(Edison, N.J.) – United Steelworkers Local 4-200 announced today that they reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick that raises wages, caps insurance costs and provides safe staffing ratios.

The deal covers more than 1,700 members who work as nurses throughout the hospital and who have been on strike against management’s unfair labor practices since Aug. 4.

Workers will now prepare to review and vote on the contract.

USW Local 4-200 President Judy Danella said nurses were grateful for the huge outpouring of community support they received and that they look forward to returning to their work caring for patients.

“Safe staffing is essential to both patient care and reducing burnout among health care workers,” said Danella. “This contract sets necessary staffing ratios so that we can spend more time with each of our patients and keep ourselves safe on the job.”

Danella credited the strength and solidarity of nurses with reaching the deal.

“This agreement was hard-fought, but our sacrifice ultimately paid off with a fair contract that addresses nurses’ most urgent concerns. The local bargaining committee unequivocally recommends ratification.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, 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.

(PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall released the following statement in response to the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) affirmative preliminary determination on dumped truck and bus tires from Thailand:

“USW members take immense pride in making high-quality truck and bus tires, but the recent spike in imports from Thailand, underwritten by Chinese investments, put both their jobs and the communities they support at risk.

“We’re gratified that the ITC in its preliminary determination affirmed our position and provided a path forward to protecting U.S. tiremakers from illegally dumped products.   

“USW members are highly skilled, but they need rigorous enforcement of our nation’s trade laws. Today’s decision is a step in the right direction toward leveling the playing field.” 

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in a wide array of industries, including workers at five facilities that produce truck and bus tires: Bridgestone’s plants in La Vergne and Morrison, Tenn., Goodyear’s facilities in Danville, Va., and Topeka, Kan., and Sumitomo’s plant in Buffalo, N.Y.

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) this week condemned U.S. Steel’s announcement that it would lay off up to 1,000 workers in Granite City, Ill.

“U.S. Steel’s decision to idle steelmaking at Granite City Works once again demonstrates its callous disregard for its dedicated workforce, who for generations have served as the backbone of the company’s success,” said USW International President David McCall.  

“Our union consistently invites all our employers, including U.S. Steel, to fight alongside us to protect our domestic industries,” said McCall, “but rather than invest in the future, U.S. Steel instead keeps turning its back on its highly skilled union workforce and their communities.”

McCall noted that this trend also includes U.S. Steel’s choice to begin laying off hundreds of workers at UPI in Pittsburg, Ca., this year.

Within the past five years, U.S. Steel similarly abandoned its Great Lakes and Lone Star Steel operations, shut down coke batteries in Clairton, Pa., and reneged on its commitments to invest major capital expenditures in the Mon Valley. This is on top of the hundreds of jobs it eliminated when it shuttered operations in Lorain, Ohio in 2015.

“The company’s clumsy attempt earlier this year to pit workers against each other by blaming changes at Granite City on the autoworkers’ strike further demonstrates its cynical and opportunistic view of American labor,” said District 7 Director Mike Millsap.

“As we look to the future of the U.S. steel industry,” said Millsap, “the USW intends to draw on every resource we have available to ensure our members – in Granite City and across the country – are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

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.

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today filed unfair labor practice charges with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board in response to the University of Pittsburgh administration’s unlawful conduct in prolonging negotiations with faculty seeking a first contract.

Pitt faculty overwhelmingly voted to unionize in the fall of 2021. Since then, they have faced unreasonable delays in receiving responses to the union’s proposals. 

Most egregiously, the administration has failed to provide any response whatsoever to the proposal on research support that the USW supplied more than a year ago. It also took 14 months to respond to the union’s compensation proposal and six months to respond to its proposal on layoff and recall.

“Negotiations can only be effective when both sides participate,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents USW members across Pennsylvania. “The administration’s relentless silence on some of the most important bargaining topics suggests it has no interest in reaching a contract.”

The charges the USW filed today also address changes to employee benefits, namely giving new members of the bargaining unit fewer health care options and higher out of pocket expenses than existing workers. 

“Pitt faculty work hard, both providing high quality instruction for tens of thousands of students and producing world-class research,” said Hall. “It’s long past time for the administration to come to the table ready and willing to negotiate a contract that reflects their contributions to the university’s success rather than wasting resources drawing out this process.” 

