News From USW: United Transportation Union Signs Strategic Alliance with United Steelworkers

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 6, 2006--News From USW: United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard announced today that the 77,000-member United Transportation Union (UTU) has signed an international strategic alliance with the 850,000-member USW to address a range of common issues in the transportation sector in North America, including the globalization of the industry.

"This is neither a merger nor an affiliation arrangement," said Gerard. "Each of our unions retains its independence and autonomy, but we will work together more closely to share resources where there is mutual advantage, and to team up on a number of public policy issues."

“Years ago, UTU's principal employers were national in scope; however, today its real counterparts are global companies, doing business in the U.S. and abroad.”

"The UTU has worked to improve the working conditions of rail and bus workers for more than 120 years," said UTU International President Paul Thompson. "Years ago, UTU's principal employers were national in scope; however, today its real counterparts are global companies, doing business in the U.S. and abroad.

"UTU wants to build a partnership that fits the scale of the challenges facing us and one that complements our existing structure."

The USW is the largest private sector union in North America, with a diversified membership in every sector of the economies of both the U.S. and Canada.

"The USW has a proud history of partnering in a flexible and constructive manner with many like-minded organizations," said Gerard. "Our aim is to always work towards the common goal of building justice and better working conditions for all working people."

Gerard said the alliance provides for coordinating activities, sharing knowledge and resources, and coordinating activism in areas of organizing and legislative and political action.