INSIDEUSW@WORK Create Jobs, Buy American We can compete against anyone that plays by the rules, but We’re in a time of political uncer- we can’t compete against governments. Chinese companies act tainty with a new administration in the White House, but one thing we should “primarily on behalf of and with the support of the state. That’s not all be able to agree on is the need to market economics. revitalize American manufacturing and International Vice President Tom Conway, Jan. 12, 2017 create more jobs. Rebuilding and upgrading infrastruc- ” ture like roads, bridges, schools, elec- INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD trical power grids and communication Leo W. Gerard networks is key to realizing those goals. International President But we must make sure the benefits of rebuilding America stay here at home Stan Johnson USW 2017 Convention with American workers, particularly Int’l. Secretary-Treasurer 04 08 Preparations Underway union members who are better trained, more efficient and productive than at any Thomas M. Conway ARCONIC ALUMINUM CRISIS ore than 3,000 delegates representing local Int’l. Vice President time in history. While much of the aluminum industry suffers The U.S. government launches a formal complaint unions from across the United States and (Administration) It is vital that Buy American legisla- from a crushing wave of cheap imports, Ford’s against China at the World Trade Organization Canada and guests are expected to attend tion be part of any infrastructure spend- Fred Redmond F-150 trucks boost business at the Arconic for illegally subsidizing aluminum exports. the United Steelworkers 2017 Constitu- ing program to come out of Washington. Int’l. Vice President factory in Davenport, Iowa. Mtional Convention this April in Las Vegas. It’s only right that we spend American (Human Affairs) The convention will open at 10 a.m. on Monday, taxpayer dollars on American workers. April 10, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, and It would be a crime if the job Ken Neumann conclude at the close of business on Thursday, April 14. Nat’l. Dir. for Canada benefits resulting from an infrastructure Registration will be held on Saturday, April 8, from noon rebuilding program would go to foreign Jon Geenen to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. countries over our own workers and tax- Int’l. Vice President International President Leo W. Gerard will lead the payers. Let’s not allow that to happen. 19 30 proceedings at the MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom, President Trump has said he wants Carol Landry which will be outfitted with a large stage and multi-me- Vice President at Large to Buy American. Let’s hold his feet TRUCK, BUS TIRES TRIANGLE OF PREVENTION dia screens to accommodate delegates and invited guests to the fire. Ask him to use the bully Acting on a complaint filed by the USW, the Local union at the 3M factory in Guin, Ala., saves from around the world. pulpit to encourage Congress to put Buy federal government is imposing duties on truck jobs by introducing Triangle of Prevention, a Held every three years, the Constitutional Conven- DIRECTORS American language in any agreement to and bus tires from China. union-led, company-supported safety program. tion is the USW’s top governing body. Delegates will rebuild our infrastructure. David R. McCall, District 1 debate and pass policy resolutions submitted by local Bill Herbert, Local 5652 Michael Bolton, District 2 unions and the International that will guide the union’s FEATURES ON THE COVER direction until the next convention in 2020. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Stephen Hunt, District 3 Speaking Out 03 Neil Rothbart on the job at Arconic aluminum in This year’s theme is “The Power of Unity.” The Trade Watch 18 Davenport, Iowa. Page 4 John Shinn, District 4 convention coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Get on board for the fight News Bytes 33 Photo by Steve Dietz. Alain Croteau, District 5 Union Security Clause 35 founding convention of the United Steelworkers, held in “Keep hope alive” is now more than Cleveland, Ohio, in 1941. an expression. Fighting for the rights of Marty Warren, District 6 Typically, resolutions will be aimed at strengthening the middle class and working America is Mike Millsap, District 7 the union in organizing, bargaining, political action and the duty of unions. Ernest R. “Billy” Thompson, District 8 International solidarity as well as health and safety in Every aspect of employment is now industries where USW members work. under siege, but not yet in critical condi- Daniel Flippo, District 9 The convention in 2014 focused on returning to the tion. The threat of “making America Volume 11/No.3 Fall 2016 USW active and retired Bobby “Mac” McAuliffe, District 10 basics of organizing new members, servicing current great again” must be tempered to reflect members and their Emil Ramirez, District 11 COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Official publication of the United Steelworkers members and expanding participation in the union and all that organized labor has gained. Our Jim McKay, Editor families are invited to Direct inquiries and articles for USW@Work to: politics to further the fight for a better future. The theme next Labor Secretary must not abandon Robert LaVenture, District 12 Wayne Ranick, Director of Communications “speak out” on these United Steelworkers Communications Department was “A Union That Works.” this progress. 60 Blvd. of the Allies pages. Letters should be Ruben Garza, District 13 Aaron Hudson and Kenny Carlisle, Designers “Stand Up, Fight Back,” was the defiant convention I encourage all who have benefits Chelsey Engel, Lynne Hancock, R.J. Hufnagel, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 short and to the point. theme in 2011, when the economy and middle-class that were gained through organized labor Jess Kamm Broomell, Tony Montana, Barbara White Stack. phone 412-562-2400 We reserve the right to working families were reeling from a global recession, to get on board for the fight ahead. There fax 412-562-2445 edit for length. online: www.usw.org the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of are millions who share this allegiance the 1930s. who can be rallied now. Mail to: Visit the USW website, www.usw.org, for informa- USW@Work (ISSN 1931-6658) is published four times a year by the United Steelworkers AFL-CIO•CLC 60 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, George Bray USW@Work PA 15222. Subscriptions to non-members: $12 for one year; $20 for two years. Periodicals postage paid at Pittsburgh, PA and additional tion on reservations, travel and other convention matters. Lincoln, Neb. 60 Blvd of the Allies, mailing offices. You may also call the Local Union Services Department Pittsburgh PA 15222 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: USW@Work, USW Membership Department, 60 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 at 412-562-2595. or e-mail: Copyright 2017 by United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO•CLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the [email protected] written consent of the United Steelworkers. 2 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 3 Neil Rothbart or Local 105 member Pat Stock, the story of aluminum production in Davenport, Iowa, is so inter- twined with that of his family, it’s Fhard to tell where one story begins and the other ends. Stock, who serves as recording secre- tary of his local, followed in his father’s footsteps, working at the recently renamed Arconic aluminum plant for more than 20 years. Stock’s grandfather was part of the construction crew that built the original plant in the mid-1940s. Similar stories have played out for oth- er Local 105 members, including Brandon Greve, whose father, Brad, has worked at the former Alcoa facility for 37 years and serves as Local 105 president. Brandon Greve, who has worked at the plant for more than six years, said grow- ing up in a union household prepared him to get involved in the local “from day one.” “I consider myself lucky,” said Greve, for whom participating in the local union has meant more than just fighting for a better life for himself and his co-workers. It also meant becoming more active in his community. As the chair of the Local 105 Next Generation committee, the younger Greve has helped to organize fundraisers to pro- mote issues such as mental health and au- tism awareness and to raise money to aid needy families in the Davenport region. “I feel like I have a positive impact that I would not have had if not for the union,” said Greve, who works as a slit- ter operator in the plant’s sheet finishing department. Much of the aluminum that Greve handles ends up as parts on Ford’s F-150 pickup trucks. The popularity of those ve- hicles has helped to spur business growth at the Davenport plant, even as much of the U.S. aluminum industry suffers the ef- fects of a flood of illegal Chinese imports. Drastic fall in prices China has quadrupled its aluminum capacity in the past eight years, causing prices to drop by more than 45 percent worldwide. That means that U.S. aluminum companies can’t get fair prices for their products. The resulting crisis has forced more than 6,600 USW members out of work across the industry. “It’s a scary time for a lot of people,” said Local 105 member Amber St. Clair. Photos by Steve Dietz 4 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 5 Despite the relative success of the plant in In the midst of the crisis in 2015, but a chance to get involved in civil and Since the company’s split, Arconic has about 100 freeloaders out of 1,900 recent years, Local 105 faces a constant Alcoa, the iconic corporation that dates human rights issues at the local level. has invested in updated equipment, workers. to 1888, announced its plans to split into Boddie, who started at the plant in which should improve the work envi- Local committee members spend challenge due to Iowa’s status as a two companies – a smelting and refining 2004 after working a series of non- ronment in Davenport, Chavez said. time at the orientation of each new company that would retain the Alcoa union jobs, said the USW has also “There is a safe way to do every- hire discussing the role of the local and right-to-work (for less) state. Still, thanks to name, and a downstream products helped to create a more diverse, healthi- thing,” he said. “If they didn’t believe in highlighting ways in which members division, Arconic, which now runs the er and safer workplace. us, they wouldn’t be investing in us.” can get involved. constant diligence by the plant’s USW Davenport facility. “At other jobs, you have no voice,” One reason for the success of the “Since we started doing that, it’s leadership, Local 105 only has about 100 So far, members there say the split she said. “That’s kind of scary, when Davenport mill is the diversity of prod- been a long time since we had someone has meant “business as usual” with few something doesn’t feel right, you have ucts makes, said member Lee Shaffer. not give us a card,” Greve said. freeloaders out of 1,900 workers. changes other than new signage at the no avenue, nowhere to go.” In addition to material for the Ford plant gates. Initially USW members truck, the mill produces aerospace com- Work force almost doubled tual respect,” he said. ment are interested in making sure were concerned about what the split Safety is key ponents for companies including Boeing There have been plenty of chances Arconic and USW representatives workers go home safely and that the might mean for pensions and benefits, The biggest issue for the union, and Airbus. for the local to collect more union collaborate closely on health and safety plant remains competitive as market but the union was able to address those member Jose Chavez said, is making “All of your eggs aren’t in one bas- cards in recent years. Since 2010, the issues. Management regularly partici- pressures increase, said Jeff Hartford, concerns by reaching an effects agree- sure members are safe. That’s especially ket,” Shaffer said. USW work force at the plant has nearly pates in the union’s annual Workers’ a USW staff representative who previ- ment last fall that kept the current true in a plant that is the size of a golf Despite the relative success of the doubled, Greve said. Memorial Day events and flies the USW ously served as Local 105 president. pattern bargaining agreement in effect course under one roof. plant in recent years, Local 105 faces a As work and employment at the flag outside of the facility. “We’ve always been very competi- through May 2019. “We are all brothers and sisters, and constant challenge due to Iowa’s status plant has increased, the USW’s relation- “I’m never afraid to speak up when tive,” St. Clair said. “Everyone here For Lisa Craig Boddie, being one we all want to get home to our fami- as a right-to-work (for less) state. Still, ship with management has improved, I feel that something is wrong,” said takes pride in what we do. If we didn’t, of the 1,900 members of Local 105 has lies,” product Inspector Ric Ramirez thanks to constant diligence by the Shaffer said. crane operator Genaro A. Gomez. our customers would look elsewhere.” meant not only fair wages and benefits, said. plant’s USW leadership, Local 105 only “It’s not perfect, but there is a mu- Both USW members and manage-

