Contacts: Anna Fendley, 202-778-3306, afendley@usw.org
Washington, D.C. (Mar. 26) – Leo W. Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers (USW), today said his union stands with the labor, faith, civil rights, community and business allies to applaud Democrats in the U.S. House Representatives for filing a discharge petition today that urges a vote on immigration reform.
“This is the year for action. The USW is committed to working with all elected leaders who support strong and fair immigration reform,” Gerard declared.
Gerard said: “Americans need a new immigration policy that protects the rights of both native and foreign-born workers. Comprehensive immigration reform can make the economy and our entire nation stronger, which will mean a brighter future for all of us.”
USW Vice President Fred Redmond, who also serves on the AFL-CIO Executive Council, adds: “The Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform last June. The House Republican leadership has been holding immigration reform hostage by not allowing a single up or down vote. It's time to act. We join with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and others to demand a vote.”
The USW is the largest private-sector union in North America, representing 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining and renewable energy products, chemicals, transportation, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments.
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