For Immediate Release: Sat., June 1, 2024
Contact: Chelsey Engel, cengel@usw.org, 412-212-8173
(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) President David McCall, along with the USW LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, released the following statement in honor of Pride Month:
“A founding principle of our union states: to seek to eliminate all forms of discrimination to protect and extend our democratic institutions and civil rights and liberties; and to perpetuate and extend the cherished traditions of democracy and social and economic justice in the United States, Canada and the world community.
“Pride Month is a time for us to remember and honor this commitment while uplifting our LGBTQ+ siblings. As legislative attacks on their livelihoods reach record numbers, it is incumbent on everyone in the labor movement to do what we do best: organize to protect all workers on the job and in their communities.
“We encourage local union members to utilize their Civil and Human Rights committees as a means to engage in LGBTQ+ labor activism and education. Now is the time to share our resources and use our expertise to help a group of marginalized workers build power, as well as to listen to their needs.
“Everyone deserves dignity, fairness, and the right to move through the world without fear. It is our honor and duty as labor to help make that a reality.”
Visit usw.org/steelpride to access and download model contract language, a guide on talking about LGBTQ+ issues, and other resources.
The USW represents 850,000 active and retired workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.
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