Our union is stronger when Steelworker retirees are involved as activists, advocates and volunteers; which is why we established the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), in 1985. Since then, SOAR has been integral to our union’s mission by helping defend vital programs like Social Security and Medicare, protecting Steelworker pension plans, and more.
Membership to the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) is not limited to retired USW members or like-minded retirees. Spouses and surviving spouses of retired USW members are also eligible to join, and SOAR's by-laws were amended in 2019 to welcome any like-minded individual, age 45 or over, who agrees with and supports the guiding principles and programs of the organization and our union.
Click HERE to read more about joining SOAR.
At the Union's 30th International Convention, USW delegates voted unanimously to add an amendment to the USW Constitution recognizing SOAR as an affiliate organization of the USW. The amendment also encouraged the formation of SOAR chapters, establishing direct communication between the local union and the chapter and gave SOAR chapter leaders input into negotiations on retiree issues.
With the establishment of SOAR, our union solidified its focus on the unique issues impacting USW retirees and their spouses. Further, SOAR has been engaged in countless efforts to assure security for current and future generations of retirees, regardless of whether they belong to a union.
These efforts include, but are not limited to:
- Participating in USW Rapid Response, which focuses on advancing our union’s legislative goals through grassroots activism;
- Partnering with the USW Civil and Human Rights Department to stop efforts to roll back voting rights for the elderly, minorities, people with disabilities, and more;
- Supporting our union’s efforts to secure successful bargaining agreements in the various industries where Steelworkers work;
- Lobbying local and federal government on a variety of issues like Social Security and Medicare, manufacturing policy, ways to hold foreign countries accountable for unfair trade;
- Advocating for health and safety...both on and off the job;
- And more….