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PUBLIC POLICY IN THE U.S. has long recognized the necessity of free collective bargaining. Its mature practice ensures labor peace and enriches the economic well being of our country, our [...]

THE RECENT FAVORABLE RULINGS by the Clinton administration on welded line pipe and wire rod represent relatively small ripples of progress in a vast sea of troubling developments in the [...]

The Stand Up for Steel Campaign provided a venue where the different sectors of the steel industry were able to form a united front for the advancement of the interests of the entire industry. The success of the campaign, which would not be realized without the existence of a strong, united workforce, should make employers realize the value of a united steel industry. The existence of organizations such as United Steelworkers of America is vital for the survival of the US steel industry in the global arena., Two significant developments in the past year have had a profound effect on the steel industry: the struggle to win passage of a steel-quota bill and negotiations between our union [...]

The steel industry needs a New Internationalism to solve the problems that the World Trade Organization (WTO) seemingly cannot deal with. Its flawed trade policy has failed to protect the industry from the massive illegal dumping of foreign products in the US which is killing the steel manufacturing sector. The fifth anniversary of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act on Dec 8, 1999, is the best time to demonstrate withdrawal sentiments and awaken the Clinton administration to the effects of the WTO., Woody Allen once wrote that he hated reality but knew it was still the only place to get a good steak sandwich. Reality can be tough to swallow, as I've [...]

The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) aims to attain fairness for both employees and employers in the steel industry both on the national and international scale. The USWA employs this as a guiding principle in its collective bargaining efforts to enhance the standard of living of steelworkers. Thus, the USWA seeks to prevent contracting out of bargaining-unit jobs and the lawsuit against the North America Free Trade Agreement is part of the said goals because the treaty has resulted in disadvantaged workers., 'A level playing field' is the metaphorical principle of fairness that applies to all competition, whether it be among athletes on playing fields or among companies operating within the free-enterprise [...]

Some of the views of Bryan Berry regarding labor unions' commitment to the role workers play in the success and prosperity of steel companies invite comment. Unions should recognize the importance of workers by involving them in various management and decision-making processes. They are advised to establish partnerships, adopt new technologies and work procedures that are designed to advocate employee well-being and other concerns. Moreover, unions should be seen as organizations designed to promote and protect safety in the industry., I have discussed labor/management cooperation before in these pages, but I want to revisit the subject in light of Bryan Berry's Viewpoint column in the Nov. 1997 issue of New [...]

Imports are once again emerging as a threat to the American steel industry. Imports, for instance, account for 23% of total supply. Low-priced steel imports from developing economies in the Commonwealth of Independent States and China are rapidly increasing while monthly import levels remain volatile which may lead to an oversupply. However, these threats can be undermined by the government's enforcement of trade laws., Having delivered a crushing blow to the American steel industry in the 1980s, imports once again have surfaced as a threat that needs to be addressed decisively. Concomitant concerns are [...]

Ex-Secretary of Labor Robert Reich had shown fairness in dealing with companies and workers during his tenure. He did not perform special favors for companies, but required both companies and unions to follow labor laws. To protect the National Labor Relations Act, Reich opposed some bills, such as the Team Act, and supported others, such as the bill preventing permanent replacement of workers conducting a lawful strike., As Secretary of Labor during the Clinton Administration's first term, Robert Reich acquired a reputation as a friend of working Americans and labor unions. That's true, but it should be [...]

The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and other unions are against the Team Act which purportedly enhances competitiveness by granting labor-management teams the authority to deal with wages and working conditions without being approved by the National Labor Relations Board. Supporters of the Team Act argue that it allows management and labor to cooperate in the resolution of shop floor problems, thereby, making the company more competitive. However, the USWA believes that this can be achieved in a unionized environment., When I was a young man in Granite City, Ill., I had friends and relatives who worked in plants in the area that had company unions. The stories they told [...]

The New Directions bargaining policy was adopted on Jan. 5, 1993 by the Basic Steel Industry Conference (BSIC) in its effort to elevate the working conditions of steelmakers. To keep pace with the changes in the industry since the adoption of the policy, BSIC is planning reopener negotiations to eliminate certain principles or provisions in the policy that do not apply anymore to the present status of the steel industry., In January of 1993, the union reached back to its formative years and determined that the time had finally arrived to move forward on its long-sought goal of industrial democracy, [...]

The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) intends to support candidates who will work for the interest of its members. USWA officers are hoping that the mergers with other unions will benefit union members and the lives of all steel industry workers. The unified associations will join the AFL-CIO in its efforts to promote unionism across the United States., We have made clear our intention to be more active -and selective-politically. Our fundamental philosophy is simple: We will support those candidates who support legislation that advances the interests of [...]

The United Steelworkers of America's (USWA) Institute for Career Development (ICD) provides an opportunity for union members to acquire skills that they feel they should develop. The program, established through collective bargaining in the late 1980s, offers hundreds of courses that range from basic mathematics to financial planning. Classes are being offered at 13 basic steel companies involved in the ICD, including USS/Kobe, AK, Inland, LTV and Allegheny Ludlum. Almost 20,000 USWA members participated in the program in 1994., Summertime used to mean school's out. But this summer - and throughout the year - members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) are crowding into learning centers around the [...]

Discusses the impact of the increase in interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve Board in September, 1996 on the United States economy. Impact of higher interest rates on the cost of expanding business; Negative effects of the three-point rise of interest rates ordered by the Federal Board.

Discusses the role of the United Steelworkers of America in the creation of safety and health programs in the steel industry in the United States. Carbon monoxide agreements; Increase of fatal-accident rates in the steel industry; Commitment of steel companies in providing safety to steelworkers.