Gary and Pennsylvania Mayors respond to USW Leadership’s Statement on Recent Negotiations

USW leadership is putting jobs at risk with its actions, plain and simple.

During the course of our discussions with Nippon Steel, we urged the company to come to the table with an agreement that addressed each of the concerns that USW leadership raised with us. Nippon Steel delivered, but USW leaders refused to engage in good faith. When we asked what they proposed instead, President McCall said, “let’s see what happens.”

We are extremely disappointed as this is not the time to be a spectator. USW leadership has a duty to its members, U. S. Steel employees, and communities, and there is too much at stake to play games. The fact that the USW sent out its statement criticizing the meeting while it was still taking place and all parties were still at the table was a slap in the face.

We have been through a lot of struggle in our communities, but the USW’s behavior is a new low. We know that the members would be disappointed if they were in the room to hear what we heard.

We call on everyone with a stake in the success of U. S. Steel to reject the USW’s position and work to close this critical transaction.

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Mayor Eddie Melton, Gary, IN

Mayor Cletus Lee, North Braddock Borough, PA

Mayor Chris Kelly, West Mifflin Borough, PA

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