15/4 Fall 2020 - United Steelworkers
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15/4
Fall 2020
Why We Do What We Do at Election Time
F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T ’ S D E S K
As the president of SOAR, I write this For 35 years, SOAR has always required that any decisions
article as a person who believes in and sup- made on actions be based on the best interest of our members
ports the labor movement, the USW and and the USW has done the same—only for a much longer
SOAR. That means I believe every worker period of time. At Election time, this includes endorsing labor-
should be able to join a union, with fair bar- friendly candidates who support us on labor issues, workers’
gaining, a livable wage, a safe work environ- rights, and retirement security. To make it clear, SOAR does
BILL PIENTA ment, and have retirement security. As a not support a candidate who is not endorsed by the USW.
SOAR President member of our union, I never felt it was While SOAR has members who are deeply religious and/or
enough as a union member to just pay dues. members of the NRA, we do not ask SOAR members to quit
Jerry Fallwell, Jr., President of Liberty University (an the NRA or their church because their leaders do not walk
evangelical institution) asks more of his members than to with us on the picket lines or take a position on recent NLRB
just make donations. Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice Presi- decisions. I have not heard Fallwell or LaPierre speak out or
dent of the National Rifle Association, wants dues as well demonstrate against the illegal dumping of steel or tires or
as member support on NRA issues. At Election time, this the closing of our paper mills. Nor have I read anything about
includes asking their membership to vote for candidates who their position on pension reform or increases in Social Secu-
support them on their issues. Why would the leaders of the rity. I don’t expect them to take a position on our issues, and
USW and SOAR behave any differently? no one should expect the USW or SOAR to take a position
SOAR’s purpose as an organization, in part, is to advance on their issues.
the policies of the USW and to engage in political and legisla- I am proud to state that for over 35 years SOAR has been
tive action. There are no union members without jobs; and no supporting USW-endorsed candidates who support our issues
need for union leaders who have no members. There is no rea- and the issues important to the working and retired members
son for SOAR if we do not work towards maintaining a decent of our union, and will continue to do so. With Election Day
standard of living for our retirees. We must help to defend vital coming soon I ask all
programs like Social Security and Medicare. We must remain our SOAR members to
active and involved as we continue fighting to protect and please vote for USW-
enhance our labor rights, including retirement security. endorsed candidates.
F R O M T H E D I R E C T O R ’ S D E S K
Harris’s VP Selection Presents Clear Contrast on Union Rights
Kamala Harris’s VP selection cements a Retired Americans for her unwavering commitment to pro-
staunchly pro-labor platform for our union’s tecting Social Security, and for her efforts to ensure more
endorsed candidate for President, Joe Biden. workers can retire with the promise of a secure pension.
Together, Vice President Biden and Sena- (H.J. Res. 67, retiredamericans.org/voting-record)
tor Kamala Harris have been unwavering Biden and Harris have spoken clearly about their belief
in their support for our right to negotiate for that America deserves a President and Vice President with
JULIE STEIN better pay, safer working conditions and a a firm commitment to defending the labor movement and
secure retirement. retired Americans.
In his response to our union’s candidate questionnaire,
SOAR Director
Biden pledged his support for some of the USW’s top legisla-
Fought for workers’ rights. Harris co-sponsored the tive goals, including the Protecting the Right to Organize
In her time in the United States Senate, Harris:
Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, and voted against (PRO Act), the Butch Lewis Act which aims to secure the
䊳
the biggest rollback of union rights in 70 years, a move that viability of multiemployer pensions, and a promise to ensure
would have impacted more than 1 million workers. (S. 140) a strong future for vital programs, like Social Security
䊳 Stood with us for safer worksites. Harris voted to and Medicare.
require employers report prior labor violations when compet-
ing for federal contracts. (H.J. Res. 37) Join with us, as we continue the fight to protect and
䊳 Championed our right to a secure retirement. Harris enhance the quality of life of our retirees and working
earned a 100% pro-retiree record from the Alliance for families. We are stronger together, but six feet apart!
Page 2 USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020
Special Thanks to Albert
Longtime union and SOAR activist, Albert Becco, has stepped
down from the SOAR Executive Board.
Al began his union career shortly to be elected president of SOAR
after he graduated from high school at Chapter 38-3, in Pueblo, Colo.
