A CENTURY OF PAPER 04 USW CONFRONTS VIRUS 08 MEMBERS TAKE LEAD ON ELECTION 14 CONSTELLIUM VICTORY 28

“REBUILDING THE NATION’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR IS ESSENTIAL TO KEEPING AMERICA SAFE AND FREE. AND IF THAT PROCESS DOES NOT BEGIN NOW, AMERICA WILL BE JUST AS UNPREPARED FOR THE NEXT CRISIS, WHETHER THAT IS A PANDEMIC, NATIONAL DISASTER OR WAR.” INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT THOMAS M. CONWAY CURRENT INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD THOMAS M. CONWAY International President JOHN SHINN Int’l. Secretary-Treasurer DAVID R. McCALL Int’l. Vice President (Administration) FRED REDMOND Int’l. Vice President (Human affairs) KEN NEUMANN Nat’l. Dir. for Canada LEEANN FOSTER Int’l. Vice President SOLIDARITY ASARCO CONVENTION ROXANNE BROWN FOR BLACK LIVES COMPLAINT POSTPONED Vice President at Large USW members joined millions in In a victory for USW members, The 2020 USW convention, origi- calling for justice and reform in the National Labor Relations Board nally set for August 2020, has been DIRECTORS response to systemic racism and issued a sweeping complaint for postponed as the nation continues DONNIE BLATT police violence. alleged unfair labor practices at to grapple with the coronavirus District 1 24 ASARCO. pandemic. 20 32 MICHAEL BOLTON District 2 STEPHEN HUNT FEATURES District 3 SPEAKING OUT TRADE WATCH NEWS BRIEFS DEL VITALE USW active, retired members and USW petitions led to an investi- Museum workers launched a USW District 4 their families are invited to “speak gation of passenger vehicle and organizing drive. Members are DOMINIC LEMIEUX out.” Letters should be short and to light truck tires from four countries. protesting layoffs at Essentia Health District 5 the point. We reserve the right to Much work remains to enforce the in Minnesota. A new director is now MARTY WARREN edit for length. USMCA. leading Canada’s District 5. District 6 03 22 32 MIKE MILLSAP District 7 ERNEST R. “BILLY” THOMPSON COVER District 8 Tom Elegeert, 1970 COMMUNICATIONS STAFF DANIEL FLIPPO Images courtesy of USW Local 2-21 JESS KAMM BROOMELL R.J. HUFNAGEL AARON HUDSON District 9 Director of Communications Editor GREG COLE and the Delta County Historical Graphic Designers BOBBY “MAC” McAULIFFE Society, Escanaba, Mich. CHELSEY ENGEL, LYNNE HANCOCK,TONY MONTANA, District 10 04 CHEYENNE SCHOEN, JOE SMYDO EMIL RAMIREZ USW@Work (ISSN 1931-6658) is published four times a year by the United Steelworkers EMAIL: [email protected] District 11 AFL-CIO•CLC 60 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Subscriptions to non-members: $12 for one MAIL: USW@Work year; $20 for two years. Periodicals postage paid at Pittsburgh, PA, and additional mailing offices. 60 Blvd of the Allies GAYLAN PRESCOTT Pittsburgh, PA 15222 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: USW@Work, USW Membership Department, District 12 60 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 USW@WORK RUBEN GARZA Volume 15/03 Copyright 2020 by United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO•CLC. All rights reserved. No part of this Summer 2020 District 13 publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the United Steelworkers.

2 USW@Work • Summer 2020 SPEAKING OUT Remember Those We’ve Lost Every year, Local 105 members meet at our union hall If the Senate can pass hundreds of billions in bailouts for Wall to observe Workers Memorial Day. This year, that was not Street and huge corporations, it should be able to step up and possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, several virtual make sure retirees are protected, too. I would ask everyone events were held, and I was able to participate in one through reading this to call your senators today and tell them to pass the Iowa Federation of Labor. the Butch Lewis Act. We should never let Workers Memorial Day go by without Charles D Conley giving it the recognition it deserves. This year, we were able Catlettsburg, Ky. to honor the workers we’ve lost through our union and com- pany newsletters, and through the plant’s video network. The day has always pushed us to renew our commitment to a safer Union Members Should Vote Biden workplace, and this year was no different. I saw the article in the spring edition of USW@Work, On April 15, we lost a Local 105 brother to the corona- “Your Union, Your Voice,” about the USW getting political virus. We honored him this year, along with the eight others feedback on how we, members of the United Steelworkers, we have lost over the years at the Davenport plant, workers feel about the upcoming presidential election this November. whose names appear on a memorial stone in front of our I have been a member of USW Local 850 since 1972. I union hall. am now retired, and Continental General Tire closed in 2006. Workers Memorial Day is a day for us to honor and I have never voted for a Republican since I was eligible to remember all of those brothers and sisters who went to work vote, and I never will. My wife is a Democrat, and my grand- one day but did not return home. But it is also about much pa was a Democrat. more than that – it’s a call for all of us to keep pushing I can say the Republican Party has never done one thing harder every day to protect each other at work, and to hold for me. The one in the White House right now is a raving our employers to account for providing us a safe and healthy lunatic. workplace. Let’s all remember that the Republican Party does not sup- We all need jobs, but not at the expense of our own health port unions. So I hope you will all join me in supporting Joe and safety, and not at the cost of our lives. Biden, Democrat, for president this November. Brad D. Greve, president, USW Local 105 Tony Montgomery, Local 850 Davenport, Iowa Charlotte, N.C.

Keep Holding the Line for Workers Thankful for My Union Family I worked almost 50 years as a union member, first OCAW, My husband, Joseph V. Clark, was employed at U.S. Steel then PACE and USW. I thank God for all of us who had the for 22 years. He lost his battle with the coronavirus on April 10. pleasure to serve as stewards and board members. I wanted to bring to your attention the generous support I Unions gave me power and a commitment to my commu- received from Mike Lohse, the local union’s benefits chair- nity. I love all of the brothers and sisters who stood by us in man. Mike has been my backbone since my husband was good times and in hard times. admitted to the hospital on April 3. Mike was in contact with Thank you all for keeping us retired workers informed. I me every day, and still is to this day. Mike has gone above hope you all continue to hold the line. I will never cross it. and beyond to make sure I am OK, and that I have everything Gregory A. Aungst I need. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike and was very Auburn, Pa. thankful. I’d also like to say my special thanks to Gus, the president of the local. He has also gone above and beyond in making Senate Must Pass Butch Lewis Act sure I have what I need. Gus also told me that – whether it’s Now more than ever, we need to look out for our retirees. an employee or a spouse – we will always be union family. That’s why it’s so disappointing that the Butch-Lewis Act I wanted everyone to know just how much the union works to protect multiemployer pensions is still sitting in the U.S. for the employees and their spouses. Thank you very much. Senate a whole year after it passed the House, with support Colette Clark from both parties. Portage, Ind. Retirees (I’m retired from Marathon Petroleum) are not EMAIL: [email protected] asking for a handout, or for special treatment. We just want MAIL: USW@Work 60 Blvd of the Allies the pensions we earned through a lifetime of hard work. May- EMAIL: [email protected] USW active and retired members and Pittsburgh, PA 15222 be that seems like too much for someone like Mitch McCo- MAIL: USW@Work their families are invited to “speak out.” 60 Blvd of the Allies Letters should be short and to the point. USW@WORK nnell, but when you’re worth $20 million I guess you don’t Pittsburgh, PA 15222 We reserve the right to edit for length. Volume 15/03 have to worry about a pension check. Summer 2020

USW@Work • Spring 2020 3 A CENTURY OF PAPER

Members Support Tight-Knit Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

n 1920, union workers began making paper at a mill along the banks of the IEscanaba River in northern Michigan. A century later, the union maintains an unbreakable link that bonds the workers with their community. “The mill has been an integral part of the economy here for many, many years,” said Local 2-21 President Gerald Kell. “We have a great work force, a lot of intelligent people, and a lot of pride in our facility and our commu- nity.” That facility, which en- compasses 2,000 acres not far from Lake Michigan in the state’s Upper Peninsula, has provided good jobs to generations of Steelworkers and their families, and those union members have in turn become the foundation of a town built on the production of pulp and paper. “The mill workers have been the mainstay of this community since long before I ever started there,” said former USW International Vice President and Escanaba native Dick LaCosse, who worked at the facility from 1969 until he became a union staff representative in 1983. As vice president, LaCosse led the USW’s bargaining in the paper sector until he retired in 2008.

Images courtesy of USW Local 2-21 and the Delta County Historical Society, Escanaba, Mich. 4 USW@Work • Summer 2020 A CENTURY OF PAPER

Now, when people think of the mill, they think of the union.”

Local 2-21 Secretary John DeGrand.

USW@Work • Summer 2020 5 A Unique History 730,000 tons of paper annually. Among other events, the Local 2-21 While union members have been mak- “I grew up at a time when everything Women of Steel committee, led by Chair ing paper in Escanaba for 100 years, the was ‘Mead,’ all of the sponsorships Donna Dams, holds a backpack drive pulp mill has roots even deeper than that. for sports in town — everything was each year to help hundreds of local school In the late 19th century, when local wrapped around the mill. They sup- children in need of supplies. Members officials needed to generate power for ported it, and the community supported also hold family picnics and sponsor a a streetcar line to link Escanaba with the mill. It was a two-way street,” said drive called “Strike for Hunger,” in which nearby towns, they decided to build a John Dubord, financial secretary for they collect more than $5,000 and 3,000 dam across the river and — in 1891 Local 2-21, who was born and raised in pounds of supplies each year for local — formed the Escanaba Electric Street Escanaba. “It’s hard to not grow up with food banks, said First Vice President Railway Co. As the dam generated community pride and mill pride when James Gunderman, who has worked at excess electricity, it made sense to use it you grow up like that.” the mill for 21 years. to support local industrial development, Despite numerous changes in owner- “Now, when people think of the mill, and the Escanaba Pulp and Paper Co. ship (NewPage purchased the mill in they think of the union,” said Local 2-21 was born. 2005, and Verso took over in 2015), Secretary John DeGrand. In the early days, workers mostly local residents still often use the Mead Victor LaCosse, although he is not produced newsprint and magazine paper. name when they refer to the facility, related to the former USW vice president, Today, their products include graphic which remains the largest employer in is the fourth generation of his family to be paper used in catalogs, books and di- town. connected to the Escanaba mill. He said rect-mail advertising, as well as specialty that having a union in the facility — fight- Community Connection ing for good wages, good benefits and job papers used in label and converting Partly due to the frequent changes in applications. security for 100 years — has made a ma- management over the past two decades, jor difference in the quality of life not just When conglomerate Mead pur- it has been the USW and its hundreds of chased the mill in 1942, the company for mill workers but for families through- members – many of whom are third- and out the region. “It’s huge,” he said. worked hard to plant its roots deeply fourth-generation paperworkers – who within the community. A series of “We take pride in saying that we’re have taken on the responsibility of main- USW,” said chief steward Jamie Dier. expansions throughout the 1950s and taining the bond between the work force 1960s led to rapid growth in the work “It’s not about who we work for, but the and the community. union gives you a sense of purpose. It force and the mill’s production. Today, “The local and the international about 900 people work at the facility, gives you something to be proud of about strive for that every day,” Dubord said. your job.” which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days “Because we have a strong voice in the a year, and has the capacity to produce workplace, we are able to maintain that.”

