USW District 4: News/Releases

• May 03, 2013 Discussing Legislative Issues with Congressman Mike Michaud USW local union leadership during their Maine Labor Council's spring meeting discuss legislative issues with Congressman (USW member) Mike Michaud.
• April 16, 2013 USW Study Warns Public about Dangers of Hydrofluoric Acid Use in Refinery Alkylation Process to Produce Clean-Burning Gasoline 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.
• April 10, 2013 "Keep it Made in America" Town Hall in Buffalo The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AMM) and United Steelworkers (USW) partnered together on April 8 in a converted church in downtown Buffalo to conduct a town hall meeting to discuss retaining and creating skilled manufacturing jobs in America and how to rebuild New York's infrastructure.
• April 04, 2013 USW Endorses Ed Markey for U.S. Senator in Massachusetts The United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 has announced endorsement of Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-5th) for U.S. Senator in the Democratic primary election set for Apr. 30 in Massachusetts.
• March 28, 2013 Alliance for American Manufacturing Hosting a Town Hall in Buffalo Has the decline of manufacturing affected you, your friends or family? Come to the AAM Town Hall Meeting to discuss retaining and creating skilled manufacturing jobs and how to rebuild New York's infrastructure. The Alliance for American Manufacturing is hosting a Town Hall in Buffalo, NY on April 8, 2013.
• January 28, 2013 Video: Comprehensive immigration reform might be shot in the arm organized labor needs 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)
• January 10, 2013 USW Applauds Gov. Cuomo’s Leadership on NYS 2100 Commission Recommendations in State of the State Address The United Steelworkers (USW) today issued the following statement on behalf of District 4 Director John Shinn in response to N.Y. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s State of the State address, which emphasized the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy.
• December 12, 2012 Women of Steel: Honoring Our Past – Protecting Our Future” 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, we announce the next USW International Women’s Conference, “Women of Steel: Honoring Our Past - Protecting Our Future.”
• December 05, 2012 NEW VIDEO: USW Election 2012 Recap, Thank You Click here to watch a recap of USW's role in the historic election of 2012.
• November 07, 2012 USW Election Day Outcome Statement 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.
• November 05, 2012 Boots on the Ground 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.
• November 03, 2012 USW Joins More Than 50 Allies in ‘Money Out, Voters In’ Effort 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.
• October 29, 2012 USW Endorses Angus King for Maine's new U.S. Senator The Maine Labor Council of the United Steelworkers (USW) District 4, today announced endorsement support of former governor Angus King as an Independent who is the front running candidate for the U.S. Senate. The USW endorsement could be a deciding factor in the contest, coming 10 days before Election Day on Nov. 6.
• October 24, 2012 No Denial: 'Son Of Detroit' Profited From Bailout - And Jobs Shipped To China "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."
• October 19, 2012 USW Ratifies Temple-Inland Integration Agreement with IP The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that workers ratified an agreement this week to integrate about 1,400 workers at 18 former Temple Inland box plants into the union’s master economic agreement with International Paper (IP), with 90% of the ballots cast in favor of the contract.
• October 11, 2012 Back a Fighter for Workers - Elizabeth Warren A Steelworker rally will be held Saturday, October 13 in Malden, Mass. for the "Watchdog of Wall Street," Elizabeth Warren. Featured special guests include Leo Gerard, USW Intl. President; Richard Trumka, President AFL-CIO; Mary Kay Henry, Intl. President SEIU and Mike Langford, President UWUA. Meet the candidate who has spent her entire career fighting for workers and and their families.
• October 08, 2012 Shame on you, Scott Brown Retired Steelworker Steve Skvara of Indiana was shocked to see himself in a political ad by Massachusetts U.S. Senator Scott Brown. Elizabeth Warren has proven she is not a friend of Wall Street and will fight for middle class families.
• September 20, 2012 New Video: Saving the Auto Industry and USW Jobs Click here to watch our new video telling the story of USW Local 903 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which went from struggling to survive to thriving thanks to the auto industry recovery package.
• September 18, 2012 USW Local 134L comes out in Support of Esty On September 17, Democrat for Connecticut's 5th Congressional District Elizabeth Esty came to Meriden, CT, to meet and greet union members from United Steelworker Local 134L. The Steelworkers presented her with a check in support of her campaign prior to a planned block walk for the candidate.
• September 13, 2012 USW Endorsed Candidate Maggie Hassan Wins Primary for Governor in New Hampshire The United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 political education committee has announced endorsement support of Maggie Hassan for Governor of New Hampshire, joined by activist leaders who are mobilizing in their neighborhoods at manufacturing and service units across the state for her election this fall.
• August 25, 2012 Stop Siemens Union-Busting Workers in a North East, Maryland Siemens’ plant who recently signed affiliation cards with the United Steelworkers(USW) have become targets of the company’s anti-union philosophy. The company has launched a full-blown union-busting campaign rather than respect the workers’ right to choose a union.
• July 19, 2012 Congress Needs to Take Action to "Bring Jobs Home" - USW President USW members raised their voices at more than 100 events across the country in support of the expected vote July 19 on a bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Deborah Stabenow (D-MI), ‘Bring Jobs Home Act’ (S. 3364).
• July 17, 2012 China’s Illegal Trading Practices Endanger U.S. Auto Supply Chain The Alliance for American Manufacturing, a partnership with the USW and leading domestic manufacturers, is on a nationwide campaign to defend the 1.6 million auto parts manufacturing jobs left in America.
• July 06, 2012 USW District 4 Bringing Home Jobs From Bangor, MA to Cheektowaga, NY, United Steelworker members in District 4 are contacting elected officials to tell them to "Bring Jobs Home" to America.
• July 05, 2012 USW Backs Obama’s Challenge to China’s Trade Action This statement was released today by United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard: “Today President Obama proved once again how important enforcing our trade laws is to job creation in America. He’s taking China to task for the import duties they have slapped on U.S.-made vehicles.
• June 21, 2012 USW Endorses Russia Trade Enforcement Proposal This statement was released today by United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard: “I want to thank Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) of New York and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) for introducing this important proposal ...
• June 08, 2012 70th Anniversary Merchandise Available for a Limited Time United Steelworkers 70th Anniversary memorabilia is available for a limited time only! Don’t miss out on the chance to share in our commemoration of 70 years of solidarity.
• June 08, 2012 USW Announces Ratified Contract at NewPage The United Steelworkers (USW) today announced that its members at NewPage Corp. have ratified a new four-year Master Contract that will bring added protection to 4,500 workers and help the company emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a stable employer in the coated paper sector of the paper industry.
• June 07, 2012 USW District 4 Women of Steel Train in Atlantic City Photos from the United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 Women of Steel (WOS) training held in Atlantic City at Caesar's Hotel and Casino on May 14 - 17.
• May 30, 2012 USW Calls for Paycheck Fairness The United Steelworkers (USW) today called on Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney to end his silence on the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill under consideration in the U.S. Senate that would provide greater protection to women who suffer because of sex-based pay discrimination.
• May 26, 2012 Steelworkers Celebrate 70 Years of Solidarity in Cleveland This two-day event featured everything that made the USW a great union - the history of men and women who fought and struggled for the rights and benefits for working people.
• May 14, 2012 USW Blasts House Bill for Weakening DOE Worker Safety A bill set to come before the U.S. House would gut health and safety standards at Department of Energy (DOE) weapons sites and put workers at DOE facilities, and residents of neighboring communities, at greater risk of exposure to hazardous materials and radiation.
• May 09, 2012 USW Rejects Romney’s Attack on Unions and President Obama Leo W. Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers (USW), today was critical of Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney’s dishonest attack on President Obama and American labor unions in remarks he made at the Lansing Community College.
• May 08, 2012 USW Joins President Obama In Calling On Congress To Create Jobs The United Steelworkers (USW) said today that Congress needs to follow President Obama’s lead in creating jobs by acting on a “To Do List” that would help restore middle-class security. In a speech today in Upstate New York, the President emphasized that Congress now has the opportunity to create secure American jobs by manufacturing goods for the international economy.
• March 15, 2012 AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement on Citizens United Two years ago, the Supreme Court seriously undermined our democracy when, continuing a trend of deregulatory campaign finance decisions, it ruled to allow unlimited independent campaign spending by business corporations and other groups.
• March 05, 2012 USW District 4 Director Sits Down with Local Union Presidents in Puerto Rico United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 Director John Shinn and Sub-director Del Vitale met recently with Local Union Presidents in Puerto Rico to discuss servicing issues, organizing and training.
• March 04, 2012 President Obama's Proclamation on Women’s History Month, 2012 As Americans, ours is a legacy of bold independence and passionate belief in fairness and justice for all. For generations, this intrepid spirit has driven women pioneers to challenge injustices and shatter ceilings in pursuit of full and enduring equality.
