United Steelworkers: Rapid Response News Articles

Third Regional Rapid Response Conference opens in Philadelphia

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

United Steelworkers (USW) District 10 Director John DeFazio welcomed the 250 activists to the regional Rapid Response Conference being held in Philadelphia, PA from April 2-4. Stan Johnson, USW International Secretary-Treasurer, thanked and encouraged the delegates to continue the critical role play in the legislative process.

John Lepley from the USW Education and Membership Development Department gave an interesting presentation on "The Economy: Making it Work for Workers."

Rapid Response Director, Kim Miller moderated a discussion on the Legislative Landscape and Resulting Challenges with Holly Hart, USW Assistant to the President and Legislative Director, Dave Wasiura from the USW Political Department and Jamaal Craig from USW Civil and Human Rights Department.

Over the next two days, participants will take part in five workshops:

•    Effective Communication: Building and Maintaining a Team, Mapping Your Workplace and Overcoming Barriers
•    Successful Actions: Get to Know Your Lawmaker and Maximize Your Efforts
•    The Legislative Process
•    Dealing with Difficult Lawmakers
•    Sharing Our Message: Communicating with Our Members as well as the Public and Utilizing New Media

Action Alert for USW Members in the Northeast

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Sunoco and ConocoPhillips have arbitrarily decided to shut down three strategic oil refineries on the East Coast, all three in or near Philadelphia, Pa. All three of these refineries are USW workplaces, and if the companies follow through on their threat, 1,300 of our members will lose their jobs. Another 1,200 people, many of them members of other unions also will become unemployed. Tens of thousands more jobs will be lost. The whole community in that area will be devastated.

But this is not all. These three refineries make the majority of home heating oil, diesel fuel, and jet fuel in the region. This means consumers and homeowners just like us will be impacted all over the Northeast. If these refineries close, the home heating oil crisis next year will be much, much worse than in the recent past. Home heating oil prices could go to ridiculous highs. In some places it is possible people will not even be able to get heating oil. We do not think it is an exaggeration that people could freeze to death in their own homes if these companies get away with closing these three refineries.

USW is asking for public hearings on the refinery closures and the devastation the closures would bring.

		Click here to write a note to your two Senators and Members of Congress asking for public hearings on the refinery closures.

		Click here to send a message to your state legislators asking that they hold public hearings at the state level about the impact of these refinery closures.

		Click here to sign a petition telling Congress and your state legislators to protect Northeast citizens and keep these refineries open!

Gerard leads USW push against Issue 2 in Ohio

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

This weekend, USW President Leo W. Gerard joined Harold Schaitberger, President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan for a NO on Issue 2 rally in Warren, Ohio.

Steelworkers, firefighters, teachers, and nurses were among the private and public sector workers who came together for the rally and spent the day knocking on doors, making calls, and standing up for Ohio's workers.

Check out the video:

USW Demands Fair Wages at Freeport-McMoRan in Indonesia

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Steelworkers demanding fair wages for thousands of workers on strike at a Freeport-McMoRan mine in Indonesia held a demonstration at the company’s headquarters in Phoenix today.

Around 10,000 workers have been on strike for higher wages since mid-September at Grasberg, the world’s largest gold mine in Papua, Indonesia. The majority of the miners earn on average little over $2 per hour, according to the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions.

Freeport-McMoRan recently reported nearly $3 billion in net income for the first 6 months of 2011.

Two of the strikers were killed and eight others wounded by police on October 10 while participating in the strike activity. The Indonesian police chief admitted today that police who guard the mining site receive money from the company, and the company’s financial reports disclose that the company pays millions for security at the mine,

Holding signs that said “Shame on You Freeport” and “Freeport Wages not Bullets”, a couple dozen Steelworkers joined with fifty community allies marched from the Occupy Phoenix encampment to the Freeport-McMoRan headquarters.

USW represents around 260 workers at Freeport-McMoRan’s Chino mine in New Mexico.

New Video: USW Joins Occupy Pittsburgh

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

USW International President, Leo W. Gerard, joined thousands of Pittsburghers in Day 1 of the Occupy Pittsburgh protests. Check out the clip here and pass it on:

Are You Tired of Trade Polices That Give Away American Jobs?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

With the signing of each new trade agreement, the United States has seen its manufacturing sector decline, its service sector jobs outsourced and a growing trade deficit that leaves our country more in debt to the rest of the world.

When our economy is desperately grasping for jobs, the last thing our political leaders should focus on is more trade deals that are unlikely to create jobs in North America or help working Americans.