Colorado Fuel and Iron Company Al also became an active member
(CF&I). In 1952, he was drafted and of the Pueblo County Democratic
served in the United States Navy dur- Party (PCDP) where he served as 1st
ing the Korean Conflict. Shortly after Vice Chair for over 15 years and has
he was discharged, Al went back to been honored twice as Democrat of
work at CF&I. It wasn’t long before the year. In 2004 he was a delegate to
he became active in Local 3267. He the Democratic National Convention
held various positions with his local for John Kerry. In 2005, he was
union including grievance representa- named Labor Leader of the year by Becco, at 87, continues to lead his
tive and president, the position he the Southern Colorado Labor Council SOAR chapter and he remains
held until he retired in December where he continues to be a member. involved with the Dems and contin-
1986. It should be noted, that Al was In 2019, the PCDP dedicated their ues to serve the Party as an At-Large
the longest-serving president of Local building to Becco and presented him member of the Pueblo County Execu-
3267, which represents the office and with a plaque honoring him for all tive Committee.
technical workers at the mill. that he had done for the local party Al and his wife, Norma Jean, have
After retirement, Al became an and Democrats throughout the county. been married 43 years, residing in
active member of SOAR; soon after In 2005, Al was appointed a SOAR Pueblo, Colorado. They’ve been
Coordinator for USW District 12. He blessed with three daughters, a son,
held that position until 2008, when he eight grandchildren and currently ten
was appointed SOAR Western Region great-grandchildren with one on
Vice President, a newly added posi- the way!
tion on the Board, created to better On behalf of the entire SOAR orga-
serve our membership in the Western nization, we wish Al and his family
United States. Al served in this posi- well, and we thank him immensely for
Published as an edition to USW@Work
for the United Steelworkers
tion until this past August after mak- his lifetime of activism and dedicated
60 Blvd. of the Allies
ing the decision to step down to make
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
service, stretching more than six
way for “younger” blood to take over decades, to the Labor Movement
Winner of ICLA’s
this leadership role. and to SOAR.
journalistic competition
awards for General Excellence
in 1986, 1990 and 1993
Julie Stein, Editor
Alysse Rico, Copy Editor
Eric Russell, Copy Editor
Jay McMurran, Copy Editor
Address editorial material to:
USW and SOAR Applaud
Editor, USW@Work, SOAR in Action
United Steelworkers
60 Blvd. of the Allies
KAMALA HARRIS as VP Pick
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Send address changes only to: USW International President Tom Conway issued the following statement after
USW Membership Department Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden announced that Sen. Kamala Harris
60 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
will serve as his running mate:
Or E-mail: MEMBERSHIP@USW.ORG “The USW and SOAR applaud Vice President Joe Biden’s choice of Sen. Kamala Harris
When submitting an address change, please as his running mate. Like Vice President Biden, Sen. Harris has a strong record standing
include address label from last issue.
on the side of working people.
USW@Work (ISSN 0883-3141) is published “Over the course of her career, she’s worked to hold big banks accountable, prose-
four times a year by the United Steelworkers
AFL-CIO-CLC, 60 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA cuted employers for wage theft and introduced pro-labor legislation in the U.S. Senate.
15222. Subscriptions to non-members: $12 for “Workers need leaders who put their interests first, fighting for retirement security,
one year; $20 for two years. Periodicals postage
paid at Pittsburgh, PA and additional mailing affordable health care and strong labor rights. We are confident that Sen. Harris, like
offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Vice President Biden, will continue to prioritize these important issues.
USW@Work, USW Membership Dept., 60 Blvd. of
the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. “Now, more than ever, our country needs strong leadership. Together, Joe Biden
and Kamala Harris offer us a choice to put our country back on the path toward
stability and shared prosperity.”
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020 Page 3
APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED TO
SOAR EXECUTIVE BOARD
As a result of the 2020 International SOAR Conference being postponed, due to precautionary
measures taken to protect our members and staff from the spread of COVID-19, the SOAR Executive
Board elections that were to occur at this year’s conference did not take place. Subsequently, it had
been determined that the three-year terms of all SOAR Officers and SOAR District Executive Board
positions of the SOAR Executive Board had expired, as of July 31, 2020.
Due to these circumstances, effective August 1, 2020, United Steelworkers International President
Thomas M. Conway took action to fill the open positions of the SOAR Executive Board by appointing
the persons who previously held a seat on the board to continue serving in their respective position
until the next election, which will be held at our International SOAR Conference rescheduled for
August 2022. Additionally, the following changes occurred:
Scott Marshall position for eight years. community organiza-
Appointed SOAR Vice President Scott has remained tions working in coali-
active in our union and tion to win meaningful
Also, in August, United Steelworkers serves as a delegate to campaigns, such as
International President Thomas M. the Chicago Federation “Medicare for All,”
Conway appointed Scott Marshall as of Labor (CFL). In 2006 for worker’s rights
SOAR Vice President; to fill the open he was appointed a and social and
seat formerly held by Albert Becco, SOAR coordinator for economic justice.
