Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org
(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement today after President Joe Biden signed a memorandum directing federal agencies to advance labor rights and worker empowerment abroad:
“The USW welcomes today’s global labor directive and the Biden administration’s continuing commitment to ensuring our nation’s diplomatic efforts and foreign engagements further labor rights abroad.
“Our union has seen time and again how worker abuses and violence against trade unionists hurt workers the world over, driving down wages, undermining our trade system and hollowing out communities.
“This memorandum will help ensure workers’ rights receive the same consideration as corporate interests in foreign policy and that labor standards abroad will not be weaponized against foreign or domestic workers.
“All workers deserve a voice, regardless of their nationality. We look forward to working with the Biden administration as it uses its influence to curb violence against union leaders, promote democratic values and fight for justice and dignity for workers across the globe.”
The USW represents 850,000 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.