Picket Line Heroes Support Steelworkers Fighting for Good Jobs in Fifth Month of Illegal Lockout

More than 2,200 members of the United Steelworkers have been walking the picket lines at 12 locations since August 15 when ATI illegally locked out its unionized workforce.  Over the past five months, hundreds of local businesses, community supporters, churches and local unions have donated money, time, fire wood, food, and even Christmas presents to help keep the picket lines strong. 

This week we want to thank some of these picket line heroes who stepped up to fight for good jobs in our communities and a fair contract for the 2,200 locked out families at ATI. 


Allegheny Valley Salvation Army Helps Locked Out Families Weather the Lockout

Locked out members of Local 1196 in Brackenridge, PA running low on money and struggling to feed their families have found a much needed safety net with the Allegheny Valley Salvation Army.  During the holiday season, the Salvation Army provided locked out Steelworker families with Christmas meals and presents. And as the lockout continues about 30 Steelworker families rely on the Salvation Army’s food pantry each week. 

USW members are committed to making sure that the relationship with the Salvation Army isn’t just about getting help. Local 1196 has developed a partnership with the Salvation Army to give locked out members an opportunity to give back. Steelworkers have donated time loading trucks of supplies, wrapping presents and serving meals to help out other people in need in the community. This partnership between the Salvation Army and the Steelworkers isn’t just about the lockout either; Local 1196 plans to continue to give back long after the Steelworkers win a fair contract and return to their jobs.     

Pennsylvania State Education Association Teachers Stand up for Good Jobs at ATI 

While dozens of local unions have turned out to support locked out Steelworkers, USW members in Vandergrift thought that the Pennsylvania State Education Association (and their local union the KAEA) deserved a special thanks.  Members of the PSEA/KAEA have been regulars at plant-gate rallies and other actions and they’ve made generous donations of food, Christmas presents, and money to help keep the lines strong as the lockout continues.  PSEA members even printed up special “Teachers Support Steelworkers,” yard signs to display their support for the USW.

Local 1357 in New Bedford Thanks Local Restaurants

Members of USW Local 1357 in New Bedford want to thank some local restaurants that have been real picket line heroes, donating food to keep the picket lines strong throughout the lockout.  Locked out Steelworkers in New Bedford want to thank Libad’s Seaside Grille, McGovern’s Family Restaurant, and the End Zone.

Allegheny County Labor Council Stuffs the Bus with Presents for Locked out Kids

For locked out kids across Southwest Pennsylvania Santa came to town this year riding in a Port Authority Bus. Local unions and supporters from around Allegheny County came together this holiday season through the Allegheny County Labor Council’s annual Labor of Love Stuff the Bus project to collect thousands of Christmas Presents for locked out kids. The presents were distributed to locked out Steelworker kids at Christmas parties at each location to make sure that ATI couldn’t steal Christmas this year. 

 

Nominate a Picket Line Hero! 

Do you know a Picket Line Hero? Someone who is going above and beyond in the fight for a fair contract at ATI? Picket line heroes are Steelworkers, family members, or community supporters who are coming together to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract.

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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