6 USW@Work • Summer 2020 Economic Ripple Effect credit for embracing that commitment credited the workers for their dedication Dubord, whose relatives have and doing everything in their power to to the mill. worked as meat cutters in the area for make sure Escanaba’s workers can return “Verso is proud to be part of the generations, said that his family’s for- home safely to their families every day.” mill’s rich 100-year history and thankful tunes have closely mirrored those of the The union’s presence in the factory for our Escanaba team members’ hard paperworkers in town. gives the work force an equal voice work and dedication to the mill, which “We saw our business rise and fall with management when it comes to has greatly contributed to its longevity depending on what was happening at the members’ health and safety concerns, and success,” he said. mill,” he said. “If they were on strike, it rather than putting it in a top-down Still, despite the pride they feel in made a big difference in our bottom line.” position, said Dubord. their connection to the mill, Dick La- The positive effect of the USW local The workers in Escanaba were part Cosse said that the members in Escana- even stretches to other towns and work- of the United Paperworkers Internation- ba are even more proud to be part of the places throughout the Upper Peninsula, al Union until 1999, when that union USW. In a recent interview, LaCosse Kell said. Although it’s a non-union fa- became part of the Paper, Allied-Indus- recalled a conversation he once had cility, another Verso mill about 50 miles trial, Chemical and Energy Workers with a member of management during west in Quinnesec, Mich., offers nearly International Union (PACE). In 2005, contract bargaining. the same wages and benefits as those in PACE merged into the USW. “The company guy said to me, ‘The Escanaba to ensure that it can remain “The folks on the floor would not people here are union members first and competitive when hiring employees. A even be asked to be involved in safety if employees second,’” LaCosse said. “He number of other non-union employers we didn’t have the union,” he said. was right, and I think it remains true today.” in the area do the same. DeGrand, who grew up just a few If Verso continues to value its work Besides the economic benefits, the miles away and worked in non-union force and continues to make invest- union has made a major difference in workplaces before coming to the Verso ments in the facility, USW members terms of health and safety, particularly mill, said that the fact that Escanaba’s could be making paper in Escanaba for in an industry that can be among the workers have a powerful voice – one another 100 years, said Kell. most dangerous in the country. with a century of history behind it – “We certainly have the assets to “The USW has worked hard to build affects morale in a positive way and be successful well into the future, as and support a culture of safety at every gives workers a reason to look forward long as the company continues to make paper facility in the union,” said Interna- to coming in each day. investments in the mill,” he said. “A lot tional Vice President Leeann Foster, who “We take ownership in the mill and of that is out of our hands, but we are oversees bargaining with the paper indus- what goes on here,” he said. going to keep showing up to work and try. “The members of Local 2-21 deserve Verso’s CEO, Adam St. John, also doing our jobs like we do every day.”

USW@Work • Summer 2020 7 VIRUS SHINES LIGHT UNION ON NEED FOR UNIONS YES

Inequality, Lack of Health Care Put More Americans at Risk

he coronavirus pandemic has “By every measure, a worker’s eco- Health care and emergency service shed new light on an array of nomic well-being and physical well-be- workers, including USW members, Tsystemic problems within the ing are going to be better if that worker led the way, fighting to make sure they U.S. economy, but perhaps none more is a member of a union,” said Interna- had enough masks, faceguards, gowns, than the need for all workers – particu- tional President Thomas M. Conway. sanitizer and other equipment to care for larly those considered “essential” – to “Every mechanism that workers have the growing number of patients. have a voice on the job. used in fighting this virus would be Other workers followed their “The labor movement was meant improved under the terms of a collective lead. At Amazon distribution centers for this moment,” AFL-CIO President bargaining agreement.” in Washington state, Chicago, New Richard Trumka said. “We don’t run Besides basic wage and benefit im- York City, Sacramento and elsewhere, from crisis. We run to it in order to help provements, a union contract provides workers walked off the job and gathered our brothers and sisters.” workers with a level of job security thousands of signatures on petitions in Trumka said he hoped that the virus that allows them to take actions such an ultimately successful bid to demand and its devastating health and econom- as refusing unsafe work, to fight back paid time off. ic effects would be a turning point for against unfair treatment, and to be In multiple cities, delivery driv- members of the American work force included as equal partners in conversa- ers and public transportation workers who have been ignored and left behind tions with management about health and staged strikes to ensure PPE and proper for too long. safety on the job. social distancing, as well as the elimi- More Americans now realize the As the crisis continued to grow, nation of fares and other preventative importance of all workers – especially through the spring and summer, USW measures to protect both themselves and food service workers, grocery clerks, members were instrumental in pushing their customers. janitors, delivery drivers and others in for expanded protections in workplaces In Pittsburgh, sanitation workers traditionally low-wage jobs – to the across the country, and in advocating parked their trucks at the entrance and health of the nation, he said. for economic relief in Washington, exit to their administrators’ parking lot to “We’re going to get through this D.C., and in state legislatures around gain PPE, increased staffing and hazard and, on the other end, we’ll actually be the United States. pay. stronger,” he said. “The pandemic has Grocery store workers, restaurant identified inadequacies in the economy Workers Mobilize Across U.S. employees and other service workers by and, hopefully, we are going to fix those Meanwhile, as record numbers of the thousands – at large corporations and in the process.” Americans were filing for unemploy- small businesses – were successful in Besides poverty-level wages for ment, and millions more were forced to fighting for extra pay, time off, and PPE. many unorganized workers, those go to work in unsafe conditions, both At a Perdue Farms chicken pro- inadequacies include a lack of access to union and non-union workers began cessing plant in Georgia, dozens of quality, affordable health care, especial- mobilizing and organizing in ever-grow- non-union workers staged a walkout ly in minority communities, a lack of ing numbers. to demand safer, more sanitary work- paid sick leave and personal protective One website that tracks labor actions ing conditions. The plant work force equipment (PPE), and inconsistent or estimated that the United States saw took action as meat and chicken plants nonexistent health and safety measures more than 150 strikes, walkouts, sit-ins around the country were becoming hot- in many workplaces. and other such activities in the first beds of coronavirus outbreaks. three months of the pandemic.

8 USW@Work • Summer 2020 UNION YES

By summer, it was clear that in ev- in communities of color – were facing Americans died from the virus at the same ery state and every sector of the econo- higher rates of infection and less likely rate as the rest of the country, more than my, American workers were nearing a to have access to health care. 12,000 lives would have been saved. crossroads. According to the Centers for Disease It wasn’t just Black Americans “It’s just gotten to the point where Control and Prevention, Black Amer- who suffered disproportionately, Gebre enough is enough,” one Perdue worker icans make up about 13 percent of the noted. Immigrants, Latinx workers and said. U.S. population but accounted for 23 LGBTQ+ Americans also faced higher In addition to demanding short-term percent of coronavirus deaths as of June. rates of infection and death. protections, the pandemic led workers to In testimony before Congress, Dr. “We often hear people say the coro- begin organizing unions in growing num- Anthony Fauci, director of the National navirus doesn’t discriminate,” he said. bers, though the effects of the coronavirus Institute of Allergy and Infectious Dis- “But we know that’s far from the truth.” made the task even more difficult. eases, said racism is responsible for the At the outset of the pandemic, the disproportionate impact the pandemic is Looking for a ‘New Normal’ National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), having on minority communities. Clayola Brown, president of the A. froze union votes, forcing more than 115 Besides being infected more heavily, Philip Randolph Institute, an organiza- union elections to be postponed. While Black Americans were more likely to tion for African-American union mem- the freeze was eventually lifted, safety die from the effects of the virus due to bers, said that the pandemic allowed concerns persisted, and some union and the nation’s unequal health care system. many Americans to get a closer look at elected officials urged the NLRB to allow E.J. Jenkins of Local 1014 in Gary, the inherent racism built into the U.S. electronic elections. Meanwhile, com- Ind., said that the labor movement must economy. panies continued to seek further delays, respond by confronting the pain of the “The price to pay is too great for any citing security concerns. Black community head-on. more pretending that it’s not happen- “This epidemic may delay the fruits “Black issues must be a major topic ing,” Brown said. of some of our organizing efforts, for within the labor movement, and we While many Americans looked for- now,” said International Vice President should never shy away from that,” Jen- ward to life “returning to normal” after Fred Redmond. “But make no mistake, kins said. “Organizing creates change, the pandemic, Brown, Gebre and others this crisis has pulled back a curtain but we can’t organize for change until said that the virus underscored the on the fact that our economy simply we’re on the same page.” fact that “normal” simply wasn’t good doesn’t work for large segments of our Crystal Robinson Rouse, civil rights enough for too many Americans. population. A remedy for much of what chair for the South Carolina Education Whatever changes come as a result ails struggling families and communi- Association, agreed that organizing is the of the pandemic must ensure that ties is to make sure all workers can gain best way forward for workers of color. workers – especially those in the most a voice in their workplaces.” “This is the time. This is our time vulnerable communities – are better off to organize, strategize and move,” she than they were before, Brown said. Vulnerable Communities Suffer said. “One of the things we have to “We don’t want to go back to normal,” Despite the increase in activism, remember is that we have strength in Brown said. “Normal was not good for millions of workers still lacked numbers.” Black people and Brown people.” adequate protections months after Tefere Gebre, executive vice presi- the virus began to spread. Non-union dent of the AFL-CIO, said that if Black workers in low-wage jobs – particularly

USW@Work • Summer 2020 9 he coronavirus pandemic finding continuous ways to adapt,” caused unprecedented changes Foster said. Tin how Americans interact- International Vice President Da- ed with each other, an unexpected vid McCall used video conferencing MEMBERS disruption that forced USW members to help locals through arbitrations at to get creative in how they processed ArcelorMittal regarding the union’s grievances, bargained contracts Layoff Minimization Plans for plants and communicated with their union in Indiana, Cleveland and Coatesville. FIND siblings. As Libbey Glass works its way “Our union has always been one through bankruptcy, local union of the best servicing unions around leaders in Shreveport, La., and To- and has supported our members ledo, Ohio, are entering bargaining, and their locals through grievance anticipating that much of the discus- CREATIVE handling, contract negotiation and sion will be held via video in order solving everyday problems,” said to accommodate four USW locals International President Thomas M. and an International Association of Conway. “This pandemic isn’t going Machinists (IAM) unit. The group SOLUTIONS to change that.” produced a website to keep locals in- Despite nationwide social-dis- formed, and instituted a text messag- tancing protocols, quarantines, lock- ing system to quickly share updates. downs and business closures, USW International Vice President Fred IN PANDEMIC members, leaders and staff found Redmond, who oversees health care creative ways to keep the important bargaining, used video technology to work of the union going. connect with the Health Care Work- With meetings, conference rooms ers Council, as members continued and in-person hearings suddenly their tireless life-saving work while off the table, bargaining sessions conducting important bargaining. took place via Zoom, arbitrations were handled via video conference, members shared contract language digitally, and leaders used Skype, FaceTime, conference calls and other We continue to find ways to technology to hold votes, conduct have our voices heard, even if trainings and carry out other business. “We continue to find ways to have it’s mostly Zoom these days.” our voices heard, even if it’s mostly Emily Miller Zoom these days,” said Emily Miller, a librarian at the Carnegie Library of The union also created a Pittsburgh and a member of the com- COVID-19 resource page, which is mittee bargaining its first contract. regularly updated with health and “Bargaining, achieving benefit safety information. Members can use improvements to address specific an online form to report concerns. issues, safety committee meetings, District 7 Director Mike Millsap, demanding bargaining where neces- Local 6787 President Pete Trinidad, sary – these were all things we did as and the local’s executive board set up a union before COVID-19 struck, but arbitrations using video conferenc- we are now using virtual platforms ing. The local also uses text mes- to carry forward this work,” said saging to reach its more than 2,000 International Vice President Leeann members. Foster, who oversees paper bargaining. “The world is changing. Unions Foster said despite the pandemic, are changing. The way we communi- the union has achieved first contracts, cate with our members must change added benefits to assist members with it,” Trinidad said. with coronavirus-related expenses, Locals in the paper sector also stood up when companies instituted bargained using video software. new pay practices without bargain- “This was a first for us, but I'm ing and conducted safety and benefit proud of our union for not giving meetings. up,” said Local 264 President John “The work doesn’t stop for our O'Neil in St. Paul, Minn., a member members, and we are committed to of the WestRock bargaining team.