To really create jobs …

Last night, talk show host Leslie Marshall interviewed United Steelworkers (USW) Legislative Counsel Linda Andros. They discussed a wide range of trade and manufacturing issues including the Republican opposition to legislation that would end China’s unfair manipulation of its currency, a practice that makes Chinese-produced products cheaper than goods made elsewhere.

According to many sources, we could see votes soon on pending free trade agreements with Korea, Columbia and Panama. We know these agreements will harm all workers involved. What we need is another wave of action – both in D.C. and across the country – to keep up the pressure!

We need to tell our Representatives to get their focus back on real efforts to secure and create jobs instead of making job-losing trade deals. The President offered a plan – the American Jobs Act – that would put significant resources into infrastructure spending. That’s the kind of spending that secures and creates manufacturing jobs while strengthening our nation’s ability to compete globally.

On Tuesday, October 4th, we ask all Americans to help us with a National Call-In Day to Oppose the Pending Free Trade Agreements.

Dial the Capitol Switchboard toll-free at 866-311-1889 and ask for your Representative.

Tell your Representative that you are a constituent and you want him or her to OPPOSE the Colombia, Korea and Panama free trade agreements. Also note that we should be focusing on real efforts to secure and create jobs!

USW Urges Senate to Curb Deliberate Currency Manipulations by China and Others

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Lack of action will endanger more American jobs; further erode U.S. manufacturing

In a letter sent today to members of the U.S. Senate, United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard called for immediate passage of the bipartisan Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011.

This legislation addresses the damage being done to American workers and industries by China and others purposely undervaluing their currencies. The practice taxes the products the United States exports while subsidizing the flow of foreign goods into the U.S. marketplace. Immediate action is needed to balance trade and reduce the federal deficit ... more

USW Lauds Proposal to Create Jobs by Investing in America

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) came to the United Steelworkers' headquarters today to announce the introduction of new legislation that would create jobs by investing in new energy technologies, manufacturing and construction.

In making the announcement, Doyle was joined by USW International President Leo W. Gerard, members of the BlueGreen Alliance and the environmental organization, PennFuture. Click here for a press release on the announcement.

Doyle said his bill, the American Energy, Infrastructure and Manufacturing Jobs Act (AIM) would create jobs, make U.S. industries more competitive internationally, improve the quality of life in the United States and help Americans acquire needed new skills and jobs.

"By providing essential investments and national policies that spur U.S. demand and create good jobs, AIM can promote economic recovery and help struggling workers," Doyle said.

"We can create millions of good jobs, win the global competition for clean energy and energy-efficient green technology, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and ensure we uphold our promise to leave the next generation a better economic and environmental legacy."

Doyle said his legislation is not an alternative to the American Jobs Act recently proposed by President Obama but would complement it by focusing on manufacturing, construction and energy technology.

The proposed legislation would make major new investments in the nation's infrastructure including renewable energy, manufacturing, transportation, and modernizing schools and other public buildings, homes and businesses to be more energy efficient.

Gerard said AIM can solve America's job crisis.

"For America to win the jobs and industries of the future, we need action now, and we join with Congressman Doyle today to say that the AIM Act is just the plan we need," Gerard said.

The act would employ a wide variety of policy tools to achieve its goals including competitive grants, direct loans, loan guarantees, tax credits, energy-efficiency standards, model building codes, energy-efficiency rebates and requirements that the manufacturing carried out under the bill be done in the United States.

Doyle said he hopes AIM will attract bipartisan support in Congress. He acknowledged that the bill would spend money but he said the investment in America will be worth the cost.

"I'm willing to invest money in my friends and neighbors and neighbors who don't have jobs right now," the congressman said.

USW Strongly Welcomes WTO Decision

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

China Found to Illegally Constrain Exports of Raw Materials

The United Steelworkers (USW) lauded today’s decision at the World Trade Organization that found that China illegally constrained the export of raw materials, thereby advantaging Chinese producers and increasing costs for U.S. manufacturers.

“China has once again been found to flout international rules to the detriment of our members and their companies,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “The panel report released today confirms what the USW has been stressing for years: the world’s largest exporter is achieving its success through many unfair methods.”

The USW believes that today’s decision adds additional weight to the allegations made in its Section 301 filing last year regarding China's illegal actions that restrict the export of rare earth minerals ... more

USW Applauds Obama Administration Success Ending China Subsidies In Wind Energy Sector Following Section 301 Petition

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Statement by USW President Leo W. Gerard

Leo W. Gerard, the International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement by Ambassador Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative on the outcome of consultations with China on wind energy subsidies following a union filed Section 301 petition last September on clean tech energy issues.