• February 28, 2012 "Heist: Who Stole the American Dream?" (Trailer) Amidst the backdrop of a growing worldwide populist democratic movement, the dramatic groundbreaking feature documentary film Heist: Who Stole the American Dream? will open at The Quad Cinema in New York’s Greenwich Village on March 2, 2012.
• January 31, 2012 Action Alert for USW Members in the Northeast Sunoco and ConocoPhillips have arbitrarily decided to shut down three strategic oil refineries on the East Coast, all three in or near Philadelphia, Pa. All three of these refineries are USW workplaces, and if the companies follow through on their threat, 1,300 of our members will lose their jobs.
• January 21, 2012 Steelworkers Rally Across America in Support of Ohio Cooper Tire Workers On January 14, 2012, United Steelworker (USW) members across America held informational rallies in support of the locked out workers at USW Local 207L in Findlay, OH. Since November 28, 2011, Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. refused the union's offer to remain on the job while negotiations proceeded.
• December 08, 2011 Americans know that if We Don’t Make Things, We’re in Trouble In this episode, Leslie Marshall talks with Tom Conway, International Vice President for Administration for the United Steelworkers (USW). Conway talked about recent and past trade bills and the effect workers and the nation.
• December 02, 2011 USW Applauds Congressional Call for Action on Green Energy Leo W. Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers (USW) issued a statement today, commenting on a letter sent by 59 members of Congress to President Obama calling for action on Chinese clean energy protectionism.
• November 28, 2011 Middle Class Recognizing the Arrogant Frenzy of Radical Measures By Republicans Leslie Marshall, from the The Leslie Marshall Show, talks with United Steelworkers (USW) President Leo W. Gerard about recent elections and the middle-class recognizing the radical ideas of Republicans and the Tea Party.
• October 15, 2011 New Video: USW Joins Occupy Pittsburgh USW International President, Leo W. Gerard, joined thousands of Pittsburghers in Day 1 of the Occupy Pittsburgh movement.
• September 20, 2011 Do You Want the Rich to Get more and You to Get Less? Leslie Marshall, from the The Leslie Marshall Show, talks with United Steelworkers (USW) President Leo W. Gerard about taxes, taxation and class warfare. As they talked about the recent proposal by the President to get the economy moving again, Leslie asked if the proper question has been posed to the American people.
• September 16, 2011 USW: America Invents Act Advocates Good Jobs, Patent Reform Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement today in advance of President Obama signing into law the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (H.R. 1249) passed by both houses of Congress.
• September 01, 2011 Assistance for Union Plus Program Participants Impacted by Hurricane Irene Union members living in areas impacted by Hurricane Irene and who participate in Union Plus programs may be eligible for financial assistance. Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to help participants in the Union Plus Credit Card, Insurance or Mortgage programs
• August 12, 2011 Convention for Steelworkers: Aug. 15-Aug. 18 in Las Vegas Over 3,000 elected United Steelworkers (USW) local union leaders from across North America will meet with top international officers and executive board members for an International Convention Aug. 15 to Aug. 18, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
• August 09, 2011 Will We Be a Country that Respects the Rights of People? In this episode, Leslie Marshall talks with Fred Redmond, International Vice President of Human Affairs for the United Steelworkers (USW). Redmond talked Republicans are trying to suppress voting rights under the pretense of voter fraud.
• July 20, 2011 Special Transportation Notice for USW Convention Delegates Union members will be arriving in Las Vegas in August to attend the International Constitutional Convention. All members are urged to support our brothers and sisters operating union taxis.
• July 15, 2011 USW Local 836 Assist Members through the Steelworkers Disaster Relief Fund When the outbreak of spring storms spread tornados and devastation throughout regions of Massachusetts two United Steelworkers (USW) members, whose homes were destroyed, received some unexpected support from their union.
• June 24, 2011 Show America Who Is Fighting for Jobs Leslie Marshall, from the The Leslie Marshall Show, talks with United Steelworkers (USW) President Leo W. Gerard about lack of enthusiasm and attention being given by our representatives in presenting job legislation. When asked should the President do about jobs, Gerard responded, “The President has to bring forth his ideas and ask for legislation.
• June 22, 2011 Proposed NLRB Rule Would Modernize, Speed Up Union Elections A proposed rule by the Obama Administration's National Labor Relations Board would speed up and modernize union elections, helping ensure a more fair process for those trying to organize for the right to have a voice on the job. Click here for more.
