United Steelworkers Solidify Commitment to Key Initiatives

The United Steelworkers (USW) concluded their convention with delegates approving several key resolutions, reinforcing the union’s dedication to core values and leveraging the success of their advocacy and defense programs. These resolutions signal a renewed focus on empowering women within the union and tackling critical workplace issues across various sectors.

Empowering Women in Steel: A Renewed Commitment

A central focus of the convention was the resolution titled Steel Women: Know Their Power. This resolution underscores the USW’s commitment to providing educational and empowerment opportunities for its female members. Over two dozen delegates voiced their support, emphasizing the vital role of Steel Women’s Committees (WOS) in the union’s overall success.

Paula Uhing, representing Local 2-369, highlighted the importance of WOS, stating that their service and activism provide the USW with a visible presence in communities throughout North America. She emphasized the reciprocal relationship between the union and the community:

When the union needs community support, the community is there.
Paula Uhing, Local 2-369

Several first-time convention attendees shared how the WOS program inspired them and other members to become more involved in their local unions, which are frequently enough predominantly male. Jacqueline Smith, from Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, emphasized the program’s importance to her local, one of the union’s largest with 10,000 members, where women constitute approximately 30% of the workforce.

Gloria Patterson, from Local 8888, credited the WOS program with inspiring her to take on a leadership role:

They gave me the chance to learn and grow. They gave me the confidence to do things.
Gloria Patterson, Local 8888

Addressing Workplace Challenges: Healthcare, technology, and Safety

Delegates also approved a resolution addressing critical issues across various sectors, including healthcare, services, education, security, telecommunications, office management, technology, and the public sector. This resolution, entitled Medical Care, Services Sector, Education, security, Telecommunications, Office employees, Technicians, Professionals and Public, reaffirms the union’s commitment to organizing workers in these fields while tackling emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, health and safety standards, and workplace violence.

Zac Tuominen of Local 9460, speaking in support of the resolution, highlighted the alarming statistic that healthcare workers are over 300% more likely to experience violence at work compared to workers in other fields.This underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and support systems for healthcare professionals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,incidents of workplace violence leading to injury are on the rise,particularly in healthcare and social assistance settings. This resolution aims to address these growing concerns through advocacy, training, and the promotion of safer working conditions.

Continued Support for Veterans and grassroots Programs

The convention also saw the approval of resolutions pledging ongoing support for the USW’s Veterans Program, the Rapid Response Education and Base Program, and legislative and political advocacy efforts on behalf of workers in both the United States and Canada. These initiatives demonstrate the USW’s commitment to supporting its members both within and outside the workplace.

Future Considerations

International President David McCall has submitted a series of proposals for resolutions and motions to the International Executive Board for future consideration, indicating a proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges and opportunities for the union.