Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Roxanne Brown, incoming President of the United Steelworkers (USW). As she prepares to become the union’s first female and first African American USW president on March 1, Brown shared her thoughts on the union's legacy of internal promotion, her personal journey within the organization and her urgent concerns about worker safety and the erosion of labor rights.
Brown began by discussing the culture of mentorship and promotion from within that defines the USW. She spoke candidly about her own journey, expressing gratitude for the guidance she received from notable leaders like Leo Gerard and Dave McCall. Their investment in her professional growth, she said, was matched by the union’s broader commitment to identifying and cultivating future leaders. Brown hopes her story will inspire young members, especially women and people of color, to see new possibilities for themselves in the labor movement. For her, strong leadership is rooted in supporting the next generation and ensuring the union remains resilient for years to come.
Turning to current challenges, Brown said upcoming decisions and actions are pivotal for the futures of working people. Members are frustrated and anxious, making it more critical than ever to deepen their education on core union issues, such as healthcare, trade policy, collective bargaining and safety. She outlined a plan to expand communication with members and ensure they are aware of the regulatory and legislative changes that impact their lives on and off the job. Brown said her goal as president is to empower workers with the tools to protect their rights, secure their futures and maintain strength at the bargaining table.
One of the most pressing topics for Brown is workplace safety, which she described as foundational. She discussed the real-world consequences of weakened protections and funding cuts to agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), emphasizing that when workers are less safe, the very fabric of the labor movement is threatened. As examples, she pointed to recent developments, including the elimination of federal investigative funding and the rollback of collective bargaining rights. For Brown, ensuring that union members return home safely every day is nonnegotiable — and a rallying cry for continued activism.
For more from the next USW President, Roxanne Brown, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast.