USW marks International Women’s Day, calls for ongoing pandemic relief

Contact: Chelsey Engel, cengel@usw.org, 412-212-8173

The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month:

This past year’s struggles with the coronavirus pandemic revealed the unequal landscape women must navigate, both as workers and as caretakers for their families.

As the union marked International Women’s Day, it reiterated its support for the $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill passed by the Senate this past weekend and called for continued spending to ensure long-term economic recovery.

“We’re truly in a state of national emergency with a high percentage of women out of traditional work due to the pandemic,” said USW Vice President Leeann Foster. “At the same time, women are more exhausted than ever as they continue shouldering the majority of the weight of school closures and other new household responsibilities. We must enact policies that aim to improve mental health and economic security.”

Women accounted for all 140,000 job losses in December 2020, capping a dire economic year for women. Most of these jobs were previously held by Black, Latina and immigrant mothers.

“Our nation cannot turn away from the reality of inequity,” said USW Vice President Roxanne Brown. “The devastating impact of the pandemic continues to ripple outward, and we must continue to address this through sound, bold legislation at the federal and state level. It also requires us as individuals to listen to those experiencing these struggles every day.”

True economic recovery will also take sustained commitment.

“We need to make sure, as a country, that we don’t make it harder for mothers to re-enter the workforce when this crisis ends,” said USW International President Thomas M. Conway. “Investing wisely in our economy, in childcare, healthcare and infrastructure, will help pave the way for a more equitable environment.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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.

Press Inquiries

Media Contacts

Communications Director:
Jess Kamm at 412-562-2446

USW@WORK (USW magazine)
Editor R.J. Hufnagel

For industry specific inquiries,
Call USW Communications at 412-562-2442

Mailing Address

United Steelworkers
Communications Department
60 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222