• May 22, 2011 The Anniversary of the Founding of the United Steelworkers May 22 marked the 69th anniversary of the founding of the United Steelworkers (USW). On that day in 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio, the forerunner of our union, the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC), began building of an organization to counter the years of injustice against workers.
• April 20, 2011 The Leslie Marshall Show - The King (or Dictator) of Michigan? In this episode, Leslie Marshall talks with Fred Redmond, International Vice President of Human Affairs for the United Steelworkers (USW). Redmond talked about how Governor Snyder’s bill to impose “financial martial law” on the people of Michigan is a threat to democracy and the electoral process.
• March 29, 2011 Steelworkers Ratify Contract with Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) The United Steelworkers (USW) announced that in a vote yesterday, some 1,500 represented employees ratified a new contract with Dana Holding Corporation. "This contract retains the strong language protecting our work from leaving our USW and United Auto Workers (UAW) represented facilities ...
• March 24, 2011 NEW VIDEO: 100 Years After Triangle Fire, Clock Turning Back on Workers' Rights You have to check out this incredibly moving video about the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire 100 years ago and a similar tragedy that recently happened at a clothing factory in Bangladesh. It shows that the clock is turning back when it comes to workers' rights.
• March 23, 2011 USW Statement on New Hampshire Budget Amendment Ending Public Employee Bargaining The United Steelworkers (USW) today denounced efforts by extremists on the New Hampshire House of Representatives Finance Committee who have introduced an amendment to the state budget that would effectively strip the state’s public employees of their right to bargain collectively.
• March 10, 2011 USW Slams Walker’s Assault on Democracy In a clear violation of Wisconsin’s open meeting law, Wisconsin conservative senators yesterday voted without a quorum to strip the state’s public sector workers – teachers, nurses, and librarians – of collective bargaining rights that the people of Wisconsin granted them a half century ago.
• March 02, 2011 Floor Speech by Congressman George Miller Denouncing the GOP Attack on Middle Class Americans Piece by piece, the chipping away at the middle class standard of living has been accelerated in recent months. California Congressman D-George Miller provided a clear understanding on the methods and the architects behind the attacks against American workers as Miller referred to those who are behind these malicious efforts
• February 18, 2011 "This is just to Break Unions and Destroy the Middle Class" Last night, MSNBC "Hardball" Host Chris Mathews talked with United Steelworkers (USW) District 2 Director Mike Bolton and Wisconsin Republican State Senator Glenn Grothman about the anti-union bill being proposed in Wisconsin.
• February 11, 2011 USW President Gerard Joins Democratic Leader Pelosi on Jobs Bill Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined House Democrats and USW President Leo W. Gerard to raise their voices yesterday, sending a clear message that the number one national priority is to create jobs.
• February 01, 2011 The Need to Lift Up all Workers United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President for Human Affairs Fred Redmond is interviewed on the Leslie Marshall Radio Show and he talks about how the USW is working to stop the exploitation of workers by multi-national companies and, at the same time ... more
• January 26, 2011 Mexican Border Agents Arrest Steelworkers Union Leader The United Steelworkers (USW) today condemned the arrest of one of its international representatives by Mexican customs officers on Monday. Manny Armenta, a USW sub-district director in Albuquerque, NM, was arrested while on his way to meet with attorneys for the Mexican mineworkers’ union called Los Mineros.
• December 10, 2010 Conway: Our Nation Needs a Manufacturing Policy USW International Vice President Tom Conway appeared on the Leslie Marshall Radio Show to talk about he importance of manufacturing to the nation.
• December 09, 2010 USW Opposes Passage of Revised US-Korea Trade Agreement The United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement by its International Executive Board today after concluding an extensive examination of the terms of the proposed agreement: “The Obama Administration has now concluded negotiations with the government of South Korea on the revised terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
• December 07, 2010 Unemployed Held for Ransom Gerard on Schultz: Stop stealing from the unemployed to pay for tax cuts for the ultra rich.
• December 06, 2010 Labor uses jobless to lean on Congress to extend unemployment benefits The AFL-CIO pressed lawmakers to extend a "lifeline" to unemployed workers by extending benefits for out-of-work Americans.
• November 29, 2010 Health Care and Pay Freeze Leo Gerard and Leslie Marshall discuss the latest in the health care flap involving a conservative Maryland physician elected to Congress and President Obama’s announcement of a pay freeze for federal employees.
