Women of Steel (1984): Pioneering Women Who Built and Fought for Equality in Steel

This powerful 1984 documentary shares the stories of pioneering women steelworkers who broke gender barriers, battled workplace discrimination, and fought for economic independence in the steel mills of Pittsburgh and beyond. Facing layoffs, harsh conditions, and societal expectations, these determined women shaped history by uniting for fair pay, dignity, and respect on and off the job.

The USW’s Women of Steel program has its roots in the early women’s caucuses of the 1970s–80s. It was formally recognized by the union in 1992, when the first “Women of Steel” resolution was introduced at the 26th USWA (United Steelworkers) Constitutional Convention.