United Steelworkers: District 7 News

Busload of USW Local 1899, 50 and District 7 SOAR Chapter 34-2 Members Support UMWA at St. Louis Rally

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Submitted By Doug May

On Monday, April 29, 2013 a busload of Local 1899, 50 and District 7 SOAR Chapter 34-2 members attended another UMWA rally to show support for retirees of Patriot Coal (a spin-off from Peabody Coal). We joined thousands who are all supporting the United Mine Workers Union. Their President, Cecil Roberts' fire and brimstone speech in St. Louis, Mo. was well received by the energized crowd who then marched to the Federal Courthouse, blocks away, as Patriot Coal begins their bankruptcy proceedings, attempting to eliminate 10,000 retirees healthcare in the process. Speakers included White House adviser Van Jones, CWA President and the Mine Workers of Australia President.

BACKGROUND: Bankruptcy Should Not Be A License to Steal:
Patriot Coal was created by Peabody Energy in 2007 with the specific purpose of allowing Peabody Energy and Arch Coal to shed its long-term health care obligations to its retirees and their families. Saddled with too much debt and too little production to keep pace with its debt load, Patriot is seeking to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The UMW is fighting back every step of the way. The real culprits in this scheme, Peabody Energy and Arch Coal, have made hundreds of millions the last few years while Patriot has lost millions. We are working to make Peabody and Arch accept their share of the obligations to those who literally put their lives and their health on the line every day they go to work.

USW Study Warns Public about Dangers of Hydrofluoric Acid Use in Refinery Alkylation Process to Produce Clean-Burning Gasoline

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

More than 26 million are at risk of a Hydrofluoric Acid Release

A United Steelworkers (USW) study released today—“A Risk Too Great, Hydrofluoric Acid in U.S. Refineries”—warns that refiners that use hydrofluoric acid (HF) in their alkylation process to make clean-burning gasoline do not have adequate safety systems in place and are not prepared to handle a release.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate HF as a highly toxic chemical. Exposure to HF can cause deep severe burns and damage the eyes, skin, nose, throat and respiratory system. The fluoride ion enters the body through a burn or by the lungs and can cause internal damage throughout the body. At high enough exposures, HF can kill.

If released into the atmosphere, HF rapidly forms a dense vapor cloud that hovers near land and can travel long distances. HF releases from U.S. refineries range from three to 25 miles, depending on the amount stored. More than 26 million people live within this range, many in urban areas such as Philadelphia, Memphis, Salt Lake City and Houston that are impossible to evacuate quickly should there be a major HF release. No other chemical process puts as many people at risk ... more

USW Members at Indiana Plant Keep Party Tradition Alive

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The ArcelorMittal plant in East Chicago, Ind., is one of the largest steelmaking facilities in the world, with a history that stretches back more than 100 years. The members of Local 1010 at the Indiana Harbor plant also have a long history, one of union activism and of standing up for their USW brothers and sisters.

Over the years, the company made attempts to close the facility’s machine shop, contract out or outsource the shop’s work. But, in part because of strong contract language negotiated by the USW, the shop has continued to thrive, with the company eventually purchasing new machines and hiring new employees.

The machine shop’s annual retirement party, which at 55 years and running is one of the oldest in the industry, is another testament to the solidarity of the machine shop’s work force, both past and present.

The retirement celebration began in 1958 when, despite being an eclectic group of people with many different backgrounds, the 200-man machine shop was "a tight-knit group that worked around the clock making parts to keep the mills running," said party planner Milan Momcilovich.

The retirement party attracts interest from employees of all ages, with a group of more than 100 active and retired employees getting together for the event. The party’s organizers are committed to making sure it keeps going strong.

“We have had a remarkable history,” said Momcilovich. “It is a tribute to my fellow union members who have ensured that we have a strong contract to help us keep our jobs and provide for our families.”

Steelworkers Ratify Contracts with Titan International

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that workers at three Titan International, Inc. tire plants ratified new contracts this week.

The members of USW Local 164 in Des Moines, Iowa; USW Local 745 in Freeport, Ill.; and USW Local 890 in Bryan, Ohio each approved four-year agreements, which include wage and benefit improvements and a variety of contract language enhancements, most notably around the issue of forced overtime.

USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson, who chairs the union’s negotiations with Titan, said that the union believes it reached a fair contract despite the challenge of negotiating while the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is caught up in a political and legal dispute between the U.S. Senate and President Obama ... more

Stephen Skvara, Retired Steelworker, Raised a Voice for Justice

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

USW District 7 Statement

The United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement from Jim Robinson, Director, USW District 7, in recognition of the death last week of Stephen Skvara, 65, a retired steelworker activist, President of an Indiana Chapter of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), and who served on the district SOAR executive board.