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.

(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement today after President Joe Biden signed a memorandum directing federal agencies to advance labor rights and worker empowerment abroad:

“The USW welcomes today’s global labor directive and the Biden administration’s continuing commitment to ensuring our nation’s diplomatic efforts and foreign engagements further labor rights abroad.

“Our union has seen time and again how worker abuses and violence against trade unionists hurt workers the world over, driving down wages, undermining our trade system and hollowing out communities. 

“This memorandum will help ensure workers’ rights receive the same consideration as corporate interests in foreign policy and that labor standards abroad will not be weaponized against foreign or domestic workers.

“All workers deserve a voice, regardless of their nationality. We look forward to working with the Biden administration as it uses its influence to curb violence against union leaders, promote democratic values and fight for justice and dignity for workers across the globe.”

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.

United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement today after being sworn in as a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council:

“The labor movement was founded on the basic principle that all workers deserve fair compensation, safe working conditions and a dignified retirement – and that the best, most reliable way to achieve these goals is through unity and solidarity.

“I’m deeply honored to have this opportunity to represent the USW on the AFL-CIO Executive Council alongside USW International Vice President Roxanne Brown, and I look forward to working with President Liz Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and all the other council members as together we continue the fight for good jobs, healthy communities and fair treatment for all working people.”

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.

United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall released the following statement today after President Biden’s meeting with top EU officials and the announcement of a path forward on the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum:

“The USW recognizes today’s progress toward an interim arrangement on steel and aluminum as a much-needed opportunity to confront unfair trade and global overcapacity and rein in producers far more carbon intensive than those in the United States and the European Union. 

“The Biden administration negotiated with the EU for two years in an effort to reach an agreement that would forge long-term, durable solutions to non-market excess capacity and carbon intensive production.

“Time and again, the administration demonstrated a clear commitment to defending domestic steel and aluminum workers, rather than bowing to outdated thinking on international trade and the EU’s political pressure. 

“Now we must stick to this path.

“Steel and aluminum are vital to our national defense and critical infrastructure. The United States acted under Section 232 of our trade laws in 2018 to maintain domestic capacity and keep us safe. These continue to be urgent concerns, and we appreciate that the Biden administration kept these priorities in the foreground in charting a course forward.

“Over the past two years, our union coordinated with employers and labor unions in the United States and Europe that share our values. As more countries seek to join the arrangement, we welcome those who are serious about putting a stop to predatory trade practices and confronting the challenges of global climate change. Now, they will need to earn the right to participate. 

“Today’s summit also yielded progress toward a Critical Minerals Agreement between the United States and the EU. The USW engaged with the administration throughout the process, urging an approach that recognizes not only our shared interests and the reality of today’s supply chains, but also the need for rigorous labor standards and environmental sustainability.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the administration and our European allies as together we seek to advance our opportunities to limit global overcapacity in steel and aluminum, reduce the carbon intensity of our industries, meet our critical mineral needs and advance workers’ rights.” 

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education.

(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today announced that it filed an antidumping petition on truck and bus tires from Thailand with the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission.

Truck and bus tire imports from Thailand, fueled by Chinese investments, surged in recent years, more than doubling between 2020 and 2022. The petition alleges dumping margins as high as 47.8 percent, enabling imports to undercut domestic producers and imperil U.S. jobs.

“Antidumping and countervailing duties on truck and bus tires imposed in 2019 have been essential in stemming the tide of unfairly traded tires from China,” said USW International President David McCall. “Now, we’re seeing Chinese companies invest in their Thai operations, once again capturing market share and depressing prices.”

The USW represents workers at five facilities that produce truck and bus tires: Bridgestone’s plants in La Vergne and Morrison, Tenn., Goodyear’s facilities in Danville, Va., and Topeka, Kan., and Sumitomo’s plant in Buffalo, N.Y.

“USW tire makers are among the most skilled in the world,” said Kevin Johnsen, who chairs the USW’s Rubber and Plastics Industry Conference. “They take immense pride in their work, and they can compete with anyone as long as they have a level playing field. We cannot allow illegally dumped imports to destroy their jobs or the communities they support.”

The USW has been involved in more than 100 trade cases in the past two decades, including in the rubber and tire industry.

