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To USW Members at US Steel,
Sometime ago the union and the company initiated the “Stop Work” cards which you are again seeing distributed widely throughout the mills and mines by the union.
While they had in some cases continued to be provided to the new hires who were in their orientations, they had also been largely forgotten and overlooked as we went about our everyday duties.
They are a crucial tool that provide and explain to you a right and protection guaranteed to you as a part of your Collective Bargaining Agreement as a union member. (Article 3 Section C "Right to Refuse Unsafe Work")
The importance of being able to insist that a particular job be made safe and fully explained to you before you start that work is a critical and fundamental part of ensuring every member returns home safely at the end of their shift.
Remember: taking any risk to squeeze out that extra ton of steel or one more heat out of the furnace that could cause you or your co-workers injury, or worse, just isn’t worth the pain and suffering it can cause.
Don’t hesitate to insist that every assignment you’re given is made safe first and that you fully understand and have been provided and reviewed the processes and procedures necessary to make the work safe. This card and the labor agreement rights that back it up gives you the means to do that should you believe it necessary.
Let’s watch out for each other and make sure we have each other’s backs while we’re working in the plants.
In Solidarity,
Your USW Bargaining Committee