USW Members to Rally for Bill to Protect Pensions

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Dozens of members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union from across the United States will travel to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, July 10, for a series of events to build support for H.R. 397, legislation that would shore up struggling multiemployer pension plans through the creation of a long-term, low-interest loan program.

The bill, known as the "Butch-Lewis Act," would be funded through bond sales and would help ensure the long-term survival of about 130 vulnerable retirement plans expected to provide benefits for roughly 1.3 million American workers and retirees.

Among the workers making the trip is Cedric McClinton, president of USW Local 1331, who works at the International Paper facility in Campti, La. The workers there participate in a struggling multiemployer pension plan.

"Congress needs to understand the seriousness of this situation. We have a significant number of people who worked at the mill for more than 40 years who are retired now, and this pension is their main source of income," said McClinton, who estimated that the pension plan covers about 250 active and 100 retired workers. "Given the opportunity, I'll do anything I have to do to help them."

Joining the USW members and retirees will be workers from other unions and retiree groups, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the AARP.

WHO: USW members, retirees and supporters

WHAT: Events to build support for the swift passage of H.R. 397.

WHEN: The schedule of events is as follows:

• 9 a.m. – Rally outside the Capitol in support of H.R. 397
• 10 a.m. – Markup of bill in the House Ways and Means Committee Room (Room 1100, Longworth House Office Building)
• Following markup – Visits with Representatives to solicit support for the bill

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors.
For more information: http://www.usw.org/.

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Related Links

http://www.usw.org