Over 100 years and Tata Steel is still evolving  with USW members help

Staff Representative of District 1 for the United Steelworkers, Mark Murray, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Thomas Strip Steel, where Murray started his journey as a steel worker. He also discussed the efforts to develop a modern plant to handle the transition needs for the production of batteries for electrical vehicles.

Murray has been a member of the Steelworkers since 1993 at Thomas Strip Steel in Warren, Ohio. He has worked his way through the organization, as he served as president of his Local for 2 terms before moving on to the International ranks. Now as the Staff Representative for District 1, Murray works with 22 Locals to ensure members receive the best protections and wages as possible through contract negotiations.

Thomas Strip Steel, now known as Tata Steel, has been a challenging company over the years. The original rolled steel products have now moved toward supplying nickel-plated steel for electric battery production. The USW is working with ownership to help with an expansion and development of a workforce to handle the jobs. Murray discussed the ongoing discussions for the expansion and how it is keeping up with the demands from the market.

The relationship between USA and Tata Steel have included several labor issues. After the last dispute in 2008 and 2009, both the USW and Tata Steel agreed that changes needed to be made. After leadership turnover with both groups, they began working together and building a better relationship. One of the factors driving the need to work better together, was the move to offshore steel production. The Steelworkers and Tata Steel felt that if they wanted to be a part of the steel industry going forward, unity was needed.

To hear more from the USW and Murray, please listen to the show above.