Earkiel Eaton Jr.

Where do you work and what do you do?

I’m a triple-traded millwright at Wieland Metals in New York.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I enjoy the security and the money, to be perfectly honest. It’s also a new adventure every day.

Why is Convention so important?

It’s important because it’s about making our union stronger. When we all get together like this, we learn from each other. It’s all about camaraderie.

When your next contract expires, what issues do you feel will be on the forefront of your mind?

For me, health and safety is always important. Of course, fair wages and benefits. The way things are going nowadays, it’s going to be tough to get a good contract because the administration is weakening the National Labor Relations Board. So I’m also looking for more security, and I hope we can get it.

What makes you proud to be a USW member?

I’m proud to be in a union because I know the benefits it gives me. It takes care of me and my family, and unions help non-members too. I know this is one of the best unions in the world.