Support Growing for Locked out Steelworkers at ATI

Eight weeks into the ULP lockout, Steelworkers at all 12 sites are standing strong and support for the locked out workers is growing.  USW members are organizing events for families on the picket lines, political leaders are weighing in to show their solidarity and support is continuing to grow in our communities and around the world. 

As ATI continues to tell fairytales about production in the press, Steelworkers are making plans to continue to step up the fight for a fair contract at ATI with a visit to the company’s headquarters during their 3rd quarter earnings conference call. 

 

Building Support in Our Communities

On September 25th, members of USW Local 7150 in Albany, Oregon took to the streets of North Albany to thank the community for all of the support they’ve provided throughout the lockout. USW members and supporters held signs saying “Steelworkers support our community and we thank you for your support!” 

On October 1, members of USW Local 1196 came out to the picket lines for a ‘Blue Tuesday’ solidarity action in Brackenridge.  The scabs, bosses and goon guards had to drive past a blue wall of 300 Steelworkers and families on their way into the facility.  Days later, Local 1196 held a community picnic in Tarentum Park on October 5 to thank the dozens of community supporters and local business who have supported the struggle for a fair contract. Local musicians provided music while locked out workers and community supporters enjoyed food, drinks and games. 

 

Keeping the Pressure on ATI around the World!

            In a strong show of global solidarity, members of Solidarność at the ATI plant in Stalowa Wola, Poland showed ATI executives that even half a world away, workers and communities are supporting the Steelworkers at ATI.  Workers held a rally at the ATI plant in Stalowa Wola, Poland and carried their solidarity banner which says "USW and Solidarność: Solidarity in the Fight for Workers' Rights" in the union pilgrimage to Jasna Góra, site of the shrine of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, on September 20.

 


Elected Officials Weigh-In: It’s time for a Fair Contract at ATI

As the lockout drags on, elected officials in communities across the country are calling on ATI to end the lockout and bargain a fair contract with the Steelworkers.  On September 30 the members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic Southwest Caucus sent a letter to ATI CEO calling on him to end the lockout and bargain a fair contract with the Steelworkers. 

In a statement, State Rep. Joseph Petrarca said "We're concerned about what this lockout is doing to the livelihood of 1,000 workers in western Pennsylvania and by extension, the communities in which they live," said Petrarca, D-Westmoreland/Armstrong/Indiana. "These workers were working in good faith well after their contract expired, until ATI abruptly canceled negotiations and brought in temporary labor. Negotiations are always part of the process in renewing a union contract, and we are concerned that this impasse will do more harm than good.”

Legislators all over the country are calling on ATI to end the lockout.  Weeks ago the New Bedford City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the USW and on October 5 a delegation of 10 members of the Oregon State House of Representatives came out to the picket line in Albany, Oregon to join Local 7150 on the picket lines.

Spreading the Word!

As ATI continues to tell fairytales to investors and customers, the USW fired back last week with a full page ad, which was placed in newspapers around Southwestern Pennsylvania.  The ad sets the record straight: “ATI Executives Celebrate Hard Work and Dedication with Lockout; Reward Salaried Employees with Benefit Cuts.” 

 

Standing Strong on the Picket Lines

Picket lines are remaining strong at all 12 locations, bolstered by the hard work and dedication of dozens of Picket Line Heroes who are going above and beyond and stepping up in amazing and inspiring ways to support the fight for a fair contract at ATI. 

Each week we’re recognizing some ‘Picket Line Heroes’ for their great work on the picket lines, at the union halls and in our communities.  Here are a few of the more than 70 Steelworkers and supporters who have been nominated as Picket Line Heroes:

Dwayne Smedley from USW Local 1046 in Louisville, OH

Eric Misorski and Werner Theil nominated Dwayne as a Picket Line Hero because he spends at least 40 hours a week on the line and turns out for every rally and special event.  Eric wrote, “Dwayne has been reaching out to other locals, handing out signs, writing thank you notes to all the local businesses. The list is endless. Dwayne is the example we should all strive for and a really great person, friend, and brother to have on the line.”

Guy Jones from USW Local 1212 in Midland, PA

Casey Tenney, Greg Cunningham, Brenda Jones and Lenny Cole all nominated Guy Jones because of the long hours and dedication he shows on the picket line in Midland, Pennsylvania. He’s on the picket line every day—rain or shine—and he’s willing to stay as long as he needs to make sure that the line is properly staffed.  Guy also helps by running errands, cleaning up the picket tents, and emptying garbage to make sure that things go smoothly on the line.

 

Dixie Hyde from USW Local 1199

Josh Hall nominated Dixie, a member of USW Local 1199 who works at Evanite Fiber in Corvallis, WA as a picket line hero because Dixie knows what solidarity is all about.  Even though she’s not locked out, Dixie is on the line with Local 7150 nearly every day and she brings food by the line every week.  Dixie knows what Steelworker solidarity is all about!

Do you know a Picket Line Hero? Someone who is stepping up and filling in gaps? Taking on extra work? Providing encouragement and moral support to get through the fight?  Nominate them to be recognized as a Picket Line Hero!

Delivering our Message to Harshman!

On October 20th, as ATI management holds its 3rd Quarter Earnings Call with investors, join  us to deliver thousands of petitions to CEO Richard Harshman calling on the company to end the lockout and bargain a fair contract with the Steelworkers. 

Meet at the United Steelworkers Headquarters at 8am on Tuesday, October 20th.  We will march to ATI’s headquarters to deliver our petitions to ATI management before the start of their 8:30am earnings conference call.

Have you added your voice to the fight for a fair contract at ATI?  Make sure to sign the petition online before October 20th so your name can be added to the list of thousands of Steelworkers and supporters calling for an end to the lockout! 

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