“Our union has many unsung heroes and Stephen Skvara was certainly among them during his retirement years when he raised his loud Steelworker’s voice for justice on healthcare for everyone, retirement security for seniors, and fairness to workers who lose their benefits in corporate bankruptcies.

“His voice was loudest in Chicago when he stood up at a 2007 AFL-CIO Presidential Candidates Debate Forum to ask a question that was nationally televised to more than one-million, plus thousands who were seated at the event to say: ‘Every day of my life, I sit at the kitchen table across from the woman who devoted 36 years of her life to my family and I can’t afford her health care. What’s wrong with America and what will you do to change it? ...more

USW Members Take Action in Support of Mexican Workers Across North America

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Between Feb. 18 and 22, USW members from the U.S. and Canada joined unions around the world in demonstrations and rallies at embassies and consulates to protest the constant and systematic violations of human and labor rights by the Mexican Government.

The ‘Mexico Days of Action’ were a week of protests supported by global union alliances like IndustriALL, Workers Uniting, and the Tri-National Solidarity Alliance that includes the national federations of the AFL-CIO and the CLC in North America. A USW membership delegation traveled to Mexico City on Feb. 18 to participate in a protest march with Los Mineros, our alliance union partner in Mexico, to demand justice for the 65 miners killed at the Pasta de Conchos Mine.

Other USW actions were in Montreal, Vancouver, Chicago & Tucson. Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, Secretary General for Los Mineros, spoke in Vancouver.

(Click on each slide to reveal photo description)

USW demonstration action held outside of the Mexican consulate office in Indianapolis, IN.

(Click on each slide to reveal photo description)

Steelworkers Stand with Los Mineros, Demand Justice

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Seven years after an explosion at Grupo Mexico’s Mine #8 killed 65 miners at Pasta de Conchos in San Juan de Sabinas, Coahuila, hundreds of men and women marched through Mexico City carrying 65 black caskets with the Mexican Metal and Mineworkers’ Union (Los Mineros) to mark the anniversary.

United Steelworkers (USW) District 7 Director Jim Robinson led a delegation of eleven steelworkers to Mexico for the march, rally and other events to mark the beginning of five days of global solidarity actions to support members of Los Mineros and other Mexican workers.

“This week, our union brothers and sisters and allies throughout the Americas and around the world are standing in solidarity with Los Mineros,” Robinson said. “We are demanding justice for these workers and their families because it’s the right thing to do.”

Instead of investigating Grupo Mexico and prosecuting those responsible for the disaster, the Mexican government turned a blind eye to corporate misconduct and helped the company cover its tracks by ordering the mine sealed just five days after the blast, cutting rescue efforts short along with any attempt to investigate its cause or even to recover the bodies of those trapped inside.

Meanwhile, Los Mineros and its democratically elected leader, Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, have been unfairly targeted by the Mexican authorities. The government used police and troops to squash a strike over health and safety at Grupo Mexico after the disaster. Urrutia has been jailed as a result of trumped-up, bogus charges and is currently living in exile.

Between Feb. 1 and 22, unions around the world will participate in protests, demonstrations and rallies at embassies and consulates in support of Mexican workers and against constant and systematic violations of human and labor rights by the Mexican Government.

Unions prepare for Mexico Days of Action

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The IndustriALL Global Union is mobilizing internationally for trade union rights in Mexico during the week of February 18-24, 2013.

The date marks the terrible Pasta de Conchos mine accident in 2006 that killed 65 miners. The refusal of the Mexican government and employer Grupo Mexico to recover the bodies of 63 miners who remain entombed is widely known to be an effort to cover up the real causes of the disaster and the inadequacy of rescue efforts.

In the Mexican capital, national unions will march with international and North American trade unionists on 19 February and further actions are planned throughout the country during the week.

During the Days of Action IndustriALL affiliated trade unions, together with transport workers and others, will revisit the Mexican Ambassador to their country and push for action on:

The outstanding ILO complaint no. 2694 on Protection Contracts
Pasta de Conchos justice
Rejecting the recent regressive labour law reforms

IndustriALL Global Union appreciates and thanks our USW members for their support in this week-long event.

