This is not your father’s union movement. Early in the history of the labor movement, unions primarily focused on organizing industrial trade jobs, which predominantly employed men. Stereotypical union representatives were typically robust, cigar-smoking men who largely neglected organizing service sector jobs, which predominantly employed women. In recent years, union membership has declined, leading to stagnant wages despite rising productivity and corporate profits. These factors have contributed to an increase in income inequality. Unions have increasingly been organizing in service sector jobs. Women members now outnumber male members in public-sector unions. Women and people of color are increasingly comprising the entire labor movement. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the contributions of all frontline service workers. The focus on previously overlooked service workers has fostered a new generation of leadership within the labor movement and in industries that have evolved their priorities. One such union with emerging and evolving priorities is the United Steelworkers.
The United Steelworkers (USW)
The United Steelworkers (USW) formerly represented blue-collar mill workers directly involved in the steelmaking industry. Presently, the USW encompasses 850,000 workers, encompassing both blue-collar and white-collar positions that are ancillary to steelmaking. Notably, some of these non-traditional blue-collar jobs are found in the paper, glass, metals, and rubber manufacturing sectors. Additionally, the USW extends its representation to white-collar workers employed in service sector industries, including healthcare and education.
President Elect Roxanne Brown
Roxanne Brown, a 47-year-old woman, will become the first female president of the United States Women’s Workers (USW).
Brown joined the USW in 2007 as an assistant legislative director, where she provided recommendations on energy, environmental, and manufacturing policy. She will continue in her current role as USW International Vice President At Large until March 1, 2026, when she will assume the position of the USW’s 10th International President. Her term will span four years. Amber Miller, another prominent female leader in the labor movement, will succeed Brown as International Vice President At Large.
Challenges Ahead
In 2024, Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel’s acquisition negotiations with Japan’s Nippon Steel resulted in a division among the United Steelworkers (USW) members. Some members advocated for the company’s continued U.S. ownership, while others viewed the foreign acquisition as the sole means of preventing its financial collapse. Tariffs further exacerbate the division within the USW membership. The Trump administration has imposed import tariff taxes on Canadian steel. While some union members seek to safeguard U.S. industries and jobs, over 200,000 USW members are employed in Canada. The U.S. Steel collective bargaining agreement is scheduled for negotiation in 2026, along with the contracts for Goodyear, Cleveland Cliffs, and Marathon. President Brown will assume leadership in the ongoing organized labor battles for fair wages, healthcare, retirement benefits, and union rights.
Roxanne Brown will join other women leading the labor movement, including AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler, SEIU President Mary Kay Henry, AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch, and AFA President Sara Nelson. Emerging and expanding priorities, coupled with new dynamic leadership, serve as constant reminders that the labor movement has evolved beyond its traditional form.
Sources
https://usw.org/leadership/roxanne-brown/
https://www.laborpress.org/uaw-leadership-changes-in-march-with-roxanne-brown-international-president/
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2025/10/24/roxanne-brown-united-steelworkers-dave-mccall/stories/202510240060
Thanks and a tip of the hat to https://usw.ca/new-usw-leaders-prepare-to-take-office/ for the image.
