As you always do, Steelworkers answered the call when we asked in March for donations to help our union family in Ukraine, where war is ravaging fellow workers and families. So far, we've been able to donate $75,000 - funds that have helped provide necessities for union members who continue to hunker down, fighting off Russian attacks.
"We are incredibly grateful to you and United Steelworkers for such significant help," Natalya Marynyuk, Head of The Primary organization of The Trade Union of the Metalworkers and Miners of Ukraine at PJSC 'ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih' sent us in a note this week.
"We have already bought 100 sleeping bags, which are essential for trade union members who sleep in trenches and bomb shelters. Thanks to you, we now have the opportunity to buy first-aid kits, heaters and thermal underwear for our trade union members who are fighting for the independence of Ukraine and protecting Ukrainians from Russian aggression," Marynyuk wrote. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your sympathy for the Ukrainian people and for your solidarity support at such a difficult time for us."
The USW International already sent funds to the global union organization IndustriALL to help support our fellow union members in Ukraine, and we know many of you have acted to help our Ukrainian siblings.
As this war drags on, and their need grows ever greater, we know the USW will continue to stand in global solidarity with Ukrainian workers, doing everything we can to help them withstand these atrocities.
In order to make this process more streamlined, we set up a designated account at the headquarters to collect donations to send to workers in Ukraine. The international will provide additional funds, and we encourage you and your locals to give generously to support your fellow union members, just like Steelworkers always do.
If your local would like to either take up a collection or make a contribution from your treasuries, we will continue bundling these donations and transmitting them at once, crediting your contributions by local and location.
Please make your donation checks payable to the “United Steelworkers” and reference “Ukraine Aid” on the memo line of the check. Please forward your donations to the attention of John Shinn, International Secretary-Treasurer, United Steelworkers, 60 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Or you can give online at usw.org/donate - write "Ukraine Aid" on the designated field before submitting your online form.
Thanks for all you do.