Contact: Chelsey Engel, 412-562-1178, cengel@usw.org
The United Steelworkers (USW) union Vice President Fred Redmond released the following statement in honor of Black History Month:
“Black History Month offers us an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives and legacies of the many Black people who have worked tirelessly for justice and equality. This becomes even more poignant this year, in the midst of a high-stakes presidential election.
“Many Black Americans were subjected to a host of indignities in order to vote, and many even lost their lives in this fight. We honor those who have come before us by continuing their work, and by ensuring that the gains they made are not lost. As we mark Black History Month, we must protect and participate in our democracy, exercising our right to vote so that their struggles were not in vain.
“This Black History Month, we honor those who fought for us by making our voices heard at the ballot box and ensuring everyone is able to cast their vote.”
The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.