Contact: Chelsey Engel, cengel@usw.org, 412-212-8173
(Pittsburgh) -- USW International President Dave McCall and Vice President of Human Affairs Kevin Mapp issued the following statement in honor of Black History Month:
“Black History Month is observed every February to recognize the many contributions Black Americans have made to our country’s culture and progress. But it is vital to remember that honoring Black history also requires fighting for a just future.
“Now, more than ever, the labor movement must be proactive in the battle against extremist attempts to thrust our country backward in time.
“We encourage USW activists to get involved in securing our democracy by joining voter outreach programs, volunteering at the polls, and educating our communities about issues impacting Black workers and families.
“We also invite all union members to attend this year’s USW Civil and Human Rights Conference, which will be held in Detroit, Mich., on June 9-12. We must all play our part in ensuring the survival of our values of equality, freedom, and dignity for all.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.