As the ULP lockout at ATI continues into its third month the 2,200 locked-out Steelworkers and their families are holding strong on the picket lines at all 12 sites. Locked out workers, family members, and community supporters are organizing to support each other through the lockout and mobilizing to keep the pressure on ATI management.
Steelworkers and supporters at ATI sites across the country are stepping up to support this struggle in amazing and inspiring ways. To recognize some of the incredible work that is being done, we invited locked out workers to nominate their Picket Line Heroes.
Here are the stories of some Picket Line Heroes who are going the extra mile in the fight for a fair contract at ATI.
Mark Kuhns—USW Local 1138-6 in Latrobe, PA
John Wally and Justin Lascek nominated Mark as a Picket Line Hero because he has been showing up at the plant gate to ‘greet’ scabs during shift changes. For the past two months he has been on the picket line twice-a-day every day. That’s some real dedication!
Todd Barbiaux—USW Local 1196 in Brackenridge, PA
Todd was nominated by Jeff Hines and Kate Hadel because he’s been a tireless supporter on the picket line and around the union hall. He coordinated Local 1196’s Blue Tuesday event and has helped out with just about every other action throughout the dispute. He’s been on the line and at the hall every single day since the lockout started and he’s even converted his car into the USW Pace Car, complete with racing stripes, to be used to run errands to the picket lines.
Joe Oliveira and Doreen Santos—USW Local 1357 in New Bedford, MA
Don Rei nominated Joe and Doreen because together they’ve logged more hours on the picket line than anybody else in the local. They run errands to get supplies and volunteer to help out at the rallies. Don says, “They really are the definition of solidarity.”
Lori and Will Elliot—USW Local 7150 in Albany, OR
Stephanie Carsner nominated Lori and Will Elliot as Picket Line Heroes. Lori and Will are on the picket line in Albany, OR daily and they’ve been keeping everyone’s energy up by helping to organize rallies and cooking food for special events and rallies on the line.
Do you know a Picket Line Hero? Someone who is stepping up and filling in gaps? Taking on extra work? Providing encouragement and moral support to get through the fight?
Nominate them to be recognized as a Picket Line Hero!
Click here to send a photo and a brief explanation of why you think they’re a picket line hero so we can recognize your heroes for the great work they are doing!
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