10 USW@Work • Summer 2020 PANDEMIC HIGHLIGHTS URGENT NEED TO REVIVE U.S. MANUFACTURING

uring the COVID-19 pandemic, Instead, it’s dangerously reliant “And if that process does not begin workers at Kaiser Permanente on foreign trading partners for PPE, now, America will be just as unprepared Dhospitals became so concerned medical equipment, pharmaceutical for the next crisis, whether that is a pan- about shortages of face masks and other ingredients, consumer goods and many demic, national disaster or war.” personal protective equipment (PPE) that other items. Manufacturing items in the U.S. may they offered to track down their own. Those countries can experience cost more than making them overseas. “We don’t have stockpiles of protec- supply chain pressures that affect Amer- “But at the end of the day,” Robinson tive equipment,” said Valery Robinson, ica – as happened when surging global noted, “they’re right here.” president of Local 7600, which represents demand reduced the availability of The USW long ago foresaw the thousands of nurses, phlebotomists and PPE during the pandemic – or foreign danger that the loss of manufacturing other workers at the health care system’s powers simply could stop selling goods muscle posed to the nation. Southern California facilities. to the U.S. for political reasons. That’s why it vehemently opposed As was the case with hospitals the 1994 North American Free Trade throughout the nation, when Kaiser Agreement (NAFTA), which enabled Permanente scrambled to buy more Right now, America doesn’t even corporations like Carrier, Rexnord, Mon- supplies, it struggled to find them. have a plan to retool its remaining delez and General Motors to shift more The mad scramble for PPE and other than one million jobs to Mexico and medical equipment showed how the de- manufacturing sites to produce leave manufacturing communities hol- crepit state of U.S. manufacturing puts goods in a crisis. lowed-out shells of their former selves. the nation’s safety at risk. Although the USW and other unions Over the past 25 years, America’s pressured Congress to adopt a new, im- failed trade policies enabled corporations That could potentially leave the na- proved trade pact, known as the United to relocate millions of manufacturing tion not only without PPE and medicines States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the jobs to countries with low wages and lax but other essential goods like tires, re- original NAFTA continues to take a environmental laws. The corporations frigerators, washing machines and even heavy toll. reaped huge windfalls, while America’s items needed by America’s military. As the pandemic raged, for example, manufacturing capacity withered. “Rebuilding the nation’s manufac- Jeremy Hughes logged his final shifts at Today, the nation cannot manufacture turing sector is essential to keeping the Goodyear plant in Gadsden, Ala. crucial items or even scale up quickly to America safe and free,” warned Inter- Goodyear closed the plant in May, produce supplies in an emergency. national President Thomas M. Conway. three years after it opened a facility

USW@Work • Summer 2020 11 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, that pays preaching that for years.” flood foreign markets with under-priced workers only a few dollars an hour. Trade deals that incentivized cor- goods. American companies simply Hundreds of USW members, including porations to offshore jobs aren’t the can’t compete with that kind of cheating. Hughes, lost their jobs as Goodyear only reason American manufacturing Keith Frazier, president of Local gradually shifted their work to the low- withered. 1329, said unfair competition is one rea- cost San Luis Potosi site. U.S. policymakers also allowed son the Domtar paper mill in Ashdown, “As soon as they announced the foreign countries like China, Korea and Ark., shut down three production lines, Mexican plant, we all had a bad feel- Vietnam to dump unfairly traded goods idled a fourth and cut hundreds of jobs ing,” said Hughes, treasurer of Local into U.S. markets, undercutting the in recent years. 12-L, who struggles just to find Ameri- shrinking number of manufacturers still “We’ve got to keep these imports can-made tires for his future step-son’s trying to operate here. from coming in and killing our mar- pickup truck. In a deliberate effort to destabilize kets,” said Frazier, whose local rep- “We have to start buying Ameri- other nations, China subsidizes its resents maintenance workers. can-made products,” he said. “I can’t domestic companies with money, land He hopes the mass PPE shortages stress that enough. The union has been and raw materials and then lets them prompt more Americans to ask why the USW MEMBERS STEP UP FIGHT FOR AID hile the coronavirus pandemic continued to have Members were also successful in lobbying legislators massive health and economic consequences across in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio and Wthe world this summer, USW members stepped up Michigan to introduce similar bills, while efforts continue in a their unprecedented activism to ensure that workers had the number of other states. support they needed to make it through the crisis. “Our first concern is, and must remain, containing this USW leaders, Rapid Response and SOAR activists, dangerous virus and making sure our people stay healthy,” Women of Steel and others lobbied federal and state govern- said District 2 Director Michael Bolton in pushing for Mich- ments for paid sick leave and health care legislation, while igan’s “Workers First” plan, which included expanded paid local union negotiators pushed employers to ensure adequate sick leave and workers compensation, hazard pay for front- personal protective equipment (PPE), safety precautions and line workers, strict health and safety standards, scheduling other measures to keep workers healthy and give them the policies, mental health assistance, and safeguards against tools to survive the economic downturn. retaliation against workers. “We must ensure that nobody has to make the choice Fighting for Paid Sick Leave between their health and a paycheck,” Bolton said. “We must As several states saw another wave of outbreaks following the ensure that workers have the resources to adequately care for lifting of quarantine orders, protecting workers became a significant themselves and their families.” concern, and USW members took action. It became clear in mid-summer that the coronavirus crisis USW leaders and district directors reached out to governors and would likely create hardships for workers into the coming lawmakers in nearly every U.S. state seeking to close loopholes left year, requiring continued vigilance and activism from USW in federal sick leave legislation that was passed earlier this year but members on all fronts. left far too many workers, including many health care workers, with “There are times when members’ state-level activism is little to no protection. just as important, if not more important, than our work in In Colorado, the USW worked with the state AFL-CIO and other Washington, D.C.,” said International Vice President Roxanne unions to not only pass emergency paid sick leave legislation, but Brown. “We have to take the fight for justice to every work- also to set up a more permanent paid leave structure for all workers. place in our union and to every level of our government.”

12 USW@Work • Summer 2020 nation let its manufacturing capacity “It made everybody feel a little bit commission to oversee rebuilding ef- slip away. better,” said Donna Blohm, a machine op- forts, especially in the health, food and Right now, America doesn’t even have erator and the local’s financial secretary. defense sectors. a plan to retool its remaining manufactur- Elsewhere, USW members helped The campaign also must include ing sites to produce goods in a crisis. their facilities modify production equip- investment in domestic manufacturing When Donald Trump failed to ment to make face masks, hand sanitizer and strong “Buy American” provisions mobilize manufacturers to produce PPE, and other needed items for health care in government contracts so companies some USW-represented locations took facilities. have incentives to make products here, the initiative on their own. As the talent and dedication of these instead of overseas. At the Cenveo envelope production workers show, America has the where- Americans might disagree about facility in Chicopee, Mass., for example, withal to revive its manufacturing sec- who’s most to blame for the shortag- members of Local 4-513 began making tor. It just needs policymakers to chart es of PPE and other crucially needed face masks for themselves and their a course and then follow through. items. co-workers with a sewing machine and That, Conway said, is why the USW “But the facts are the facts,” Blohm cloth provided by the plant manager. supports the creation of a manufacturing observed. “There wasn’t enough.”

OSHA, MSHA Safety Standards of much-needed jobs by investing in the nation’s crumbling The USW also joined other unions in pushing for strict federal infrastructure. You can find contact information for your U.S. standards for workers through the U.S. Department of Labor. House members and senators, as well as other elected offi- The AFL-CIO filed a lawsuit seeking to force the Occupa- cials, at usa.gov/elected-officials. tional Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an Helping Front-Line Workers emergency temporary safety standard on infectious diseases, USW members across all industries continued to step up though a federal appeals court eventually ruled that a new to support health care workers, nursing home workers and standard was unnecessary. others on the front lines of fighting the virus by donating AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, USW Health, Safety food, money and critical supplies. and Environment Director Mike Wright and others blasted When members at National Grid were locked out for that short-sighted decision. six months in 2018, the Massachusetts Nurses Association “An unprecedented pandemic calls for unprecedented (MNA) stood in solidarity with members of Locals 12003 and action, and the court’s action today fell woefully short of 12012. The locals returned the favor this spring, delivering a fulfilling its duty,” Trumka said. check for $10,500 to the MNA. Later in June, the USW joined the United Mine Workers In Connecticut, members of a unit of amalgamated Local union in filing a petition seeking a court order to force the 134L retooled part of their operations to mold face shields Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to protect to aid health care workers. Members volunteered to help miners from exposure to the coronavirus with an emergency assemble them, with the finished face shields delivered free standard, arguing that miners face unique risks and often are of charge to workers at local hospitals and assisted-living unable to distance themselves from co-workers. facilities. “Most Americans do not work in cramped underground As front-line health care providers, and many other work- quarters,” Wright said in the filing. “Most are not exposed to ers, continued to confront loss and trauma in the wake of the high levels of silica and diesel emissions.” pandemic, the USW worked hard to help. The union hosted Under significant pressure from labor activists, the U.S. special resilience and mental health training sessions through House of Representatives passed legislation requiring em- the Tony Mazzocchi Center on June 9 and 11. ployers to develop and implement infectious disease exposure The sessions urged workers to remember that no one can plans. Called the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus take care of others if they don’t take care of themselves. The Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, the legislation is await- training covered topics such as how to spot signs of mental ing approval in the U.S. Senate, though Republican Majority health struggles and trauma, both within oneself and others, Leader Mitch McConnell called the bill a “wish list” and has as well as how to cope using healthy mechanisms. The USW so far refused to allow a vote. will be hosting more virtual sessions in the future, so please The USW and other unions sought to amend the HEROES stay tuned to usw.org and social media for updates. Act because it contained a provision that would harm multi- For more information on how to keep yourself and employer pension plans. Should the Senate take up the bill, your co-workers safe, how to donate money, PPE and other the unions will work to have that provision removed. much-needed supplies to those in need, and for additional The USW’s Rapid Response team is urging members resources related to the USW’s response to the coronavirus across the United States to continue to press for an amended pandemic, visit usw.org/covid19. HEROES Act as well as other recovery efforts, including the Moving America Forward Act, which would create millions

USW@Work • Summer 2020 13 “We need a leader that understands strong manufacturing, from paper to steel to a clean environment. Workers need competitive wages and benefits through their collective bargaining agreements, so we can all live in and enjoy the American dream, period. And I believe Vice President Biden is the man for that job.”

RICK FRITSCHKA Local 2-20, Expera Specialty Solutions Kaukauna, Wis.

ank-and-file members and retirees from across Rthe United States at- tended town hall meetings and answered surveys throughout the winter and spring as part of the USW’s “Your Union, Your Voice” campaign. The program, an unprec- edented effort to provide mem- “I support Joe Biden for President bers with transparency into the because I believe he will help the union’s endorsement process working class. He supports raising and to ensure that they are the driving force behind those de- the minimum wage to $15. With his cisions, has come with some health care plan, no one will have to expected results, along with worry about how they are going to “Joe Biden is the work- some surprises. pay if they become critically ill. He er-friendly candidate. He is “We owe a debt of has a plan for education, to give the gratitude to the thousands with us all the time. He’s been teachers and students the support to Labor Day parades and of members who came to meetings or took the time to and resources that are desperately been the keynote speaker. fill out surveys,” said Interna- needed regardless of their zip codes. He has marched along with tional Vice President Rox- I believe all Americans deserve equal anne Brown, who leads the us. He knows what it’s like opportunities especially our youth for people who are out there USW’s political and legisla- tive efforts from the union’s who are the future and so does Joe.” working, struggling, trying to Washington, D.C., office. make a living.” “Their voices will strength- ECHO CARSON en our union and provide an Local 690L, Landaal Packaging Systems JOJO BURGESS even deeper foundation for Flint, Mich. Local 14693, U.S. Steel the important electoral and Clairton, Pa. legislative work that we do.”