“While we’re grateful that workers have the standing to advocate on their own behalf as we did today, we shouldn’t have to wage this fight on a case-by-case basis,” said McCall. “Instead we need strategic reform of our broken trade system so that our domestic industries can be safe from unfair trade now and into the future.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

The United Steelworkers (USW) International Executive Board today appointed District 11 Director Emil Ramirez as the union’s new International Vice President (Administration).

The position was most recently held by David McCall, who is now serving as USW International President, following the death of his predecessor, Tom Conway, on Sept. 25.

“Tom’s tireless work on behalf of USW members ensured our union had a strong base on which to build,” said McCall. “From organizing new workers into our union, to bargaining more leading-edge contracts, to working with pro-worker officials to create good-paying union jobs, we now have a number of exciting opportunities on the horizon. I look forward to partnering with Emil as we capitalize on this momentum.”

Ramirez served as USW District 11 Director since 2014, representing workers in nine Midwestern states.

He currently leads the USW’s bargaining with Cleveland-Cliffs Mining, Ardagh Beverage, Rexam Beverage Can and ContiTech and serves as chair of the USW’s Cement Council and Arconic Bargaining Committee, as well as secretary of the union’s Container Industry Conference.

Ramirez began his union career as a Pipefitter B in 1986 with USW Local 15162 at KPL/Gas Service’s Topeka, Kan., facility. He served in a number of leadership roles, including local union president, until he was appointed to the USW staff in 1995.

“The USW represents a diverse group of workers in a broad range of industries, from mining and metals to health care and higher education,” said Ramirez. “Our union’s strength has always stemmed from our unity, our ability to work together to ensure safer workplaces and a better standard of living for all working families. As our union continues to grow and evolve, I’m honored to serve as one of its vice presidents so together we can maintain this strength through solidarity.”

The USW International Executive Board also swore in Cathy Drummond as the new District 11 Director. Drummond comes out of USW Local 9460 at what is now Essentia Health in Hibbing, Minn. She served as assistant to the district director since 2019 and holds the distinction of being the first woman to become a USW District Director.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education.

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org   

(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers (USW) International Executive Board today appointed David McCall as the union’s new international president to fill the remainder of Tom Conway’s term. Conway passed away this week after four years as the USW’s leader.

“We are all mourning a great loss,” McCall said, “but even in our sadness, our union is strong, thanks in large part to Tom’s leadership and vision. Now, we’ll move forward the only way we can: together. Together, we’ll honor Tom’s legacy, as together, we fight for justice and fairness for working families.”

McCall served as USW international vice president of administration since July 2019. In that role, he bargained contracts with some of the union’s largest employers in steel, aluminum, rubber and other industries. 

Before his election as vice president, he served for 21 years as the director of USW District 1, a job in which he represented 70,000 USW members and retirees throughout the state of Ohio and bargained some of the union’s biggest contracts.

McCall began his career as a union activist with USW Local 6787 at the Burns Harbor integrated steel facility in Northwest Indiana. There, he worked as a millwright and served the local union in various positions, including grievance chairman and vice president.

During his tenure with Local 6787, McCall established the local union’s food bank and unemployment support committee. He joined the USW international staff in 1986.

McCall’s leadership during the American steel crisis from 1998 to 2002 helped to restore benefits to tens of thousands of retired steelworkers. During the global economic recession in 2008 and 2009, he fought to save thousands of jobs with a focus on long-term viability and sustainability.

“Our union is changing,” said McCall. “We’re organizing new members in new industries in both the United States and Canada, even as we bargain cutting-edge agreements for members in our traditional sectors. I am humbled to lead our union as we continue to fight for a better future for all working people.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org  

(PITTSBURGH) – It is with heavy hearts that the United Steelworkers (USW) union today announces the passing of International President Tom Conway at age 71.

Elected as the union’s president in 2019, Conway was known for his quick wit, formidable bargaining skills and unwavering devotion to workers and their families. 

“From his earliest time making steel to his steady hand leading us through the darkest days of the pandemic, Tom followed two simple guiding principles: the dignity of work and the power of working people,” said David R. McCall, the USW’s International Vice President of Administration. “Tom was never afraid of a fight, and thanks to his ingenuity and determination, generations of workers can enjoy better jobs and brighter futures.”

