Retiring President of United Steelworkers Local 2599, Jerry Green, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his time with the Steelworkers. Green also gave advice to the younger generation of workers and what he believes is the future of Local 2599.
United Steelworkers Local 2599 has been under the watchful eye of Jerry Green since 2000. He recently announced his retirement from the workforce, effective Sept 29. Local 2599 has about 1,200 members from the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. The Local services a diversified workforce from manufacturing to nursing and more. Green has seen the Local change from mainly steel factories to working with different industries during his 50-plus years with the Union.
The younger generations coming into the union are facing several challenges that Green didn’t have to face. But if he were to give any advice to young union members on would be to listen to the older generations and learn from their experiences. Communication and gleaning knowledge from these members is the key to finding success within the unions, Greed said. As manufacturing industries are returning, there’s more opportunity for the younger generations to join the industry, and if they would give it a shot, they might find a lifelong career, he said.
As Green transitions to retirement, his vice president will take over as Local 2599 president. While they have been working together for the previous 16 years, Green won’t necessarily be disappearing from the scene. Green knows they have a great base, and with the positive outlook in work returning to the area, he believes the future of 2599 will be great.
To hear more from Green on his time with the Steelworkers, please press play above.
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