USW Marks International Women’s Day, Affirms Commitment to Comprehensive Health and Safety

CONTACT: Beth Turnbull, 412-562-2442, bturnbull@usw.org

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement today in recognition of International Women’s Day: 
 
“As the USW marks International Women’s Day, we recognize that in addition to the persistent 18-cent gender wage gap, women face a broad range health and safety challenges.

“More than one in four women experience intimate partner violence before the age of 50, according to a global analysis led by McGill University and the World Health Organization. 

“Additionally, women’s bodily autonomy remains under attack at both the federal and state levels, as extremists in our judicial and legislative branches continue their efforts to restrict access to essential health care. 

“In response, the USW includes among its bargaining priorities mental health resources, paid leave for workers experiencing domestic violence and reliable, high-quality reproductive care, and we have successfully negotiated many vital protections.

“Additionally, the union’s cutting-edge Raising the Bar initiative provides workers in both Canada and the United States with resources on accessing personal protective equipment that fits all body types, addressing harassment, dealing with workplace-related pregnancy and breastfeeding issues and more.

“As a union, we vow to continue the fight for true gender equity and affirm our commitment not simply to equal pay for equal work but also to comprehensive health and safety for all workers.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers 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. For more information: http://www.usw.org/

Press Inquiries

Media Contacts

Communications Director:
Jess Kamm at 412-562-6961

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