PITTSBURGH—United Steelworkers union members are participating in a "nationwide week of action" from Aug. 16-20, calling for robust investments in the country's infrastructure and highlighting the contributions USW members make in multiple industries.
The bus tour—which is part of the "We Supply America" campaign—is scheduled for stops at USW locals in six states: Chesterton, Ind.; Newark, Ohio; Weirton, W. Va.; Danville, Va.; Wilmington, N.C.; and Pittsburgh.
"We need a national infrastructure that keeps us safe, that is modern, that keeps our supply chains stocked with the materials we need, and that keeps the country moving in the right direction," USW International President Tom Conway said. "As a union, we have the skilled workforce to accomplish all these goals."
The USW is calling on Congress to pass legislation to secure large-scale, long-term infrastructure investments. Earlier this week, the Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that includes $550 million in new spending.
"This is about so much more than fixing roads and bridges," Conway said. "We need an ambitious overhaul of our entire critical infrastructure from modern schools and health care facilities to state-of-the-art communications networks. Everything that USW members make and everything that we do contributes in some way to this vital project."
Look forward to getting this #WeSupplyAmerica @steelworkers bus tour kicked off in an hour. Proud to be back in my Hoosier state with @KeepitMadeinUSA. pic.twitter.com/dZSxXYO2CI
— Scott Paul (@ScottPaulAAM) August 16, 2021
The bus tour will feature USW members and leaders, as well as "like-minded allies," including Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, members of Congress and other elected leaders, company representatives, and environmental and manufacturing advocates. USW members also will lobby members of Congress through letters and phone calls.
"Ultimately, every worker and every family in every U.S. state will benefit in some way from an infrastructure program," said International Vice President Roxanne Brown, who oversees the union's legislative and political efforts from Washington, D.C. "Done right, a robust infrastructure investment will spur jobs and job growth in communities across the country and bring meaningful economic opportunity to people in all of our neighborhoods. Congress just needs to make it a reality."
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.
