Picket Line Heroes Continue to Hold the Line Against ATI’s Corporate Greed

As the ULP lockout at ATI continues and management admits to investors that the lockout is costing the company millions, Steelworkers at all 12 sites around the country are holding the lines strong.  Locked out workers are staffing picket lines 24-hours a day, 7 days a week; running lockout kitchens; spreading the word about the lockout; and lending a hand in the community.

All 2,200 locked out Steelworkers and thousands of Steelworker families, union allies and community supporters are coming together to push back against ATI’s corporate greed.  And with everyone’s support and involvement we will last one day longer than ATI and win a fair contract. 

As the lockout continues, we’re taking time to highlight the stories of some Picket Line Heroes who are doing some really amazing and inspiring work to support their sisters and brothers, build support for the fight, and keep the pressure on ATI.  Here are this week’s Picket Line Heroes!


Al Braden—USW Local 1138 in Bagdad, PA

You’ve probably seen Al Braden at a rally or on the picket line with a megaphone leading chants and shouting at scabs. Al’s been a regular at every rally, helping to keep spirits and energy up and make sure that ATI’s management team can hear our voice.  Al’s also a picket captain for Local 1138 helping to make sure that both of Bagdad’s gates are covered 24 hours a day. 

 


Arch’s Country Saloon and Mama Cheez Pizza—Washington, PA

USW Local 7139 in Washington, PA nominated two local businesses, Arch’s Country Saloon and Mama Cheez Pizza as their picket line heroes.  These local businesses, which are located right next to Local 7139’s picket lines have provided picketers with space for parking and picket tents, food, and even electricity.  These are just two of the literally hundreds of businesses that are supporting picketers at ATI picket lines around the country. 

 


USW Local 1196 Women of Steel—Brackenridge, PA

The USW Local 1196 Women of Steel Committee has been nominated as a picket line hero several times for the energy and excitement they’re bringing to the picket lines.  When the scabs see these women on the picket lines as they approach in their white vans, they know they’re going to hear what our sisters think of them loud and clear! These union sisters have brought their families to the picket lines, making this unfortunate and challenging situation a teaching moment for the locked out kids, and they’ve organized fun events like the beach party on the picket line to keep spirits up.

 


Mike Baumgardner—USW Local 1046—Louisville, OH

Mike Baumgardner is a real picket line hero because he’s always there to step up and fill in the gaps. He’s on the picket lines almost every day making sure that the shifts are full and the picketers have everything they need.  And when it’s time to take the fight on the road, Mike is always one of the first to sign up.  He’s traveled to New York, Pittsburgh, and to every picket line in Pennsylvania. 

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!

 

 

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.

Want to Learn More?

See how the USW is making a real difference in our communities and our workplaces.