Steelworker locals and activists continue to showcase their solidarity with health care workers in their fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As calls for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front-line workers ramp up, members are stepping up to fill the growing need.
In the District 6, member Matt Nault teamed up with Fortis Customs Builds in Welland, Ontario, and purchased several 3D printers to print and supply free PPE face shields to nearby health care workers as they battle COVID-19.
Nault partnered with the USW Niagara Area Council to raise funds, and also received donations from other area local unions, including his own Local 1424, Local 6519, Local 7012, Local 7200, and the District 6 office.
The printers, operating out of the home of Nault’s friend Mike Ruddell, are now able to produce 100 face shields per day. So far, the shields have been donated to facilities and organizations such as the Wainfleet Volunteer Firefighters, Joseph Brant Hospital, and local airport screeners, with many more to come.
“This effort is a remarkable example of union members giving back to their communities,” said USW District 6 Director Marty Warren. “I am more than proud of what our members are doing. They are heroes in this fight.”
In Aurora, Minn., Lakehead Constructors made a generous PPE donation to Waterview Woods Nursing Home/Assisted Living, where members of USW Local 9349 work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). And in Ohio, Local 9309 member Mason Tilly produced face mask straps that provide extra comfort for front-line health care workers.
For information on how to donate PPE and other supplies to frontline workers, click here.