Photos by Steve Dietz

Brad Lowry

Joe Takes

Marc Schaefer Mike Peterson

Mary Bailey

Kelly Bosso Cassandra Dixon

Lynn Myer

6 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 7 Photo by Steve Dietz

he United States launched a Gerard, who publicly thanked U.S. Sens. “My message to the incoming admin- then the largest U.S. smelter, with 600 trade. “China is not a market economy, overcapacity. formal complaint against China Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chuck Schumer istration is clear,” Schumer said. “You workers. and its actions in this sector and others The complaint specifically accuses at the World Trade Organiza- (D-N.Y.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and must continue this push and aggressively Noranda Aluminum laid off more are constant testimony to that fact,” China of funneling artificially cheap tion (WTO) for illegally subsi- Rob Portman (R-Ohio) for their leader- press China on their predatory trade than half of its 850 workers at its smelt- Conway said. loans from state-run banks to Chinese Tdizing its expanding aluminum exports, ship on the issue. practices.” er in New Madrid, Mo., in January, Other jobs may be in danger. The aluminum producers to upgrade facili- severely damaging American producers Massive subsidies 2016. The company filed for bankruptcy way Robert Smith sees it, he and ties and expand production capacity, and workers. Success in this case protection in February and closed in hundreds of other USW members who and subsidizing the inputs - coal, elec- The complaint, filed on Jan. 12 in China’s government is providing March. work for Alcoa in Massena, N.Y., are on tricity and alumina – needed to produce the final days of the Obama administra- “would give hope to massive subsidies to its aluminum and Century closed a smelter in Hawes- borrowed time. aluminum. tion, was the result of a cooperative steel sectors, which are primarily state- ville, Ky., in August 2015, eliminating The smelter where Smith works and “China gives its aluminum industry effort begun by the USW and Century the thousands of owned, to export large volumes of metal 600 jobs. Two years earlier, Ormet is president of Local 420-A was on the an unfair advantage through under- Aluminum more than a year ago when for sale at artificially low prices in the closed a smelter in Ohio, eliminating chopping block in 2015 when New York priced loans and other illegal govern- smelters across the United States were aluminum sector United States and other markets. 700 jobs, after a bid to lower power Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Schumer bro- ment subsidies,” President Obama said closing even as demand for aluminum China’s capacity to produce alumi- costs failed. kered a deal with Alcoa to keep it open in a statement. “These kinds of policies was rising. workers who have num more than quadrupled between Alcoa, the largest American alumi- until 2018. have disadvantaged American manufac- “Success in this case would give lost their jobs or are 2007 and 2015, while global prices fell num company, also split itself in two in “Alcoa was able to keep the smelter turers and contributed to the global glut hope to the thousands of aluminum sec- approximately 46 percent, the USTR’s 2016, separating its troubled raw alu- open for now, but we are simply on bor- in aluminum, steel and other sectors.” tor workers who have lost their jobs or in fear of losing them office said. China now produces more minum operations from more profitable rowed time,” Smith said last September The WTO complaint was the 16th are in fear of losing them in this distort- than half of the world’s aluminum. parts operations. in a hearing before the U.S. Interna- brought by the Obama administration ed market,” International President Leo in this distorted The boom in Chinese production tional Trade Commission, which is against China over eight years in office. W. Gerard said. depressed prices worldwide and harmed Competing with government investigating the industry at the request They involved tariffs on broiler chick- The USW vigorously fights bad market. the ability of U.S. producers to compete, “Every job counts,” said Interna- of Congress. ens, tax rebates for small aircraft and trade when no one else will. To protect forcing them to idle production capacity. tional Vice President Tom Conway. “If this keeps up, within a few years, export duties on raw materials. workers, their jobs and communities, the More than 7,000 U.S. jobs in refining Once one of the world’s largest “We have the most productive, efficient the United States will have no capacity Gerard called on other nations that ” producers of aluminum with 22 smelt- workers in the world. We can compete USW has filed or joined in more cases and smelting were lost over the last few left,” Smith said. “My ability to provide produce aluminum or are concerned against trade law violators than any years as U.S. producers shuttered and ers, the United States saw the number against anyone that plays by the rules, for my family, along with all of my about China’s overcapacity in many other union in all of the sectors where curtailed primary aluminum production of smelters dwindle to 14 in 2011 and to but we can’t compete against govern- coworkers, will be in danger.” other economic sectors to join the U.S. USW members work including the steel, capacity amid falling prices caused by just five now. ments. Chinese companies act primarily government in the case. aluminum, paper and tire industries. China. The crisis was acute in 2016. Alcoa on behalf of and with the support of the Years of talks failed “The WTO needs to act expedi- “We worked with allies in Congress Schumer, whose district includes the closed its Wenatchee Works in Wash- state. That’s not market economics.” Outgoing U.S. Trade Representa- tiously and recognize that success in and partners in the American alumi- Alcoa plant in Massena, N.Y., one of the ington State that January, eliminating Conway said the USTR’s case at the tive Michael Froman took the industry’s this case, as in other contexts that deal num industry to bring the severity of few remaining smelters in the United 428 jobs. That same month, Alcoa also WTO deserves the attention and support complaints to the WTO after years of with China’s failure to become a market the problem to the attention of the U.S. States, urged the Trump administration announced the permanent closing of its of America’s trading partners and those talks with top officials in Beijing failed economy, is vital to continuing support Trade Representative (USTR),” said to continue the fight. Warrick operation in Evansville, Ind., who argue for further liberalization of to solve problems related to China’s for itself as an institution,” he said.

8 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 9 he USW reached an agreement The USW responded to the an- with Alcoa Corp. on the effects nouncement by requesting as much of the aluminum company’s information as possible about the com- The Wall Street Journal connected Zhongwang to one of separation into two indepen- pany’s plans and then scheduling effects the world’s biggest stockpiles of aluminum, which was dis- Tdent, publicly traded businesses. bargaining to ensure that the decision covered stored under hay and tarps in a Mexican desert. While the USW had existing collec- would not have a negative effect on The stockpile, some 500,000 metric tons of aluminum, tive bargaining agreements with Alcoa, members’ wages, benefits and working he USW is pushing the U.S. government to block the the 2015 announcement of the split conditions. was moved from the Mexican city of San Jose Iturbide, to a he Pension Benefit $2.3 billion acquisition of Aleris Corp. by a Chinese raised questions about how the com- “The separation raised serious con- remote port in southern Vietnam after the Journal published Guaranty Corporation billionaire whose aluminum business is under inves- pany’s assets and liabilities would be cerns about retiree pension and health its report. (PBGC) reached an tigation for allegedly evading U.S. import duties. divided, and how those decisions would care obligations, and whether the new agreement with Alcoa T“The aluminum sector is critical to America’s national se- Stored metal traced to China affect workers and retirees, their benefits firms would be strong enough to fulfill Photographed from the air, the stockpile sits under rows of and their communities. the benefits promised to active employ- TInc. to provide an additional $150 curity and, for that reason alone, the acquisition should be re- million in pension contributions jected,” International President Leo W. Gerard said in a letter black tarps at a factory and warehouse complex in Vietnam, “This agreement affirms that cur- ees and retirees,” said International Vice to the company’s two largest to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. “But in our view, it is about two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City. rent labor and benefits agreements will President Tom Conway, chairman of the pension plans, which cover more also critical to America’s economic security. We believe that The Journal traced the stockpiled metal to Liu’s family remain in force and that past interpreta- union’s Alcoa bargaining committee. than 83,000 people. national and economic security is inextricably intertwined.” and Zhongwang. American aluminum executives accused Liu tions, practices and arbitration history “There were also practical issues on “These contributions will im- Some 900 USW members work for Cleveland-based and his company of sending the metal to Mexico from China will be observed by both companies,” how several funds currently covering prove the financial status of both Aleris producing rolled aluminum products used in the aero- to disguise its origin and to avoid U.S. tariffs. International President Leo W. Gerard multiple facilities would be divided and plans and help to further secure space and automotive industries. Its products have defense The unusually large cache of aluminum, apparently said. administered following the split.” the pensions of Alcoa’s workers applications. extruded shapes made into pallets that can be re-melted, has Alcoa, founded in 1888, announced Final agreement and retirees,” said PBGC Director Zhongwang USA, backed by one of China’s richest men, caused concern in the industry about what it means for prices in September 2015 that it planned to split Effects bargaining continued into the Tom Reeder. businessman Liu Zhongtian, last year agreed to pay $1.1 and global markets. into an upstream company (Alcoa) and a fall before the two sides reached a final The funding was required as billion in cash plus assume $1.22 billion in debt for Aleris, A group of U.S. Senators opposed to the Aleris sale, led by value-add company (Arconic). agreement last Oct. 6. a result of Alcoa’s decision to which has operations in the United States, Europe and China. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, warned in a letter that The new Alcoa will mine bauxite, “We had numerous meetings with split into two companies: Alcoa, a The sale, if concluded, would be the highest price ever paid the American aluminum industry is under threat by China’s refine alumina and produce aluminum senior management of Alcoa and Ar- producer of bauxite, alumina and by a Chinese firm for a U.S. metals producer. economic policies. Their letter also noted that Zhongwang cans and other products, while Arconic conic, reviewed extensive information alumina products, and Arconic, Liu is chairman of China Zhongwang Holdings. China was under investigation for allegedly evading U.S. import produces higher-margin aluminum and on the structure and finances of both a maker of high performance Zhongwang and its American affiliate, Zhongwang USA, are duties. titanium products for automotive, aero- companies, and had discussions with the materials. subsidiaries of Zhongwang International Group. As the Obama administration came to a close, the Depart- space and other industries. ment of Commerce and the Department of Homeland Secu- PBGC, the federal agency which insures The PBGC said Arconic’s $9 Skilled work force rity were investigating whether China Zhongwang illegally the benefits of defined benefit billion in long-term debt, along Gerard said Aleris, with its highly skilled work force, has shipped aluminum through Mexico to avoid U.S. import pension plans,” Conway said. with the financial condition of the been a leader in developing cutting-edge applications for tariffs. As a result, the pension two plans, created the potential aluminum. “Despite the national security importance of our nation’s plan that covers Alcoa’s hourly for additional risk. “Its ballistic-resistant products are used in a number of aluminum sector, the industry continues to be decimated by employees will be fully funded The pre-split Alcoa sponsored military applications,” he said. “China has targeted the sec- China’s market distorting polices that contribute to vast over- following the split. eight pension plans that covered tor for development, and Zhongwang is part of that overall capacity,” the senators said. “We are satisfied that the alloca- more than 102,000 workers and strategy.” Aleris’ technology and its research are critical to the cur- tion of retiree pension and health care retirees. A majority of participants A dozen U.S. senators jumped on board in November, urg- rent and long-term economic and national security interests obligations is balanced and sustainable,” in the two largest plans, Alcoa ing the Treasury Department’s Committee on Foreign Invest- of the United States and mentioned the company’s “use of Conway said. Retirement Plan I and Alcoa ment in the United States (CFIUS) to “closely review and advanced research and modeling techniques, development of The current master agreement be- Retirement Plan II, comprise 91 reject” the sale of Aleris to the Chinese company. high-strength alloys, and design of light armor material with tween Alcoa and the USW runs through percent of the company’s pension A year-end congressional report also urged Congress to increased ballistic performance,” the senators wrote. May 15, 2019, and covers 6,000 workers obligations. These participants exercise greater scrutiny over trade and investment practices The November letter was initiated by Wyden and signed at 12 locations. The USW also represents were split between Alcoa Corp. between the United States and China. by Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Joe more than 2,900 workers at nine loca- and Arconic. As part of a long list of recommendations, the U.S.-China Manchin (D-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Joe Don- tions in the United States and Canada The additional $150 million Economic Security Review Commission advised Congress nelly (D-Ind.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Debbie Stabenow (D- who have separate agreements. in pension funding contributions to authorize the CFIUS to bar Chinese state-owned compa- Mich.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), “Alcoa and the USW have a long, will be made by Arconic in three nies from acquiring or gaining effective control of American Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.). proud history together, and we wish both payments of $50 million each companies. new companies much future success,” during a 30-month period. Conway said. Photo by Steve Dietz

10 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 11 Photos by Steve Dietz