Conway relished going toe to toe with top leaders of some of the biggest corporations where USW members work, and over the course of his career, he became one of the union’s most accomplished contract negotiators in steel, aluminum, oil and other major industries, often directing bargaining during crises.

As president, he also spearheaded innovative initiatives to organize more workers into the labor movement, extending the benefits of union representation to workers in a variety of fields from manufacturing to higher education. Under Conway’s leadership, USW members gained some of the movement’s most significant organizing victories.

“Solidarity wasn’t just a word to Tom; it was a way of life,” said USW International Secretary-Treasurer John Shinn. “He understood that by working together, we will balance the scales against greedy corporations and the billionaire class.”

During his time in office, Conway relentlessly advocated for fair trade, demanding that the government enforce trade laws to prevent importation of illegally subsidized and dumped products that damage domestic industries and destroy good-paying jobs. 

At the same time, Conway worked not just to save jobs but to create them, finding new ways to engage both companies and elected officials to expand manufacturing, secure domestic supply chains and invest in healthy, flourishing communities. 

Conway first became an activist in USW Local 6787 in 1978 when he went to work at the Burns Harbor Works of Bethlehem Steel. While working as a millwright in the coke plant, Conway served as a griever for plant-wide maintenance and was a member of the safety and contracting-out committees. He joined the union’s International staff in 1987 and was elected as USW International Vice President in 2005.

“We will all miss Tom’s passion, his integrity, his gift for strategy and not least of all, his sense of humor,” said McCall. “His time as USW president was too short, but it’s clear he will leave an indelible impact on our union and beyond.” 

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

PITTSBURGH – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today endorsed the reelection campaign of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Pennsylvania’s senior senator, who served in the chamber since 2007.

“Sen. Bob Casey is a staunch ally of working families, whether they live in Pennsylvania or anywhere across the United States,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “Time and again, he has proven his commitment to creating and saving good jobs, fighting for fair trade, ensuring quality, affordable health care, and preserving retirement security. He fights for us, and we intend to fight just as hard to get him reelected.”

Sen. Casey, Conway noted, was a champion of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is already creating good-paying union jobs and helping to modernize the nation’s transportation, communications and utility systems. In addition, Casey consistently supports efforts to invest in manufacturing and bolster domestic supply chains.

The three-term senator also supports the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act, designed to fight back against China’s predatory trade practices by updating the nation’s outdated trade rules, as well as measures to restore fairness to the nation’s tax code for workers and their families.

“Sen. Casey believes in growing our economy by putting the future back into the hands of working people, rather than in the hands of Wall Street billionaires,” said Bernie Hall, director of USW District 10, which includes 50,000 Steelworkers in the state of Pennsylvania. “Sen. Casey has proven that he is an advocate for workers’ rights, for strengthening Medicare and Social Security, and for ensuring higher wages for workers. We look forward to sending him back to the U.S. Senate for another six years.”

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 public sector and service occupations.

(Edison, N.J.) – United Steelworkers Local 4-200 announced today that they voted to reject a proposed three-year contract with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick.

“Short staffing remains our number one priority, and our members clearly don’t believe this contract went far enough in this area,” said Local 4-200 President Judy Danella. “We need better staffing so that we can keep workers safe on the job and continue providing top-quality care for our patients.” 

More than 1,700 members who work as nurses throughout the hospital have been on strike against management’s unfair labor practices since Aug. 4.  

“We encourage management to come back to the table with an offer that reflects our dedication and prioritizes safety and health,” said Danella.

For more on the strike visit www.nursesstrike.com.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, 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.

"Rapid Response encourages members to take action, engage in the political process, and make their voices heard," Miller said. "We emphasize that elected officials are there to serve their constituents, and if we don't communicate our needs, someone else will."

The nonpartisan program educates and mobilizes members on issues like collective bargaining rights, workplace safety, retirement security and health care.

"Giant corporations hire high-priced lobbyists to represent their interests in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country," Miller said. "This is where we come in, empowering workers to have their voices heard and to make a real difference, not only within unions but in the broader political process."

Miller and Marshall also discussed the USW's recent advocacy efforts on a wide array of topics, including Ohio's proposed Issue 1, retirement security, veterans' benefits and the PRO Act.

“It's important for us, and our legislators, to understand that these aren't just bills – these have major impacts on people, and they need to see those faces,” Miller said.

You can listen to the full interview below.