"The Steelworkers Union petition and the Obama Administration's pursuit of our complaint on the Special Fund provisions brought the Chinese to the table with a commitment to end this program. That's good news for our members, U.S. companies and American workers. It needs to be followed up with continued vigilance, to ensure the Chinese keep their commitments ... more

Steelworker Activism Helps to Save Northampton County's Gracedale Nursing Home

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The nurses at Northampton County’s Gracedale Nursing Home in Pennsylvania are proud members of United Steelworkers Local 2599. The nurses – along with the leadership and Rapid Response Team from the local – are providing a great example of activism that rises to meet the challenges of today’s work environment.

In the name of “fixing the budget,” Northampton County leaders proposed to sell Gracedale to a private company, turning over control to the highest bidder and fundamentally changing the facility into a profit-seeking entity. The county tried very hard to ensure that the sale of the nursing home went as quickly and as quietly as possible. Reports from the council meetings showed the desire of the county executive to push the sale through at any cost ... more

Klein: Simple Graph Shows Income Inequality

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Washington Post's Ezra Klein recently blogged that a picture - in this case, a graph showing the rich's income rising as their taxes paid fall - is worth a thousand words.

Klein reports that "over the past 30 years, the very rich have seen their real taxes fall sharply even as they’ve seen their incomes rise rapidly." Click here to see the graph and read his eye-opening article. Then hop over to our official Facebook page to talk about it and help spread the word so we can educate people about what's really going on in our economy.

UPDATE: USW President Calls for Quick Action to Revive U.S. Manufacturing, National Security

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

USW International President Leo W. Gerard today told the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation that U.S. manufacturing and the nation's defense industries are in critical condition and must be revived to ensure national security.

Speaking for the USW , the AFL-CIO and its affiliate unions, Gerard called for immediate action with strategic and employment linked policies, investments and incentives to revitalize a manufacturing base that lost some six million jobs and 57,000 manufacturing facilities between 1998 and 2010.

"The American economy remains fragile and uncertainty reigns,'' Gerard said. "Unemployment, underemployment, wage stagnation, foreclosures all paint a grim picture of an economy still struggling to recover. For American manufacturing communities, this recession has been just one more big wave of economic tsunamis that have devastated workers, employers and communities."

Click here for more of today's story. And click here to learn more about manufacturing and here for a review of House Democratics' jobs plan, based on manufacturing.

NEW VIDEO: USW Members "Made In America" All-Stars

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

USW members make the energy-efficient light bulbs featured in this national news report. Check it out, buy the bulbs and pass it on!

The Leslie Marshall Show - The King (or Dictator) of Michigan?

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Leslie Marshall talks with Fred Redmond, International Vice President of Human Affairs for the United Steelworkers (USW). Redmond talked about how Governor Snyder’s bill to impose “financial martial law” on the people of Michigan is a threat to democracy and the electoral process.

Download The Leslie Marshall Show - The King (or Dictator) of Michigan? »

NEW VIDEO: USW Fighting Back Across the Nation

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

USW is leading the fight nationwide against corporate-led attacks on our rights and our lives. Check out this highlight video, then pass it on to everyone you know!

Nationwide, USW join thousands to say 'We Are One' in Honor of King, Workers' Rights

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In Pittsburgh, at the USW headquarters and across the nation, workers and others joined to say "We Are One" to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and continue the fight for economic and worker justice.

Forty-three years ago today, Dr. King was killed in Memphis, where he was standing with striking sanitation workers. Today millions of people are mobilizing to fight for that same dignity against anti-union attacks on the basic rights of public workers.

Across the country, more than 1,000 events were planned, including a massive protest and rally that began at the United Steelworkers headquarters. International President Leo W. Gerard fired up workers, community groups, faith leaders and others before they marched to protest the lack of corporate taxation.

Today was just the beginning of the fight as workers and others stand and fight to take back America, Gerard said. Click here for our Protect Workers' Rights tool kit.

Check back for additional updates, including photos and video. Send your We Are One event photos and reports to the USW Fllckr stream by clicking here or post updates on our Facebook page.

USW@Work Magazine Now Available in Online

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Our quarterly magazine, USW@Work, is now available online complete with embedded video, downloada, printable pages and more. We're featuring our most recent special edition about the attack on workers' rights around our nation and our union's plan to stand and fight. Check it out here. Then pass it on!

USW's Gerard addresses massive protest in London, where workers' fight is same

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard brought a message of solidarity from North American workers to a massive trade union rally in London on March 26.

The "March for an Alternative," organized by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom, brought an estimated half a million people into the streets to demand an end to drastic cuts in education, health care, and other public services that are being implemented by the Coalition government of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties.

