October Update from SOAR President Bill Pienta

We Really Mean SOAR IN ACTION!

The members of SOAR have really been "IN ACTION" the last few months. After being limited in what we could do regarding socializing or participating in actions involving groups for almost two years, the members of SOAR seem anxious to resume their activities and to be engaged in issues related to retirees and working families in Canada and the United States.

Over 100 retirees attended the recent SOAR Conference in Las Vegas and participated in discussions on resolutions dealing with the future of SOAR. In addition, our Canadian delegation spoke on their participation in efforts to expand national health care coverage to include prescription drugs.

Once we returned home, several districts announced the formation of new SOAR chapters, which is extremely important because SOAR needs to continue to bring in new members. Because of who we are, and our tendency to "age-out" as we get to our senior years, we need to continually bring in new members in order to maintain our ability to function.

Districts recently sent in reports of their participation in the Labor Day parades around the country. SOAR participation in Districts 10, 7 and 4 did a great job of getting recognized for their involvement, with District 4 getting coverage on a local news station in New York City. 

Many of our chapters and members volunteered to participate in the Your Union, Your Voice postcard writing campaign. Special mention must go to District 7 SOAR Board member Dorine Godinez, and the SOAR chapters in District 7, as they worked in solidarity to prepare over 2600 postcards.

Many of our members have volunteered to get involved in the upcoming election. Some will be working at voting locations or simply be an observer. Others have volunteered to jump in with both feet, to do leafleting and door knocking, and to participate in rallies for candidates that support our position on issues important to active and retired workers and their families.

Our members may have retired from the company, but they never left their Union. They continue to be involved in issues important to them, and they continue to be "SOAR IN ACTION!"

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