Sense of pride The human element will always be part of glass making, despite the continuing development of more advanced machinery, he said. That’s why, for the USW’s glass mold makers, a sense of pride in the final product drives them in their day-to- day work. “It doesn’t matter how many machines we have. We’ll always need people with the knowledge,” said Grdinic, a member of Local 138 oy Moore and Mike Grdin- in Lawrenceburg, Ind., who serves as ic began their careers as chair of the USW glass mold makers glass mold makers together bargaining committee. at Federal Glass in central “It’s an art. That’s what we’re try- ROhio in the early 1970s. Soon after, ing to pass on to the younger genera- that company was bought out by a tion.” larger competitor, and the two men Anchor Hocking has made a com- embarked on different paths. mitment to that younger generation Four decades later, during a re- by investing in updated machinery in cent USW@Work visit to the Anchor Lancaster to make the process easier, Hocking glass plant in Lancaster, safer and more efficient, Moore said. Ohio, the pair reunited and quickly Those investments came partly found common ground again, sharing in response to the constant threat of stories of work and long-lost friends. unfair and illegal glass imports from In Lancaster, USW members China and other nations, practices produce glasses, bowls and other that threaten jobs in the glass indus- tableware. They also produce, update try across the United States. and repair molds for a wide variety “This will help us compete,” of Anchor Hocking products. Moore said of the investments. The reunion of Moore and For Moore, a 46-year veteran, all Grdinic proved that for USW glass that American glass workers need is workers, union solidarity runs deep. a level playing field to produce glass That’s especially true for mold mak- better than any other workers in the ers, who practice a craft that dates to world. ancient Egypt. “We can compete with anybody,” “The union not only gives you a Moore said. “Just give us a chance.” better environment to work in, it pro- tects you as a person,” said Moore, Attention to detail a member of Local 73 in Lancaster. For USW glass workers, preci- “And it gives you pride in the final sion, attention to detail and pride in product.” their work is what sets them apart Local 73 member John Glenn, from others in the industry. That’s a nine-year veteran of other depart- especially true in mold making and ments at the Lancaster plant, just mold repair, where the margin of er- began his apprenticeship in the facil- ror is less than the width of a human ity’s mold shop. For Glenn, being an hair. apprentice glass molder has meant Most of the molds created in getting an education and having a Zanesville are produced in two equal- good job at the same time. sized pieces, cast from brass and “It’s a perfect situation,” Glenn other metals, which must be made to said. “I’m not just doing a job; I’m fit together perfectly to contain the learning a skill, and learning how to molten glass that is poured between do it right.” them to create a final product.

Tom Landrum John Glenn Tim Kelley Chester Platt

12 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 13 Photos by Steve Dietz The union has Workers, organized in 1878 and was “given our family a among the founding members of the American Federation of Labor (fore- quality of life that runner of the AFL-CIO) in 1887. Mold makers were among the we wouldn’t have first unions in the country to utilize gotten somewhere pattern bargaining to ensure standard wages, benefits and working condi- else. tions at plants throughout their indus- try. It’s a system the USW employs “We try to build the ”best quality today in steel, rubber, oil and other product that we possibly can,” said industries. Mike Emmert, president of Local The USW, which has about 121T at the 102,000-square-foot 2,000 mold makers in its ranks now, mold department at Anchor Glass will add another 25,000 more glass Container Corp. in Zanesville, Ohio. workers and mold makers when That’s why quality control is as the union’s merger with the Glass, important as any other aspect of the Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied mold-production process in Zanes- Workers (GMP) is complete. ville, where workers produce intri- Mike Flood, a Local 121T mem- cate molds for beer, wine and spirit ber, performs mold repair work at bottles as well as other liquids. the Zanesville shop. Flood was a Tim Kelley has worked as a qual- member of the United Auto Workers ity control inspector at the Zanesville (UAW) before joining the USW in mold plant for 30 years. 2006. Aspects of each product that Kel- The USW’s relationship with An- ley must test before molds can leave chor helps keep the Zanesville shop the factory are volume displacement running smoothly. “The union and to ensure each bottle holds a stan- the company work well together,” dard amount of liquid, strength and Flood said. integrity to ensure that bottles can In addition to cooperating on withstand pressure, and consistency safety and health issues, the USW in size and shape. works with management to make “It has to be right when it comes sure workers have adequate train- from us,” Emmert said. ing and to protect the quality and At Zanesville, USW mold makers consistency of the products that leave must complete a two-year associate’s the building. degree and a four-year apprentice- In fact, each mold that leaves ship before becoming journeyman the Zanesville shop bears a “USW” mold makers. stamp. That practice is enshrined That level of training and exper- as part of the Local 121T collective tise sets the Zanesville mold makers bargaining agreement. apart from the rest of the industry, For the USW mold makers in Emmert said. “The stuff that’s going Zanesville and Lancaster, the stamp on here probably doesn’t go on any- is a symbol of the importance the where else in the world,” he said. union plays in their lives and their History runs deep livelihoods. In addition to being leaders in the “The union has given our family a glass industry, the mold makers in quality of life that we wouldn’t have Zanesville are leaders in the history gotten somewhere else,” Moore said. of collective bargaining. Their origi- “This is a unique group of people. nal union, the American Flint Glass We’re like family.”

Mike Flood

14 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 15 has failed to stimulate the manufactur- when Trump withdrew from the Trans “Rebuilding our nation’s manufac- ing sector because of our failed trade Pacific Partnership, saying his action turing sector and revitalizing broadly policies, which grow out of both our rewarded the long and hard-fought shared prosperity must be at the core of political parties.” efforts of USW members and workers a new approach on trade,” Gerard said. across the country to keep the TPP from Power of Unity coming to a vote before Congress. Making a difference With the election fight over, the best There is much more work to be done During the election, USW members way forward for the union and its mem- on trade. volunteered for record amounts of the bers is to come together and recognize The North American Free Trade most of any labor organization. It did “The Power of Unity,” the theme for the Agreement (NAFTA) must be renegoti- make a difference, especially in some upcoming constitutional convention in ated to restore jobs lost to Mexico, and key state races. April. trade deals ranging from China Perma- USW volunteers made an estimated “We need to build bridges both nent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) 245,000 telephone calls. Local union literally and with each other, not walls,” to the United States – Korea Free Trade officers sent 338,000 handwritten letters the letter said. “We need to unite our na- Agreement (KORUS) must be replaced to their memberships. More than 11 tion, not create deeper divides. America or repealed. million people viewed USW videos. ven though the USW’s en- “Where we can work with him on manufacturing and opposing failed trade and the USW are better than that.” “Enforcing existing rules demands In Nevada, the USW knocked on dorsed candidate lost the 2016 our issues – trade, reclaiming lost jobs, policies to speak to the “real suffering, While pledging to work with Trump a much higher priority,” Gerard said. more doors and put out more handbills national election, the union’s rebuilding the American infrastruc- fear and anxieties” that so many people on jobs and other issues of importance, “Dumping, subsidies, evasion, and so and phone calls than any other union, long-standing agenda on ture, fixing our crumbling schools and feel. the letter acknowledged that the union many other unfair trade practices are helping to elect the first Hispanic Emanufacturing and trade captured the bridges – we’re going to work with “We fully recognize that the mem- will not support all of his campaign sapping America’s industrial strength woman to the U.S. Senate – Catherine attention of voters and the new presi- him,” Gerard said. bers of our union were divided this elec- promises. and undermining the lives and liveli- Cortez Masto, a former Nevada attorney dent, Donald Trump. In an open letter to USW members tion season,” Gerard wrote. “While our There may be fights on issues such hoods of countless workers.” general. International President Leo W. signed by the International Executive nation’s economy has begun to grow as worker rights, collective bargaining, Developing the right trade policies In New Hampshire, another com- Gerard sent a congratulatory letter to Board, Gerard acknowledged that many after the devastating economic collapse health care, harsh immigration tactics, is an important step in creating the rules petitive battle, the USW helped to elect Trump after the election, saying the union households voted for Trump over of the Bush years, it has failed to grow race relations, respect and equity for that link American workers to the global Democratic Maggie Hassan to a U.S. union will work with his administration endorsed candidate Hillary Clinton. quickly enough. women, criminal justice reform, safe economy, and the USW will look for Senate seat formerly held by Kelly Ayo- to advance the interests of USW mem- Trump used the USW’s message and “And, as the members of this union workplaces and a health environment. more details from the Trump adminis- tte, the Republican incumbent. bers and the nation. its long-standing agenda of promoting know better than anyone, the growth The USW signaled its approval tration.

By the fall, both House Speaker Paul The Wall Street Journal estimated that Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch the TPP, as it was proposed, would have McConnell, both Republicans who sup- increased the U.S. trade deficit in manu- port free trade, admitted that they did not facturing, car assembly and car parts by have the votes to pass the agreement, and $55.8 billion a year by 2025. At that rate, said that the deal was dead until it could the TPP would have cost another 323,000 be renegotiated or revived by a future American manufacturing workers their ore than a year of activism ment would have been devastating, not more than 350,000 postcards to Con- administration. jobs each year, according to the U.S. by USW members, along just to USW members but to thousands gress and organized some 1,500 meet- On Jan. 23, President Donald Trump Department of Commerce. with other workers and more American workers, their families ings and visits to Congressional offices. signed an executive order to officially pull Besides threatening jobs in American allies across the coun- and their communities.” In addition, tens of thousands of phone the United States out of the agreement. manufacturing, the agreement would have try,M led to the defeat of the 12-nation The campaign against the TPP calls were made to public officials, “This should be just the beginning of allowed corporations to sue governments Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade included town hall meetings, rallies, which also helped keep the TPP from a new approach on trade,” Gerard said. if they believed those governments vio- agreement that has been called “NAFTA marches and a series of rock concerts coming to a vote. “NAFTA must be renegotiated to reclaim lated their “rights” under the TPP. on steroids.” around the country, as well as thousands Those efforts paid off. As the presi- jobs lost to Mexico. Trade deals ranging The TPP also contained weak environ- Unveiled in late 2015 after seven of visits to Capitol Hill, nearly 3 million dential campaign heated up over the from China PNTR to KORUS must be mental and human rights provisions and years of secret negotiations and months petition signatures, more than 50,000 summer, with both candidates speaking replaced or repealed.” could have reduced access to low-cost of speculation, the deal would have phone calls and more than 22,000 letters out against the deal, lawmakers also medicines for millions of people in mem- eliminated or reduced more than 18,000 delivered to members of Congress urg- grew more vocal in their opposition. Opposition from both sides ber countries. tariffs on manufactured goods, jeopar- ing them to oppose the deal. “The anger and dissatisfaction From the beginning, the TPP faced “None of us oppose trade,” Gerard dizing tens of thousands of good-paying Joining the USW in opposition to among working class voters, here and opposition from lawmakers on both sides said of TPP opponents. “We just want jobs in American manufacturing. the TPP were the AFL-CIO, the CWA, around the world, didn’t come out of of the political aisle. Many Democrats op- trade agreements that benefit all workers “The TPP is a deal negotiated by the Sierra Club, the BlueGreen Alliance, nowhere – it’s proof that the way we’ve posed the deal because of the economic, around the world, not just corporations. corporations for corporations,” said and a number of other environmental, been doing trade deals for the past 30 environmental and human rights con- For that to happen, working people in International President Leo W. Gerard. labor and human rights organizations. years doesn’t work,” said U.S. Sen. sequences. Many Republican free-trade each country must be directly involved advocates opposed it to avoid giving Pres- “Just like NAFTA two decades ago, and Visits, phone calls and cards Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), a longtime in the negotiations for whatever comes just like the decision to normalize trade voice for reform in the nation’s trade ident Barack Obama, a TPP supporter, a next.” relations with China in 2000, this agree- In 2016 alone, USW members sent and manufacturing policies. victory on one of his signature issues.

