The wheels of history have turned again in the United Steelworkers. Leo W. Gerard retired as international president and Thomas M. Conway was installed as the eighth International President of the United Steelworkers during a ceremony held at the international headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 15. Conway, who began his career as a millwright at Bethlehem Steel in 1978, had served the past 14 years as the union’s international vice president (administration). Conway has also chaired many of the union’s major sector bargaining in steel, mining, aluminum, tire and rubber, oil, and other metals and manufacturing operations. 

Gerard, 72, expressed strong confidence in his successor. “I’ve known Tom for 25 years. He’s earned my admiration, demonstrating a special toughness and a willingness to take on the most difficult jobs and negotiations,” Gerard said. “He has a strong vision and unique perspective about the future, and I know the union will flourish under his leadership.”

The union also installed John Shinn as its new international secretary-treasurer, David McCall as its new international vice president (administration), Roxanne Brown as its new international vice president at-large and Leeann Foster as a new international vice president.

“Our union’s leadership underwent historic change today, but our core values remain the same,” said Conway. “We will always fight on behalf of working people for social and economic justice.”

To see the full installation ceremony, click here.