United Steel Works Sign Up Information

Joe ,

As you all know, healthcare workers and first responders across the United States and Canada are combating this pandemic at the frontline. There's a way we can help right now.

Now, more than ever, we need to stand in solidarity with these workers to help get the personal protective equipment that they need.

Many of you have already worked with your employer to provide extra personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, eye goggles and more to local organizations in need. We encourage all local unions to reach out to their employers to help if you can.

Click here to view a list of commonly used personal protective equipment and find out how to get them where needed.

Also, each state has a State Emergency Operation Centers (SEOC) that is always willing to collect essential equipment. You can find your SEOC by contacting your State Department of Public Safety, Department of Emergency Management or similar agency.

For more information on our union's resources, including help for workers whose jobs are affected by Covid-19, please visit usw.org/covid19, which we are updating regularly.

Thanks for all you do. Please stay safe and healthy.

Tom

Joe ,

Seventy-eight years ago today union activists came together in Cleveland and formed the United Steelworkers of America. ??

Over the years, we've grown and joined with other important unions, merged our traditions, fought many battles with difficult employers, advanced and improved the lives of working people in both the United States and Canada and have so often been at the forefront of the fight for social justice and equality. ??

While there have been times over the past 78 years that we've been challenged and felt under siege, our union has never been broken. And because of our determination, solidarity and willful purpose, we never will be broken.

Our founding principles, adopted all those years ago, continue to guide us today.

Our work is crucial for keeping in check greedy employers seeking to put profits over people, and we are and always have been an important voice in the political and legislative processes of our nations.

Our great union has, as we all know, made each of our lives more meaningful. It has allowed each of us to live in dignity and to know with certainty that we will never have to stand alone against the troubles that too often hurt hard-working people. ??

We should all hold our heads up high today, knowing that each of us play a real and lasting role in keeping this great institution vibrant and relevant in today's society. The work we do each day helps not only our fellow members but also others who need us. We have much to be thankful for, and we should all be proud to be a part of this noble union. ?

In Solidarity,

USW International President

P.S. If you need support during this difficult time, be sure to visit our USW COVID-19 tool kit on our website for a ton of information and resources.

Joe ,

The COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from gathering in person, but it won't stop us from memorializing our Steelworker sisters and brothers who were injured or killed on the job on the last year.

Join us TOMORROW, April 28, at noon EST as we stream our 2020 Workers Memorial Day ceremony on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and our website.

Facebook: facebook.com/steelworkers/live
Instagram: Instagram.com/steelworkers
YouTube: youtube.com/steelworkers
USW Website: usw.org

We'll take a few moments to reflect on those we've lost then do what we do: pivot into action to continue pushing for laws to make our workplaces safer.

Stay tuned for a series of educational webinars on our Facebook page kicking off this this week from our Health, Safety and Environment Department. Also look for information from Rapid Response about worker safety legislation we're pushing. And watch for our Education Department's video watch party series starting with the film, "Silkwood," a drama based on health and safety concerns at a nuclear facility.

Finally, a reminder to visit usw.org/covid19 in the U.S. and usw.ca/covid19 in Canada often as we're adding resources there daily to help us all get through this.

Thanks so much for all you do.

In Solidarity,

Tom

Joe ,

We've been getting a lot of questions about how to stay safe at work if you're considered essential and what you qualify for if you've lost your job because of COVID-19.

We're working hard to get answers to those questions and more, and want to make sure you know what we've gathered so far.

Check out the videos, share them with other members in your local who have questions and check our COVID-19 webpage, usw.org/COVID19, for even more resources.

• Coronavirus Laws and You
  Our union''s legislative experts explain everything you need to know about COVID-19 related laws affecting you, your family and your jobs.
• A Webinar for USW Health Care Workers
  This one-hour webinar will give needed information on how the virus is transmitted, what respiratory protection is needed to protect USW health care workers and the patients who rely on them.
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  An overview of the recently enacted federal emergency leave that unfortunately failed to cover many thousands of our members. ? ?
• The Family Medical Leave Act in the Time of COVID-19
  The USW Membership & Education Department examines how members can make use of the federal Family Medical Leave Act to safeguard their jobs and health benefits should they need to take medical leave for themselves or a family member.

Again, for the latest updates make sure you visit usw.org/COVID19 often.

In solidarity,

Tom

Joe ,

In our greatest time of need in these dark days we''re going through, you''re keeping our nations going and doing the work that really matters.

As you roll up your sleeves and do the work that can''t be done from home, know how proud of you I am.

On behalf of the entire USW International Executive Board -- THANK YOU.

Tom