who stepped down from the SOAR USW District 7. Scott Scott devotes his free
board at the end of his term. held that position until time to various food
Scott’s union career began in the 2013, when then-USW pantries in South
late-60s when he was hired on at Ferro Int’l President Leo W. Chicago by working
Fiberglass, in Nashville, Tenn., becom- Gerard appointed him to Scott Marshall to feed the homeless.
ing a member of Local 192 of the the SOAR board to fill a Until it folded due to
United Glass and Ceramic Workers, vacancy as the executive board mem- lack of funding, he also was active in
that later merged into the USW in ber for District 7. Subsequently, he VietNow, a weekly program aimed at
1997. Scott served the local as a shop was elected to the position in 2014, helping homeless Vietnam veterans.
steward until the plant closed down. and was re-elected in 2017, and con- As part of a group, he traveled the city
After moving to Chicago, Scott hired tinued to represent the retirees of of Chicago, finding vets on the streets,
on at Pullman Standard and became a District 7 until this recent appointment. living under bridges and in homeless
member of USW Local 1834. He Through SOAR, Scott has been tents, also in shelters around the city,
quickly became active in his local, and active in his chapter’s annual to deliver food, toiletries, and gently-
served the membership as shop stew- commemoration of the 1937 Republic used clothing to those vets in need.
ard, co-chair of the “Save Our Jobs” Steel Memorial Day Massacre com- Scott’s wife Bobbie, also a SOAR
committee, and co-editor of Local mittee for many years. Other SOAR member and CFL delegate, was work-
1834’s newspaper. activities have included working with ing at United States Steel South Works
Upon retirement, in the mid-90s, the USW’s political program during when they met. Bobbie, a leader in her
Scott became active in the SOAR the 2004, 2008 and 2012 elections own right, was one of the first women
chapter that came out of U.S. Steel where he was sent to Florida and West elected to the executive board of a
Local 65 in South Chicago. The chap- Virginia several times to work in the major steel local union—USW Local
ter later merged with retirees from union’s U.S. presidential campaigns. 65, and was the founder of the rank
Local 1033 at LTV (formerly Republic Scott also serves as a board member and file Women’s Caucus, a precursor
Steel) and retirees from Local 1834 for the Illinois chapter of the Alliance to the USW Women of Steel. Scott and
into what is now SOAR Chapter 31-9, for Retired Americans, and is actively Bobbie have been married for 43
which meets at the former LU1033 involved with the Chicago Jobs with years, reside in Chicago, Ill., and have
hall. He was elected president of the Justice, which is a nonpartisan, non- been blessed with three daughters and
chapter in 2012 and served in that profit coalition of labor, faith, and eight grandchildren.
Page 4 USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020
Dorine Godinez She served on three negotiating commit-
Henry Ball Turns 100
Appointed to the tees. For over 18 years, she served as the
SOAR Executive Board local’s safety coordinator.
As a Hispanic woman, Dorine has
Lastly, in August, United Steelworkers always been an activist for Civil and
International President Thomas M. Human Rights. Dorine served as the
Conway appointed Dorine Godinez as chairperson for Human and Civil
the District 7 SOAR Executive Board Rights Committee for her local and
Member; to fill the open seat formerly serviced USW District 7 and the Inter-
held by Scott Marshall who was national on both Safety and Civil
appointed to the position of Rights for over 20 years. Prior to her
Vice President. retirement in 2010, she also served as
Dorine began her union career in the Union Training Coordinator for
1978 when she was hired on at Inland her local.
Steel Co., (now Dorine has also been very active
known as with Women of Steel and has been
Henry Ball was a Steelworker before
Arcelormittal
there was a Steelworkers’ union. The
fighting for diversity in the union. She
East) in East
longtime USW leader and political
started the Women of Steel Committee
activist turned 100 years old this year
Chicago, Ind., at her local during which time over 14
and remains a loyal SOAR member.
becoming a women obtained union positions. She
See inside this issue of USW@Work
union member also served as a member of the Com-
for a look back at Henry’s first century
of USW Local munity Services Committee and the
of life and what he thinks as we look
1010. While Rapid Response Committee.
forward to the future.
working full- Dorine has been married to her hus-
Since retirement, Dorine served in
time, Dorine band Jesus for 34 years, after meeting
the capacity of president of SOAR
completed her at the old Inland Steel Co. Dorine and
Chapter 30-18, the Nipsco retirees of
electrical appren- Jesus reside in Knox, Ind., and have
Local 12775, for over nine years. She
Dorine Godinez ticeship and
has remained active in our union and been blessed with five children, ten
Spanish transla- grandchildren, and currently three
tion from Purdue NW. She earned her in 2013 was appointed a SOAR Coor-
dinator for USW District 7. Currently, great-grandchildren.