Click below for an information letter: In English In French In Spanish

Video: Comprehensive immigration reform might be shot in the arm organized labor needs

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

What would immigration reform mean for the labor movement? Ed Schultz asks Leo Gerard of the United Steelworkers if labor will help push immigration reform across the line. (The Ed Show)

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Women of Steel: Honoring Our Past - Protecting Our Future"

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

United Steelworkers International Women’s Conference

As our Union continues in its proud tradition of leading the way on major issues affecting workers around the world and in the countries where our members live and work, International President Leo W. Gerard announced the next USW International Women’s Conference, “Women of Steel: Honoring Our Past - Protecting Our Future.” This Conference will focus on skills enhancement, global solidarity and strengthening the labor movement, all of which contribute to your local union’s capacity to better serve the membership, influence politics and legislation, and strengthen the labor movement as a whole.

The 2013 USW International Women’s Conference will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown beginning at noon on Sunday, March 10 and will conclude on Wednesday, March 13.

Click Here for more information

NEW VIDEO: USW Election 2012 Recap, Thank You

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

In 2012, USW activists from across the nation led a successful boots-on-the-ground campaign to re-elect President Obama and pro-worker candidates at every level. Check out and share our video that recaps the historic effort and thanks the best activists in the world:

USW Election Day Outcome Statement

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600

President Obama Re-elected; Democrats, Independents Win Seats
USW trains 7,000 activists who distribute two-million worksite flyers for votes

Pittsburgh (Nov. 7) – Leo W. Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers (USW) said today’s Election Day outcome was defined by America’s union workers in the heartland, casting their votes to move America forward to re-elect U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

USW President Gerard said, “Most American workers chose Obama for turning the economy around, passing the Affordable Care Act, rebuilding the auto industry, enforcing our trade laws and adding 5.5 million jobs in the last 32 months.” Gerard adds: “We have more to do, but we’re on the right track with this President.

“Going into this, I wanted to prove three things: The best man would win based on his character, not his skin color; you can’t buy an election, and I wanted to prove that they couldn’t intimidate our people at the polls. And we did it.” He states that it’s not a status quo election result for the new 113th Congress, since new Democrats were elected along with independents.

“Our union members fought Super PACs by millionaires and billionaires with boots on the ground, worker-to-worker. It’s an historic triumph for the commitment we made together with other unions and progressive allies to fight back against the corporate influence in elections and the efforts to suppress voting,” Gerard said...more

Boots on the Ground

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600

United Steelworkers are telling their stories of members and activists across the country leafleting plant gates, registering folks to vote, doing block walks and more. Come back often to see if your story is here. Thank you to United Steelworker Press Association communicators for assisting with this effort.

