USW Welcomes Made in America Waiver Guidance

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org

Increased Transparency, Consistency Vital to Promoting Domestic Manufacturing

United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway issued the following statement today in response to the waiver guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget’s Made in America Office:

“Revitalizing our nation’s manufacturing base and, in the process, protecting and creating thousands of good, community-sustaining jobs is one of the surest ways to promote widespread economic security. We commend the Biden administration for making it a top priority.  

“Today’s guidance is an important step toward capitalizing on this potential, helping us better implement Made in America laws across all federal agencies by evaluating and streamlining the waiver process.

“When the federal government spends taxpayers’ money, we must ensure that those funds go toward supporting our domestic industries. Increasing consistency, transparency and communication around waivers will help U.S. manufacturers and workers fill these needs. 

“USW members are ready and willing to help build America’s future. We look forward to continuing to work with the Made in America Office and the whole Biden administration to ensure that they have that opportunity.” 

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.

Send Solidarity and Support Messages

Rollllllllllll callllllllll!!!!! Steelworker fam, we need your help! SO many of us are battling serious fights with employers -- thousands forced out of work by companies trying to break our union. Help us show that when you mess with one Steelworker, you mess with all of us! Record a short message of support on your phone, click the link below (usw.org/solidarity) and upload it. Get as many people as you can to do this, please! #USWUnity

USW Welcomes Results of Critical Supply Chain Reviews

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org  

United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway issued the following statement today after the Biden administration issued its report on supply chain reviews called for in President Joe Biden’s “America’s Supply Chains” executive order:

“The USW commends the Biden administration for directly tackling the problem of our nation’s long-neglected supply chains and identifying concrete steps to shore up crucial vulnerabilities.

“Our union engaged in multiple stakeholder meetings with the administration after the president issued his executive order in February calling for 100-day reviews into key industrial supply chains.

“From employing the Defense Production Act to ensure we have ready access to active pharmaceutical ingredients, to supporting and financing advanced battery production, to identifying sites to domestically source critical minerals, the administration’s final report makes common-sense recommendations that will not only strengthen our national security but protect and create good jobs.

“Enhancing and enforcing domestic procurement policies and strengthening international trade rules will further ensure workers and their communities will be the direct beneficiaries of these investments.

“USW members know better than anyone that American workers are well-positioned and ready to take on this work. They have the skills and dedication needed to regrow capacity throughout our supply chains.

“We look forward to working with the administration to enact these recommendations and make our nation more resilient and secure.”

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.

Review USW’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

Last week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said, once again, that companies could mandate COVID-19 vaccines as a requirement for coming into the office.

The USW wants to remind all of its members that we believe vaccinations should occur in a just, fair and equitable manner that ensures that communities that experience the most risk of severe disease and death are prioritized for access to vaccinations.

The USW also supports CDC recommendations that health care workers receive the COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves and vulnerable members of the community and that, as it becomes available, it should be free of charge for everyone with no out-of-pocket costs.

However, the USW does not support mandatory immunization as either a condition of employment or as a state or federal mandate. As with other vaccines, our union believes that COVID-19 vaccination should be voluntary, and the union intends to continue fighting for vaccination policies that include informed consent and education regarding vaccination benefits and risks.

“Vaccines are highly effective, but we still believe firmly in bargaining over this issue,” said USW Vice President Fred Redmond. “Workers must be at the center of this conversation.

Members who experience an employer attempting to mandate should reach out to their staff representatives and the USW legal department.

To read our full policy on vaccinations, click here.