Testimonials
Originally sent to District 2 Director, Jon Geenen
Dear Mr. Geenen,
As you know, our son, Kevin Wilson was killed while performing his job at Locul 1900 in South Lyon, Michigan last September. Since then we have been very grateful for the outpouring of compassion expressed to us by the United Steelworkers. We were moved to tears by your thoughtful letter and the generous contributions of the USW membership. We accept your kindness with hwnility, gratitude and heavy hearts. It is our utter grief that compels us to use this opportunity to convey our message to you.
The loss of our son to a workplace accident has been by far the hardest thing we have ever had to bear. It has broken our hearts and tormented our minds to know that our son went to work to perform a job to the best of his ability and died doing so.
Nobody should have to hear the words, "Your son (or other loved one) was killed at work today." Nobody should have to die while performing their job. Nobody should have to accept that a life with their loved one has been traded for a legacy of hope for the future of others, but because this is all we have now, please don't let us down.
It is our deepest hope and our sincerest wish that your stated "resolve to create safer workplaces" for your membership will lead to more than words. Please don't count on procedure ...
Originally sent to District 1 Director, Dave McCall
Dave, this is regarding the fatality of Jeffery Johnson from L.U. 12049. I just wanted to express my thanks to Steve Sallman and Allan McDougall for their assistance and quick response on this matter. The officers and members that they spoke to and counseled could not be more pleased with the actions of the Emergency Response Team. These individuals have a very difficult job, especially when it involves a fatality. I just wanted you to know how much this local appreciated their being there for them and Brother Johnson’s family.
David W. McLean
Originally sent to District 13 Director, Mickey Breaux
Mickey,
As you know we recently had fatalities in the mills in Bogalusa, and St. Francisville, LA. I just wanted to let you know that the Emergency Response Team visits to these locations was more helpful than the Locals or I could have hoped for.
Allan McDougall visited both locations and provided counseling to the employees and family members and I have been told many times how much this was appreciated by the Locals and members. In both cases this
followed visits by the Company's Employee Assistance Program counselors and in both cases I was told how much better our guy was.
Steve Sallman investigated the fatality at St. Francisville and Don Faulkner at Bogalusa. The investigation was conducted professionally and completely. In both cases they were conducted following the OSHA investigation and our Locals and members commented to me how much more thorough a job our guys did.
We are planning a follow-up visit at both locations in April which I feel sure will only help our members and the victims' families further.
I just wanted to let you know how well things went in such a hard time for these locations and how much our International's presence helped.
By the way, both Companies even communicated to me how much help our Union was in these difficult times.
Mike Tourne'
Individual Testamonies
Thanks to the union’s investigation, we found the cause of a fatal accident – a previously reported equipment defect. Nothing will bring our brother back, but at least no one else has to face that hazard.
Steve, Wisconsin
I didn’t realize that the union did this sort of counseling. Keep up the good work.
Jim Louisiana
You are a godsend.
Stanley, Missouri
I always disliked my husband paying union dues. I did not realize then that the USW offered these wonderful services.
Shirley, Indiana
We are so glad that you came to help us.
Local Union Members of Mississippi
