Blog

VOTE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!

On March 7, one week from today, ballots will be collected, certified and counted.

New Veterans of Steel Council Formed

Men and women who have served honorably in the United States military come to work in the shipyard every day, holding jobs in practically every department and work area. Now, veterans who are members of USW Local 8888 will have their own unique voice heard in union affairs, following the launch of the new Veterans of Steel Council. The council was established under the leadership of Tom Conway, USW International President, who served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force before he began his union career.

Hoops for Unity Basketball Tournament Oct. 26

Hoops are back, baby! So, what better way to welcome the new NBA season than to root for the trash-talking ballers of Local 8888 who will be competing in the union’s first annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Jam on Saturday, October 26, 2019. This is going to settle, once and for all, who's got game and who goes home. Players will be competing for prize money and the winning team will be honored with its name on a new trophy that will be displayed in the union hall.

Local 8888 Women of Steel Get A+ for Backpack Drive

Mission accomplished for USW Local 8888 Women of Steel who donated $700 in school supplies and bookbags to three area elementary schools last month. The annual drive aims to help low-income students get off to a good start, knowing that Local 8888 shipbuilders care about them and their education. The Women of Steel were able to give 60 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to Newsome Park Elementary School, John Marshall Elementary School, and Sedgefield Elementary School, all in Newport News.

Organizers Rock! Union adds New Members

Next Generation Voices Speak

Late last month, Kenny Lewis (X33) was nearly finished with his list of calls to make to shipyard workers who had not joined USW Local 8888. In spite of his friendly approach over the phone, that afternoon the young 8888 organizer had come up empty, unable to persuade any non-member to become a dues-paying Steelworker.

Pay Raise Comes With Debt to '99 Strike

John Kitchens Says 3% Pay Raise Negotiated, Not Given by Company

Your pay check this month will be fatter – by 3% -- thanks to union negotiators who brought back a contract in 2017 that over 52 months will add about $15,000 to your paycheck and bank account. But this guaranteed pay raise means a lot more, because it carries the scars and victories of past battles this union has come through. In particular, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1999 strike that John Kitchens (X18) calls “a turning point” in the yard and in the union.

Register to Vote! Deadline Oct. 15

Fall brings exciting football and beautiful foliage and -- elections. But if want your voice to be heard on Election Day, Nov. 5, you must be registered to vote. Tuesday, Oct. 15, is the deadline to register to vote or update your information. Don’t assume; be certain.

  • If you moved since the last time you voted in Virginia, you need to register again.

  • If: you have missed voting in the past two federal elections (Congress and President), you need to register again. 

Steelworkers President Leo Gerard Retires, Capping Iconic Career

By the time Leo Gerard stepped down as International President of the United Steelworkers after 18 years, on July 15, he had created one of the great legacies in the  American labor movement in the past 50 years.

Thomas Conway Installed as New Steelworkers International President

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.