In Colorado Steelworkers hard at work at the Obama office in Denver. We will win COLORADO!
In Pennsylvania USW President Leo Gerard plant gating this morning at Anchor Hocking in Monaca. Started at 6am!
In Ohio Joshua Keirsey talking to a supporter in Steubenville, OH pounding the pavement.
In Kentucky Jim Key, vice president of United Steelworkers Local 550, gets last minute instructions from Kelly Whitaker, labor-endorsed Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives, before he helps canvass Mayfield, the Graves County seat, for her.
In California United Steelworkers Jennifer, Xochitl and Brigette with Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, standing with Janice Hahn at Local 675 in Carson, CA in support on No on 32.
In Pennsylvania David Vinski sends us a photo of the GOTV phonebank at United Steelworkers headquarters in Pittsburgh.
In Kentucky From left, Steelworkers Jim Key, Jeff Wiggins and Joe Villines get last minute instructions from Kelly Whitaker, labor endorsed Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives, before they help her canvass Mayfield, the Graves County seat. Key is vice president of USW Local 550, Wiggins is president of USW Local 9447 and Villines is USW sub-district director in District 8.
In Virginia Boots on the Ground activists, Roger McGinnis, Karen Shipley, Heather Anderson, Ronnie Watson and Assistant Director Allan sampson, getting ready to knock on doors to secure this state for President Obama.
In California A classmate of Jennifer Thomas-Drudge Leadership Scholarship class, Erik Dullbo from Sweden is supporting our cause here.
In Virginia It's cell phone city at United Steelworker Local 8888 as Women of Steel phone bank for President Barack Obama and Tim Kaine.
In Virginia Roger McGinnis block walking for President Obama and Tim Kaine in Danville, VA.
In California United Steelworker Staff Al Madrigal with officers and members of USW Local 1440 in Pittsburg, CA on the Ground.
In Arizona United Steelworker Local 3937 Women of Steel and members handed out Obama/Carmona flyers at the Alcoa plant in Chandler for just over an hour before they got kicked out of company property by human resource personnel. Click Here for more photos.
In Florida USW political activists are on the ground in Florida helping with setting up and working at plant gate leafleting, educating members at local union meetings, phone banking, block walks, local union mailings and robo calling. Click Here to view all the photos.
In Ohio USW Rally for U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton. United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard is scheduled to join candidates in key races, union leaders and others in several states, where he will rally activists, prepare for massive get out the vote efforts and remind workers what’s at stake when they cast their ballots Nov. 6. Click Here to view more photos.
In Illinois USW Local 9550 members in Goshen, IN. are fighting to stop their jobs from moving to Mexico. They work for Cequent Towing Company, whose parent company TriMas Corp., based out of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., have reported third-quarter sales of $336 million, up 21% from the same quarter in 2011. A similar situation like this is happening in Freeport, Ill. where a company with ties to Mitt Romney, Sensata Technologies is moving jobs to China. Click Here to view more photos.
In Ohio On October 28, 2012, Senator Sherrod Brown attended a press event at USW Local 979 in Cleveland. The picture shows the Senator talking with Amber and Jason Miller's daughters, Peyton (on the left) and Madison. The younger Miller, Peyton, really looks like she is in a deep discussion with the Senator.
In Pennsylvania Congressman Mark Critz talking with Anaiah, daughter of Connie Mabin, at the Fall Human Rights Banquet in Hopewell, PA.
In Indiana Special thanks to our USW members of Local 1899 and 68 who helped out handing out fliers and came out to supprt David Gill for 13th congress, Mark Von Nida for circuit clerk, Tom Gibbons for states attorney, Rick Facin for Auditor, Steve Nonn for Coroner, Amy Myer for Recorder, Judy Cates for appellate court, James Clayborne state senator 57th District, Marleen Suarez for 112 state rep, Jay Hoffman 113th District.
In Texas USW District 13 Members Participating In Getting Out the Vote Activities. Click Here for more.
In Indiana Special thanks to our USW members of Local 1899 and 68 who helped out handing out fliers and came out to supprt David Gill for 13th congress, Mark Von Nida for circuit clerk, Tom Gibbons for states attorney, Rick Facin for Auditor, Steve Nonn for Coroner, Amy Myer for Recorder, Judy Cates for appellate court, James Clayborne state senator 57th District, Marleen Suarez for 112 state rep, Jay Hoffman 113th District.
In Texas Members of USW Local 13-423 of Port Arthur, Texas and others conducted a block walk to encourage people in the Port Arthur and Beaumont Texas area to get out and vote prior to the November 6th election.
In Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown with a great support team - District 1 Director Dave McCall, Asst. Director Dave Caldwell, District 1 Political Team and Staff — Donnie Blatt, Jason Miller, Amber Nichole Miller, Joe Sterling and Steven Donovan II.
In Texas SOAR members Jack Simmons, Tom Gentry, Spyder Deringer, Earl Ehlers, SOAR Executive Board member Jack Golden, Assistant to the Director Jim Lefton and Sister Estella M. Simmons from USW Local 13-1 spent Monday October 29th stuffing envelopes in preparation for a mail out to USW Local 13-1 members. Click Here for more.