16 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 17 cting on a trade case brought than $1 billion in 2015 alone. by the USW, the U.S. “These unfairly traded imports have Department of Commerce taken shipments and market share from (DOC) has issued final domestic producers, deeply undercut Aantidumping and countervailing duties prices and prevented our industry from on imported truck and bus tires from participating in an extraordinary period China. of growth in domestic demand, mean- In its January decision, the DOC set ing there have been fewer jobs, shorter dumping duties of up to 23 percent and hours and lower wages for all workers countervailing, or antisubsidy, duties of in the industry that would have existed up to 65 percent on new pneumatic rub- under conditions of fair trade,” Johnson ber truck and bus tires made in China. said. Demand for truck and bus tires “We are extremely jumped significantly, by more than 20 pleased to see strong percent, from 2013 to 2015. Low-cost Chinese imports, however, grew at a action to protect good- rate more than twice as rapid as the growth in demand. paying, family-supporting Jody Juarez, president of Local 307 jobs and preserve market at the Goodyear plant in Topeka, Kan., told the ITC that production, work share for American hours and new investment in equipment employers,” said Interna- at his plant have been curtailed. “It is distressing that right at the he U.S. Department of Com- imposed in 2016 to counteract illegal response to two petitions filed within tional Secretary Treasurer merce (DOC) is investigating dumping and government subsidies. a day of each other last summer. One time when demand is growing, and we whether Chinese steelmak- Products under investigation include petition was filed by Steel Dynamics Stan Johnson, who chairs would expect the best for our company, ers are illegally routing steel cold-rolled steel used in industry and Inc., of Fort Wayne, Ind., and California we are unable to get any equipment the union’s national rub- in our plant to improve our capacity Tthrough Vietnam to evade U.S. import construction and corrosion-resistant Steel Industries of Fontana, Calif. The tariffs. steel that has been coated or plated to other was filed by ArcelorMittal USA, ber and tire bargaining utilization and to increase production The USW is supporting U.S. steel- prevent rust. Nucor Corp., AK Steel Corp. and U.S. and employment,” he said. “Instead, our makers, who formally complained that Imports of cold-rolled steel from Steel. conference. production has been cut repeatedly, our Chinese mills are making steel and then Vietnam rose nearly 1,900 percent from Using existing rules designed to equipment is sitting idle and our work- shipping it to Vietnam for minor pro- the first half of 2015 to 2016. Mean- prevent tariff evasion, the DOC could For the tariffs to remain in effect, the ers are under used.” cessing, in effect laundering the steel. while, Chinese steel exports to Vietnam expand existing tariffs on products that International Trade Commission (ITC) Billy Wright, president of Local rose 46 percent to 6.3 million tons from originate in China and come into the must find that the domestic industry and 1155 at the Bridgestone truck and bus “The U.S. economy is the 4.3 million tons during the first half of United States from Vietnam and other its workers were injured or threatened tire plant in Tennessee, said produc- 2016. countries. with injury by the unfair trade. That tion has been reduced as warehoused most open in the world, but Scott Paul, president of the Alliance Immediately after the DOC last July decision is expected on March 6. tire inventory has grown. He predicted our market is under attack,” for American Manufacturing (AAM), imposed provisional antidumping and The DOC announced its final deter- steeper production cuts, reduced shifts commended the Commerce Department countervailing duties, Chinese steel minations on duty levels the evening and layoffs if imports keep rising. International President Leo for taking on the investigation. producers began to divert merchandise before the ITC held its final hearing on Thomas O’Shei, president of Local whether truck and bus tire imports are 135 at the Sumitomo plant in Buffalo, W. Gerard said in support of “Chinese steelmakers are using through Vietnam for minor finishing every avenue possible to sell their over- operations in an apparent attempt to injuring U.S. tire makers. N.Y., said the future of his facility, the industry’s complaints. supply in our market, even if it means circumvent higher U.S. duties. At that hearing, Johnson said China which is also producing below its ca- sidestepping the law,” he said. “Much Gerard said the fight to contain un- has aggressively targeted the U.S. mar- pacity, will depend on the trade relief. “Despite having dozens of success- like a weed that won’t go away, Chinese fair imports is almost endless as China ket with dumped and subsidized truck “This case will make all the differ- ful steel trade cases, foreign competi- steel producers continue to crop up via and other international competitors seek and bus tires over the past few years. ence to our plant,” he said. tors are using every means available to new avenues to infest our open market.” ways to skirt the rules. He compared Imports from China were worth more circumvent these rulings and continue As the pace of China’s economic trade enforcement to playing the arcade to ship their unfairly traded and illegally growth has slowed, its mills continue to game of “whack a mole,” where players priced products into our market,” he produce more steel, cement and other use a mallet to hit randomly appearing said. heavy industrial goods than its domestic toy moles and force them back into their “They do whatever they can to keep economy can absorb. holes. their facilities operating and their people The result has been an increasing “These filings are us whacking that working. We need to do the same.” flood of cheap exports that have been mole,” Gerard said. “Government needs The probe will determine whether blamed for mill closures, layoffs and to do much more to relieve that burden widely-used steel products made in Chi- threats of layoffs in the United States and send an unequivocal message that na were diverted through Vietnam for and around the world. breaking rules will be met with swift minor finishing as a ruse to evade tariffs The investigation opened Nov. 7 in and sure responses.”

18 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 19 industry that employs thousands of USW members. “The orders that were imposed in 2010 have been vital to our mill’s con- tinued survival,” said Harvey, a third- generation papermaker at the Verso mill in Luke, Md. Luke is a rural community that depends on the mill and the hun- dreds of direct jobs it provides. Even with the 2010 orders in place, the Luke mill twice entered bankruptcy n a victory for USW paper work- was based on petitions filed with the ITC Job losses extensive protection. The first bankruptcy oc- ers, the U.S. International Trade and the U.S. Department of Commerce Before the duties were imposed in curred in 2011 through 2012 when the Commission (ITC) has extended in 2009 by New Page Corp. (since ac- 2010, mill and machine closures and mill was owned by NewPage, and the n a win for the USW and Titan Tire “All of that is now at risk because of tough, successful sanctions against quired by Verso), Sappi North America, underutilization of facilities led to exten- second was filed in early 2016 after its International, U.S. trade regulators subsidized imports from India and Sri importedI coated paper made in China Appleton Corp. and the USW. sive job losses for workers in the U.S. acquisition by Verso. have finalized duties on unfairly Lanka.” and Indonesia. “Unfair trade has put at risk thou- paper industry. The Luke mill needs a level play- subsidized off-the-road tires made The USW represents a majority of In completing a required five-year sands of jobs in this sector,” said ing field to survive,” Harvey told the inI India and Sri Lanka. workers in the off-the-road tire industry U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, a Minnesota sunset review, the ITC on Dec. 6 contin- International Vice President Jon Geenen, Democrat who lobbied for the tariffs ITC. “Without continued relief from The U.S. Department of Commerce at facilities owned by Titan and Bridge- ued for another five years antidumping who oversees the union’s paper sector to continue, estimated that paper mill unfair trade, my son may be the last in (DOC) announced final duties against stone. Titan manufactures Titan and and countervailing (antisubsidy) duty bargaining. closures and cutbacks cost some 60,000 our family to work there, together with the two countries on Jan. 4. The duties Goodyear brand farm tires in Freeport, orders on sheet-fed, coated paper often Geenen said the “decision will workers their jobs between 2000 and hundreds of our friends and colleagues were then affirmed on Feb. 3 by the Ill., Bryan, Ohio, and Des Moines, used in advertising materials, books, an- continue the hard-fought battle for relief 2010. whose families depend on the mill. Your U.S. International Trade Commission, Iowa. Bridgestone operates factories in nual reports and high-quality catalogs. that has helped save many of these jobs Nolan called the decision to retain vote to maintain the orders will make which found the domestic industry and Bloomington, Ill., and Des Moines. International President Leo W. and ensure that our industry can survive. tariffs a no-brainer. “Remove those all the difference to the Luke mill and its workers were harmed or threatened District 7 Director Mike Millsap, Gerard said the decision “maintains “The existing duties authorized to tough tariffs, and as sure as the sun rises our industry as a whole.” with injury by the unfair trade practices. who chairs the USW’s negotiations fair market conditions” that have been remain in place for the next five years The vote ended a 13-month in- with Titan, said the USW is proud to in the East, China and Indonesia will Workers feel stranded in place since 2010 because of a trade will ensure that the hard work of USW start their illegal dumping operations vestigation of Indian and Sri Lankan use existing trade law to stand up for During the first bankruptcy, the local case filed in 2009 by the USW and three members producing these products back up again in a heartbeat,” he said. off-the-road tires that began in January union jobs. had to negotiate new contracts that con- papermakers. won’t be jeopardized by unfairly traded “That’s what cheater nations do.” 2016 with petitions filed by the USW “Rising volumes of unfairly traded tained significant concessions in retiree “Thousands of good, family-support- products from China and Indonesia.” In 2008, two years before the tariffs and Titan under Sections 701 and 731 imports have driven down prices and benefits to help the company emerge in ive jobs were at risk if the ITC didn’t ex- The decision concluded a five-year were instituted, USW members were of the Trade Act. harmed domestic producers and work- a stronger position. Workers also agreed tend the vital relief currently in place,” “sunset review” of trade relief the hard hit when NewPage closed its plant In its ruling, the DOC found final ers,” Millsap said. “This is exactly the to forego wage increases and efficiency Gerard added. “We will continue to fight industry received in 2010 from subsided in Kimberly, Wis., Sappi shuttered a countervailing (antisubsidy) duty rates type of situation our trade remedy laws improvements. But it was not enough to for the future of our members producing imports that were produced in the two mill in Muskegon, Mich., and NewPage ranging from 4.9 percent to 5.4 percent were designed to address.” prevent the second bankruptcy. these and other paper products as well as countries and dumped at below fair shut down paper machines in Luke, Md., against Indian manufacturers. Counter- Imports of off-the road tires used in In 2012, Mohawk and SMART workers across the industry who deserve prices into U.S. markets. and in Rumford, Maine, because of ris- vailing duties against producers in Sri agriculture, mining and logging totaled closed plants in Hamilton, Ohio. In to have the rules against unfair trade ag- The Department of Commerce ing imports of dumped and subsidized Lanka were set at 2.18 percent. about $223 million from the two coun- 2014, Cascades shut its plant in Con- gressively applied.” (DOC), which also participated in the re- paper, Geenen told the ITC at a hearing Sri Lankan manufacturers were not tries in 2015, the DOC said. necticut. In 2015, Catalyst idled a mill Revoking the orders, the ITC deter- view, ruled earlier that the dumping and held last October. investigated for antidumping duties, This is the second time the union mined, “would likely lead to the con- illegal subsidies would likely continue in Rumford, Maine, that has since and the DOC initially found de minimis has had to file a case to stop dumped tinuation or recurrence of material injury if the trade sanctions were allowed to Vital lifeline resumed running on a scaled-back evidence of dumping against Indian and subsidized imports of off-the-road within a reasonably foreseeable time.” expire. “The orders offered a vital lifeline schedule. In 2016, Verso shuttered its producers. tires, International President Leo W. The 2010 decision to impose tariffs to our members and their families,” mill in tiny Wickliffe, Ky., eliminating The DOC, however, honored a re- Gerard noted. Geenen said. “Unfairly traded imports more than 300 jobs. quest made by the USW and Titan to re- “The first time we were successful, receded from the market. Prices sta- “Our local union presidents at these visit the Indian producers, and on Feb. but Chinese producers and importers bilized. And many workers were able mills are forced to take on the role 2 the agency changed the antidumping appear to be gaming the system to avoid to focus on making paper rather than of grief counselor and social worker duty finding to 3.67 percent. the duties they owe,” Gerard said. “And looking for a new job and scrambling to for their members – a role they never The off-the-road tire industry now, subsidized producers in India and make ends meet. thought they would have to play,” provides high-paying, high-skilled Sri Lanka have stepped in to get their “But our industry remains highly Geenen said. jobs with family-supporting benefits, own piece of the U.S. market.” vulnerable,” he added. “In a market “Grown men and women that International Secretary Treasurer Stan Titan Chairman Maurice Taylor, Jr., where demand is on a long-term down- worked at the mill for decades feel Johnson, who chairs the USW’s Rubber said the industry improved after anti- ward trend, and with global overcapaci- stranded. Other jobs in the typical and Plastics Industry Conference, told dumping and countervailing duties were ty, the domestic industry has been forced small rural towns where the mills were the ITC before the ruling. imposed in 2008 on Chinese imports. to make painful adjustments to try to located – like bus drivers, door greeters, “Many of our members have been “Unfortunately, our U.S. market bring the market into balance.” grocery baggers – offer only a fraction working at the same plants for decades, remains an attractive target for foreign At the same ITC hearing, Local 676 of the wages the mill paid and few to no and their hard work has helped families off-the-road tire producers seeking to President Greg Harvey said sanctions benefits.” buy homes, send their kids to col- offload excess capacity and gain market imposed in 2010 helped to stabilize an lege, and save for retirement,” he said. share at our expense,” Taylor said