Associate’s Degree in Labor Studies
from IU Northwest and finished her Dorine serves as the president of On behalf of SOAR, we
Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership at SOAR Chapter 31-1 which represents congratulate all of the SOAR
St. Joseph College in Indiana. retirees of USW LU 1010, and record- Executive Board members in
Dorine quickly became active in ing secretary for the Indiana chapter of their newly appointed positions;
the Alliance for Retired Americans
her local, and served the membership in and, we welcome Dorine to the
executive board.
a variety of capacities. The USW pro-
Dorine loves to volunteer her time
SOAR Executive Board and
vided her many opportunities of training
in leadership, safety, civil rights, and so helping those in need. As a volunteer, look forward to working with
much more throughout her more than she has had the opportunity to help them as we continue our
30 years of service. Dorine was the first build homes with Habitat for Human- mission to protect and enhance
woman griever elected for Local 1010, ity. She also enjoys volunteering for the quality of life for retirees
serving on the local’s executive board. soup lines and the Special Olympics. and working families.
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020 Page 5
NEWS FROM CANADA
COVID-19 Takes Terrible Toll on Seniors in
By Doug Macpherson It comes as no surprise that the majority of COVID-19
Vice President and SOAR Canadian National Coordinator deaths occurred in for-profit, privately-owned, long-term
A report by the Canadian Institute for Health care homes. In Ontario, all long-term care homes, whether
Information has revealed a horrific statistic: private or publicly run, are funded by the government at
81 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Canada (as of the same level, with residents’ monthly fees set by the
June 25, 2020) were in long-term care homes— province. Obviously, in order to show value to their share-
nearly double the OECD average of 41 percent. holders, privately-owned and operated homes, must make
Most of those deaths were also in for-profit care homes. a profit on the delivery of services, levels of care and staff
Another appalling, though not surprising statistic. salaries, out of the same envelope of money.
Both of these revelations should inform decisions on Moreover, a recent study conducted by the Toronto Star
reforming long-term care legislation in Canada. newspaper showed that, “Three of Ontario’s biggest private
It is clear that the current system of nursing home companies are set to pay $59 million to
caring for our elderly is failing. Most of shareholders this quarter despite hundreds of COVID-19
the deaths in long-term care facilities deaths at their facilities.” To add insult to injury, one of
were the result of inadequate funding and these companies credits its increased 2020 revenues
staffing levels. Many health care and per- partially to special government funding for COVID-19.
sonal support workers are so poorly paid Union leaders, including USW District 6 Director Marty
that they are compelled to work multiple Warren, have denounced this “perverse” situation. The
jobs in different homes. Thus, they inad- USW, which represents workers at numerous long-term
vertently help spread the virus throughout care facilities, has called on government to ban dividend
these vulnerable populations. The lack payments by long-term care corporations that receive
of proper preparedness, protocols and taxpayer subsidies.
personal protective equipment further “While thousands have died and millions are suffering
economically during this pandemic, taxpayers should
Doug Macpherson
compound this devastating situation.
For many years, SOAR and other seniors’ and health care not be subsidizing wealthy corporations that can afford
organizations have called for increased staffing in long- to pay dividends to shareholders,” Warren said. “Our tax
term care homes so that residents would receive a dollars should be invested in improved care and protection
minimum of four hours daily care time (touch time). In of residents, as well as better wages, working conditions
spite of those calls, Ontario’s Conservative government and safety standards for the staff who provide these
relaxed regulations, permitting home operators to reduce vital services.”
staffing ratios. Long-term care facility inspections were SOAR echoes and applauds these comments.
also greatly reduced, to the point of being almost non- Clearly the long-term care system across Canada needs
existent prior to the outbreak. attention and reform.
USW members working at Country Village
Home in Woodslee, Ontario, stand up
for residents and care workers.
Page 6 USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020
For-Profit Long-Term Care
SOAR RECOMMENDS:
䊳 Ending for-profit long-term care.
䊳 Establishing national standards and proper licensing for all facilities.
䊳 Increasing funding and ensuring adequate front-line staffing in homes.
䊳 Improving infection control practices, including better access to PPE and visitor screening.
䊳 More frequent, random inspections of facilities.
䊳 Making full-time hours available to all front-line staff, requiring them to be assigned to one facility
and ensuring well-paying jobs and benefits including sick leave.
䊳 Ensuring a minimum-care standard of four hours per day per resident.
䊳 Providing on-going COVID-19 testing and contact tracing for all residents and staff.
䊳 Upgrading existing homes to maintain dignity and respect for all residents by having private rooms that include
air-conditioning, toilet and bathing facilities and privacy for personal care services.