In Ohio "I'm in Ohio because I wanted to go some place where I could help President Obama," Ormes said. "Our union endorsed him, and the union has always been there for me. The union has always encouraged me and brought me along." To read Chris' story, click here.
In Virginia Heather Anderson with Chris MacLarion meet former Virginia Governor and future U.S. Senator, Tim Kaine this morning. Block walking for him and President Obama.
In Pennsylvania USW International President Leo Gerard at the Fall Human Rights Banquet in Hopewell, PA promoting President Obama's middle class values.
In Virginia United Steelworker Local 8888 Women of Steel phone banking for President Barack Obama and Tim Kaine.
In Ohio Hall of Fame running back, Franco Harris joining two other legends Jim Brown and and Leo Gerard at the Steel Blitz Tour for Barack Obama Rally in Akron, Ohio
In Massachusetts The tireless political activist Dan Lawson taking a few moments out for a photo shoot with Elizabeth Warren. Starting to count the number of running shoes he has worn out in his support of Elizabeth and President Obama.
In Ohio Jason Miller from Local 7248 in District 1 at the Brown/Mandel debate rally in Cincinnati, Ohio
In Colorado Ken Debey (Alliance), David Nefzger (Colorado Alliance for Retired Americans), Rodney Crow (United Steelworkers), Maura Firth (Protect your Care), Courtney Law (Protect Your Care) getting interviews and protecting Medicare.
In Ohio Steelworkers, their families and friends paking the USW Local 2L hall at the Steel Blitz Tour for Barack Obama Rally in Akron, Ohio
In California USW District 12 Director Bob LaVenture with Staff Reps. Fernando Terrazas and Shig Noguchi doing support work for President Obama and the No prop 32 Campaign in Anaheim, CA
In Illinois USW Political Coordinator Terry Biggs from Local 1899, Bill Enyart from congress 12th district and USW Local 50 President Jason Chism at gate handout.
In California United Steelworker's Sub Director Ron Espinoza, Staff Representative Shig Noguchi and USW members with Congressional Representative Maxine Waters supporting Vote NO on Prop 32 in California.
In Oklahoma This home is in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The owner got tired of vandals destroying his Obama yard signs so he painted his roof. That is commitment.
In Illinois Gate handout with USW Local 50 President Jason Chism, State Representative 112th Marleen Suarez and Terry Biggs USW political coordinator for Local 1899.
In Colorado Women of Steel (WOS) member Renee Johnson from United Steelworker Local 2102 in Pueblo, CO. recently had the opportunity to meet the President and present him with a WOS shirt for Miche.
In California United Steelworkers Women of Steel Jennifer Drudge helped to organize the rally in Alamitos, CA to support Obama and Biden.
In Illinois Working door-to-door in my neighborhood's precinct for Dr. David Gill who is running for the Illinois 13th Congressional District. He is currently running ahead in two major polls.
In Oregon USW Local 1097 President Bill Kerr getting ready to pound the pavement in Wauna, OR.
In Arizona Steelworkers handing out Obama flyers at 6:00 am on 10-24-12 at Asarco Ray Mine, Hayden, AZ. Members included Beverly Martinez, LU 915; Monika Lopez, LU 886; Rebekah Osinski, LU 886 and Rosemary Martinez, LU 915
In Texas The son of Local 13-1 President Lee Medley coordinated a massive voter registration drive at a local university campus that registered a whopping 760 voters just in time for Texas' deadline! Let's hear it for USW members who make activism a family affair!
In Virginia Local 8888 members stood outside the shipyard early Saturday ready to greet and encourage their fellow co-workers to vote for former Gov. Tim Kaine and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) who, respectively, are running for the U.S. Senate and Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District.
In California Election Efforts Continue for USW Local 675. A voters education/cookout event, distributing packets and preparing mailings all add up. Click Here to view more photos.
In Ohio District 1 Steelworkers showing support for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown before his debate in Cleveland!
In Virginia Virginia's political casuals drop in unexpectedly at a Romney rally and bring Big Bird to visit.
In Arizona Rosemary Martinez from USW Local 915 handing out Obama flyers at 6:00 am on 10-24-12 at Asarco Ray Mine, Hayden, AZ
In California United Steelworkers Women of Steel take to the street to rally in Alamitos, CA to support Obama and Biden.
In Ohio United Steelworker activists joined Congresswoman Kaptur at a recent press conference in Lakewood, OH. Representative Kaptur has a strong record of advancing and protecting workers rights.
In Illinois A photo of a night sign from Local 1899 member showing their support for workers and against Bain Capital outscourcing jobs in Freeport, Illinois at the Bainport event covered by the Ed Show.
In California United Steelworker Jennifer Drudge from Local 2801 will not be discouraged from showing her support for President Barack Obama in this year’s campaign no matter how many times people vandalise her signs. Photo by Ted Apodaca. Click here to read the story.
In Illinois Local 1899 member's wife Kim May shows her support for workers and against Bain Capital outscourcing jobs in Freeport, Illinois at the Bainport event covered by the Ed Show.
