International Union Responds to Tragedy in Haiti

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Jan 13, 2010, 03:57 ET

USW Offers Support, Solidarity after Devastating Quake

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers union, today issued the following statement regarding the tragic earthquake in Haiti:

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"On behalf of our international officers, leaders and our 1.2 million active and retired members, I send sincere condolences to the people of Haiti. We have all been deeply touched by the tragic loss of life and devastating damage to property. We know the loss and pain cannot truly be measured.

Many of our sisters and brothers who live and work in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have friends and relatives from Haiti. Our hearts and thoughts are with them during these trying moments.

It's times like these that we are reminded that regardless of the bloodline that runs through our veins, or the address of the place we call home, we are all family connected by our common humanity.

We will be donating $20,000 from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund to assist with emergency aid in Haiti. The United Steelworkers pledges continued support, solidarity and prayers to the people of Haiti and their family and friends around the world."

Founded by the United Steelworkers in 1985 in Canada, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered charitable organization. Steelworker members contribute to the Fund through clauses negotiated into collective agreements. In a number of agreements, matching contributions have been negotiated from employers. The mandate of the Fund is to address issues of hunger and poverty, primarily in the developing world, through development assistance and emergency aid.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in the U.S., Canada and Caribbean employed in the industries of metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service sector. For more information: www.usw.org/.

Contact: Connie Mabin, 412-562-2616

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)