USW Rapid Response Director Amber Miller appeared on the Leslie Marshall Show to discuss how issue education and opportunities to communicate directly with elected officials empower USW members to effect meaningful political change.

"Rapid Response encourages members to take action, engage in the political process, and make their voices heard," Miller said. "We emphasize that elected officials are there to serve their constituents, and if we don't communicate our needs, someone else will."

The nonpartisan program educates and mobilizes members on issues like collective bargaining rights, workplace safety, retirement security and health care.

"Giant corporations hire high-priced lobbyists to represent their interests in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country," Miller said. "This is where we come in, empowering workers to have their voices heard and to make a real difference, not only within unions but in the broader political process."

Miller and Marshall also discussed the USW's recent advocacy efforts on a wide array of topics, including Ohio's proposed Issue 1, retirement security, veterans' benefits and the PRO Act.

“It's important for us, and our legislators, to understand that these aren't just bills – these have major impacts on people, and they need to see those faces,” Miller said.

You can listen to the full interview below.

El presidente de la USW Internacional Thomas Conway, el Vice President de Asuntos Humanos Kevin Mapp, y el Vice President Luis Mendoza emitieron la siguiente declaración en honor al Mes de la Herencia Hispanoamericana:

“El primer principio fundacional de nuestro gran sindicato establece que nuestro propósito es unir a todos los trabajadores, independientemente de su credo, color o nacionalidad. 

“Sabemos que nuestra unión es más fuerte debido a su diversidad, y este mes nos tomamos el tiempo para honrar a nuestros miembros, tanto pasados como presentes, de herencia hispana y latina que hacen de esta organización y país un lugar mejor.

“Alentamos encarecidamente a los miembros del USW a participar activamente en sus locales y en el Consejo Laboral para el Avance de América Latina (LCLAA), el grupo electoral de la AFL-CIO que se ha convertido en la organización líder que aboga por los derechos laborales de los latinos en el país. 

“Este trabajo es fundamental para generar solidaridad y hacer del movimiento laboral una fuerza aún mayor en la lucha por la justicia social y laboral”.

El USW representa a 850,000 trabajadores empleados en los sectores de la salud, los metales, la minería, la pulpa y el papel, el caucho, los productos químicos, el vidrio, el suministro de automóviles y las industrias productoras de energía, junto con un número creciente de trabajadores en el sector público, la educación superior, la tecnología y ocupaciones de servicios.

USW honors Hispanic American Heritage Month

USW International President Thomas Conway, Vice President of Human Affairs Kevin Mapp, and Vice President Luis Mendoza released the following statement in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month:

“The first founding principle of our great union states that our purpose is to unite all working people, regardless of creed, color or nationality. 

“We know that our union is stronger because of its diversity, and this month, we take the time to honor our members, both past and present, of Hispanic and Latin heritage who make this organization and country a better place. 

“We highly encourage USW members to become active in their locals and with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the AFL-CIO constituency group that has become the leading organization advocating for Latino/a working rights in the country.

“This work is critical to building solidarity and making the labor movement an even greater force in the fight for worker and social justice.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, 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, higher education, tech and service occupations.

The United Steelworkers (USW) union released the following statement today from USW International President Tom Conway following the introduction of the “No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act” in the U.S. House. The U.S. Senate also is considering a version of the bill.

“Simply put, the U.S. government should not be subsidizing corporate attacks on American working families. That’s why the USW supports the ‘No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act.’

“For too long, U.S. corporations have had the upper hand when workers want to organize unions, improve their working conditions and create a better quality of life for them and their families.

“On paper, workers have the right to join unions in this country. In reality, however, company owners often spend millions on lawyers and other high-priced consultants to run union-busting campaigns, based on fear, intimidation and falsehood, to deny them their legal rights. Companies even break the law on a regular basis in their effort to deny workers the right to bargain collectively.

“Worse yet, these same corporations have for years been able to write off these anti-union costs as business expenses, reducing their tax burden and thereby putting a heavier burden on workers and their families.

“The bill introduced today would end that practice and instead treat anti-union expenses just like any other corporate lobbying activity.

“Both houses of Congress should quickly pass this bill and send it to the president for his signature. It’s time to give workers a fair chance and end the practice of our own government underwriting union busting.”

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 public sector and service occupations.