20 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 21 onald Trump swept into Indianapolis after the Sign a petition “I never heard one thing about the Huntington plant. So yeah, election as a job-saving hero for convincing Car- Employees at the Rexnord plant circulated and signed a we do feel forgotten.” rier Corp. to retain 730 union jobs that had been petition asking Indiana’s new governor Eric Holcomb and Some 350 employees at Rexnord, located down the road headed to Mexico for lower wages. the state to do everything possible to retain Rexnord jobs in from the Carrier plant, had hopes that Trump would intervene DMuch less media attention was paid, however, to even Indiana. in their closure after he attacked Rexnord’s move on Twitter. larger numbers of Indiana workers who will still lose jobs at Another petition calling on Holcomb to retain jobs in But Rexnord ignored the new president, apparently be- Carrier, its corporate parent United Technologies (UT), and a Indiana and asking Trump to keep a campaign promise to tax cause it does not rely heavily on defense contracts from the neighboring firm, Rexnord, that are moving south to Mexico. any product Rexnord sends back to the United States for sale federal government as does UT, Carrier’s parent. UT receives “We are all taxpayers, and we all need our jobs,” said is available for the public to sign on the USW website: billions of dollars annually in federal defense funds. District 7 Director Mike Millsap, who is leading USW efforts www.usw.to/rexnord. “Rexnord is leaving for Mexico for the same reason as to preserve jobs held by members of Local 1999 at Carrier Trump initially exaggerated his Carrier success, telling Carrier – to make more money with cheap labor. And their and Rexnord. a packed house of employees and news media at a Dec. 1 product, big bearings for big equipment, will come back to “At Carrier, at Rexnord and thousands of other plants in victory rally that more than 1,100 jobs would be preserved at the United States,” Millsap said. cities across the country, the future of American manufacturing Carrier because of his intervention. Carrier, as part of its agreement with Trump and the state and middle class jobs it provides are at stake,” Millsap said. Chuck Jones, the president of Local 1999, set the record of Indiana, will receive about $750,000 in tax incentives and “The situation is urgent. Without a radical change in our straight when he discovered the number was inflated, only to training funds annually for ten years, and in return will spend country’s approach to international trade, our jobs and our find himself the subject of Trump’s attacks on Twitter, a social about $16 million in capital improvements. industries will continue to disappear.” media website. Most of that investment will go to automation at the India- Rexnord intends to begin closing its Indianapolis ball “I’ll give Trump his due, but I hope he, the American napolis factory, according to United Technologies CEO Greg bearings plant in February, according to a WARN notice that people and Congress don’t forget about all these other jobs Hayes. And that automation will replace some of the jobs that said the closure should be completed by June and is expected going to Mexico,” Jones said. “Down the pike, a lot more are were saved. to be permanent. Carrier has a longer timetable. going to be moving out.” “We’re going to … automate to drive down the cost so Those workers who will be laid off from Carrier and With the deal Carrier cut with Trump, the company re- that we can continue to be competitive,” Hayes told CNBC. Rexnord are eligible to receive benefits and services under the mains on track to send 650 to 700 USW jobs from Indianapo- “Is it as cheap as moving to Mexico, with lower labor costs? federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program. lis to Mexico, Millsap said. Those jobs are related to fan coil No, but we will make that plant competitive just because The local union negotiated shutdown benefits for Carrier production. we’ll make the capital investments there. But what that ulti- and Rexnord workers who will lose their jobs and pledged to UT, which announced its closure last February, has mately means is there will be fewer jobs.” continue to do whatever possible to save them. Rallies and stuck with its plans to close an electronics control factory in Carrier has not said how many jobs will be lost to automa- other events are scheduled through February. Huntingdon, Ind., and move work done by 780 members of tion. “We don’t yet know the impact of automation, but it’s “We still have a campaign against Rexnord in the works,” definitely going to be fewer employees,” Millsap said. “Is that Photo by Scott Weaver an electrical workers union to Mexico. said Sub-district Director Wayne Dale. “We’re trying to get “His whole campaign was focused on Indy,” Huntington number 100, 200 or 300? We don’t know.” support from the American people.” employee Mike Harmon said of Trump to a local TV reporter.

national news, and the USW did what 2,000 emails and about 400 to 500 post- it always does - stand up and fight back cards. Some people even sent flowers – by sending out its own tweet calling and candy. Jones a hero for fighting for his mem- “By an overwhelmingly bers. large margin, I’m going Threatening phone calls telling to say 98 percent, the Trump, then newly elected, twice bers who for a few days thought their Jones to “keep an eye on your kids,” or calls were very, used his Twitter account on Dec. 7 to jobs were saved. “we know what you drive” poured into very positive, and criticize Jones, prompting the USW, Jones repeatedly said he was grateful the union hall. But it didn’t take long for I’m still getting other union members and citizens to for what Trump did, but wanted to set the supporters to outnumber detractors. them,” Jones fight back via the social media hashtag record straight that 550 members were Within 24 hours, the #ImWithChuck said. #ImWithChuck. still going to lose their jobs to Carrier’s hashtag was the top trending topic on Jones, the president of Local 1999 outsourcing. Twitter. In about a day, 21,291 users in Indianapolis, was targeted by Trump When Trump heard the factual sent 46,448 tweets that reached 97.9 for publicly noting the president-elect corrections, he took to Twitter, writ- million people. Most of them supported stretched the truth when taking credit for ing, “Chuck Jones, who is President of Jones. saving jobs at Carrier Corp.’s furnace United Steelworkers 1999, has done a “Chuck Jones is a man of integrity hen then President-elect factory from moving to Mexico. terrible job representing workers. No who ALWAYS puts the interest of work- Donald Trump publicly Trump, who had made Carrier a talk- wonder companies flee country!” ers first,” wrote the Indiana AFL-CIO, a attacked Chuck Jones on ing point of his campaign, took a victory Two hours later, Trump did it again. coalition of unions. “To say otherwise is social media in December, tour to Indianapolis to announce Carrier “If United Steelworkers 1999 was any not only false, it’s infuriating.” theW local USW president from Indianapo- had agreed to save 1,100 jobs, when good, they would have kept those jobs in Three support staff answered lis discovered he has more friends than the real number was 800, including 730 Indiana. Spend more time working-less phones. In three days, Jones said they USW members. Jones had the task of time talking. Reduce dues” TV reporter interviews enemies. received more than 2,000 phone calls, Chuck Jones disappointing hundreds of USW mem- Trump’s tweeting immediately made Photo by Scott Weaver 22 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 23 A rare photo of Barnes-Hecker miners on the surface prior to the 1926 disaster. Photo courtesy of James Paquette. shop at the Empire mine. “I come from SW members on the iron ing regions where hundreds of workers a Finnish background. We’re kind of range of northern Minne- had lost their jobs as steel production stoic people.” sota and Michigan’s Upper sagged. Greg Montgomery, a Local 4950 Peninsula faced a struggle for Laid-off workers were recalled to a member who was on the planning Usurvival during the steel industry crisis UT processing facility in Forbes, Minn., committee for the memorial, operates a of the past several years. last summer, and a groundbreaking cer- grader in the Tilden mine, a 900-foot- A flood of imports from China and emony was held for a $65 million iron deep pit crawling with a fleet of huge elsewhere depressed global steel and ore pellet plant to supply steelmaker trucks, loaders, power shovels and other iron ore prices, resulting in layoffs and ArcelorMittal. Cliffs, UT’s parent, an- equipment. idle facilities. The story in iron mining nounced the project last March. “My father was a miner for Cliffs. regions, where the economic health of “It’s good to be back,” Hill told the My father-in-law was a miner. It goes entire communities is tied to the indus- Duluth News Tribune. deep into our family heritage,” said try, was particularly dire. Steve Lere, a longtime UT employee Montgomery, a local union safety com- Beginning last summer, thanks to and member of Local 6860, said the ex- mittee member. tariffs and other actions by the Obama pansion is the biggest he has seen since “There are descendants from this administration, the tide began to turn. the 1970s. disaster that I work with every day,” he Now, prices are going up, the industry is In addition to three Cliffs facilities, said. “When you sit back for an extra expanding and workers are back. the iron range is home to two USW-rep- minute and look at your situation, you USW members voted in Septem- resented mines operated by U.S. Steel appreciate every day you come home ber to ratify a new contract with Cliffs and one owned by ArcelorMittal. not hurt.” Natural Resources covering about 2,000 Lere returned to work right after workers at iron ore mines in Michigan Labor Day. By then, some 500 USW Torrent of water unleashed and Minnesota. The agreement runs members had been laid off for a year. The exact cause of the Barnes-Heck- through Oct. 1, 2018. In addition, U.S. Steel announced in er accident was never determined. It is “The members at Cliffs were de- late 2016 that it would restart its Keetac possible, however, that an underground termined to make sure that we did not iron ore facility in Keewatin, Minn., this blast opened an unknown underground allow this crisis to erode the progress March after an 18-month layoff. reservoir or cavity in the rock called we’d made over decades of bargaining,” “That’s what happens here. Business a “vug,” which unleashed a torrent of said District 11 Director Emil Ramirez, can pick up really quick,” said Lere. He water into the mine. Mud, timbers and who led the Cliffs negotiating team. said UT’s investments, along with a 10- t 11:20 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2016, and sponsoring events. A predecessor While growing up, Paquette heard other debris quickly followed. churches in Michigan’s Up- company, Cleveland-Cliffs, owned the stories from elderly miners who said The news started to improve after year contract with ArcelorMittal, should Paquette said the Barnes-Hecker was Dan Hill, a Local 6860 member and mean “another good run.” per Peninsula rang their bells Barnes Hecker. they didn’t have to apply for work; they a wet mine that used pumps to expel 51 times, once for each man “Mining is our heritage,” Local 4950 just stood in line. As a miner came out United Taconite (UT) millwright, in De- “We’re on the verge of going back water. Also, rain was unusually heavy cember 2015 gave an emotional plea to to prosperity,” he added. “We should be Akilled 90 years earlier to the day in an President Chad Korpi said in discussing of the mine either dead or hurt, the next that fall and had saturated the ground. iron ore mining disaster. the union’s involvement. “The industry man went down. then White House Chief of Staff Denis able to sustain employment for another “We’ll never know,” he said. “We’ll McDonough calling for action. generation.” An avalanche of water, mud, rock built this region.” Safety improved with the passage of never be able to get back down there. and debris unexpectedly burst into the Cliffs currently owns the adjacent a workmen’s compensation law in 1912, After that, Hill and his wife, Heather, That’s good news for some 3,000 We can only guess,” he said. a nurse and USW member, were invited USW members in the industry, and their Barnes-Hecker mine near the town of Tilden and Empire open pit mines and which made employers liable for work- The remembrance closed on Nov. Ishpeming on Nov. 3, 1926, killing 51 related processing operations near Ish- place accidents, and with the introduc- by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) communities. “Everyone benefits when 5 with a candlelight vigil held in an to attend President Obama’s 2016 State we’re running, from the car dealers, to miners. Only 10 bodies were recovered, peming. The Empire mine, its resources tion of the union in 1942. unheated Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum as leaving the rest entombed in the mine, exhausted after more than 50 years “Being able to represent ourselves of the Union address. the stores around town and the housing a reminder of the families who gath- Hill became the face of the iron min- industry,” Lere said. which is closed off from public view. of mining, was idled in 2016, leaving made a big difference. We had contrac- ered in the cold on the evening of the It was Michigan’s worst mining ca- Tilden as the last operating mine in tual rights,” said Paquette, who worked tragedy. tastrophe. The sole survivor, motorman Marquette County. in both the Tilden and Empire mines. The greens from the service were Rutherford Wills, escaped by quickly “Every family here has an ances- “The safety rules we have today are taken to two local cemeteries and placed climbing 800 feet up a slippery vertical tor who was killed in the mines,” said written in blood. They truly are.” on the graves of the miners whose burial shaft ladder as rising water nipped at his retired mine safety expert and local The memorial service was a chance places are known. heels. historian James Paquette, a former for miner Jon Heino, 64, to reflect on “It’s right for us to remember the USW member Steve Lere Mining communities in the Mar- USW member. “You can never forget the death of his uncle, Arvid Heino, 21, victims and their families as individu- AP Photo/Steve Karnowski quette Range, a rock formation that has how many miners died here, how many a newlywed who died in the mine three als,” said Tom Friggens, retired director produced iron ore since around 1846, families suffered, and how many wid- days after his marriage. of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, marked the anniversary with several ows and orphans were left behind.” “Not so much me, but some people who wrote the book No Tears in Heaven events meant to honor those who died in were very emotional,” said Heino, who, about the event. the Barnes-Hecker collapse and in other Many lives lost with his brother, followed their father Paquette said 1,200 men are known “But in a larger sense, I think it’s mining disasters. and grandfather into the mining indus- very important that we recognize that USW Locals 4950 and 4974, which to have lost their lives in the Marquette try. Range mines from 1866 to 1928, they represent the tremendous human together represent about 1,100 active “My dad was only 14 when the investment that’s been made in Michi- and laid-off miners at Cliffs Natural Re- excluding those who died from occupa- disaster happened and the family put it tional diseases. For every fatality, there gan’s iron industry by men and women sources, supported the memorial project aside and didn’t talk too much about it,” from our region.” by volunteering time, donating funds were likely hundreds of serious injuries. said Heino, who works out of the truck