14 USW@Work • Summer 2020 In addition to the members and retirees who attended the 170 town hall meetings throughout every U.S. district, thousands more responded to the USW survey that gauged opinions on a FO R range of important legislative and policy issues. About three-quar- ters of the survey respondents were active members, while about 19 percent were retired, and still others were laid off, former or associate members. Answers came from workers in every district and every sector of the U.S. economy, including steel and aluminum, paper and pulp, oil and chemical, rubber and tires, glass, health care, high- USW Endorses Biden policies and by a federal govern- er education and public services, ver the past nine months, ment that values the voices of the among others. through a groundbreaking wealthy over those of workers. Onationwide series of 170 Joe Biden understands what town hall meetings and thousands workers need from their govern- TOP PRIORITY: of surveys, USW members shared ment, and he has plans to fight for it. their opinions on the issues that are He knows that Americans need HEALTH CARE important to them and their priori- good jobs, and he is calling for a The surveys and conversa- ties for the future of our country. massive $1.3 trillion investment in tions brought to light a clear At the same time, the USW the nation’s infrastructure that will priority for USW members: sought answers on those issues create hundreds of thousands of jobs health care. Respondents ranked from candidates for office across across all industries and bring our the issue of affordable health the nation – from men and women country fully into the 21st century. care and prescription drugs as the running for president to those seek- He has a plan to expand access top priority in the survey, with ing seats in the Senate and House. to health care by bolstering and 87 percent describing it as “very Based on the responses the USW building upon our current system, important.” received, the choice for union mem- including strengthening Medicare When asked to rank the top bers on Nov. 3 is clear. Joe Biden, and Medicaid. three issues out of a list of 13 son of a working-class family from He believes that all Americans possible choices, two out of every Scranton, Pa., has the same priori- deserve to retire with dignity, and he three people chose health care, ties and shares the same values that has a plan to ensure that workers re- making it the most selected issue. Steelworkers fight for every day: ceive the pension and Social Security During nearly all of the town family-supporting jobs; access to benefits they have earned without hall meetings, attendees raised quality, affordable health care; the having to face crippling prescription health care as a key concern. right to collective bargaining; safe drug or long-term care costs. Frequently, town hall attendees workplaces and communities; and a Perhaps just as importantly, Biden commented on the need to con- dignified retirement for all. has proven that he will stand with trol rising costs and employers’ The former vice president workers in their fight for a better attempts to push more costs onto provided detailed answers on those life for all Americans. Throughout members’ shoulders. issues in his response to the USW his years in the Senate and as vice “In every demographic group questionnaire. By contrast, Presi- president, he has consistently been a and in every geographic region, dent Donald Trump did not respond voice for the rights of working fami- the issue of health care was at the when the union sought his answers lies – protecting the right to organize, forefront of members’ minds,” beginning in October 2019. fighting for fairness through the La- Brown said. Joe Biden has fought for the bor Department, OSHA, MSHA, the Members’ comments included issues that matter to working fam- NLRB and other important avenues. those like: “costs go up while ilies his entire life. This year, he is Recovering from the coronavirus benefits go down” or “we’re running for president to strengthen pandemic and building an economy paying more, but getting less.” an American middle class that has that works for all of us, for generations Others expressed worry for un- or been battered by an economy that to come, will take bold action and under-insured family members only works for the rich, by ever-ris- a sustained commitment. Joe Biden ing health care costs, by weak trade has plans that demonstrate both.

USW@Work • Summer 2020 15 and friends who were shouldering WORKERS’ RIGHTS devastating costs incurred from illness or injury. This came even UNDER ATTACK before the coronavirus swept across Without federal laws sup- the nation. Some attendees shared porting the rights of workers to personal stories of how having ben- organize, the labor movement – efits helped them through the worst and with it, the American middle moments of their lives without class – would be in danger of financial ruin. collapsing. USW survey respon- Knowing how important that dents recognized the importance issue and others are for members of this issue, ranking it as their has given USW leaders a clear third-highest priority. path as they determine where to The issue of labor laws that direct resources for the presiden- support our ability to form tial, legislative and gubernatorial “We’re struggling to have enough unions and negotiate strong elections coming up this November. PPE at our work; they’re reusing contracts was rated as “very important” on 81 percent of the “The information we have N-95 masks constantly. The supply union’s surveys. Participants at gained from members is invalu- chain is part of Biden’s plan, and it able, and this is just the begin- town halls repeatedly expressed will build up everybody all around ning,” said International President frustration with the direction Thomas M. Conway. “This will us. Because when people don’t have of the current, pro-corporate, help us become stronger advo- good jobs, they don’t have health anti-union National Labor cates for members in Washington, Relations Board (NLRB) and care, they can’t afford to go to the U.S. Department of Labor and D.C., but even more importantly, doctor or to the dentist … therefore, it will help us do a better job its systematic unraveling of the of representing the members of we’re losing money, we can’t main- protections that workers have this union each and every day in tain our jobs, and everybody loses. fought for and won for decades. workplaces across the country.” We’ve shown that we can change di- While they don’t get a lot of attention in the news, the NL- rection, we can answer the challenges RB’s actions are the reason why RETIREMENT that come at us.” so many members have faced greater difficulty at the bargain- SECURITY AMANDA THOMAS ing table in recent years. CONCERNS Local 9184, Dental Associates Members at town halls Retirement security, including Green Bay, Wis. were concerned about the pensions, 401(k)s, Social Securi- weakened state of labor laws, ty, Medicare, and Medicaid, was including the increasing num- the second highest-rated issue in ber of states that have adopted the survey, with 86 percent of re- right-to-work (for less) laws. spondents describing it as “very Some pointed to examples in important.” their own workplaces where At the town hall meetings, gains workers had made in the members talked about what past were rolled back because could be done to protect the ben- employers felt emboldened by efits members have earned and the business-friendly environ- paid for throughout their work ment in Washington. lives, whether those were Social Members raised a number Security, Medicare, retiree of other issues throughout the health care or pensions. “Americans need action, not tweets. process, including the need Others noted how 401(k)s That’s why I stand with the Biden plan. for comprehensive infrastruc- have shifted risk to individuals. He also has first-hand experience ture investment, workplace Some noted concern over the health and safety, fair trade helping the country out of economic future solvency of the Pension and others. To learn more Benefit Guaranty Corporation if collapse. That means a lot to me. I’m about the results of the Your the multiemployer pension sys- definitely looking for a strong union Union Your Voice survey and tem is allowed to collapse. And advocate in the White House.” the decision-making process still others raised the need for all for this fall’s elections, visit workers – no matter their age – to CHARLES SPIVEY uswvoices.org. think ahead to their own retire- Local 8888, Newport News Shipbuilding While the November ment and what it might look like. Newport News, Va. election is months away,

16 USW@Work • Summer 2020 this was only the beginning of the union’s efforts to engage members in the political process. USW offi- cers and directors plan to contin- TOOLS FOR VOTERS ue holding meetings that involve To check your voter regis- rank-and-file members directly tration status, find out how to in the legislative and electoral register to vote, and find state- process in the months and years by-state information on voting to come. by mail and other useful “One thing we know is that election-related tools, there is always another fight on visit uswvoices.org. the horizon - whether it’s at the bargaining table or in the halls “Joe Biden doesn’t check all of my of Congress - and it’s crucial PAC DONATIONS boxes, but no candidate ever will. I that members are always leading like that he has a plan to help make the way,” said Brown. “Our job Do you want to help the is to make sure that workers’ USW support candidates that America a manufacturing power fight for workers? You can again, I like that he supports the voices are heard by lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and all make calls on behalf of can- PRO Act to make joining unions across this country.” didates, distribute informa- easier. I like his ideas on improving tion and sign up to donate our infrastructure, and he supports to the USW Political Action Committee by visiting the Butch Lewis Act, which will go pac.usw.org/donate/. a long way to protect pensions that are in financial trouble.” GET INVOLVED MIKE NOLL Can you work at the Local 1237, PCA polls on Election Day? Newark, Ohio In 2016, carrying out our election required more than 900,000 volunteers, and that number wasn’t enough, resulting in long lines in some heavily populated districts. We need members who are able to step up and volunteer on Election Day. In addition to “Vice President Biden’s plan staffing polling places, is what we need to revitalize these workers cover early voting where it “Candidates must commit to fighting the steel industry, to use our American steel in our infra- is permitted and count and advocating for change, such as absentee ballots after structure and make the econo- the PRO Act and Medicare for All. I the election. For more am tired of living in a stagnated state my vibrant again. I’ve been in information about because of inaction from our elected the steel industry for 48 years, how you can get and my younger brothers involved, visit officials. We must fight for every vote uswvoices.org. to be accounted for. Our voices must and sisters deserve the same be heard through the wall of dark opportunities that I’ve been blessed with, and I see that in money.” Vice President Biden’s plan.” EDUARDO PLACENCIO Local 937, ASARCO, Mission Mine DAN BOONE Sahuarita, Ariz. Local 979, ArcelorMittal Steel Cleveland, Ohio

USW@Work • Summer 2020 17 Ruling: University Administrators Sought to Block Union

Pennsylvania Labor Relations fell short of reaching the 30 percent faculty and grad student workers from Board (PLRB) hearing examiner threshold of support as a result of the unionizing, the Pitt administration spent Aruled in June that the University administration’s inflated employee list. more than $1 million over the 2018-2019 of Pittsburgh administration artificially The USW expects the administration fiscal year on fees to Ballard Spahr. That inflated a list of its faculty employees in to appeal the ruling. figure was in addition to hundreds of order to impede a unionization cam- The faculty organizing campaign thousands of dollars the administration paign by the workers to join the USW. is one of two concurrent efforts by Pitt had paid the law firm in prior years. PLRB Hearing Examiner Stephen A. workers to become USW members. “Using frivolous litigation to delay Helmerich said that the employee list the Graduate student workers at the univer- an election is a classic union-bust- administration provided to the board “was sity fell just short of victory in a vote to ing tactic,” said Claude Mauk, senior factually and legally inaccurate” and that join the USW last spring, an outcome lecturer in linguistics. “Clearly they’re more than 300 names should be removed, that came as a result of unfair labor worried that faculty, once they have including upper administrators, supervi- practices by the university. the choice, will seize the opportunity sors and others, including some who had A PLRB hearing examiner upheld to compel the administration to shift left the university years earlier. the union’s complaints and ordered a the university's priorities back to the In order to trigger a unionization new election, but the university has teaching, research, and clinical work vote, the union needed to show support contested that ruling with the board. that faculty do.” from at least 30 percent of the potential The fact that Pitt’s union-busting bargaining unit. The administration Union-Busting Expenses efforts have continued throughout the supplied an inflated list, which included The university has employed infa- coronavirus pandemic makes their more than 4,000 names, making that 30 mous union-busting firm Ballard Spahr actions even worse, said International percent threshold harder to reach. of Philadelphia to help it obstruct the President Thomas M. Conway. “This is just the most recent example unionization efforts of both the faculty “It’s appalling that, during a peri- of the administration’s hostility to the and the graduate students. Creating od in which many of the university’s faculty exercising their right to vote,” confusion over who is eligible to be in lowest-paid faculty are being laid off, said Peter Campbell, assistant professor a bargaining unit is a typical tactic used the administration is choosing to spend of English. by anti-union employers. taxpayer dollars and student tuition on In April 2019, the faculty members Between its attempts to thwart the union-busting,” Conway said.

18 USW@Work • Summer 2020 Photo by Steve Dietz

n a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ Trump, wrote in the opinion of the Trump administration announced that it workers, the U.S. Supreme Court majority, which included Chief Justice was eliminating a rule that banned dis- Iruled in June that the Civil Rights John Roberts as well as Ruth Bader crimination against transgender patients Act protects them from discrimination Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Soto- in health care decisions. by their employers. mayor and Elena Kagan. The rule, an interpretation of a Citing Title VII of that act, the court Quite simply, when an employer section of the Affordable Care Act, ruled, by a 6-3 majority, that the 1964 discriminates against LGBTQ+ work- prohibited “discrimination based on law, which already banned job discrim- ers, that employer “violates the law,” race, color, national origin, sex, age or ination based on sex, also covers bias Gorsuch declared. disability in certain health programs and against LGBTQ+ workers. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel activities," which the Obama administra- “The USW is proud to celebrate along Alito and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. tion interpreted to include gender identity. with millions of others today the Supreme Decisions like that demonstrate the Court ruling that officially bans work- Honoring Pride Month need to continue the fight for equality place and employment discrimination The ruling came on June 15, the for all Americans, Redmond said. against LGBTQ+ people,” said Interna- midpoint of Pride Month, celebrated “This ruling must not be the end of tional Vice President Fred Redmond, who each year to coincide with the anni- our fight for a more just and equal soci- oversees the union’s Civil and Human versary of the Stonewall Rebellion of ety,” Redmond said. “The COVID-19 Rights program. “It is now up to every June 1969, considered a turning point pandemic has revealed the many dispar- one of us in the labor movement and in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the ities in our communities, especially for beyond to ensure it is employed fully and United States. The decision also came Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ people, who fairly in our workplaces.” five years after the court affirmed the have been disproportionately impacted Prior to the ruling, nearly half of legality of same-sex marriage. by this pandemic. Many lack access to U.S. states had no legal protections “Let us honor this Pride Month health care, and many work in essential for LGBTQ+ workers, meaning that with a renewed commitment to moving industries earning low wages — they employees could be fired or could forward in our fight for the safety and cannot be left to fall through the cracks be subject to harassment, bullying or health of all working people, while created by the chaos.” retaliation from their bosses simply celebrating this long-overdue victory,” In his statement celebrating Pride because of their identity or orientation. Redmond said. “There is still much Month, Redmond noted that Black Other states had a patchwork system work to be done.” trangender women have an average of protections based on legislation and Under the Obama administration, expected lifespan of only 35 years. executive orders. the federal Equal Employment Op- “The labor movement has always “An employer who fires an individu- portunity Commission had included said that an injustice to one is an in- al for being homosexual or transgender LGBTQ+ discrimination in its interpre- justice to all,” he said. “Let us use this fires that person for traits or actions it tation of civil rights laws, but the Trump month, and every month onward, to would not have questioned in members administration reversed that policy. live up to that acclamation and deepen of a different sex,” Justice Neil Gor- In addition, just days before the our commitment to the liberation of all such, an appointee of President Donald Supreme Court ruled in the case, the working people.”

