More than 2,200 Steelworkers have been holding strong on the picket lines since August 15, when ATI locked out its unionized workforce. As the lockout continues, Steelworkers and supporters around the country are stepping up in really amazing and inspiring ways to support our sisters and brothers and expand the fight for good jobs at ATI.
Members are taking extra shifts on the picket lines, holding the line through rainstorms and other harsh weather, cooking food at the union halls, taking time to attend community events to spread the word about our fight and finding other ways to do their part to win a fair contract at ATI.
And the picket line heroes aren’t just locked out Steelworkers. Family members, community supporters, local business owners and many many others are stepping up to support the fight for good jobs at ATI.
We asked Steelworkers at ATI to identify some Picket Line Heroes that we could recognize online. In just a couple of days, more than 30 of you shared stories about your picket line heroes. Here are just a handful of the heroes leading the fight for good jobs at ATI. Check back in the coming weeks to hear about more picket line heroes!
Jim Howell from USW Local 7150 in Albany, Oregon
Stephany Carsner nominated Jim because he’s been stepping up daily on the picket line. Jim and his wife walk the line on a regular basis, helping with cooking, picketing, unloading trailers of firewood and doing whatever it takes to support the fight for a fair contract.
Kathy Vargo—Steelworker Spouse
Autumn Kress nominated her mother Kathy as a picket line hero because she’s been organizing with other Steelworker spouses to support the fight for a fair contract at ATI. She’s been turning out for events on the picket lines and rallies in downtown Pittsburgh. Kathy has also been educating the next generation of union activists; Autumn grew up hearing stories about Kathy’s hero, Fannie Sellins the union martyr from Brackenridge, Pennsylvania.
Jeremy Luketic—USW Local 1138 in Leechburg, PA
Jeremy and his wife have gone out into the community almost every day since the start of the lockout to spread the word and build support for the struggle. He’s organized almost every local business in town to hang up a support sign and has been attending community events to reach out to share our story.
Bud Olsen from USW Local 1196 in Brackenridge, PA
Tim Stearman nominated Bud Olsen as a picket line hero because he’s been on the picket line almost every day since the start of the lockout. When he’s not picketing he’s making signs, helping out at the union hall, or helping out with events and other activities with the local union.
Nominate Your Picket Line Hero
Do you know a Picket Line Hero? Someone who is stepping up and filling in gaps? Taking on extra work? Providing encouragement and moral support to get through the fight? Nominate them to be recognized as a Picket Line Hero!
Click here to send a photo and a brief explanation of why you think they’re a picket line hero so we can recognize your heroes for the great work they are doing!