SOAR on the Picket Line
SOAR members support striking members of 9042 in Mississauga in their contract dispute.
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020 Page 7
Steelworker Retirees Award Scholarships to Six Students
By Doug May
Granite City SOAR Chapter 7-34-2
Collective efforts to offer
advanced learning opportunities
and scholarship assistance to
high school seniors should not be
diminished by COVID-19. While
observing safe protocols outdoors
at Wilson Park in Granite City,
Illinois, the Steelworkers Organi-
zation of Active Retirees (SOAR)
Chapter 7-34-2 hosted the
SOAR Scholarship recipients at the event were, from left: Maddie Jackson, Grace Sedabres,
Eleventh Annual Jane Becker
Scholarship award presentation. Owen Buescher, Miriam Kastens and Lauren Rakers. Kayla Cunningham could not attend.
Six area high school graduates who are related to active
SOAR members were each presented with a $2,000 schol-
Miriam Kastens attending Brown University
The Six Scholarship Recipients were:
arship, August 10, as the top picks for their well-researched
essays on this year’s topic, “A Just Transition for Workers to study Organizational Studies and Architecture
Moving from Fossil Fuel Jobs to Clean Energy Jobs.” Grace Sedabres attending Webster University
This day is meaningful to so many because it represents to study Illustration
hope, especially in this pandemic era. Seeing young people Lauren Rakers attending Southern Indiana University
embark on a new endeavor with such enthusiasm was to study Nursing
recognized by Bob Daiber, who has volunteered for many Owen Buescher attending University Missouri-Columbia
years in assisting the SOAR chapter’s Jane Becker Scholar- to study Broadcast Journalism
ship program. As the morning’s MC, Daiber said, “We
wish them good luck in this new adventure in times like Kayla Cunningham attending Truman State University
no other.” to study Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
This event historically draws participation from many Maddie Jackson attending Saint Louis University
elected and soon-to-be elected people who take time out to study chemistry this fall.
of their schedules to congratulate these young students.
Recognizing this day is indicative
of the type of elected officials Friend of SOAR
The SOAR Award Winners this year were:
we need in our community. But, Mayor Ed Hagnauer
their attendance on a 94-degree
morning was admirable. Edward Sadlowski Labor Leader of the Year
SOAR sold advertising for a Drew Gitchoff from Becker (son of former USW President
62-page awards booklet that George Becker) Schroder and Chapman Law Firm in
generated enough money for Granite City, Ill.
the six $2,000 scholarships. 2020 Activist of the Year
“We could not have done this Janet Martin, SOAR Chapter 7-34-2
without our donors,” stated 2020 Volunteers of the Year
Jeff Rains, president of the Ken and Georgia Smith, SOAR Chapter 7-34-2 members
SOAR chapter, “We had a
lot of support.”
Scholarship awardee Owen
“Congratulations and good luck to the scholarship
Buescher wrote in his essay, “These measures
winners as they pursue their higher education, stated Jeff
are a great starting point in our march to a greener and
Rains. “We would like to express our appreciation to all of
cleaner earth, and one that is not only habitable but
the essay judges, those officials who were in attendance,
hospitable for future generations.”
and all the SOAR members who consistently volunteer for
our ongoing efforts to make this world a better place.”
Page 8 USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020
ROBERT “Big Red” RANKIN
IN MEMORIAM
Past District 12 SOAR Executive Board Member
“Big Red,” longtime Union and SOAR activist Committee (L&E Commit-
passed away on July 22, 2020, at the age of 82. tee) and served as its chair-
Robert “Bob” Rankin grew up on a family farm on man for some years in
the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. After high school, the early 2000s. He also
he ran the family’s dairy farm for two years and then became active in the
joined the Navy from 1958-1963. After boot camp he Democratic Party.
served on the USS Bennington, CVS 20, an antisub- In 1991, Bob went to a
marine warfare aircraft carrier home-ported in San workshop about becoming
Diego. His ship took two cruises to the Western Pacific a delegate to the Democra-
where they were home-ported in Subic Bay in the tic Convention and ran
Philippines and Yokosuka, Japan. His ship was one of to be a delegate for Bill
the first to serve off the coast of Vietnam. Bob was a Clinton. He was elected to
Third-Class Electrician. the DNC in 2000 (serving Robert “Big Red” “Bob” Rankin
1937-2020
After meeting and marrying the love of his life Anna two terms) and had been a
Mary Miller in 1961, and shortly after his discharge delegate to the Democratic Convention several times.
from the Navy, the couple settled in Carson, California, Bob was a California Super Delegate in 2004 and in
where they raised their family and were longtime resi- 2008, a role he took very seriously. Bob also had a
dents. Bob began his union career when he went to strong belief in the American Democratic process of
work for Allied Chemical Corporation. After a series of voting and worked the polls on election days for
mergers, the company changed its name to Honeywell. many years, eventually becoming an election
Bob joined the United Mine Workers of America as poll coordinator.