24 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 25 Photos by Steve Dietz

Growing strong together stepped up to a microphone to take on International President Leo W. Steelworkers worked all week doing the call to action. Gerard urged the conference delegates just that — growing strong together — “The very same things that hap- not to lose hope in these fights. Steel- by participating in brainstorming ses- pened decades ago are still happening workers always come out on top when sions, goal-setting activities, and more. now,” said Fitzgerald, a Women of Steel they stand together and move forward The conference also held a film screen- activist and chair of the grievance com- toward a common goal, he said. ing of the documentary “13th,” which mittee at Timken’s Gambrinus plant. “We’re a fighting union,” Gerard powerfully showcases the direct link “We’re moving into an age where said. “It may be different, but we’ve between slavery and the current trag- there are 28 states with legalized dis- gone through bad times before. And we edies of mass incarceration and police crimination against the LGBTQ com- have to take our anger and put it some- violence. For Wilds, this was the event’s munity. I’m going to do everything I where where it will make a difference. most influential moment. can as loud as I can to put an end to this It’s not about you anymore—it’s about “I felt like someone pulled me out of systemic division.” the future.” the dark and into the light,” Wilds said. Some of the many guest speakers Pledges of commitment throughout the weeklong event included “I was born in 1964, so I don’t remem- Other Steelworkers followed that ber much from the civil rights move- actor and labor activist Danny Glover, declaration of commitment with pledges AFL-CIO Vice President Tefere Gebre ment. But I will be an advocate against to serve their communities in many racism forever now.” and Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. different ways. Gwin Booker of Local Barber concluded the conference International Vice President at Large 804 plans to organize fellow members Carol Landry understands the moral with a speech that brought the audience to travel to Birmingham in order to to its feet. It was as though he lit a fire obligation the union has to staunchly visit the many museums, institutes, and advocate for civil rights and urged in them with his powerful words and landmarks of the civil rights movement unstoppable force of optimism. Steelworkers to start at the local level. to learn the history. “We need to encourage our locals He spoke with hope in regards to Jamie Mante, vice president and the future of the civil rights movement he sound of thunder echoed After a rancorous presidential elec- the union to take on these social justice and families to take part in community chair of the grievance committee at Lo- through the large ballroom as tion left American voters more divided issues and fight on behalf of all Ameri- activities like Pride parades and Black and rang out marching orders for all cal 12775 in Porter, Ind., wants to help Steelworkers and activists around the more than 600 USW activists politically than at any time in nearly 25 cans. Lives Matter events,” Landry said. “The raise money to buy school supplies for pounded their fists on tables years, social and labor activists were “This is our moment to defend the same things we fight for in our union we country. teachers who lack proper funding. “We don’t have the time to live Tand clapped their hands in a rousing asking the question, “Where do we go integrity of workers,” Redmond said. need to fight for in our communities — Mike Daniels of Local 1167 in New display of solidarity. A rallying cry of from here?” “When we make that commitment dignity and respect for all.” in despair,” Barber declared. “We are Bern, N.C., pledged to employ Martin the heirs of moral dissenters. We must “Union!” rang out with great fervor as Amanda Green-Hawkins, director together, then our direction will have During an open comment period, Luther King Jr.’s doctrine of choosing Labor Heritage Foundation Executive of the Civil and Human Rights Depart- no bounds, and we will lift ourselves up Katrina Fitzgerald, a member of Local move forward together—and not one love as one’s weapon in the fights ahead step back.” Director Elise Bryant led the crowd in a ment, had suggestions for the attendees. and free the workers of the world.” 1123 at Timken Steel in Canton, Ohio, for justice. stirring introduction. “In order to seize the day, we’re Global solidarity was a resound- That kind of passion and drive going to have to let go of something,” ing refrain throughout the week as remained intense throughout the entire Hawkins told the crowd during the Steelworkers were joined by alliance Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Labor Heritage Foundation Executive Director Elise Bryant District 9 Director Daniel Flippo Lisa Wilds 2016 United Steelworkers Civil and opening plenary session. “The solu- members including UNITE the Union, Human Rights Conference that was held tions must come from all of us working the largest union in the UK and Ireland, this past December in Birmingham, Ala. together, so our hands will have to be and the National Confederation of Met- For Lisa Wilds of West Virginia, wide open.” alworkers (CNM/CUT) of Brazil. the event was her first since the USW Christiane Aparecida dos Santos, announced its merger last year with her Seize the day The theme of this year’s conference secretary for racial equality of CNM/ union, the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plas- CUT, spoke on behalf of her organiza- tics and Allied Workers International was “Seize the Day; Change the Fu- tion about the fights workers in her Union (GMP). ture,” and Steelworkers seized every op- home country of Brazil now face after a It was a life-changing week that portunity to learn and grow together as inspired the longtime employee of they packed the Sheraton Birmingham recent coup. Tecnocap, a maker of metal container Hotel conference rooms wall to wall for Great progress was being made Steelworkers show their support for Brazilians and former President Dilma Rousseff by holding signs saying “Down with Temer.” closures, to become the change she classes and panel sessions throughout under former President Dilma Rous- Photos by Steve Dietz wishes to see and to educate others. the week. seff for blacks and women in the South “I was asleep, and now I am awake,” Some workshops focused on topics American nation, she said, and now Wilds said. “I’m going to go back home such as Islamophobia, mass incarcera- those communities are confronted with and share what I’ve learned to try to tion and criminal justice reform, im- serious threats under the current regime. wake up everyone else at my local. migration, LGBTQ discrimination, and “Our struggles are the same,” The USW turned me into a teacher this disability rights. Aparecida dos Santos said. “We have week.” As a major leader in the labor to tighten our ties. Together, we are The 2016 conference took on a movement, International Vice President stronger.” different tone than those in the past. Fred Redmond believes it is vital for

