CREATING A LOCAL ORGANIZING TEAM THE GOAL OF USW DISTRICT 1 INITIATIVE

Director of District 1 of the United Steelworkers, Donnie Blatt, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a new organizing initiative in his District and how it could improve trust with potential members.

District 1 covers workers across many industries in Michigan and Ohio. 

There is an organizing effort underway by District 1 with the help of the USW Organizing Department based in Pittsburgh. The program attempts to develop a “Train the Trainer Program” for developing local organizers. The current method for organizing revolves around the Organizing Department sending organizers to potential organizing targets. Blatt talked about how this impacted organizing efforts negatively, as the workers weren’t speaking to a local organizer and couldn’t build any trust developed with local organizers. He added that this program should resolve their issues with potential new members during the organizing process. 

Blatt went on to explain how the program will work. Each sub-district of District 1 will select an organizing representative to attend a week-long training program at the USW Organizing Department. Another part of the program would educate the representatives and potential new members on the history of unions and the USW. Blatt stressed the importance of learning about the history of unions and workers' rights. 

Blatt said that since taking over for the late President Tom Conway, new International President Dave McCall is carrying the torch that Conway lit for the USW. The shoes to fill were large for McCall, but Blatt believes he has done a great job since taking over. The efforts to grow and develop the strength of the USW are apparent, and Blatt believes the future of the union is in good hands.

Hear more about the organizing initiative from Blatt in the episode above.