In light of a recent upcoming interview with VUE Magazine, here are some of our takeaways from discussions held with President Gary Wilson, Vice President Brad Langston, and Financial Secretary James Rodgers.
Who are the United Steelworkers?
The United Steelworkers Organizing Committee formed in 1942, guiding the path forward with a set of founding principles that still guide the Steelworkers to this day. Some of these founding principles include uniting into one organization, where all workers are eligible for membership. The United Steelworkers also firmly believe in striving for better benefits and legislation to protect the life and health of our members.
The USW, both local and international, are constantly working closely with legislative leaders from the Federal, State and Local Government to ensure congressional funding along with laws and policies to protect the rights and safety of union members. With this, the continued mission of the DOE can be maintained along with sustainable, economically viable employment for the surrounding community.
What is the United Steelworkers Local 550?
The USW Local 550 is an amalgamated Local part of the United Steelworkers International District 8, encompassing Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.
The Local represents over 640 members employed at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. These members work for Site Contractors including Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, Mid-America Conversion Services and Swift & Staley, who have a combined, concurrent 44 years on site working to complete the mission of the Department of Energy (DOE).
How is the USW Local preparing support for the greater Paducah area?
The United Steelworkers Local 550 has partnered with the USW International in acquiring a $1.9 million training grant, which will benefit Local Unions, including supporting workforce development for the Paducah Site. The Union will also be working alongside the DOE, Paducah Chamber of Commerce, Greater Paducah Economic Development (GEPD), Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization (PACRO) in the advancement of industrialization in and around the site. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is also involved with the Union in allowing workforce training on campus and grant development.
We are also educating the workforce in safety, procedural requirements, workers’ rights, and legislative policies, which is a founding principle of the USW International. Additionally, USW Local 550 partners with FRNP to provide information to area schools, from elementary to college level. This introduces students to the types of work being performed at the Site. With this knowledge of Site operations, students can make informed choices about how and where to enter the workforce.
How does the USW Local 550 assist the community beyond employment?
USW Local 550 is also proud to participate in the community where its members live by contributing to various charities. All members are encouraged to be involved in their community, working with Site contractors to give back in many ways, including donating time and money to organizations like United Way, Book of Hope, Toys for Tots, and others.
Any final remarks?
In conclusion, it is the goal of the USW Local 550 to complete the present scope of work accomplishing the mission of DOE. Furthermore, ensuring future employment opportunities for generations to come makes the area stronger by providing good paying jobs and reasons for families to remain local and invest in this area.
