Contact: Gary Hubbard, 202-778-4384, 202-256-8125, ghubbard@usw.org
Pittsburgh (Sept. 7, 2009) – Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW), praised U.S. President Obama’s naming of Ron Bloom to an expanded role that makes the future of American manufacturing strategic to the nation’s economic future and an answer to persistent unemployment.
Gerard declared, “President Obama’s announcement this Labor Day brings a strong architect to the table in the development of a national manufacturing policy by his Administration. Ron Bloom understands capital, labor, production and the necessity of developing sustainable jobs that utilize clean energy.”
“Ron is very passionate in his belief that manufacturing is essential to a healthy economy. He is able to restructure industries by respecting the role and obligations of all stakeholders.” While at the USW, he said Bloom worked with him to restructure almost 50 companies in bankruptcy, saving tens of thousands of good jobs. “He’s been a loyal friend for more than 20 years.”
Bloom brought a unique perspective to labor negotiations when he joined the USW in 1996. After earning a MBA from Harvard University, he became an investment banker at Lazard Freres & Co., and specialized in restructuring corporations facing financial difficulties. He later formed his own firm, Keilin and Bloom. His restructuring plans are recognized for saving companies, while preserving manufacturing jobs and health care benefits for workers and retirees alike.
The USW represents 1.2 million active and retired workers in the U.S. and Canada in industries including metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service sector.
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