Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and retired United Steelworkers member, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide his thoughts on the ongoing legal battle involving U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel.
During Gallagher’s three decades with the USW, his work took him around the U.S. to help in organizing campaigns. He recounted his experience leading an organizing drive at a Nippon Steel facility in Calvert, Ala. During the campaign, despite having a neutrality agreement, Gallagher said Nippon Steel violated the terms by holding captive audience meetings and distributing anti-union materials. This breach demonstrated to Gallagher and the USW the company's tactics to thwart unionization efforts.
Gallagher emphasized the importance of domestic ownership in the steel industry, particularly for national security concerns. He expressed confidence in Cleveland Cliffs, considered by Gallagher to be a worker-friendly company, as a potential buyer for U.S. Steel, citing their commitment to investing in facilities and maintaining jobs.
Gallagher added that labor relations in the steel industry are complex, and not always as straightforward as they seem. However, he believes his experience with Nippon Steel's anti-union efforts should serve as a cautionary tale for workers and unions alike.
For more information on the North Coast Area Labor Federation from Gallagher listen to the show above.