The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that members have voted to ratify a three-year first contract at Cleveland Cliffs Northshore Mining, where approximately 400 workers mine taconite in Babbitt, Minn., make iron ore pellets in Silver Bay, Minn., and transport products and tailings.

“Thanks to the hard work of our bargaining committee and the solidarity of our newly organized members, we negotiated a fair first contract with Cliffs,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez, who represents workers in Minnesota and eight other states. “The ratified contract will improve wages, benefits and working conditions while enhancing the security of our jobs.”

The agreement includes a lump sum bonus, annual wage increases, enhanced protections for job security and improvements in occupational health and safety. The contract also features high quality health insurance with no monthly premiums as well as defined benefit pensions, while maintaining an existing 401(k) with company-matching contributions.

“Workers were determined to win a contract that addressed workplace health and safety, retirement security and other critical issues,” Ramirez said. “We proved once again that we are most powerful when we stand together and speak with one voice.”

The USW also represents approximately 2,000 workers at four other Cliffs mining facilities in Minnesota and northern Michigan. Northshore Mining was the last remaining taconite mine on Minnesota’s Iron Range without a union.

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.

(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway issued the following statement today regarding the minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):

“Health care workers in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities serve some of the most vulnerable members of society, and minimum staffing standards will help these workers provide the time and attention their patients need.

“The USW represents 50,000 health care workers, and our members witness firsthand how short staffing serves as the root cause of many of the most urgent concerns across the health care industry.

“As we look to fortify a system battered by the pandemic and increasingly strained by the nation’s aging population, we appreciate the administration’s efforts to pursue a minimum staffing standard.

“We look forward to providing comments on the proposed rule as our members continue the fight to build a strong, safe and resilient system of care.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, 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, higher education, tech and service occupations.

(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers (USW) union today welcomed the Commerce Department’s decision to institute new tariffs on dumped tin and chromium coated sheet steel products from China and two other countries.

“Foreign dumping into the U.S. market has already cost a significant number of good, community-supporting jobs,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “The preliminary antidumping duties Commerce announced today are a step in the right direction toward stabilizing our market, restoring fair prices and protecting U.S. workers.”

The USW and Cleveland-Cliffs filed a countervailing duty (CVD) petition against China and antidumping (AD) petitions against China and seven other countries in January.

Today’s announcement includes preliminary antidumping duties of 122.52 percent for Chinese goods, as well as smaller margins for Canada and Germany. A final ruling is expected in January 2024, which will include a detailed verification process for all countries listed in the petition.

“The sad reality is that when some of our trading partners saw significant cost increases in their home markets because of global events, they chose to dump here rather than reduce production,” Conway said.

“If we don’t curtail this dumping now, it will eventually choke out our domestic industry, leaving us with no alternative but to rely on foreign goods. We saw how dangerous that dependence was during the pandemic, and we must be proactive now.”

Thousands of USW members make tin mill products in a number of locations, including in California, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

Minneapolis — The United Steelworkers (USW) today announced that the union reached an agreement to work together with NewRange Copper Nickel LLC (New Range) as it looks to mine a variety of critical minerals in northeastern Minnesota.

USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez, who represents workers in Minnesota and eight other states, said that it is essential that new mines continue the tradition of providing good, community-sustaining jobs.

“USW jobs on the Iron Range are safer and pay more than ever thanks to the leadership, hard work and dedication of union members,” said Ramirez. “The next generation of workers also deserves the rights, benefits and security of a fair, union contract.”

NewRange, a joint venture between Polymet Mining Corp. and Teck Resources Limited, holds deposits for copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metal (PGM) minerals needed for meeting the country’s growing clean energy and transportation needs.

“USW members and their families have lived and worked in Minnesota’s Iron Range for generations. As we look to the future, it’s essential that we’re building out all our domestic supply chains,” said Ramirez. “That begins with mining.”

Tannice McCoy, general manager of NewRange, said she similarly looks forward to working with the USW to develop a domestic source of critical minerals needed for the clean energy economy.

“We are pleased to make this important cooperation agreement with the United Steelworkers,” said McCoy. “It is built on the shared value of responsible mining that provides economic opportunity to workers and surrounding communities while protecting the environment.”

The USW (www.usw.org) represents 850,000 workers 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 tech, public sector and service occupations