USW Expresses Condolences for Orlando Shooting Victims, Families and Community

CONTACT: Fred Redmond (412) 562-2307, fredmond@usw.org

(Pittsburgh, PA) — The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement today from USW International President Leo W. Gerard in response to the horrific shooting that occurred in Orlando, Fla., this past weekend:

“We express our deepest condolences for everyone affected by the deadly shooting that occurred in Orlando, including the victims, their families, the police force and the medical professionals.

“In the labor movement, we live by the fundamental belief that an injury to one is an injury to all. This event was not just an attack on the LGBT community or on the attendees of the Pulse nightclub; it was an attack on all Americans who have the right to be free.

“As a union, we pledge to continue working to secure the right of everyone in this nation and in this world to live their lives free from violence and hatred, regardless of race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or religion.

“In the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’”

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors.