USW is leading a union coalition to keep shipbuilding stateside

James Walker, Director of the United Steelworkers Sub-District 1, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey to Sub-District 1 Director. Walker also talked about the efforts to keep the steel industry in America including a joint union 301 petition, and a District 1 pilot program to develop local organizers.

Walker worked 23 years in a forging shop in Warren, Ohio, before coming on staff with the Steelworkers. Since taking over as Director of Sub-District 1, based in Cleveland, Walker has been able to work with members and employers he’s known for decades. His work involves negotiating with the regional employers to ensure his members get the protection and benefits they deserve. He also works with employers to provide the American steel industry with work to rebuild itself.

Ensuring the steel industry stays active on American soil while employing American workers is challenging. Walker talked about several occurrences where a foreign interest group would buy out an employer. His current efforts are focused on retaining ship-building and ensuring the supply chain doesn’t rely so heavily on Chinese goods, he said. A coalition of several unions has filed a 301 petition, calling on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate an investigation of Chinese commercial shipbuilding.

USW District 1, covering Ohio and Michigan, has created a pilot program to develop local organizers within the district instead of utilizing organizers from the International. By using organizers within the district, they can better relate to the workers they are trying to organize. These future organizers are experienced in the day-to-day work of a potential member and are now working to learn the proper ways to manage. The long-term goal is to find the best methods for successful organizing and apply this program to all USW’s districts. 

Listen to the show above to hear more from Walker.