part of District 50 (Gas Coke & Chemical Workers). Bob retired from Honeywell as an electrician, in
The district, also after a series of mergers, was absorbed 2003. A month before he retired, he was asked to
into the United Steelworkers of become active in SOAR and was appointed
America. During his union career, a SOAR coordinator. In 2008, he was
Bob served his local in many positions elected to the SOAR Executive Board to
including local union president. When represent the retirees of USW District 12
Honeywell downsized their operation and served in that position until his resigna-
in Carson, his local was absorbed into tion in 2012, to care for his wife until
a large, amalgamated Local 1981. her passing.
Bob’s interest in politics and union- Big Red’s family described him as having
ism led him to be an active member of “a heart as big as Texas and as bright as
the Steelworkers Los Angeles/Orange California.” All who knew him in SOAR
Counties Legislation and Education will remember him that way as well.
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020 Page 9
SOAR
in ACTION
Dunkirk, NY — Members of SOAR Chapter 4-1 pose for a group
photo, while working on the USW’s Member-to-Member
“Our Union, Our Voice” postcard writing campaign, at their
chapter meeting held August 25. Left to right are: Tom McCarthy,
Joe Rozen, Don Brisky, Jim Bickhart, Theresa Bickhart
and Roger Calanni.
Granite City, IL — Working with Community Care and
Restoration Church, SOAR Chapter 34-2 members helped out
with two free, drive-up food distribution events held August 28
and September 25. The food was supplied by the St. Louis
Food Pantry; the supplies included fresh produce, dairy
products and eggs for families struggling with the COVID
pandemic. These were drive-thru, no-contact events.
Plymouth, IN — During their August chapter meeting, SOAR members of District 7
Chapter 30-18 go “incognito” (wearing a mask) to write postcards to USW members
and retirees during the pandemic, reminding the recipients to check their registration
status and to register to vote, if needed. This action was performed in conjunction with
Page 10 facebook.com/groups/uswsoar
the USW’s Member-to-Member “Our Union, Our Voice” postcard campaign.
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020WHICH
CANDIDATE
By Jeff Bonior
The Presidential election is just weeks
away and we at the Alliance for
American Manufacturing are closely
monitoring the trade and manufac-
turing policies put forth by both
President Trump and former
Vice President Joe Biden.
New ideas and strategies that will
? Will Stand Up to the
Mercantilist Government
of China?
was pure rhetoric. He deserves credit for
bringing China to the table on trade but
his “Phase 1” trade deal is completely
inadequate. It does nothing to tackle the
most critical issues with China like the
communist country’s state-owned enter-
prises, industrial subsidies, overcapacity,
predatory investments and trade enforce-
ment mechanisms.
Manufacturing took an additional hit
government will spend $400 billion on
manufacturing and $300 billion on
research and development. The goal is to
create five million new jobs (with an
emphasis on union jobs) in addition to
helping restore jobs lost because of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The two presidential candidates—
despite the rhetoric and vitriol—know
that dealing with China’s unfair trade
return a healthy manufacturing industry practices is a major component of getting
with the onset of the COVID-19
to the United States and a fair trade policy America’s economy back on track. They
pandemic and although it has shown
that helps our nation’s economy by may have vastly different ideas on how
some slight signs of recovery, factories
putting more Americans back to work to deal with the communist nation’s
have lost 750,000 jobs in the past six
are what we look for in an effective aggressive attacks on America’s manu-
presidential candidate. months and manufacturing is down
733,000 jobs since July 2019. facturers, but their goal is the same.
As a non-partisan institution, AAM We can only successfully do business
will not endorse a candidate but we aim Former Vice President Biden also
points to China and its aggressive with China if it operates as a free-market
to decipher what policy changes will be economy with a level playing field.
most beneficial to American workers maneuvers to stifle American companies
and workers by playing an unfair American companies cannot compete
and manufacturers. with those manufacturers in China that
There are many ideological differences trade game.
Biden’s solution is his plan called are owned or heavily subsidized by the
between the Republican president and Chinese government.