USW@Work • Summer 2020 19 NLRB Issues Sweeping Complaint AgainstAgainst ASARCOASARCO

USW Responds with Offer to Return, Starting Clock on Potential Back Pay

triking workers at ASARCO won ending the strike and making an uncon- lined the failure of ASARCO management a major victory in June when the ditional offer to return to work, we create to bargain in good faith with the unions SNational Labor Relations Board the conditions for potential back pay.” representing its employees, both before (NLRB) Region 28 issued a sweeping Almost 2,000 members of eight and during the ongoing labor dispute. complaint against the company for international unions, the majority of The union workers at ASARCO are numerous alleged unfair labor practice whom are USW members, have been on part of one master agreement that covers (ULP) violations. strike at five ASARCO copper mining members from all locations and bar- In a strategic move that capitalizes and processing facilities in Arizona and gaining units, with supplemental local on that ruling and puts USW members in Texas since Oct. 13, 2019. ASARCO is agreements for each individual site. the best possible bargaining position, the a subsidiary of the multi-billion-dollar The unions’ most recent contract union decided on July 6 to end the ULP Mexico City-based mining conglomer- with the company expired on Dec. 1, strike and make an unconditional offer ate Grupo Mexico. 2018, and the unions had been working to return to work. under an extension of that agreement un- Under current NLRB case authority, OUR FIGHT WILL CONTINUE UNTIL til shortly before the ULP strike started when ULP strikers make such an offer to on Oct. 13, 2019. return, the company is required to return “WE HAVE NEGOTIATED THE FAIR AND The ULP strike began after the union them to their pre-strike jobs or similar JUST CONTRACT THESE MEN AND members voted overwhelmingly in Oc- jobs. If the company refuses to reinstate WOMEN HAVE EARNED. . tober to reject the company’s so-called the returning ULP strikers to their pre- “last, best and final” proposal and to strike jobs and claims their jobs are held INT’L PRES. THOMAS M. CONWAY” protest the company’s serious unfair la- by “replacement workers” or crossover bor practices at the bargaining table and employees, the returning ULP strikers “Our fight will continue until we at the work sites. The company’s offer may be entitled to back pay. have negotiated the fair and just contract included no wage increases for nearly “We don’t know how ASARCO will these men and women have earned,” two-thirds of the work force, increased respond to our unconditional offer to International President Thomas M. Con- restrictions on worker bonuses, a freeze return to work,” the union bargaining way said following the announcement of of the pension plan, and a proposal to more committee said in a letter to members the NLRB complaint. than double workers’ out-of-pocket contri- this July. “However, we all know that In the June 16 complaint, NLRB Re- butions to their health insurance costs. ASARCO only cares about money. By gional Director Cornele A. Overstreet out- In addition to those proposals, the

20 USW@Work • Summer 2020 unions at ASARCO have faced more neers (IUOE), the International Brother- includes Arizona, said that the unions than a decade of concessionary demands. hood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the will continue their attempts to engage Wages were frozen for a year under an United Association (UA) and the Inter- ASARCO management in good-faith extension agreement that went into effect national Brotherhood of Boilermakers. negotiations in an effort to reach a fair in 2010. Then, wages were frozen, health Among the specific allegations in the and equitable settlement. care benefits cut and the pension plan closed NLRB’s complaint against ASARCO “The USW stands ready at all levels to new hires under a 2011 settlement. were allegations of unilaterally imple- to work with the NLRB to bring ASAR- After the two sides were unable menting changes to working conditions CO to justice for breaking the law in its to reach an agreement in negotiations when there was no impasse, bargaining drive to avoid bargaining in good faith,” between 2013 and 2017, ASARCO im- with no intention of reaching agreement, Prescott said. “We hope that the compa- plemented conditions, and the member- failing to provide information necessary ny will take this opportunity finally to ship later ratified an agreement that froze for bargaining, not having decision-mak- bargain in good faith and start showing wages and cut benefits. ers at the bargaining table with adequate its workers the respect they deserve.” The five copper mining and process- authority to negotiate, and discriminating Following the NLRB complaint, ing facilities included in the ULP strike against union representatives. District 13 Director Ruben Garza, are the Mission Mine in Sahuarita, Ariz., Conway praised the solidarity of the whose district includes Texas, said that the Silver Bell Mine in Marana, Ariz., union members at ASARCO and cred- ASARCO would be required to answer the Ray Mine and Hayden concentrator/ ited the late District 12 Director Robert the complaint in writing and that the smelter in the Hayden, Ariz., area and LaVenture, who passed away suddenly, NLRB will then schedule a hearing for the Amarillo Refinery in Texas. shortly after the ULP strike began. an administrative law judge to review In addition to hundreds of USW “The courageous unity and solidarity evidence against ASARCO and to hear members, the striking work force of the union membership to continue testimony in the case. includes members of the International their righteous struggle for a fair contract “Our members, families and commu- Association of Machinists and Aero- are a tremendous credit to Bob’s life’s nities are standing up to one of the largest space Workers (IAM), the International work and leadership,” he said. and most powerful multinational corpo- Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the LaVenture’s successor, District 12 rations on the planet,” Garza said. “To- International Union of Operating Engi- Director Gaylan Prescott, whose district day, we are one step closer to justice.”

Photos by Steve Dietz

USW@Work • Summer 2020 21 TRADE WATCH The decision came after Turkey and Vietnam. The filings allege the USW and the International dumping margins of between 48 percent ITC to Investigate Brotherhood of Teamsters joined and 1008 percent. U.S. mattress producers in filing Dumping occurs when a manufacturer Mattress Imports antidumping and countervailing prices an exported product below its do- duty petitions with the DOC and mestic market value or below production he U.S. Department of Commerce the ITC in March. cost in order to gain market share. Gov- (DOC) will investigate unfair- The petitions, filed by the two unions ernments often provide subsidies to cover Tly traded mattresses from eight and Brooklyn Bedding, Corsicana Mat- losses that exporters suffer as a result. countries to determine if the products tress Co., Elite Comfort Solutions, FXI, In addition to the dumping allega- are harming the U.S. mattress indus- Innocor, Kolcraft, and Leggett & Platt, tions, the group filed a countervailing try, following a preliminary ruling this call for antidumping duties on imports duty petition alleging illegal subsidies spring from the U.S. International Trade of finished mattresses from Cambodia, by China, which is already subject to an- Commission (ITC). Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, tidumping duties following a 2019 case.

violations of labor condemned the arrest of prominent labor rights.” lawyer Susana Prieto Terrazas. Work Remains to Ensure The USW must Prieto was arrested after she was remain vigilant to accused of inciting violence at factories Enforcement of USMCA make sure the U.S. owned by U.S. companies, at which work- doesn’t allow the ers were demonstrating for safer working s a new trade deal between the failures of NAFTA to continue, Conway said. conditions amid the coronavirus outbreak. United States, Mexico and Canada “Simply put, the USMCA is a base- Though she was later released, she re- took effect in July, the USW said line, not a final destination. It sets mini- mained under threat of prosecution. A mum standards, and we must continue to “Ms. Prieto’s detention is casting a that much work remains to ensure that the agreement will be effective in protecting fight each day to ensure those standards pall over the proposed July 1, 2020, start workers and their jobs. are enforced,” he said. of the revised North American Free Trade “Despite the big promises workers Lori Wallach, director of Global Agreement,” the letter stated. have gotten from Washington, D.C., in Trade Watch, part of the nonprofit advo- U.S. Trade Representative Robert recent years, the U.S. trade deficit with cacy group Public Citizen, agreed that the Lighthizer, in testimony before the House its North American trading partners has revised deal is an improvement and that Ways and Means Committee on June 17, skyrocketed under this administration,” enforcement is the key to success. said the arrest was “a ‘bad indicator’ of International President Thomas M. Con- “President Trump’s claims the new Mexican compliance with improved USM- way said. “This is simply unacceptable and NAFTA will restore hundreds of thou- CA labor standards,” and said he would unsustainable.” sands of manufacturing jobs have proved seek enforcement action if necessary. Led by USW members, workers baseless,” Wallach said. “The new Prieto has also been an outspoken pushed hard to make sure the U.S.-Mex- NAFTA sets the floor from which we will critic of company-dominated “protection ico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was a fight for trade policies that put working unions,” common in Mexico, with un- significant improvement over its prede- people and the planet first.” elected leaders who sign contracts without cessor, the North American Free Trade Labor Attorney Jailed the consent of the workers. The USMCA Agreement (NAFTA), which cost the includes a provision that Mexico would While calling for activism to ensure United States tens of thousands of good work to put an end to such arrangements. the success of the USMCA, the Steel- jobs and led to shuttered factories across Prieto’s arrest follows a long pattern workers also joined 14 other organiza- the country. of labor-rights abuses by Mexican author- tions in calling for the release of a jailed Now, the agreement must be strictly ities. At least five union organizers at the labor attorney in Mexico and warning enforced, Conway said. Media Luna Mine, owned by Torex Gold that her arrest proved that some leaders “Thanks to the hard work of Democrats Resources of Canada, have died or gone in Mexico still do not respect the new in Congress, the new agreement contains missing in recent years. Also, Napoleon agreement’s labor protections. stronger language to protect good jobs Gómez Urrutia, president of the USW-al- In a letter to Mexican officials, the from offshoring and to ensure workers’ lied mining and metalworkers’ union Los USW, along with Public Citizen, the rights,” Conway said. “In the future, we Mineros, spent 12 years of exile in Canada United Auto Workers, the International will seek even stronger rules to protect while facing false charges leveled by a Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers and communities from offshor- previous government. Gómez was even- Workers, and the International Brother- ing, pollution, unfair trade policies and tually cleared of wrongdoing and later hood of Teamsters and 10 other groups, elected to the Mexican Senate.