In Connecticut Tammy Marston, Wanda McKiver and Tammie Botelho walking in New Britain, Connecticut today for Chris Murphy and Elizabeth Estey.
In Illinois Local 1899 member and his wife show their support for workers and against Bain Capital outscourcing jobs in Freeport, Illinois at the Bainport event covered by the Ed Show.
In Ohio Leafleting at the Timkin Company plant gate in Canton OH. Recognizable is Congresswoman Betty Sutton, Richard Trumpka (back to us), LU 1123 President Joe Hoagland (in the blue jacket) and Katy Breck (Sutton's campaign with the USW pullover on).
In Nevada On October 18, United Steelworkers staff and members rallyed with union workers inside The Events Center at the Culinary Training Academy in Las Vegas to show their support for Vice President Joe Biden.
In Iowa SOAR Chapter 11-4 members phone banking USW 105 Retirees in Davenport, IA
In Massachusetts USW President Leo Gerard and US Senate Democratic Candidate Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts at October 13 block walk & campaign rally in Malden, Mass. Click Here to see other cool pics with District 4 Director Shinn and our District 4 Steelworkers.
In Connecticut District 4 Staff, Support Staff and Local Union Volunteers getting ready to do Labor to Labor walks this morning for US Senate Candidate Chris Murphy in Connecticut.
In Iowa SOAR Chapter 11-4 members taking a moment from phone banking for a photo opportunity in front of the Bain Work Bus.
In Indiana USW Local 115-A Mailing. Volunteers from USW Local 115-A stuffing local union mail for the election. Click Here for more. Photos by Kelly Ray Hugunin
In Maine USW Locals 4-365,4-291 and 4-1247 in Madawaska, Maine in front of their float promoting union values at the "Acadian Festivial Parade." Submitted by Tammy Marston.
In Indiana Steelworker volunteers phone banking at USW Local 1999. Click Here for more. Photos by Kelly Ray Hugunin
In Indiana Candidates Visit LU 1999-9 - House District 92 Candidate Karlee Macer and Senate District 35 Candidate Mark Waterfill talk with Steelworkers at the plant gate. Click Here for more. Photos by Kelly Ray Hugunin
In New York Steelworkers rallied outside WNED-TV studios in downtown Buffalo before the debate on Oct. 16 for candidate Rep. Kathy Hochul (D) in the 27th Congressional District. District 4 members included Peter DeJesus and Jim Pittman from USW Local 9436, Dave Evans from USW Local 135l and Joe Vertalino from Local 897.
In Arizona What happens in Tempe, AZ at 4:00am? District 12 Women of Steel from USW Locals 886, 915 and 5252 along with Manny Armenta Jr. and Jeremy Johnson do handbills at a plant gate for Obama.
In Ohio Steelworkers show their support in front of the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland before Sherrod Brown's debate with Josh Mandel.
In Massachusetts Steelworkers join with brothers and sisters of other unions at the Elizabeth Warren rally in Malden, Mass. in front of Laborers Local 22.
In Ohio As candidates face off for the first of three debates for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat, Steelworkers come out in force to support Sherrod Brown.
In North Carolina Mitt Keep your Mitts off our Healthcare. USW Local 959 member Joe Smith was rallying with brothers and sisters at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC.
In Virginia United Steelworker (USW) member Mattie Urquhart from Local 8888 in Newport News, VA, phone banking for our candidates.
In Massachusetts United Steelworker members and District 4 staff came out in support of Elizabeth Warren in Springfield, Mass. Click Here to view more pictures of the event.
In Florida James Crowder from USW Local 351L hooking up with the Painters Union as they pound the pavement at an Obama-Bidden Rally at Bartow Recreation Center in Bartow Florida.
In Pennsylvania United Steelworkers (USW) from Local 5652 in Wilkes Barre, PA were able to get 100% of our department registered to vote thanks to the USW Rapid Response program. The members try to wear Obama shirts every Tuesday to remind people to vote on Election Day.
In Minnesota Over 40 steelworkers joined District 11 Director Bob Bratulich on October 9 before the first debate between congressional candidates United Steelworker (USW) endorsed Rick Nolan and Tea Party candidate Chip Cravaack. Representative Cravaack used the back door to enter the debate.
In North Carolina United Steelworkers rallied at VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC, reminding people where Mitt Romney was when men and women were serving America.
In Ohio Members hand billing at Steelcraft manufacturing in Cincinnati.
In Pennsylvania Big Bird came to Pittsburgh on October 9 to visit the United Steelworkers and ask for Steelworkers to help save PBS from Mitt Romney. United Steelworkers from Local 3657 and Headquarters were available to show their support. To see more photos, click here.
In Massachusetts United Steelworkers in Lowell, Mass. rallied outside the debate hall where senatorial candidates Elizabeth Warren (D) and Scott Brown (R) were holding a debate.
In Virginia United Steelworker (USW) members from Local 8888 in Newport News, VA, leafleted and showed their support.
In Arkansas Volunteers from the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9671 who made calls Saturday for Gene Jeffress (AR CD 4) in Pine Bluff, AR
In Colorado USW Staff Reps Jack Cavanaugh, Doug Fennell and members of LU 2102 and 3267 with Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, at an event in Pueblo.