Democratic challenger but the one area “Build Back Better,” which deals with
infrastructure investment and jobs, clean All SOAR brothers and sisters are
that both candidates and AAM can agree encouraged to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
on is the desperate need to deal with the energy, a healthy workforce and racial
equality. Infrastructure and clean energy If you are elderly and cannot make it to
mercantilist government of China. your polling place because of COVID-19
Millions of manufacturing jobs have innovation will prompt new investments
to be made right here in America and not health worries, be sure to request an
been offshored to China since 2001 leav-
outsourced to China where labor is cheap absentee or mail-in ballot which you
ing many of America’s cities hallowed
and product quality is unreliable. should return as soon as possible.
out with the loss of their well-paying
Biden said the Trump administration Remember that whichever candidate
factory jobs. In 2016, Trump campaigned
doubled the rate of offshore federal con- you choose to occupy the White House
on bringing major manufacturing back to
tracting during its first 18 months, spend- for the next four years, we are counting
the United States, a strategy that arguably
ing $3 billion of American’s tax dollars on that man to tackle China’s mercantile
won him the presidency as he was able to
on foreign investments in steel when this economy with a firm hand and facilitate a
win the critical manufacturing states of
Made in America movement the likes of
Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. money could have gone to America’s
which we haven’t seen in 50 years.
After his election, Trump began to steelmakers.
get tough on China, but many of his solu- Biden proposes that during the first Jeffrey Bonior is a staff writer for the
tions to our trade imbalance with China four years of his presidency, the federal Alliance for American Manufacturing.
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020 Page 11As Un-American As You Can Get
By Tom Conway he wins that election?” Buchanan Colorado is one of the few states that
USW International President asked. “What’s the next step? These not only mails ballots to all voters but
Joel Buchanan’s stomach turned are scary times.” encourages residents to return them the
when he watched poll workers deny Trump and his new, hand-picked same way.
ballots to Latinx voters ostensibly postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, dis- If they prefer, citizens can still cast
because the names and addresses on mantled critically important mail-sort- their ballots at polling places or deposit
their driver’s licenses didn’t match ing machines, banned postal worker them in secure boxes, similar to the
those on election records. overtime, reduced hours at some post ones in Pennsylvania that Trump wants
And his blood boiled when elec- offices and eliminated trips to inten- to eliminate. But many Colorado resi-
tion officials closed polling stations tionally delay the delivery of mail-in dents simply drop them in the mail.
in poor neighborhoods, deliberately ballots beyond election deadlines. “Most people, Republicans and
disenfranchising citizens unable to That would disenfranchise millions Democrats, like the system we have
travel to other communities to cast of Americans who want to vote by here,” said Buchanan, vice president
their ballots. mail this year because they fear con- of Chapter 38-3 of the Steelworkers
“It’s ugly, and as un-American as tracting COVID-19 at the polls. Organization of Active Retirees
you can get,” the retired Steelworker Amid a ferocious public backlash (SOAR) and District 12 representative
and Navy veteran said of the voter and threats of lawsuits from more than to the group’s executive board.
suppression he’s 20 states, DeJoy this week agreed to Members of both parties win elections
observed as suspend the changes. in Colorado, he added, clearly demon-
a campaign But the danger of Trump suppress- strating that the system works for
activist and poll ing votes during a crucial election Republicans and Democrats alike.
watcher in remains very real. If the system is tilted toward anyone,
various states. There’s no guarantee that DeJoy it’s the voters.
Although will return postal operations to normal Universal mail-in balloting provides
dismayed by levels, as he promised to do, and the equal convenience to all citizens, no
the duplicity he Trump toady and big Republican matter where they live or how busy
witnessed during donor continues to hobble the mail in their Election Day schedules.
two decades other ways. Mail-in balloting prevents election
of political Although he has no experience at officials from questioning voters’ legiti-
Joel Buchanan
activism, Buchanan never expected to the postal service, DeJoy fired or reas- macy and disenfranchising them on the
see an American president openly try signed nearly two dozen seasoned spot, as Buchanan observed four years
to steal an election by disenfranchising executives who intimately understood ago at a polling place where one of the
millions of voters. the agency and knew how to ensure it elections officials had the audacity to
But that’s what’s happening. Donald operated at peak levels during the display a Trump hat right on his desk.
Trump’s repeated attempts to tear election season. And people voting in the privacy of
down the U.S. Postal Service and cast Attacking the postal service directly their homes face no intimidation from
doubt on the legitimacy of mail-in bal- isn’t Trump’s only front in his war overzealous campaign workers throng-
lots are nothing but a desperate attempt against mail-in ballots. His campaign ing the doors at polling places or
to undermine American democracy. already sued Pennsylvania and all 67 activists who stage noisy rallies nearby.
“We’re talking about an assault on of its counties, for example, to keep “When somebody’s 75 years old
our rights and our form of govern- voters from depositing mail ballots in and drives up and sees that happening,
ment,” noted Buchanan, a longtime convenient drop boxes. they just turn around and leave,”
member of United Steelworkers Trump repeatedly claims without Buchanan said.