22 USW@Work • Summer 2020 in 2015, and Chinese imports then dropped dramatically, allowing the USW Files Petitions domestic industry to invest in new capacity in the United States. on Passenger Vehicle, Yet importers soon sought out new sources of unfairly traded goods. Chi- nese producers, desperate for continued Light Truck Tires access to the attractive U.S. market, also invested in facilities in Korea and Commerce Department Thailand in order to export PVLT tires Investigating Imports without paying AD or CVD duties. “Slowing Chinese imports was vitally important to saving the domestic tire industry,” said Kevin Johnsen, who chairs the USW’s Rubber and Plastics Industry Conference. “But Chinese producers found a way around our safe- guards, and other bad actors are eager to take advantage of U.S. demand.” Conway said the Commerce De- partment’s new rules targeting currency manipulation are an essential tool for Photo by Steve Dietz North American workers to achieve a level playing field. “The USW has long sounded the alarm on the dangers of currency he U.S. Department of Com- system,” said International President manipulation and its impact on trade,” merce in June vowed to investi- Thomas M. Conway. “When a country Conway said. Tgate passenger vehicle and light like Vietnam artificially suppresses its The coronavirus pandemic has truck (PVLT) tire imports from Viet- currency for the purpose of propping up placed even more pressure on domestic nam, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, a its own industry, we need to treat that tire producers, increasing the stakes of month after the USW filed antidumping like we would any other illegal subsidy.” addressing unfair trade, Conway said. (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) Dumping occurs when a company “The main thing domestic producers petitions. exports a product at a price below its should be worrying about right now is The petitions, filed with the De- domestic market value or below its how to run their operations and keep partment of Commerce (DOC) and the actual production cost in order to gain people working as safely as possible,” International Trade Commission (ITC), market share against overseas compe- he said. “Yet, even as they face falling allege dumping margins as high as 195 tition. Foreign governments often pro- demand in the wake of this deadly dis- percent for Korea, 147 percent for Tai- vide subsidies to make up for the losses ease, they’re still grappling with unfair- wan, 217 percent for Thailand, and 33 the exporters suffer as a result. ly traded imports that have continued percent for Vietnam. The petitions also “This deluge of unfairly traded largely unabated. Our only chance to detail government subsidies benefiting imports hurt our domestic industry preserve thousands of good, family- Vietnamese tire producers, including and workers, including many USW sustaining jobs is to stem this tide.” loans, grants, tax breaks and currency members,” Conway said. “Even though The USW is the largest North Amer- manipulation. demand for PVLT tires increased, ican union in tire manufacturing, rep- The USW’s petition is the first such domestic producers were still forced resenting workers at the following U.S. action to include currency undervalu- to grapple with reduced market share, PVLT tire plants: Cooper Tire’s plants ation as a subsidy, under new rules the falling profits and lost jobs.” in Findlay, Ohio and Texarkana, Ark.; DOC issued earlier this year. The USW As a result of those unfair practices, Goodyear’s plants in Fayetteville, N.C., alleges that the Vietnamese govern- PVLT imports from the four countries and Topeka, Kan.; Michelin’s plants in ment’s systematic devaluation of the named in the petition shot up nearly 20 Fort Wayne, Ind., and Tuscaloosa, Ala.; nation’s currency in relation to the U.S. percent from 2017 to 2019, reaching Sumitomo’s plant in Tonawanda, N.Y.; dollar constitutes a subsidy that should 85.3 million tires, valued at $4.4 billion and Yokohama’s plant in Salem, Va. result in duties. dollars, last year. “We need swift and decisive action. “U.S. workers have for too long The USW obtained AD and CVD Thousands of community-supporting do- borne the brunt of a broken trade orders on PVLT tires from China mestic jobs depend on it,” Conway said.

USW@Work • Summer 2020 23 24 USW@Work • Summer 2020 hen George Floyd frustration with a system that was killed on May has consistently supported W25 while in the cus- deliberate, race-based violence tody of four Minneapolis po- and neglect aimed at Black lice officers, his death sparked Americans. an outpouring of grief, anger The fatal shooting of and frustration that fueled Rayshard Brooks by Atlanta marches and protests in cities police, which came less than and towns across the world, three weeks after Floyd’s with USW members joining death, continued to fuel millions in demanding justice demonstrations and calls for and reform. reform across the United The killing of Floyd, whose States. death followed other similarly “Our nation continues to tragic, senseless slayings of be torn apart as a result of Black Americans as a result the persistent, unlawful and of racism, also brought swift justice, fairness and equality,” unchecked violence against condemnation from leaders Redmond said. “The labor people of color,” International throughout the labor movement. movement gains its strength President Thomas M. Conway “At moments like these, we from our common belief said. “We will not turn our in the labor movement cannot that all people are inherently backs in these desperate times be silent and must express our valuable and have an unde- during which so many need so collective outrage over these niable right to a fair, just and badly to be heard.” brutal murders,” International dignified life, regardless of Remell Bryant, a member Vice President Fred Redmond race, religion, gender or sexual of Local 1010 in northwest said. “Many of us are sad- orientation.” Indiana, attended rallies in dened, but too many people Following Floyd’s killing, Gary and Hammond and said of color are worried that they the national outrage at system- that while the crowds were could be stopped on the way ic racism and police violence emotionally charged and some home from work or a union boiled over, and millions of confrontations took place meeting and suffer the same Americans took their anger to between police and dem- fate as George Floyd.” the streets. onstrators, the actions were Redmond said it was worth It was far more than Floyd’s a much-needed step in the remembering that the USW death that brought the nation advancement of justice. Constitution establishes the to that moment. It was the “These events left me with mission of the union to “seek deaths of Michael Brown, some sadness, but also with a to eliminate all forms of dis- Tamir Rice and Philando sense of hope. This is shining crimination” and fight for civil Castile. It was the deaths of a light on the injustice and the and human rights for all. Antwon Rose Jr., Breonna anger of the people, my peo- “Our union, the United Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and ple, and as a result it has unit- Steelworkers, is great be- countless others. ed us,” Bryant said. “America cause of our solidarity, our Even beyond those events, is now just reaping what it has respect for each other, and our protesters were expressing sown. We want justice and we unyielding commitment to decades – even centuries – of want it now.”

USW@Work • Summer 2020 25 Redmond to Lead Task Force the problem of police officers using deadly force Following Floyd’s death, the AFL-CIO created against the citizens and communities they are sworn a task force on racial justice and tapped Redmond to protect.” to chair the group. AFL-CIO President Richard Police unions, Ramirez said, must “advance a Trumka offered a reminder that the labor movement more peaceful, fair and just society instead of con- is rooted in the fight for justice in workplaces and tinuing to promote violence and protect racists who communities. hide behind badges.” Labor leaders Bayard Rustin and A. Philip Ran- Cyndi Smith, a member of Local 2695 at U.S. dolph, Trumka said, helped to organize the 1963 Steel’s Gary Works, said she hoped that the protests March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where that she and her fellow USW members participated Martin Luther King Jr. delivered perhaps his most in would bring about permanent changes, including famous address – the “I Have a Dream” speech. a re-examination of funding, hiring practices and “Racism plays an insidious role in the lives of mental health awareness in police departments, as all working people of color,” Trumka said. “This is well as more compassionate and less confrontational a labor issue because it’s a workplace issue. It’s a police interactions with Black Americans. community issue, and unions are the community.” “There needs to be a whole overhaul,” Smith said. Dr. King, Trumka said, was “We all want change to happen. We all need to be an ally of organized labor and allies for that cause.” lost his life to an assassin’s Trump’s Military Threat bullet while supporting the After one particularly Memphis sanitation work- tense day of protests, some of ers’ strike in April of 1968. which turned violent in part “Protesting police brutality is due to infiltration from outside not only a righteous cause,” groups with their own agen- Trumka said. “It is our respon- das, President Donald Trump sibility. It’s incumbent on each held a news conference at and every one of us.” which he threatened to deploy the U.S. military to the streets Calls for Deep Reforms of American cities to “solve As worldwide public demon- the problem,” as he put it. strations stretched through late That threat drew a particu- June, all four police officers larly strong rebuke from both who participated in Floyd’s Democratic and Republican killing faced charges, includ- leaders across the country, in- ing second-degree murder cluding Conway, who made it and manslaughter, as well as clear that the labor movement charges of aiding and abetting would not exist at all without those crimes. the right to protest and – some- The protests also led commu- times – take its grievances to nity leaders around the country the streets. to re-examine the funding they “When a leader threatens to provide for police departments use the military to quiet our na- and how they could redirect those resources to en- tion’s voice of protest, to quell our First Amendment sure better outcomes and enact deep and long-lasting rights,” he said, “then we are all on shaky ground.” reforms, a movement broadly – and somewhat inac- Trumka asked union members to continue the curately – dubbed “defund the police.” In addition, fight for justice and reform in their communities and labor leaders began to call out police unions that for their local police departments, and to use the labor too long have blocked much-needed change. movement’s defining principles of unity and strength In Minnesota, the USW joined the state AFL-CIO to make sure that the Black Lives Matter moment and other leaders in calling for Police Officers Fed- becomes one of real, lasting change. eration of Minneapolis President Bob Kroll to resign “That very solidarity is the foundation of the labor after Kroll described Floyd as a “violent criminal” and movement,” Trumka said. called the nationwide protests a “terrorist movement.” Smith, of Local 2695, said that unions exist to “We do not trust Kroll to serve and protect the fight for equal treatment for all, and the fact that public and absolutely cannot trust his leadership equal justice is not a reality for so many Americans to serve members of his union,” said District 11 goes against that core mission. Director Emil Ramirez. “Law enforcement unions “We can’t stand by and say this is OK,” she said. and their leaders are in a unique position to solve “This can’t keep happening.”

26 USW@Work • Summer 2020 POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN RENEWS CALL FOR MORAL REVIVAL Millions Gather Online to Demand Economic and Racial Justice

n 1968, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther too many challenges as a nation and as a training for workers to stay safe. King Jr. and others called for a people to think small or stay in our silos.” “They only started paying attention I“revolution of values” in America. Even before the pandemic left tens to us when we started fighting for the They sought to build a broad movement of millions without jobs, the nation was union. I’m not afraid to fight — I’ve uniting poor and marginalized commu- home to 140 million poor and low-in- been fighting my whole life,” Williams nities across the country. It would be come people. said. “Working people like us are strong called the Poor People’s Campaign. The online rally included a host of and powerful when we come together.” Though Dr. King was assassinated these people testifying, whom Rev. Dr. Rev. Barber closed the event with a in April, before the campaign’s main Alvin O’Neal Jackson, executive direc- riveting call to action, saying that as the event — a march on Washington that tor of the digital assembly, called the nation grapples with the coronavirus as June — his work carries on today under “prophets of our time.” They included well as the dual pandemics of racism the rejuvenated leadership of friend of fast-food workers, teachers, homeless and economic inequality, now is the the union Rev. Dr. William J. Barber. veterans, coal miners and single mothers. time to go big and bold. Barber and his organizers have “Their words often begin where our “In the long arc of human history traveled the country as part of the Poor conscience ends,” Jackson said. “Hear there are moments when the universe People’s Campaign for two years. Their them, listen … listen.” itself groans and declares, ‘It’s time. plan was to march in the nation’s capital Amy Jo Hutchinson of West Virginia It’s time for radical transformation and in June, as activists did 52 years ago. was one of the everyday “prophets” in reconstruction,’” he said. “The worst The coronavirus pandemic, however, the video rally. The 46-year-old single mistake we could make right now is to forced the march to shift online, but that mother said she never spent a day with- demand too little.” didn’t stop people from demanding the out poverty at some level. She recently He also said that there is no excuse end of systemic poverty and its inter- lost her health insurance, creating more for mass poverty and anguish to be locking injustices. financial hurdles. gripping the nation. On June 20, 2020, millions of view- “I have a bachelor’s degree, I’m “Republicans racialized poverty, and ers tuned in for the three-hour digital trying to heal a medical condition right too many Democrats ran from poverty,” gathering, sponsored by 100 organiza- now with essential oils and prayers he said. “It’s time now to expose it.” tional partners, including the USW and while I work full time,” she said in a Barber said fighting injustice is not other unions, 16 religious bodies, artists clip of her addressing a Senate oversight a matter of left or right politics — it’s and other advocates. committee in 2018. “I take my kids to about life and death. Overcoming it “Somebody’s hurting our people,” softball games; I’m organizing around means building power, which Barber Barber said in his introduction, a ral- other poor people. I just don’t think we believes is the key to a more just future. lying cry that wove through the virtual should have to give this much of our- “What we have is people power, and gathering. “It’s gone on far too long, selves in order to have a good quality that is the force that will prevail.” and we won’t be silent anymore.” of life in America, the richest country in the world.” Prophets of Our Time The Poor People’s Campaign calls Barber, who lives and works in for an end to this and other injustices. North Carolina, set out to make the One of the best ways to combat them is campaign a fusion movement of all through strengthening union rights. people and organizations to end mass poverty and economic injustice. USW Stronger Together Vice President Fred Redmond said Olivia Williams, 24, spoke about building bridges across movements and her experience working at Starbucks communities is the only path toward at Orlando International Airport. She justice. and her co-workers organized to join a Listen to a Solidarity Works “Now, more than ever, our country union because of a lack of respect from must knock down walls and fight togeth- management. The pandemic made the podcast episode with the er,” said Redmond. “We are facing far environment worse, as there was no Rev. Dr. William J. Barber at usw.to/podcast