• November 22, 2010 Mourning in America: Death of The Middle Class USW International President Leo Gerard appears on the Leslie Marshall Show to talk about his blog entitled "Mourning in America: Death of The Middle Class." Click to listen to the interview.
• November 03, 2010 Election Results Demonstrate Frustrations in Industrial Heartland The following statement was released today by USW International President Leo W. Gerard: "Yesterday’s results do not indicate a move to the right by American voters. What is apparent instead is the frustration with the economy in the industrial heartland of the U.S. where manufacturing has been devastated and jobs lost.
• October 15, 2010 Steelworkers Applaud Obama Administration Acceptance of Trade Case The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement from International President Leo W. Gerard regarding the announcement by the Office of the United States Trade Representative that the Obama Administration has accepted the USW’s petition under Section 301 of the trade law ... more
• August 16, 2010 The Latest Statistics Demonstrate the Advantages of Union Membership Unions play an important part in the compensation and work lives of both unionized and nonunionized workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Employee Benefit Research Institute have data that compares the impact of union representation on wages, fringe benefits, total compensation, pay inequality, and workplace protections.
• April 03, 2010 USW Expresses Deep Sympathy to Families, Fellow Employees of Those Killed, Injured in Tesoro Explosion The United Steelworkers (USW) union expresses its deep sympathy to the families and co-workers of the employees killed and severely injured in the explosion and fire that occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 2 at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington.
• February 02, 2010 The Call Goes Out for All Rapid Response Activists The National Rapid Response Conference will be held during the first week of May at the Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C. A Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference will occur simultaneously with our Conference, beginning on Tuesday, May 4 at 8:30 a.m.
• December 30, 2009 USW Reacts to Trade Case Vote on Tariffs Against OCTG China Pipe Imports The United Steelworkers (USW) reacted positively to today’s affirmative 6-0 vote by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on a petition in the anti-subsidy portion of a case against Chinese pipe imports called oil country tubular goods (OCTG).
• December 22, 2009 Evaluate the 15th Civil and Human Rights Conference If you attended the USW's recent Civil and Human Rights conference, we want to hear from you. Click here to find out how you can do an online evaluation.
• December 22, 2009 More than chicken soup: USW members demonstrate for real health care reform USW members were among demonstrators who encouraged local residents to remind Pennsylvania Congressman Tim Holden that America needs more than chicken soup when it comes to health care security. Click here for more.
• December 21, 2009 NEW VIDEO: USW President on Vale Inco strike: We're fighting for our community USW International President Leo W. Gerard appeared today on Canada's BNN to discuss the strike at Vale Inco, talking about how the union is fighting for the community and for workers around the world. Click here to watch.
• December 17, 2009 New report refutes claims that health care excise tax would not hurt middle class A new report by the CWA shows just how bad an excise tax on health care benefits would be for the middle class. Click here for more.
• December 16, 2009 NEW VIDEO: USW President on direction of health reform: 'I'm angry as hell' USW International President Leo Gerard appeared on MSNBC and expressed the anger many Steelworkers are feeling about how the health insurance reform debate is going. Click here to watch and to find out how you can fight back.
• December 15, 2009 Showing solidarity with our Sisters, Brothers on strike against Vale Inco Please click here to learn how you can help show solidarity and support for our fellow USW members who are on strike against Vale Inco in Canada.
• December 10, 2009 America Needs JOBS NOW Today, the AFL-CIO are launching a new online event focusing on jobs with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Using online moderation tools, union leaders and activists across the country can submit questions for President Trumka about the jobs crisis and vote on questions already submitted.
• November 23, 2009 U.S. study prompts transatlantic campaign to prevent deaths in paper industry A recent increase in workplace fatalities and serious injuries in the paper industry may have been brought on by employers trying to increase profit margins at the expense of health and safety, the world’s first global union said as it embarks on a transatlantic investigation of the industry. Click here for more.
• November 19, 2009 Serious concerns from working families about Senate health proposal The impending Senate vote on health insurance reform is a good step towards progress, but working families have some serious concerns about the Senate proposal. Click here to find out how you can help.
• November 19, 2009 Support our brothers and sisters at Vale; sign petition today Some 3,500 brothers and sisters remain on strike in Canada. Please show support today by signing an online petition that fights the vicious attack against Vale workers. Click here for more info.