Gerard pledged the solidarity of U.S. and Canadian unions with U.K. workers and citizens who are resisting the cuts.

"We will stand with you, we will march with you, we will fight together with you to demand that our governments protect the rights of public employees and of all workers," he told the huge crowd.

Leo Gerard speaks at March for the Alternative from Trades Union Congress on Vimeo.

He linked the resistance to cutbacks in the U.K. to public opposition to laws in Wisconsin and other U.S. states that would deprive public employees of collective bargaining rights.

"The U.S. system under which 400 billionaires hold more wealth than 150 million citizens is immoral and unsustainable," Gerard declared. "We must stop giving tax cuts to the rich and invest in jobs and services for working people."

The rally was addressed by Labour Party Leader Ed Miliband, TUC General Secretary President Brendan Barber, UNITE General Secretary Len McCluskey, and other leaders of unions and social movements.

Check out more photos from the protest:

NEW VIDEO: 100 Years After Triangle Fire, Clock Turning Back on Workers' Rights

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Check out this moving video by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights. It shows that 100 years after the deadly Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York that killed more than 100 mostly young women workers, not much has changed. We are going back in time and the rights people died for are being taken away around the world. Honor the victims of these tragedies by standing and fighting!

USW Deeply Troubled by WTO Ruling on China Trade

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Decision Undermines Remedies for China's Unfair Trade Practices

The United Steelworkers (USW) said that today's decision by the Appeals body of World Trade Organization (WTO) is a slap in the face to U.S. workers and industries that are harmed by China's predatory trade practices. The USW believes this decision will undercut the ability of the U.S. to fully and effectively apply countervailing duty and anti-dumping laws against China.

"Today's decision from the WTO is very troubling," said Leo W. Gerard, International President of the USW. "This is yet another example of the WTO overreaching and undermining the legitimacy of the WTO and the sovereignty of the United States.

"When China joined the WTO in 2001, it agreed to be treated as a non-market economy in dumping cases and to be subject to countervailing duty laws -- today the Appellate Body appears to have created special carve outs for China that neither the U.S. nor anyone else agreed to ten years ago ... more

USW President Gerard Joins Democratic Leader Pelosi on Jobs Bill

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Event introduces federal bill: ‘Build America Bonds to Create Jobs Now Act’

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined House Democrats and USW President Leo W. Gerard to raise their voices yesterday, sending a clear message that the number one national priority is to create jobs.

“Americans are demanding that we put jobs first; that we act to invest in our future and help our economy grow,” declared Leader Pelosi at a news conference in a U.S. Capitol room jammed with more than 100 USW members and activists of the union’s Rapid Response Network ... more

Photos by Steve Dietz

Conway: Our Nation Needs a Manufacturing Policy

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600

USW International Vice President Tom Conway appeared on the Leslie Marshall Radio Show to talk about he importance of manufacturing to the nation.

Listen to the interview below.

Listen to more AUDIOcasts

USW Opposes Passage of Revised US-Korea Trade Agreement

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600

The United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement by its International Executive Board today after concluding an extensive examination of the terms of the proposed agreement:

“The Obama Administration has now concluded negotiations with the government of South Korea on the revised terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The revisions fought for by the President, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Chairman Sander Levin and the team of officials working on the negotiations are important improvements on the terms agreed to by the Bush Administration and deserve recognition. Since the conclusion of negotiations last week, the United Steelworkers (USW) union has carefully examined the terms of the agreement, the underlying trade relationship between our two countries and the competitive postures of our economies. After thorough review, the USW Executive Board views the agreement as falling far short of what is necessary to ensure that U.S. workers and businesses have a fair deal.

This was not an easy decision as the Obama Administration has made effective implementation and enforcement of trade laws and agreements a priority. Their efforts have advanced the interests of USW members in the steel, tire, green technology and other important sectors. Their record in these areas represents a fundamental change in the administration of trade policy and is deeply appreciated.

Over the past several months, since President Obama announced his intention to conclude negotiations on an FTA with South Korea, the USW has been deeply involved in discussions and consultations with the Administration, Congressional leaders and others regarding how the Bush FTA could be improved to ensure that workers would truly share in the benefits of an enhanced trade relationship. We have not only provided specific proposals but also have discussed those terms and alternative approaches to achieve our goals. The President’s team showed a true willingness to discuss our concerns, and their open consultations with us are truly appreciated ... more

Unemployed Held for Ransom

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Gerard on Schultz: Stop stealing from the unemployed to pay for tax cuts for the ultra rich.

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