Chemical Sector Workers Unite Across Borders at USW Headquarters

About three dozen members of the Dow-DuPont North American Council spent three days at USW headquarters in Pittsburgh last week to share information and build solidarity across the union and around the world.

In addition to Steelworkers, the council includes members of the International Chemical Workers’ Union, the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers.

Last week, the council also welcomed representatives from Unite the Union of Great Britain and Ireland and the IndustriALL global labor federation, as well as members of Argentina’s United Petrochemical Workers and Employees Union.

Fostering such unity means “the companies can’t divide us,” said Council Chair Kent Holsing.

USW International Secretary-Treasurer Myles Sullivan credited the solidarity of the council with helping ensure success of the recent organizing victory for workers at the Dow facility in Hayward, Calif.

“It’s all about communicating member to member,” Sullivan said.