USW@Work • Summer 2020 27 VICTORY AT RavenswoodRavenswood Court Rejects Constellium Bid to Reverse Health Care Ruling U.S. District Court “This is a significant vic- accounts that they could use ny was trying to do.” judge in June blocked tory for this group of work- to purchase supplemental Barnette said he spoke to Aan effort by Con- ers, many of whom devoted Medicare coverage. The union retirees suffering from can- stellium Rolled Products decades of their lives to this filed a grievance objecting to cer, leukemia, Alzheimer’s Ravenswood to overturn an company,” said Ernest R. the company’s plan, which disease and other life-threat- arbitrator’s ruling that prevent- “Billy” Thompson, director ultimately led the two sides to ening conditions who were ed the company from making of District 8, which includes arbitration. terrified of losing their insur- unilateral changes to health West Virginia, Kentucky, The USW filed suit to ance coverage. care benefits for its retirees. Maryland and Virginia. obtain an injunction, which The arbitrator’s ruling, In his ruling, Judge “They deserve the benefits prevented the changes from upheld by Judge Johnston in Thomas E. Johnston rejected that they earned over a life- taking effect while the arbi- his June 11 decision, ordered the West Virginia aluminum time of hard work, benefits tration proceeded. that “the retiree benefits in company’s argument that that this company negotiated “This ruling is just a question must be maintained, it had the right to modify into their union contract.” small part of the story. We unchanged, through the entire health and prescription drug The dispute began in went through a lot just to get term of the 2017 agreement.” coverage for retired workers. August 2018, when the the injunction,” said Local “We have collective He agreed with the arbitrator Ravenswood, W.Va., compa- 5668 President Ed Barnette, bargaining agreements to that the coverage was subject ny informed its retirees in a whose father retired from prevent exactly this kind of to the terms of USW’s col- letter that it was planning to the Ravenswood plant and scenario – to keep corpora- lective bargaining agreement terminate their group medi- whose mother was one of tions from making unilateral, with the company, which cal and drug coverage at the the union’s original Women top-down decisions like this, went into effect in 2017 and end of that year and replace of Steel. “It was absolutely decisions that hurt working runs through Sept. 19, 2022. it with health reimbursement devastating what the compa- people,” Thompson said. “I

Photos by Steve Dietz

28 USW@Work • Summer 2020 On July 1, Conway testified before a USW Supports special U.S. Senate committee on the cli- mate crisis, calling for robust investments in domestic manufacturing that would BlueGreen create good jobs and reduce emissions. “We can and must transform our Manufacturing manufacturing sector to become the cleanest, most efficient, most advanced in the world,” Conway testified. “Our Plan goal should be to accomplish that mission without displacing a single worker.” In fact, workers are an essential part of SW leaders joined other members the necessary transition to a green economy. and leaders of the labor-environ- “For a long time, USW members have mental partnership, the BlueGreen been leaders in pushing green technology U forward,” said International Vice President Alliance (BGA), in June to help launch the organization’s ambitious agenda to Roxanne Brown, who directs the union’s rebuild American manufacturing and fight legislative and policy efforts in Washing- the effects of climate change. ton, D.C., and in state legislatures across “The USW will always reject the false the country. “USW members are essential hope that this ruling notion that we must choose between good to the manufacture of clean, environmen- sends a clear message jobs and a clean environment,” Inter- tally friendly products, including tires that employers can’t national President Thomas M. Conway designed for greater fuel efficiency, paper simply decide to ig- said as the BGA rolled out its plan. “We products from recycled materials, bearings nore the pieces of their believe this country must have both, or we for wind turbines, and new steel pipe to contracts that they will have neither. That belief has formed prevent leakage.” don’t like.” the basis for our membership in the Blue- “Manufacturing workers, especially Barnette said he Green Alliance for the past 14 years.” USW members, are the key to solving our hopes the ruling will The USW, along with environmental environmental crisis, while making sure help other workers in watchdog the Sierra Club, founded the we remain competitive and continue to similar fights to pre- BGA in 2006. Today, the organization provide good, family-supporting jobs,” serve their benefits. includes more than a dozen unions and en- Brown said. “I know the work vironmental groups committed to fighting Ensuring that domestic manufacturers people put in here and for good jobs, clean infrastructure and fair can remain globally competitive as they what this has meant to trade. The BGA’s manufacturing proposal make costly investments is also essential, them. It’s a big victory outlines a set of national actions necessary Conway said. for everybody – in this to create an industrial economy that is “As long as domestic manufacturers area especially,” he globally competitive, clean, safe and fair are bearing any cost of reducing emissions said. “This could help for workers and communities. that is not borne by foreign competitors, other locals down the “These priorities, if they are followed, they will be at a disadvantage in the mar- road, too. I hope they will mean a stronger, safer, more prosper- ketplace,” said Conway. “Therefore, we can build off of what ous future for all workers, families and must also have a strong, comprehensive we did.” communities in the United States,” Con- and timely border adjustment mechanism.” way said. “American industrial workers Congress and the president must make – and Steelworkers in particular – are an good, clean jobs their top priority, Conway essential part of that future.” said, noting that the COVID-19 pandem- The BGA agenda outlines a set of na- ic has shed light on the urgency of the tional actions to modernize the U.S. indus- United States rebuilding its manufacturing trial base, create good jobs, combat climate base and putting Americans back to work. change and ensure fairness for workers and “We don’t have the luxury of time,” communities. The five pillars of the plan Conway said. “We need to act now, to en- are to invest in a new generation of Amer- sure the long-term health of our citizens, ican manufacturing; to innovate to trans- our economy and our planet.” form industry; to responsibly mine, recycle To achieve its goals, the USW will need and reclaim the critical materials necessary the support of other unions, as well as gov- for a secure, clean economy; to use public ernment and industry leaders, Conway said. investment to create markets for a strong, “We must make sure that American clean, fair manufacturing economy; and to workers are leading the way on these change the rules to build a clean economy changes, rather than becoming victims of that works for all Americans. them,” he said.

USW@Work • Summer 2020 29 early every day, Matt Beckman, vice chairman of the grievance Ncommittee for Local 1010 in Hammond, Ind., checks out the USW’s database of 17,000 arbitration awards to prepare and defend his members at Arce- lorMittal. “I absolutely use it all the time, pretty much every day. It keeps us in the loop about what everybody else is doing,” Beckman said. “It’s a wonderful tool for research.” The searchable database, created by the arbitration section of the USW’s Col- lective Bargaining, Research and Benefits Department, is now available for free to all local unions registered on Steelweb (www.steelweb.org). “It helps us with cases involving the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in terminations and safety violations. It runs the gamut,” said Beckman, who uses

30 USW@Work • Summer 2020 the database for information that he database and read through old cases used to find in a law library. and find the circumstances and the lan- “We firmly believe in research, guage that speak to our issues, I can’t and this really helps us in researching tell you how useful that is,” Panza said. similar problems that all workers go “You can get a sense of current through,” he said. arbitrators, and see if they fit, if their American labor arbitration awards thinking is in line with the case or are private, and only a small fraction of whether another arbitrator might be all awards are published or otherwise better.” publicly available. The USW is seeking help with the The USW database comprises database project from local unions. Lo- almost every award that the collective cal union officials should retain copies bargaining and research department of arbitration awards when they come could find since 2004, as well as all in, but also send a hard copy or email a U.S. Steel cases back to 1978, all Arce- PDF for inclusion in the database. lorMittal awards and most Alcoa cases. Please send copies to the Collective In addition, the database contains Bargaining, Research and Benefits important older awards from other Department, 60 Blvd. of the Allies, industries, as well as all cases that Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or email a PDF appeared in old USW Arbitration to [email protected]. The depart- Newsletters and Pike & Fischer’s Steel ment particularly interested in getting Arbitration Awards. copies of awards when the union’s “You can use the database to look advocate is either a local union officer up and see how the rules themselves or an attorney. Grievance and interpretation of the rules were The department also recommends created,” said Tony Panza, grievance that local unions start research with chairman for Local 979 at ArcelorMit- arbitration textbooks like BNA’s Griev- tal in Cleveland. ance Guide. Additionally, for $30 a Researching the database can help month, local unions can buy access to local unions evaluate arbitrators who the Bureau of National Affairs (BNA) nother resource is the appear on panels and identify the Labor and Employment Practice Cen- Grievance Committee evidence that particular arbitrators may ter database, a powerful research tool. AManual – Winning Jus- need to rule in the local union’s favor. Local unions with questions, tice on the Job – available from Arbitration topics are often similar problems or suggestions for improve- USW Mail and Print Operations. across industries. ments should contact the Information The manual offers suggestions Systems Department at webmaster@ “The database gives us an op- to help grievance committees portunity to look at other cases that steelweb.org or (412) 562-1990. are similar and cases that have come manage the grievance procedure from other industries,” Beckman told Grievance Tracker on Steelweb effectively and represent cowork- USW@Work. “I just read one from The Information Systems Depart- ers conscientiously. BFGoodrich that I’m going to use in an ment has developed an electronic Unlike the USW Steward grievance tracking system, which local arbitration coming up.” Handbook, which focuses more The database may contain awards unions can register for on Steelweb. This tracker sends reminder emails to on the war in the trenches, this on similar grievances out of different manual should help local union locations and industries, or by the very alert stewards or officers when a griev- officials think about the big pic- arbitrator selected to hear a specific ance deadline is approaching. local union’s case. Repeating the lan- Local unions using the grievance ture. It can familiarize newcomers guage found in archived awards can be tracking system can stay on top of a with the basics and suggest new persuasive in new cases. busy grievance docket and respond to approaches to experienced local “We’re trying to win some griev- member questions about the status of union grievance representatives. ances, so to be able to go into the grievances filed on their behalf.

The database gives us an op ortunity to lo k at other cases that are similar, and cases “that have come from other industries. ” USW@Work • Summer 2020 31 NEWS BRIEFS

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION POSTPONED hen the coronavirus pandemic The constitutional convention is – was set for the following year. limited travel and forced the the USW’s top governing body, where “We will of course issue a new Wextended shutdown of hotels rank-and-file members from local convention call and prepare for the con- and conference centers along the Las unions across North America debate vention as that date approaches in the Vegas Strip this spring, the USW Inter- and pass resolutions that guide the normal fashion,” the Executive Board national Executive Board was forced to union’s policies and activities in the said in a July 1 letter to local unions. take action to postpone the union’s 2020 coming years. While the convention is postponed, constitutional convention. the USW has worked hard to fill the “The health and safety of our mem- void of in-person meetings, training bers, staff and families is our paramount sessions and other events by continuing concern,” International President Thom- Hopefully we can all begin to hold electronic get-togethers on plat- as M. Conway said. “Unfortunately, to gather together soon at all forms including Zoom, Facebook Live there are still too many unknowns for and other avenues. us to responsibly proceed as previously the levels of“ our union. In the “We are doing our best to continue scheduled.” meanwhile, stay safe, look out the work of the union while also prior-

The convention had been set to take itizing the health and safety of mem- place during the first week of August for each other and reach out to bers and their families,” Conway said. 2020 inside the MGM Grand confer- the union through your normal “USW staff members are still working ence center in Las Vegas. That facility, channels and visit“ the USW. hard to provide excellent service for as well as other similar ballrooms and members while working from home. meeting centers in Nevada and across org website for updates and We are confident that everyone will the country, was closed through the resources that are helping us continue to do so as we slowly, and spring and early summer while the re- handle this crisis period. safely, transition back to our regular sponse to the coronavirus pandemic re- activities.” quired a limit on the number of people In its letter, the Executive Board who could safely gather in one place. urged local leaders to continue to be “We have been advised to limit vigilant in making sure that their work- non-essential travel and avoid large Following the USW Executive places are safe and healthy for all mem- public gatherings,” Conway said. Board’s decision to postpone the event, bers and to reach out to the international The convention is now scheduled more than 77 percent of USW members for any help they may need. for August 8-11, 2022. voted to support the postponement plan “Hopefully we can all begin to gath- The MGM Grand shut down its op- before the June 30 deadline. er together soon at all the levels of our erations on March 12, and as of July still Because the USW will be holding union,” the letter said. “In the mean- had not resumed holding conferences on local union and international elections while, stay safe, look out for each other the scale of the USW’s triennial gathering, in 2021, which will require a significant and reach out to the union through your which usually attracts about 3,000 people, investment of time and resources from normal channels and visit the usw.org including thousands of member delegates local unions, the constitutional conven- website for updates and resources that and guests from around the world. tion – another major expense for locals are helping us handle this crisis period.”