26 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 27 hen AK Steel idled a blast furnace and related tough, when steelworkers need to develop new skill sets, to committee made up of local union and company leaders is steelmaking operations in late 2015 at its mill update existing skills to advance or to learn a new subject responsible for all decisions regarding staffing, finances and in Ashland, Ky., the Institute for Career Devel- just to enhance their own quality of life,” Conway said. “The course offerings. opment (ICD) went into action. union is committed to its ongoing work.” WThe joint labor-management training program extended Tuition assistance the hours of its learning center to help USW members apply Contract benefit Eligible members can receive up to $2,000 per year for The following companies have negotiated with the USW for jobless benefits and get the training or upgraded skills There are currently 65 participating locations in the steel, customized courses, and $1,800 per year in tuition assistance to participate in the Institute for Career Development: they need for new careers if that proves necessary. tire and rubber, glass, container and utility sectors of the at an accredited college or university. Customized courses “We had 650 people hit the street at one time,” said Mike union. To be eligible, you must be an active USW member are those classes that are taught locally, normally onsite, to a AK Steel Corporation Continental-ContiTech McCormick, ICD coordinator for members of Local 1865 in from a local union that has the ICD written into its contract. group of members who are interested in a particular subject. Allvac Corning Incorporated Ashland. “We all did whatever we had to do. It was a team Instruction can range from basic skills, such as GED After the layoffs at Ashland, some Local 1865 members ArcelorMittal USA Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. effort.” preparation or financial investing, to computer classes and studied process controls at a community college with the hope ATI Metals MacLean Power Systems Ultimately, McCormick figures some 350 members took graduate-level courses. of hiring on at a local oil refinery. Others studied industrial ATI Specialty Metals Republic Steel or are taking courses at the ICD learning center in Ashland USW members can also take advantage of a wide variety maintenance, became certified commercial drivers or took up & Components Sumitomo Rubber USA and at post-secondary schools in the region while they wait to of classes that teach technical skills such as plumbing, heating basic crafts like electricity and welding. Some switched to Bayou Steel Tetra Pak see if their jobs at AK return. and air conditioning, electrical wiring or small engine repair. nursing and other health care occupations. BFGoodrich United States Steel Corporation “To me, it’s one of the best programs since health insur- The ICD places emphasis on teaching portable skills that At press time, about 210 people were working at Ashland Bridgestone Americas USS-POSCO Industries ance,” McCormick said. “People are taking advantage of it. workers can use to enhance their existing careers or take with on a product line for the automotive industry. The furnaces at It’s got the ability to change lives. It’s very, very good.” them should they need to change jobs. The program is also the mill remained on hot idle, providing some hope that work The program is a contractually negotiated benefit for geared toward making learning comfortable and accessible would return. unemployment hits. He was joined by Marshall McElroy, eligible USW members whose employers participate. It was for working union members. “There’s a little bit of light at the training coordinator for Local 1899 at U.S. Steel’s Granite born in the USW’s 1989 contract negotiations with the steel Learning centers are usually conveniently located end of the tunnel,” McCormick said. City works in Illinois, and Fran Arabia, former president of industry and has since spread to other industries. on or near worksites or in a union hall. Classes can be “They are still keeping the stoves hot, Local 1196 at ATI’s newly modernized steel mill in Bracken- ridge, Pa. International Vice President Tom Conway, a veteran con- offered before and after shift changes to accommodate and that means there is a possibility.” They discussed the impact that layoffs and a brutal lock- tract negotiator who was instrumental in launching the ICD, workers’ schedules. For their efforts with ICD, Mc- out at ATI had on their members and the various kinds of called the program a “tremendous success” for the USW and Participating companies typically set aside a Cormick and his assistant, E.J. Black, assistance that the ICD was able to provide to them. its members in the 26 years since it has been established. negotiated amount of money, usually 15 cents an hour received the ICD’s Lynn Williams “It has become an invaluable tool for when things are worked, to fund local ICD operations. A local joint award, which is named for the late In- Time and motivation ternational President who championed All three panel participants spelled out a familiar bottom the program. line: though it’s a difficult time and motivation can be hard to ICD training in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2010. USW file photos The award was presented at the come by, those members who used their career development ICD’s biennial national conference benefit to gain new skills come out better in the end. held last November in Mobile, Ala. After U.S. Steel laid off most of its approximately 1,500 The conference included workshops on workers at Granite City in late 2015, USW members began labor-management committee rela- taking courses to help them get other jobs while they wait Willard Jones tions, the legal and financial responsi- Local 1557, Clairton, Pa. to see if the mill returns to normal production levels. A few Photos by Steve Dietz bilities of ICD committees and how to hundred people returned to work in January. effectively communicate to members. “What I learned from all this is you may think everything At the conference, McCormick is good at your place right now, but believe me it is coming,” participated in McElroy said. “It came right to our front door and kicked it ICD Program Director Roxanne Brown a panel discus- down.” Stephanie Stalmah USW assistant legislative director sion on helping Participation in the ICD program at ATI’s Brackenridge workers when location picked up while USW members were illegally locked out of work for six months from 2015 to 2016 during a bitter contract dispute. As the lockout progressed, an increasing number of mem- bers at Brackenridge signed up for classes including computer education, commercial driving, heavy equipment operation and building trades like heating, plumbing and air conditioning. Arabia said the lockout, which ended in 2016, showed the benefits of the ICD program. “When the chips are down, you have a chance to get re-educated,” he said.

28 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 29 Guin included a two-hour walkthrough was held last September in conjunction Oronite Co.’s Oak Point plant in Belle of the facility, which allowed working with the 2016 Health, Safety and Envi- Chase, La., said the program has had a members to investigate departments and ronment Conference in Pittsburgh. positive impact at his workplace. areas other than their own. It was the first time TOP recognized Peralta expects the final figures for This approach helped the Guin individual sites for accomplishments. last year will show a 30 percent de- team identify potential hazards and Local 13-423 at the Motiva refinery in crease in incidents compared to 2015 at work together to eliminate them. In one Port Arthur, Texas, received the Fallen the plant. example, an exit sign for emergencies Workers Memorial Award. Local 13- “The membership knows this is their n 2002, the local union and plant and began to see a difference about a had never engaged in health and safety was blocked in one department. The 750 at the Motiva refinery in Convent, program,” Peralta said. management at the 3M factory in year later,” said Calvin Bozeman, the training except compliance. pathway was cleared. La., received an award named for Glenn Guin, Ala., were told by corporate local’s first full-time TOP representative As part of its introduction, 3M Over time, the union, its members Erwin, who was instrumental in devel- management that their facility and current assistant to Simmons. agreed to create a full-time TOP and other employees became more oping TOP. wouldI close unless workplace safety “TOP has training, a way to report representative, who acts as the liaison engaged in hazard identification, report- Another goal of the program is to improved. (incidents), and the formula to get haz- between the program, the local union, ing, prevention and control. continually evolve to fit the needs of Local 9-675 took the challenge ards fixed before they take their toll and local management, health and safety “Before TOP, our people thought current and new or prospective sites. and introduced Triangle of Prevention add to the recordable roster,” Simmons committees, the national TOP program safety was the company’s responsibili- “The TOP program can adapt to the (TOP), a union-led, company-supported added. leaders and the International Union. ty,” Bozeman said. “After TOP, they felt facility and existing programs and struc- safety program that led to dramatically Started with OCAW Within TOP, site-based instructors like it was theirs. We took ownership.” tures of safety committees and staffing,” reduced recordable injuries. are trained by the union to then teach Union leadership is the foundation Doherty said. TOP began with the Oil, Chemi- he USW has two safety “When TOP was introduced, man- their fellow union members as well as of TOP and is one of its three basic Doherty gave this example: “Lo- cal and Atomic Workers International programs, both of which of- agement and union came to an agree- non-bargaining employees. Training fo- elements. The second element includes cal 1-912 at PBF in Toledo, Ohio, has Union (OCAW) as a response to a string fer USW members and their ment to work together. That agreement cuses on the core ideas of TOP and the systems of safety and incident investi- a group of hourly safety advocates that of catastrophic fires, explosions and employers an alternative to still holds today,” said Local 9-675 TOP practical workings of the program. gation. Measuring and tracking inci- work in conjunction with TOP. While toxic releases in the U.S. petrochemical Tbehavorial-based, blame-the-victim representative Milton Simmons. dents are the third piece. they are separate in their duties, they are industry in the 1980s and 1990s. Union involvement programs supplied by for-profit consul- As a result, safety improved, the Sharing lessons learned is another also trained as TOP investigators and A team of union health and safety At Guin, the initial trainers were tants. closure was rescinded and the 300-em- key goal. Local TOP representatives trainers to cross over between programs. activists, workers themselves, were union members rather than manage- Triangle of Prevention (TOP) is the ployee 3M Guin plant is thriving as part and alternates connect with each other That leads to fluid communication enlisted to develop a worker and union- ment, which helped with rank-and-file older and more established program. of the company’s Traffic Safety and and the TMC staff through monthly between all facets of the safety activities driven program to counter failings in acceptance. Eventually, equal numbers Looking for Trouble (LFT) is a newer Security Division. phone calls and an annual conference. in the facilities.” consultant-driven safety programs. Typ- of union and management personnel program that has been featured in past The Guin factory manufactures re- “The program is built on sharing in- ically, such programs focus on workers were trained in the systematic process editions of USW@Work. The two differ flective road signs and pavement mark- formation between sites,” TOP Program Industry advisers and their behaviors as major causes of of investigating and reporting incidents in their elements and funding mecha- ing materials sold around the world. Coordinator Steve Doherty said. “We TOP evolves with input from an occupational injuries and illness rather and near misses, finding the hazards that nisms. It also produces reflective products are able to share ideas, successes and advisory group made up of members than finding and fixing process hazards. were the root cause of problems and “We want to give local unions and used on trucks, trailers and emergency deal with barriers that arise in day-to- elected by other member representatives TOP became part of the USW fixing them. their employers a choice because the vehicles, as well as glass bubbles and day activities at individual sites.” within their industry sector. through the 2005 PACE merger. PACE As hazards in the factory began to same program might not be right for ceramic microspheres used in paints, Conference agendas typically focus Advisory working groups focus on itself was created by the 1999 merger of be repaired, more workers on the floor every workplace,” said Mike Wright, coatings and other products. on training, incident investigation and four priority areas: refresher training, OCAW and the United Paper Workers started reporting problems to the TOP director of the USW’s Health, Safety Today, Guin boasts one of the best communication. It’s also an opportunity collaboration between TOP and local International Union. team. and Environment Department. “Both safety records in the company. The for new training materials to be rolled union leadership, building solidarity The TOP program was well es- “The year before we started we had are effective, successful programs.” recordable injury rates now average two out and evaluated and for new and and a collective voice through advanced tablished by 2002 when workers and about four related safety reports,” Boze- For information on TOP and LFT, to three a year, a dramatic drop from potential participants to learn about the communication, and program awareness members of management in Guin were man recalled. “After the first year, after contact the Health, Safety and Environ- numbers in the mid-40s at the time program and build a support system. and conference planning. looking for a way to avoid consolida- TOP, we had maybe 200.” Lorne Peralta, the TOP representa- ment Department at 412-562-2580 or closure was threatened. The most recent TOP conference [email protected]. “We started TOP around June 2003 tion or plant closure. Prior to TOP, Guin The most recent annual training at tive for Local 13-477 at the Chevron

Some of the 300 employees of 3M’s Guin, Ala., plant represented by the USW gather outside the facility. Photo courtesy of 3M.