USW Joins More Than 50 Allies in 'Money Out, Voters In' Effort

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The United Steelworkers (USW) union has joined allies from more than 50 other groups to fight back against the corporate influence in elections and against laws and official actions designed to suppress the vote. Under the banner “Money Out, Voters In,” the organizations issued a joint statement pledging to fight corporate money in politics and to support the rights of all voters.

“We deserve a democracy that works for every single citizen, no matter where they live, how much money they have, or what their background might be,” said USW International Vice President Fred Redmond. “Right now, we have an unequal system in which the rich can use their millions to flood the airwaves with inaccurate attack ads or, worse, to bully voters into staying home on Election Day. These efforts are a direct assault on our democracy.”

The joint statement reads:
“Within the next week, citizens in every state will come together to cast their votes for President, Congress, and other state and local offices. The right to cast those votes – to elect leaders who represent us – is at the heart of our democratic system. But this year, that right is in danger ... more

Fighting to Stop their Jobs from Moving to Mexico

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

USW Local 9550 members in Goshen, IN. are fighting to stop their jobs from moving to Mexico. They work for Cequent Towing Company, whose parent company TriMas Corp., based out of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., have reported third-quarter sales of $336 million, up 21% from the same quarter in 2011. A similar situation like this is happening in Freeport, Ill. where a company with ties to Mitt Romney, Sensata Technologies, is moving jobs to China.

No Denial: 'Son Of Detroit' Profited From Bailout - And Jobs Shipped To China

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

by Joe Conason, The National Memo

“I’m a son of Detroit. I was born in Detroit. My dad was head of a car company. I like American cars,” said Mitt Romney on Monday night when he net with President Obama to discuss foreign policy. “And I would do nothing to hurt the U.S. auto industry.”

That might be considered true – unless moving the most important American auto parts manufacturer to China counts as hurting the U.S. auto industry. But those words now stand as one of Romney’s most glaring falsehoods in the final debate.

Romney’s defensive statement came in response to a remark by Obama noting that the Republican nominee is “familiar with jobs being shipped overseas because you invested in companies that were shipping jobs overseas.” Moments later, he added: “If we had taken your advice Governor Romney about our auto industry, we’d be buying cars from China instead of selling cars to China ... more

USW Praises Clear Channel Decision to Remove Signs Intimidating Voters

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The United Steelworkers (USW) today said Clear Channel Communications made the right decision in removing anonymous billboards designed to intimidate voters and suppress turnout.

The billboards, which warned of prison terms and fines for anyone engaged in voter fraud, began to appear in early October. The signs were financed by a “family foundation” that insisted on remaining anonymous.

“Messages that use fear to deny the most basic rights of U.S. citizens go beyond the bounds of ‘free speech’ when they seek to undermine our democracy,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “These billboards were designed not to educate but to intimidate voters into staying home on Nov. 6 ... more

Romney Selling Out America ... The Real Deal About Mitt And The Chinese!

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

By Doug May, Local 1899

Mitt Romney is on the podium preaching the line that he would create jobs, while his buddies at Bain Capital — the company he founded — are outsourcing jobs to China. But that is just the tip of the iceberg … The larger picture looks even worse and is happening right now as you read this.

These greedy bastards are not only pulling jobs out of Freeport, IL — where there are no good jobs to replace them — but they are actually packing up the Sensata Technologies factory and shipping the equipment … along with and our specialized American technology … to China. They are not even sneaking around like spies selling the technology to China, they are brazenly taking the technology and handing it, gift-wrapped, to the Chinese.

It is no secret that the Chinese have been breaking all our patent laws and stealing American designs and technologies for years, but now Mitt and his greedy cohorts are actually taking the technology to China themselves. This technology is worth far more than the plant is and will be able to generate billions of dollars for the Chinese economy while robbing America’s economy in the process.

To make matters worse, they brought Chinese engineers to the plant between May and July of this year and forced the Sensata workers to train them, before losing their jobs to the Chinese. Usually a company is sold when it is not making a profit, but in the case of Sensata, the company made more than $500 million in the second quarter of 2012.

Aren’t there laws about selling secrets to foreign governments? This Sensata plant produces high-quality sensors, which they sell to various car companies. The technology is uniquely American and is of the highest standard worldwide. The Chinese are just salivating over the prospect of acquiring the new technology … something they would take years to develop on their own.

USW Members to Show Solidarity with Illinois Sensata Workers Losing Their Jobs Because of Romney's Bain Capital

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond, District 7 Director Jim Robinson, Local 745L President Dale Sandell and rank-and-file members from around the region on Friday will gather in Freeport, Illinois, to show solidarity with Sensata Technologies workers whose jobs are moving to China because of Mitt Romney’s Bain Capital.

The Steelworkers will remain in Freeport for MSNBC’s The Ed Show with Ed Schultz, which is airing live from the city.

Sensata workers have been protesting for more than a month at “Bainport,” an encampment across the street from the plant where some 170 Americans will lose their jobs to China. (Watch their story: www.youtube.com/steelworkers)

“We are so proud of the Sensata workers for standing up to the corporate bullies from Mitt Romney’s Bain, a true pioneer of outsourcing. The courageous folks from Freeport are fighting for their families, for their community, and for the nation, and we are proud to stand with them,” said Leo W. Gerard, USW International President ... more

Judge: USW Challenge to Indiana Anti-Union Law Can Go Forward

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Lake County, Indiana, Circuit Court Judge George Paras ruled on Tuesday that the United Steelworkers’ (USW) legal challenge to Indiana’s new anti-union “right-to-work” law can go forward.

