to negotiate a fair contract and fight against the contracting out of their jobs. This is not just a tale of a labor dispute; it's a testament to the Steelworkers' indomitable spirit and the solidarity that spanned industries. Watch as they rally support from various unions, utilize innovative strategies like a computerized database, and withstand the longest work stoppage in the steel industry's history, eventually leading to a victory that resonates with workers everywhere.

USWA Health & Wellfare Fund

Step back into 1998 and uncover the pivotal role of the United Steelworkers in fortifying the rights to comprehensive healthcare through the Steelworkers Health and Welfare Fund. This video captures the historical essence of the labor movement's victories, highlighting the union's relentless negotiations for equitable working conditions and healthcare benefits. From the crucial 1996 strikes to establishing a member-controlled benefits program, this video chronicles the strategic battles fought at the bargaining table to secure a legacy of improved healthcare plans for thousands of members. Experience the solidarity and strategic foresight that empowered the steelworkers to safeguard their health, welfare, and dignity against the shifting tides of industrial America.

Honoring the Legacy of Tom Conway: Memorial Service Live Stream

Join us for a heartfelt memorial service as we pay tribute to the life and legacy of Tom Conway, the International President of the United Steelworkers (USW). Tom's dedication to the labor movement and his unwavering commitment to workers' rights left an indelible mark on the world.

USWA 50th Anniversary "We Are the People"

The United Steelworkers Union was founded in 1936 by 11 trade unionists who sought to unite workers regardless of race, creed, color, or nationality. Over the years, the union has fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved social benefits for its members and has played a crucial role in advancing workers' rights in North America. The organization has merged with other unions to strengthen its position, and its commitment to education, solidarity, and democracy has made it a symbol of hope and opportunity for working people everywhere.
" data-media="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lS-jlIF2LcU/hqdefault.jpg" >

USW: AK Steel Locked Out in Mansfield

USW: AK Steel "Locked Out in Mansfield" documents the labor dispute between AK Armco Steel and over 650 dedicated steelworkers in Mansfield, Ohio. The company, which has enjoyed record earnings, has declared all-out war on its loyal workforce by implementing drastic changes in pensions, healthcare, and seniority practices and mandating unlimited overtime. The management has locked out its unionized workers and brought in scab replacement workers to intimidate them into accepting the company's demands. The workers, supported by the United Steelworkers, refuse to back down and vow to fight for their rights and future. This powerful video sheds light on the struggle for justice, loyalty, and fairness in the workplace and the impact of corporate greed on working-class families.

CF&I: Until It's Over

A powerful documentary about the struggles of over 1,100 steel workers who went on strike in Pueblo, Colorado, on October 3rd, 1997, after the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company's unfair labor practices. The workers demand fair treatment, including secure pensions, benefits, insurance benefits, dignity, and respect. The documentary explores the reasons behind the strike, the workers' sacrifices and concessions, and the community's support for their cause. It also sheds light on the role of Oregon Steel, the parent company of CF&I, and its attempts to control the plant's operations from a thousand miles away. The striking workers, backed by community leaders, members of other unions, and people of conscience, are unyielding in their determination to win a fair contract. This documentary provides an insightful and moving portrayal of the struggles of workers fighting for their rights and the support they receive from their community.
" data-media="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uXxM0uivuTA/hqdefault.jpg" >

USW 8888: Our Fight for Justice at Newport News

"World-Class Workforce - Second-Class Treatment." The Newport News Shipyard is the only shipyard in the United States capable of constructing a highly sophisticated mobile defense system. The workers are part of the United Steelworkers of America union and have been bargaining with the company since January to improve their contract. However, they rejected the company's final offer and voted to go on strike due to low wages, rising medical insurance premiums, and a poor pension plan. The workers believe they deserve fair wages and benefits, considering they are world-class shipbuilders and labor in an industry vital to national security. The International Union has approved using its Strike and Defense program to assemble a team to assist and mobilize workers to achieve a fair agreement. Watch this video to hear firsthand from the workers and understand why they have taken the bold step to strike.

USW: Victory at Ravenswood

This video tells the inspiring story of the Steelworkers' victory at Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation in West Virginia. The locked-out workers of Local 5668 fought for their jobs and community against scabs who stole their livelihoods. With the help of union solidarity, an international campaign, and the support of their families and allies, the Steelworkers were able to reclaim their jobs and send a message to all Working Families that they can fight back and win. Watch this compelling story of struggle and triumph to learn how Union solidarity works and how Working Families can come together to achieve victory.

2022 USW Installation of Officers

Live from Pittsburgh, the leaders of our International union take the oath of office, ushering in a new era for our great union.

USW at Inglis

Members of USW Local Unions 2900 and 4487 manufactured a wide range of products at John Inglis Co.: washers, dryers, water heaters and other household appliances; kitchen utensils; large industrial equipment, even fishing rods. At its height, more than 17,000 United Steelworkers at Inglis made Bren guns for the WWII war effort. For more than 50 years, our union improved the lives of the thousands of workers who passed through the company’s doors -- and improved the lives of all those in the Toronto area. The union at Inglis also produced some of labor's most impactful leaders. USW International President Lynn Williams was a worker at Inglis on the water heater line during the late 1940s and a life-long, dues-paying member. International President Leo W. Gerard represented the locals as a staff rep during the 1970s and 1980s during some of their toughest fights. In November 1989, the John Inglis Company’s workers made their last products. But the wonderful memories of Locals 2900 and 4487 and their members will last forever.

The Memorial Day Massacre

This clip from the USW’s 70th Anniversary celebration relives the “Memorial Day Massacre” that occurred 81 years ago today. Several thousand workers who were trying to form a union had walked off their jobs in what is known as the “Little Steel Strike.” On the South Side of Chicago, striking workers rallied with their families and community members, then marched to peacefully picket Republic Steel. Police, out in full force, fired shots. Ten workers were dead. Thirty others were shot. Share this post to help us honor the 10 who lost their lives so that we could have the rights we still fight for today: Hilding Anderson, Alfred Causey, Leo Francisco, Earl J. Handley, Otis A. Jones, Sam R. Popovich, Kenneth Reed, Joseph Rothmund, Anthony Taglieri and Lee Tisdale. #1u #NeverForget

USW: House Calling

A vintage video about how to properly perform a home visit on union business.

SOAR: A Lifetime of Activism

With a new president at the help, the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees is more active than ever. Our retirees are using new technology, continuing education and mentoring a new generation of USW activists.

Lynn Williams - One Day Longer

A tribute to Lynn Williams, past president of the United Steelworkers of America.
" data-media="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/hs-XIYRsEj8/hqdefault.jpg" >

A Tribute to Lynn Williams

From the 1992 film "Leadership is... A Tribute to Lynn Williams."

Stronger Together

Our union has a proud history and is forged in tradition that we are all privileged to carry on. The past few years have been among the most exciting -- and the most challenging in our 70 plus years. We've come through a lot. We've accomplished a lot. And we have so much more to do. Through it all -- the good times and the bad times -- one thing has been proven over and over: we are stronger together.

Lynn Williams, USW President Emeritus

Lynn Williams, USW President Emeritus address to the USW Constitutional Convention August 16, 2011