Global Solidarity Report from USW Local 1000

Brigitte Womer, Women of Steel Co-chair and Next Generation Regional Coordinator, with United Steelworker (USW) Local 1000 in Corning, NY, attended the Global Youth Exchange program in British Columbia, Canada this past June.  Participants from the United States, United Kingdom, Cuba, Mexico and Canada agreed to complete community service actions the week of September 19 – 26 and called the event “Global Solidarity Week. “

Womer created a Facebook event page and invited USW locals in her contact list to participate in the event. She also created a short trailer-style video to promote it.

Thirty-two members from Local 1000 were organized into four groups. The groups attended the homes of a USW retiree, a retiree’s widow, and 2 different 92 year old D-Day veterans. The participants trimmed hedges, cleaned chimneys, did exterior/interior painting, ramp removal, window cleaning, carpet removal, deck staining and other requested tasks.

The members stated they felt the event provided them with one of the most rewarding experiences they have had and pledged to continue this activity on an annual basis.

USW local 1000 received thank you letters from the people who received assistance and established a positive-working relationship with the local Veterans Affairs office.

Additional Next Generations Groups who held events in support of Global Solidarity Week:

  • Shannon Sawyer Local 2. Shannon held a food drive and were able to deliver a truck load of food to the local food pantry. The donation brought the employees to tears.
  • John Beidler Local 10-00086. Click here for more information on their event.
  • Ephrin Jenkins coordinated a basketball tournament between locals 1014 and 1011. The two locals battled it out for trophies and bragging rights, WOS ran the concessions stand and solidarity was built. Money raised from the event went into the Next Generation Scholarship program.

 

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