USW: Bold Action Required in Fight for Women’s Equality

CONTACT: Chelsey Engel, (412) 562-2446, cengel@usw.org

United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard and Vice President Carol Landry issued the following statement today in honor of International Women’s Day:

Unions have always fought for dignity on the job, civil rights, and freedom from violence. Our union remains dedicated to that fight and to creating a more gender-balanced world both in the workplace and in our communities.

We also recognize that women’s equality is about more than just the absence of violence and harassment—it’s about the presence of respect and opportunity. Unions offer women and other marginalized groups a gateway to economic success, leadership positions, and better health and safety protections at work, but there is still much to be done.

The labor movement must take bold action as women continue to face challenges due to the growth of economic, racial, and gender inequality. We must be on the frontlines in the battles for parental leave, workplace violence legislation, and equal representation from the shop floor all the way to the boardroom. We must be stronger and smarter than the forces working against our most vulnerable communities in order for them to receive the dignity they need and deserve.

Our union knows there is nothing stronger than a Woman of Steel, and today we recommit to creating a world in which that strength can thrive.

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.

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