30 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 31 OSHA Issues Final Beryllium Rule Redmond nding decades of inaction, the Occupational Safe- Receives MLK ty and Health Administration (OSHA) delivered Award Ea long-awaited new standard limiting workplace nternational Vice Presi- exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds, which dent Fred Redmond was can cause devastating lung diseases. honored for his social The new final rule, issued on Jan. 6 with support I justice and community from the USW and a major beryllium producer, will service work at the 2017 require employers to take practical measures to protect Dr. Martin Luther King an estimated 62,000 workers from serious risk. Jr. Awards in Washington, The USW, which represents several thousand work- D.C. ers who use beryllium alloys and beryllium-containing Hosted by the AFL- products in several industries, applauded the develop- CIO, the Jan. 13 event also ment. celebrated the service of Fred Redmond “This has been a long time in the making,” said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren International President Leo W. Gerard. “This rule will (D-Mass.), Ohio AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pierette protect workers who are exposed to beryllium in general “Petee” Talley, and several other activists and change industry, construction and shipyards and ensure that makers. controls are put in place to prevent future occupational illness from developing.” Lighter than aluminum and stiffer than steel, beryl- Federal-Mogul Workers Strike Ends lium is used in the aerospace, electronics, energy, bout 330 USW members at Federal-Mogul in Van telecommunications, medical and defense industries, as Wert, Ohio, went on strike in mid-November after re- well as shipyards and construction industries. Ajecting the vehicle safety component company’s last, However, it can be highly toxic when beryllium- best and final offer that included cuts to pension and health containing materials are processed in a way that releases care benefits. airborne dust, fumes or mist into workplace air that can Members of Local 14742 walked the picket line for nearly undreds of USW Women of During the 45-minute walk from from the Washington Post, who also be inhaled by workers. three weeks, receiving overwhelming community support. Steel and their USW brothers RFK stadium, where their bus parked, posted the interview on Facebook. They The two sides continued to meet, and members voted in favor from across the United States to the rally, the Women of Steel group were also interviewed by reporters from of an improved contract proposal on Nov. 30 and returned to and Canada participated in from Pittsburgh led cheers including, USA Today, the Tennessean and an ATI Named in NLRB Complaint work. Hthe Women’s March on Jan. 21 in Wash- “Who’s got the power? We got the NBC affiliate. ington, D.C., and in cities and towns power! What kind of power? Union “Women of Steel marched against he National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is- across North America. power!” the attacks on workers’ rights to join sued a complaint against Allegheny Technologies They carried signs with the USW Linda Lucas, Women of Steel a union, and we marched to share our TInc. (ATI) in response to charges the USW filed USW Members Support Caterpillar and Women of Steel logos that said, coordinator for Michigan and former message that women fare better when when the company laid off seven workers at the ATI Workers Facing Job Losses in Europe “Want Equality? Join a Union” and president of Local 13702, said it was a they work union,” said Women of Steel powder metals facility in Robinson, Pa. embers of USW Local 1343 at Caterpillar in “Union Rights are Women’s Rights.” thrill when young people joined in the Director Ann Flener-Gittlen, who par- Management instituted the temporary layoffs last Milwaukee stood in solidarity with their union Some wore pink knit hats and some chants as everyone walked along, taking ticipated in the march. June in retaliation for the workers’ participation in a members in Europe who took action in Ge- successful organizing campaign, said District 10 Direc- M wore hard hats emblazoned with the over the streets because the crowd was “Unions are the only organiza- neva in November to protest the company’s cutbacks. USW logo and their district number. so massive. tions that fight against exploitation of tor Bobby “Mac” McAuliffe. In September, the brutal and incomprehensible real- “It was respectful, peaceful solidar- Mechele Allen of Mt. Pleasant, workers around the world and stand in The workers have since returned to their jobs, and ity of Caterpillar’s restructuring plan sent shockwaves ity,” Jackie Anklam, president of Local Mich., who works for Delfield, Inc., the way of total corporate control and the complaint ultimately resulted in a settlement that across Europe, with the company announcing its inten- 9899 in Saginaw, Mich., said after- said she went because, “I wanted my greed,” she said. included back pay for the laid-off workers. tion to close plants and lay off workers. wards. “It was awesome to see everyone voice to be heard. And I wanted to set “So we need to be the messen- “It is unfortunate when – rather than taking the The company’s plan threatens about 2,500 jobs united, every race, gender, religion, all an example for the younger women (at gers because too many workers fail to rational approach and accepting the workers’ choice directly, along with thousands more in the surround- united for the same cause.” Delfield) to get involved and not feel understand that a union gives them a – a company decides instead to intimidate and retali- ing communities of Belgium (Gosselies) and Northern Members from every U.S. and Ca- intimidated by the men in the plant.” voice, protections, and benefits in the ate against its own employees,” McAuliffe said. “All Ireland (Monkstown). Even more European workers are nadian district marched, as did members Allen said she would report back to workplace. workers have the right to make their voices heard in increasingly concerned about the future of their work- from the USW’s sister union, Unite, in the women, who account for only about “We marched to bring light to ‘union the workplace, and none of them should be faced with places and jobs. the United Kingdom and Ireland. Some 70 of 600 workers. “I will tell them rights are women’s rights’ and show threats and intimidation as a result.” In response to these threats, trade unions from members traveled on buses organized that Steelworkers were well-known and that workers, especially women work- Following the successful resolution of that com- around the world, along with the IndustriALL European by their districts or other labor groups. liked and we were interviewed by sev- ers, need to find the strength to organize plaint, the USW filed new charges related to the Trade Union and IndustriALL Global Union, delivered Others drove themselves. Members eral papers and put on Facebook.” their workplaces into unions to gain dismissal of a USW member who had worked on the the message to the company: Stop the social and indus- from Canada traveled on buses spon- Women of Steel members were protections,” Flener-Gittlen said. union’s organizing campaign. The NLRB has yet to trial CATastrophe! sored by the Toronto Area Council. interviewed and videoed by a reporter hear that case.

32 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 33 Paper Workers to Receive TAA Granite City Mill Slowly Rebounding Alton Steel, USW ratify new labor deal he U.S. Department of Labor has approved everal hundred USW members are back on the job at SW members at Alton Steel in Alton, Ill., voted to Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for U.S. Steel’s Granite City, Ill., mill about a year after the ratify a new contract that runs through Sept. 30, 2018, Tdisplaced employees at Maine’s Twin Rivers Scompany began laying off 2,000 workers and idling the Uand covers about 240 hourly workers. Paper Co. mill due to a flood of illegal Chinese imports. The previous contract expired Sept. 21, 2015, but The TAA petition, filed as the Madawaska mill Now, about 650 workers are back in the plant or scheduled both sides continued to bargain while operations at the was preparing to shut down one of its five paper to return as the plant’s hot strip mill begins running again in 750,000-ton-per-year special bar quality mill continued. machines, includes some former Madison Paper mid-February. “The agreement is fair and equitable to both parties and workers and contractors who were not included in Dan Simmons, president of Local 1899, which represents provides support for the business against the effects of unfair an earlier TAA announcement last spring. most of the USW members at the facility, said USW-supported Cement Council Charts Course for Future trade, while protecting important benefits for the members,” bout 40 USW members who work in the cement TAA is a Department of Labor program that trade cases helped to create the right conditions for a restart. said Terry Wooden, president of Local 3643. industry spent two days in Pittsburgh in November helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result “Obstacles are being removed right now,” Simmons said. building solidarity, sharing information and charting a of increased imports or a relocation of production “We have a heartbeat.” A Dow, DuPont Workers Share Concerns outside of the United States. The program provides Simmons said that while Granite City is currently process- course for the future of the USW Cement Council. The council, which members revived in 2015, represents nion leaders representing thousands of workers em- affected workers with re-employment services and ing steel from other U.S. Steel facilities, he is hopeful that the more than 140 units and more than 6,000 members in the ce- ployed at the Dow Chemical and DuPont companies benefits to help them find new jobs and get back to mill will soon return to making its own steel. ment industry. Ufrom the United States and around the globe met last work. “We’re working our way back,” Simmons said. Members shared with each other stories of successes and fall in Kentucky to discuss issues common at their facilities. failures at the bargaining table, health and safety concerns, The unions spent four days sharing collective bargaining and ideas to improve communication among locals. data, identifying mutual obstacles and brainstorming potential The meeting also included a lengthy discussion of imports solutions. NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES COVERED BY A UNION SECURITY CLAUSE and how they are affecting the North American cement indus- Delegates discussed a number of issues, primarily the pro- All USW represented employees covered by a union security clause have the right, under NLRB v. General Motors, 373 U.S. 734 try, as well as a training session on new rules governing silica posed merger and split of the two companies and the potential (1963), to be and remain a nonmember subject only to the duty to pay the equivalent of union initiation fees and periodic dues. Further, dust exposure. effect on employees’ pensions, benefits and insurance. Other only such non-member employees have the right, under Communications Workers v. Beck, 487 U.S. 735 (1988), to limit payment of The group also held a Skype conference call to sup- topics included workplace safety, organizing and the need for union-security dues and initiation fees to certain moneys spent on activities germane to a union’s role as collective bargaining representa- port locked-out members of Local 816 at LafargeHolcim in proactive communications. tive. This latter statutory right is embodied in the USW’s Nonmember Objection Procedure. Texada Island, Canada. The council agreed to set aside time to meet during the The Procedure is available to any USW represented employee union elections or to be a candidate, no right to participate in union who is subject to a union security clause but who is a non-member meetings or activities, and no right to vote on contract ratification. International Convention in April and to schedule another Ce- Landry Elected and who objects to his or her union security fees being expended on Upon perfecting properly a notice of objection, the objector is ment Council meeting for the fall of 2017. IndustriALL VP nonrepresentational activities. Paragraph 1 of the Procedure states: entitled to an advance reduction of a portion of his or her union Bringing together workers in the same industry to share nternational Vice Pres- “1. Any individual, who is not a member of the United Steel- security obligation commensurate with expenditures unrelated to concerns is one of the most helpful aspects of being a USW ident at Large Carol workers and who is required as a condition of employment to collective bargaining, as required by law. International Secretary- member, said Shawn Pugh, recording secretary for Local 12- ILandry became the pay dues to the United Steelworkers pursuant to a union security Treasurer Stanley W. Johnson has determined, based upon expen- 52 at Lehigh Cement in Tehachapi, Calif. first women ever to win arrangement but objects to supporting ... political or ideological ex- ditures for the calendar year 2015, that the reduction percentage “This is one of the most important meetings for our local election as a vice president penditures by the United Steelworkers which are not necessarily or under the Procedure is 10.93% (20.55% if organizing expenditures union, in terms of the time and money spent,” Pugh said. of the IndustriALL Global reasonably incurred for the purpose of performing the duties of an were to be included). Union, which represents exclusive collective bargaining representative shall have the right There are court decisions holding that organizing activities are 50 million workers world- upon perfecting a notice of objection to obtain an advance reduc- non-representational activities. The USW does not agree with those Gerdau Council Locals Meet wide. tion of a portion of such individual’s dues obligation commensurate rulings. However, without intending to waive its position that its bout two dozen union leaders from eight Gerdau Landry is part of a with expenditures unrelated to collective bargaining as required by organizing expenditures are not subject to objection and without locals traveled to Pittsburgh in mid-December new leadership team that law.” intending to waive its right to assert its position if there is a chal- to build solidarity, share information and plot was elected at the second Carol Landry An eligible employee who objects to the USW expending mon- lenge to the reduction percentage, the USW has deemed it expedi- A ies for nonrepresentational activities such as charitable or political ent to apply the 20.55% figure to most current and future objectors. a course for future success for some 3,000 members at IndustriALL Global Union steel mills across North America. Congress in October in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her new activities may choose to perfect a notice of objection under Para- Therefore, an objector will be charged 79.45% of the regular dues The USW’s Gerdau Council, created in 2005 in title is vice president, North American region. graph 2 of the Procedure, which states: amount. Each objector will be given a detailed breakdown between response to a six-month lockout at the company’s Beau- Delegates from 99 countries elected Jörg Hofmann “2. To perfect a notice of objection, the individual must send representational and non-representational activities with a report by mont, Texas, facility, meets annually, either in Pitts- from Germany as IndustriALL president. He comes an individually signed notice to the International Secretary-Trea- an independent auditor. burgh or a Gerdau location. from the German metalworkers’ trade union, IG Metall, surer during the first thirty days following either the individual’s The Procedure contains an appeals system under which chal- John Catto of Local 6571 in Whitby, Ontario, said where he is also president. initial date of hire into the USW represented unit or an anniversary lenges to the reduction percentage determination must be filed the council meetings allow locals to strategize together Valter Sanches from Brazil was elected general date of such hiring: provided, however, that if the individual lacked within 30 days of the Notice of Determination and are to be decid- knowledge of this Procedure, the individual shall have a 30 day ed by an impartial arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration and prepare for issues that might come up at their plants, secretary. He is from the Brazilian metalworkers’ union, period commencing on the date the individual became aware of the Association. Disputed amounts are escrowed pending appeal. because they see what Gerdau is doing elsewhere. CNM/CUT, where he was secretary of international Procedure to perfect a notice of objection; and, provided, further, While a notice must be individually signed and timely mailed, “We learn from each other,” Catto said. “We’re pre- relations. that a member who resigns membership shall have the opportunity there is no form for a notice. Processing is faster, however, when pared, and we can develop a strategy to fight.” IndustriALL fights around the world for a new eco- to object within the 30 day period following resignation.1 ” the notice contains the objector’s name, address, local union num- The group includes seven USW locals and one UAW nomic and social model that puts people first, based on Objectors are not USW members and have no right to vote in ber, and employer. local. democracy and social justice. “1 Any right of a resignee to pay a reduced amount under this Procedure may or may not be superceded by the resignee’s check-off authorization.”

34 USW@Work • Winter 2017 USW@Work • Winter 2017 35 Have You Moved? Notify your local union financial secretary, or clip out this form with your old address label and send your new address to:

USW Membership Department, 60 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Name ______New Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______

For USW glass workers, union history and solidarity run deep. See page 8.