“Women of Steel – Stepping Up”
Greetings:
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, I am excited to announce the next USW International Women’s Conference, “Women of Steel – Stepping Up.” 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.
English Call Letter French Call Letter
The 2016 USW International Women’s Conference will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown beginning at noon on Monday, March 7. Attendees should plan to arrive Sunday or early Monday in order to register, view exhibits and participate in their District Delegates’ Meetings. The Conference will conclude on Thursday, March 10 by 1:00pm. Return flights should be booked no earlier than 3:00 p.m. as workshops will be part of Thursday’s agenda.
This conference is not restricted to women; however, local unions are encouraged to seek out female members who reflect the diversity of our union, as well as to develop the potential in members not currently active. There is no limit to the number of delegates a local union can send.
Conference Agenda
The program will include high profile motivational speakers from the U.S. and Canada along with women from countries and unions where the USW is forming global alliances. Participants will have the opportunity to choose among many skill-building workshops. Click Here for a copy.
Conference Workshop List
In order to help you plan, here’s a list of Workshops that will be offered. Descriptions will be available when you arrive at Conference Registration. No workshop pre-signup is necessary. Click Here for an updated copy.
Conference Registration
Conference registration forms are enclosed. Each delegate’s home and email address should be included on the registration form because important conference information will be sent to them prior to their arrival in Pittsburgh. Those registering for the Conference prior to January 1, 2016 will receive a special reduced early-bird rate.
To assist in our planning, we ask that you register for the conference in one of the following ways: click here for English, click here for French or go to: http://www.usw.org/2016-wos; by mailing or faxing the enclosed registration form to Women of Steel.
To cover costs, an early-bird registration fee of $225 will be charged for each participant that registers prior to January 1, 2016. Those registering after January 1 will be charged $250. Checks should be made payable to the USW Secretary-Treasurer and mailed along with the completed registration form to
Women of Steel, 60 Blvd of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. You can also fax the completed form to (412) 562-2489 or register online at www.usw.org and forward payment via instructions above.
Hotel Information
We have secured an overflow block of sleeping rooms at the Westin Convention Center Downtown Pittsburgh. The room rate is $115 per night plus tax for single, double, triple, and quad reservations. You can secure a reservation by clicking this link or calling the Westin directly at 412-281-3700 and letting the reservation agent know that you are trying to book a room for the United Steelworkers International Women’s Conference.
Airline Transportation
In cooperation with Professional Travel, Inc., we have made special arrangements for air transportation to the conference. Reservations may be made by calling (877) 499-1149, and selecting prompt “4” (group meetings). When calling Professional Travel, identify yourself as a participant in the USW WOS Conference and use code: 2016IWCUSW. As always, the lowest fares are available only to those who book a month in advance or more. In accordance with the established policy of the United Steelworkers, the local/unit must bear the expenses related to attending.
Shuttle Transportation
The Women of Steel Conference Organizers have arranged a discount SuperShuttle for attendees to the conference who require transportation into Pittsburgh. Click Here to download the information.
Interpreter
Interpreters will be provided for those indicating translation needs on their registration form.
I look forward to meeting your delegates at the conference and visiting the District Meetings that will be held by your District Women of Steel Coordinator and the District Director on Monday, March 7 as a part of the conference activities. Thank you for supporting your delegates and sisters by having your local union represented at this conference. Your local’s leadership in mentoring activism and diversity exemplifies the future directions of our union and embraces the best qualities of worker solidarity.
In solidarity,
Leo W. Gerard
International President