The USW filed a lawsuit arguing that the law, which requires unions to represent workers who are receiving the benefits of union membership without contributing to the costs, is a violation of Article 1, Section 21, of the state constitution. That clause states: “No person's particular services shall be demanded, without just compensation.”

In denying the state’s motion to dismiss the challenge, Judge Paras wrote that “it cannot categorically be said at this time” that the law does not violate the Indiana Constitution. The decision means that the case may proceed to a full hearing on the merits of the union’s argument that the “right-to-work” law, signed into law in February, should be struck down ... more

Candidates Visit USW Local 1999-9

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

House District 92 Candidate Karlee Macer and Senate District 35 Candidate Mark Waterfill talk with Steelworkers from USW Local 1999-9 at the plant gate. Photos by Kelly Ray Hugunin

Gerard Discusses How Mitt Romney Profits at the Expense of American Workers

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

American Flags Removed by Bain for Chinese Workers

Progressive talk show host Ed Schultz spoke with United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard about Mitt Romney and Bain Capital who are profiting by selling out American workers by shipping U.S. jobs to China.

This is not just about Freeport, Illinois. This is about the future of American jobs.

"This is the real Mitt Romney," said Gerard, "This is a disgrace to the country."

Bain Capital and Romney have determined they can make even more profits by moving the plant to China where they can pay Chinese workers pennies and force them to live in deplorable conditions.

To see the Bain story, click here.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Goal for 103-year-old Betty Lockett: register 103 voters

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

By Mark Taylor Post-Tribune correspondent

“For my birthday present I asked to have 103 people register to vote,” said Lockett, a widowed Hammond centenarian, retired nurse and Mississippi native.

“I want people to have that freedom to vote and be counted on Election Day,” said Lockett, who went blind from cataracts three years ago. “The young people especially need that. Voting gives them a boost and wakes them up to see what’s going on.”

So Monday at the Secret’s Loving Care Adult Day Services in Munster where she spends weekdays, the League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area registered voters ... more

New Video: Saving the Auto Industry and USW Jobs

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Just a few years ago, USW Local 903 in Fort Wayne, Ind., was running a food bank out of its hall to feed laid off members. The economy had collapsed, the auto industry was dying, and the Dana auto parts plant that once employed over 2,000 Steelworkers was barely hanging on. Watch their inspiring story below, then share it with everyone you know. Click here to download our fact sheet and leaflets.

U.S. Vote Foundation and Hispanic Communications Network Launch Spanish Language Absentee Ballot Request Services Website

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

“Voto Ausente USA” (www.VotoAusenteUSA.org) Debuts in 12 States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington

September 13, 2012 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Vote Foundation (US Vote) and Hispanic Communications Network (HCN) proudly announce the debut of Voto Ausente USA, www.VotoAusenteUSA.org, a Spanish-language website, which offers state-specific absentee ballot request services for voters in 12 states.

“Hispanic voter turnout has typically been below expectations. The scheduling and traveling challenges of working people, parents, students, and those who are homebound become their own voting barriers. While most of these voters have access to the Internet, printers and postal services; what they don’t have is time,” said Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat, President and CEO, US Vote.

Carlos Alcázar, President and CEO of HCN emphasized, “Voto Ausente USA offers an alternative to many Latino voters who may otherwise not cast a ballot because going to the polling place is burdensome or intimidating. Many have no knowledge of their rights to vote in this manner. The Voto Ausente USA website now provides a tailored service for Latino voters to request an absentee ballot, a service long-awaited by this voter group."

According to the Pew Hispanic Center, in 2008, Latino eligible voters accounted for 9.5% of all eligible voters, up from 8.2% in 2004. The 2008 Hispanic voter turnout rate was only 49.9% compared to 65.2% for black eligible voters.[i]

The Voto Ausente USA state-specific absentee ballot services are now available for voters in 12 states with the highest numbers of Spanish-speaking populations[ii] with the exception of Illinois and North Carolina: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington.

To support election officials in processing the applications, VotoAusenteUSA.org generates their individual state-specific forms with local election office addresses and contact details.

[i] Pew Hispanic Research Center, Dissecting the 2008 Electorate: Most Diverse in U.S. History, by Mark Hugo Lopez and Paul Taylor, http://www.pewhispanic.org/2009/04/30/dissecting-the-2008-electorate-most-diverse-in-us-history/
[ii] Hispanic Population 2010 Census Brief published in May 2011 by the U.S. Census Bureau