Congratulations to Our Winners!

At our International Convention, we’ve developed a tradition of reflecting back on the good work done in Rapid Response by locals and Districts.

For nearly 20 years, the program has grown and evolved. We once carried out a small number of large-scale actions annually. Today, the shifting political climate at the state level and growing local-level needs have resulted in dozens of actions each year. We are meeting the challenges wherever they are.

As we recognize the Top District and locals, it is important to remember that there are many more committed locals doing exceptional work across the U.S.  We are grateful for all the districts empowering members to lead the program in significant ways, and for the locals and Districts that are committed to growing their programs in big and small ways and seeing the results of those efforts.

This work is a reason why we’re a union that works.

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USW Intl. Secretary Treasurer Stan Johnson and Director of Rapid Response Kim Miller announcing the winners of the Spirit of the Fight Award at the 2014 Constitutional Convention.

Our Top District Award went to a District that is no stranger to being in the lead. While the competition has grown, District 9 has produced the top results in the majority of national actions we’ve taken on since the last Convention, and excelled in targeted work.  They continue to make the commitment to maintain an excellent program under the leadership of Director Danny Flippo and Rapid Response Coordinator Shane Mitchell. Thank you for continuing to set the bar so high.

The 1,900 members there consistently led the way on issues, from saving Social Security to saving the steel industry. When we mobilized in 2009 to fight for a trade case that involved the kinds of tires they produced, it was our turn to fight for them. The positive decision in this case resulted in a couple extra years of operation, but sadly, it was not enough to keep the facility open. With that plant closure, we lost the most dedicated Rapid Response program in the nation.

In keeping with the activist legacy of 878L, we developed the Spirit of the Fight Award. The locals receiving this award have demonstrated commitment to the program, innovation in their approaches, and exceptional results when called upon to act. They are educating, empowering and engaging their members. Congratulations to all the awardees. They exemplify our fighting spirit to build good jobs and a better life for all workers.
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Top District Award - USW Intl. Secretary Treasurer Stan Johnson, District 9 Director Danny Flippo, Rapid Response Coordinator Shane Mitchell and Director of Rapid Response Kim Miller.


The Spirit of the Fight Award was first given out at our last Convention. At that time, we honored Local 878L from Union City, TN for a lifetime of achievement to Rapid Response.

District 1
Local 979
President - Mark Granakis
Rapid Response Coordinator - Jim Ciomek

District 2
Local 1299
President - Jim Allen
Rapid Response Coordinator - Randy Clay

District 4
Local 1357
President – Robert Giusti
Rapid Response Coordinator - Donald Rei

District 7
Local 715L
President - Jeff Knoblauch
Rapid Response Coordinator – Charlie Odier

District 8
Local 831L
President - Danny Barber
Rapid Response Coordinator - Mark Powers

District 9
Local 351L
President - Mark Williams
Rapid Response Coordinator - Dexter Beams

District 10
Local  1852
President - Bob Crebs
Rapid Response Coordinator - Ken Mummert

Local 9305
President - Rick Galiano
Rapid Response Coordinator - Mike Sabat

District 11
Local   7686
President - Stan Ivie
Rapid Response Coordinator - Cameron Redd

District 12
Local 338
President – Dan Wilson
Rapid Response Coordinators – Rich Prete and Dan Wilson

District 13
Local   5702
President and Rapid Response Coordinator - David Delaneuville

Press Inquiries

Media Contacts

Communications Director:
Jess Kamm at 412-562-2446

USW@WORK (USW magazine)
Editor R.J. Hufnagel

For industry specific inquiries,
Call USW Communications at 412-562-2442

Mailing Address

United Steelworkers
Communications Department
60 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222