32 USW@Work • Summer 2020 Museum Workers Launch Bid to Join USW USW Celebrates 78th Birthday In the latest in a wave of efforts by academic and oth- The USW on May 22 marked 78 years since union er white-collar workers to become members of the USW, activists first organized in Cleveland to form the United hundreds of staff members from four Western Pennsylvania Steelworkers of America, with a statement from President museums announced in late June that they had launched a Thomas M. Conway highlighting the resilience of the union unionization drive. to weather crises and its commitment to improving the lives Presenting themselves as the United Museum Workers, of working people. the group of more than 500 scientists, educators, art handlers, “While there have been times over the past 78 years clerks, event ushers and other employees at Pittsburgh’s Carne- that we’ve been challenged and felt under siege, our union gie Museum system said they were looking forward to holding has never been broken,” said Conway. “And because of our a successful vote. determination, solidarity and willful purpose, we never will “We are proud future members of the United Steelwork- be broken.” ers union, whose members built the fortune of our museum’s Throughout its history, the USW has merged traditions founder,” the group’s mission statement said. and fought many battles with difficult employers, leading The group held a virtual “rally” as their workplaces were to the improvement of the lives and working conditions of reopening after several months of shutdowns and furloughs thousands of workers across North America. related to the coronavirus pandemic. Conway said the USW is still guided by its founding The Carnegie Museum system was founded in 1895, origi- principles and underscored the importance of the union’s nally as the Carnegie Institute, by steel giant Andrew Carnegie. voice in legislative and political processes. The museums consist of the Carnegie Museum of Natural His- “We should all hold our heads up high today, knowing tory, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Science Center that each of us play a real and lasting role in keeping this and the Andy Warhol Museum. great institution vibrant and relevant in today’s society,” Despite their diverse range of departments and duties, said Conway. “The work we do each day helps not only Gabi DiDonna, an assistant registrar of loans at the Carnegie our fellow members but also others who need us. We have Museum of Art, said in the campaign’s video announcement, much to be thankful for, and we should all be proud to be a “What unites us is a dedication to preserving and presenting part of this noble union.” art, scientific collections and ideas.” DiDonna also said that although working at a prestigious, mission-driven nonprofit is often a labor of love, many of the Court Orders Jersey Shore Steel to Bargain workers struggle to make ends meet. “Prestige doesn’t pay the A federal court in April granted Region Six of the rent,” she said. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) an injunction or- Along with better pay and benefits, the United Museum dering Jersey Shore Steel to recognize and bargain in good Workers are demanding inclusivity in hiring, accessibility, faith with USW Local 4907-04 in Pennsylvania, reinstate increased transparency and a voice in the museum’s deci- three unlawfully discharged union officers and undo unilat- sion-making process. erally implemented changes to working conditions. “We are looking forward to the days ahead,” DiDonna said at “Step-by-step, we are marching toward justice at Jersey the rally’s conclusion, “and we can’t wait to win our election.” Shore Steel for workers who have been unfairly impacted by management’s various schemes to avoid good faith negotia- tions,” said USW District 10 Director Robert “Bobby Mac” McAuliffe. “We are proud to fight on their behalf as long as the company continues its attempts to undermine workers.” In an April 29, 2020, decision, U.S. Judge for the Mid- dle District of Pennsylvania Matthew W. Brann ordered the company to take action as the NLRB prepares to prosecute Jersey Shore Steel. NLRB Region Six will prosecute Jersey Shore Steel for multiple alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act at the USW-represented facility near Montoursville in Lycoming County, Pa. “Ultimately, the unity and solidarity of our members will carry the day at Jersey Shore Steel,” McAuliffe said. “Man- agement needs to get the message and stop breaking the law.” The company’s unfair labor practices included failing to bargain in good faith or provide information necessary for negotiations, unilaterally changing working conditions, unlawfully discharging members of the USW bargaining committee and threatening workers with plant closure.

USW@Work • Summer 2020 33 NEWS BRIEFS Lemieux Named District 5 Director The International Executive Board this spring appointed Dominic Lemieux to serve as the USW’s new director of Dis- trict 5, which comprises the Canadian province of Quebec. Lemieux took over the post from Alain Croteau after serving as his assistant since 2016. Before becoming assistant director, Lemieux served as the USW’s North Shore Regional Coordinator. He also serves as a Vice President of the Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ) and a member of the Board of Directors of the FTQ’s Solidarity Fund. Lemieux became a USW staff representative in 2008 after working in the Abitibi gold mines and at Stelco (now Arcelor- Mittal) in Contrecoeur. While on the job, he quickly devel- oped an interest in workplace health and safety and became an activist on the USW Local 6951 executive board. He has traveled throughout Quebec as a member of the USW Honors Civil Rights Icon Rep. John Lewis USW’s organizing team and has led major negotiations with The USW joined a chorus of millions in celebrating multinational employers including Rio Tinto, Alcoa, Lafarge, the life and legacy of U.S. Rep. John Lewis when the civil ArcelorMittal, Glencore and rights icon died July 17 at the age of 80. many others. “His endless courage in the face of injustice is a He chaired the FTQ Youth reminder of what ordinary people can do in extraordinary Committee from 2007 to 2009, times – though, one could easily argue Rep. Lewis was and played a key role in the cam- far beyond ordinary,” the union said in a joint statement paign that led to a ban in 2018 on by International President Thomas M. Conway and Vice two-tier pension and benefit plans President Fred Redmond. “Every decision he made in in Quebec workplaces. Congress, he made with people at the center of his mind, Lemieux holds a certificate in not politics. Every step he took in life, he took in the same health and safety from the Univer- way – with great purpose and passion.” sity of Montreal and completed Rep. Lewis, one of the original Freedom Riders, activ- the Harvard University Trade ists who directly challenged segregation in the American Union Program. South, was an ally and friend of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Rep. Lewis helped organize and spoke at the 1963 NLRB Steps Up Attacks on Workers March on Washington, led countless other civil rights The Republican-dominated National Labor Relations efforts throughout his career and represented Atlanta in the Board issued two more decisions in June meant to hinder U.S. Congress for more than 30 years. union organizing efforts. “We are not simply moved to tears by Rep. Lewis’s In the first ruling, the board decided that companies can death, but moved to action,” the USW statement said. “We prohibit discussions of union organizing between employees will fight for every American’s right to vote, for their right during working time. The ruling stemmed from a case in to come home at night after work in the same condition which the board upheld disciplinary action against a worker they left, and for their right to a life of dignity and liberty.” for talking with another employee about a union election for A champion of the labor movement, Rep. Lewis re- several minutes during work time. ceived numerous honors throughout his life, including the “Union solicitation is likely to disrupt work,” the board Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. In 2018, the USW said, adding that employers may take action even if the con- presented Lewis with the union’s Wellstone Award, given versation does not interrupt work. annually to a public figure with a deep commitment to Later in June, the board overturned an Obama-era prec- public service and the well-being of workers. edent that prohibited employers from taking drastic disci- plinary action against workers in the period after the union is USW Postpones Leadership Scholarship Classes organized but before a first contract is signed with the newly After much thought and debate, the USW decided this formed union. spring that it would postpone all Leadership Scholarship The new rule, which conflicts with previous U.S. Supreme 2020 classes due to the continued spread of the coronavirus. Court decisions, means that – prior to a first contract – man- District directors and officers are currently working to agement may discipline workers without having to notify or set dates for 2021, while also working on setting up online bargain with the newly formed union over its decisions. activities including workshops, movies and a book club. The NLRB said the new rules would apply retroactively to For more information, check out the USW website and all pending cases. social media groups.

34 USW@Work • Summer 2020 USW Members Protest Essentia Layoffs Alberta Local Helps Build Shelter Workers in Minnesota’s Iron Range continue to protest the elimi- The Women of Steel Committee of Local 1-207 nation of 900 jobs at Essentia Health, a decision that has left hundreds in Alberta, Canada, played a vital role in making of USW Local 9460 members jobless since May and without health sure the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation was insurance after July. able to open the doors of its new domestic violence The layoffs made up 6 percent of the company’s workforce – not shelter and resource center this past June. including an additional 850 workers placed on administrative leave Local 1-207 President Ray White learned about through July – and came despite Essentia Health receiving $95 million the foundation in 2016 at the National Policy Con- in government coronavirus relief funds as of July. ference in Edmonton, and since then, he and his fel- The company cited canceled elective surgeries as the reason for the decision. low Steelworkers have been raising funds, building Local leaders have met with management to negotiate the layoffs awareness, and securing materials and furniture. several times in recent weeks and were able to prevent some layoffs, Local 1-207 members, District 3 and Local but not enough, according to Local 9460 president Deanna Hughes. 1944 in Burnaby, British Columbia, together “What we would like to see is community members and patients raised thousands of dollars for the cause, orga- reaching out to Essentia about this,” Hughes said. “And I think Essentia nizing a golf tournament, purchasing tables at the forgets sometimes that a lot of their employees are also their patients.” Montreal Massacre luncheon and more. Community allies joined the campaign in solidarity events, includ- “This was truly a team effort,” said White. “I ing a drive-by caravan on June 1 in Duluth, Minn., and an informational have never been prouder to be a Steelworker.” picket June 27 in Spooner, Wis. Jessie’s House in Morinville, Alberta, a 9,200- Local 9460 vice president Adam Ritscher said campaign actions will square-foot building, is the first new emergen- continue as the union fights back against the layoffs. cy shelter to be built in the province in 22 years. “This is just the first of what will be a series of actions and bill- It offers housing, court assistance, tutoring, family boards in an effort to not lay off essential workers in the midst of the counseling and other services. The home also in- pandemic,” said Ritscher. cludes a USW Women of Steel Suite in honor of the Community members and patients of Essentia Health can contact the union’s efforts. health care system directly at 218-786-3091 to voice support for the workers. USW Salutes Postal Workers The USW issued a statement on July 1, National Postal Worker Day, honoring the sacrifices of postal workers and calling for Americans to continue to support the U.S. Postal Service as it confronts the COVID-19 pandemic and a financial crisis. “Postal workers risk their lives every day to deliver the medicines and other supplies that their fellow Americans need to survive the health cri- sis,” International President Thomas M. Conway said. “They bring the letters that keep families and friends connected during this unprecedented period of lockdowns.” In November, the U.S. Postal Service will play a critical role in preserving American democracy by delivering what is expected to be a large num- ber of absentee ballots likely to be cast in a presi- dential election occurring amid the pandemic. U.S. Among Worst Nations for Labor Rights “Sadly, although the postal service is more im- The United States is the worst violator of labor rights among the portant than ever, its fate has never been in greater world’s developed countries, according to a survey of unions. jeopardy,” Conway said. According to the International Trade Union Confederation, which In April, the postal service announced that includes 331 labor organizations in 163 countries, the United States it was likely to run out of money by September received a rating of 4, indicating “systematic violations of rights,” while without federal aid. While President Donald every other Group of Seven nation received a rating of 3 or better. Trump and some other Republicans have attempt- Top-ranking nations for protecting labor rights included Sweden, ed to pin the blame on fiscal mismanagement, the Italy, Netherlands, Ireland and Germany. truth is that the crisis is a result of more than a de- The confederation also said that workers’ rights are being threatened cade of effort by Republicans to starve the postal around the world, with violations currently at a seven-year high. Countries service of resources and place impossible finan- in North Africa and the Middle East were named the worst offenders, with cial obligations on it in an effort to privatize it. some banning strikes and others banning collective bargaining altogether. “The USW salutes postal workers for their Among the worst-ranked countries in the survey were Bangladesh, heroic service to America and calls on the federal Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, government to take immediate steps to safeguard Turkey and Zimbabwe. this vital institution,” Conway said.

USW@Work • Summer 2020 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 ______You may also email the information to [email protected]

A Win for ASARCO Workers Striking union members won a major victory this summer in their long fight against ASARCO when the National Labor Relations Board Region 28 issued a sweeping complaint against the company for numerous alleged unfair labor practice violations. See page 20.

Photos by Steve Dietz