(USW) Local 2102, who first got so much as a shred of evidence that a Because of the convenience of mail-
involved in politics because local surge in mail-in votes will lead to in voting, Colorado has one of the
elected officials failed to support union widespread fraud favoring his oppo- nation’s highest turnout rates.
members during a 1997 steel mill strike nent, Joe Biden. Although Trump claims mail-in bal-
in his hometown of Pueblo, Colo. “It’s all just crap,” Buchanan said, lots invite fraud, the opposite is true.
“When a president tries to manipu- noting Colorado has one of the most In Colorado, candidates may appoint
late the post office to benefit himself in voter-friendly, equitable voting systems watchers to observe election officials
an election, what’s going to happen if in the nation—thanks to the mail. as they check voters’ signatures on
Page 12 USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020force, the Postal Inspec- And instead of encouraging higher
Photo from Getty Images
tion Service, to guard turnout to ensure as many Americans
against mail fraud. as possible have their voices heard at a
Last spring, one of pivotal time in the nation’s history,
Colorado’s county elec- Trump refuses to say whether he’ll
tions officials invited accept the outcome of the Nov. 3 vote.
presidential candidates to Buchanan worries that Trump’s
visit his office to see how attacks on the system will lead to yet
mail-in ballots are counted another form of suppression—Ameri-
and learn about the safe- cans refusing to cast ballots because
guards ensuring the they lose faith in the election process
integrity of the delivery or fear their votes will go uncounted.
and tabulation systems. He just hopes enough voters under-
Trump never took him stand that the real threat to democracy
ballot envelopes against signatures up on his offer. comes not from fraudulent voting but
already on file. If signatures appear Instead of working to improve elec- a president pulling every conceivable
not to match, the unopened ballot tion security, an issue he claims is a trick to suppress votes and usurp the
receives further review. top concern, Trump continues to assail people’s will.
Foreign governments cannot hack the legitimacy of mail-in ballots and “That’s exactly what this is all
mail-in ballots, as they did some elec- use the president’s bully pulpit to about,” he said. “I just never thought
tronic voting systems four years ago, undermine public confidence in the I’d see this kind of situation in
and the post office has its own police election system. this country.”
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Projected to Increase in 2021
Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is Unfortunately, CPI-W continues to do a relatively poor job of
an increase in the benefit amount people receive each month. considering the costs that matter most to seniors. This means
By law, the monthly Social Security and SSI federal benefit rate there’s a really good chance those who depend the most on
increases when there is a rise in the cost of living. The govern- Social Security will continue to see the purchasing power of their
ment measures changes in the cost of living through the Depart- income decline over time.2
ment of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners An analysis from The Senior Citizens League found that the
and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). purchasing power of Social Security dollars has declined by a
The CPI-W rises when prices increase, making your cost of liv- whopping 34 percent since the year 2000.2 The reason? The CPI-W
ing go up. This means prices for goods and services, on average, is a measure that takes into account the spending habits of
are a little more expensive. The COLA helps to offset these costs. urban and clerical workers. These are mostly folks who are of
Throughout much of 2020, there’s been concern that the impact working age and don’t have the same spending habits as seniors.
of the COVID-19 pandemic would mean seniors wouldn’t get an Thusly, medical care and housing, which make up a substantive
increase in their Social Security checks come 2021.1 portion of expenditures for seniors, are given less weighting in
Unfortunately, Social Security recipients have gotten used to the CPI-W in favor of education, apparel, and transportation
not getting much of a raise from Social Security. Since 2010, expenses, which matter less to seniors.3
retirees have had to deal with three years in which they got no Currently, the Social Security Administration pays out benefits
COLA at all, and six more when the COLA was 2% or less. Only to nearly 69 million Americans.
twice did they get more sizable boosts — and even then, COLAs
of 2.8% and 3.6% aren’t exactly hitting the lottery.1
This publication of SOAR in Action goes to press one month
before the Social Security’s COLA will be determined. By the time
this issue reaches your mailbox, Social Security will have
announced the COLA, if any, for 2021.
However, the Kiplinger Letter is forecasting
Sources:
a 1.2% increase in the 2021 COLA.4
www.socialsecurity.gov
No matter where the 2021’s COLA
ends up exactly, it’ll have only a mar- 1 https://www.fool.com/retirement/2020/08/16/social-securitys-2021-cola-
bigger-than-2020/
2 https://www.fool.com/retirement/2018/09/30/the-most-important-social-
ginal impact on benefits. Earlier this
security-date-of-the-yea.aspx
year, Social Security reported that its
3 https://www.upi.com/Study-Social-Security-buying-power-down-34-since-
average benefit for retirees was
$1,503 per month. A 1.2% COLA 2000/6091529597919/
4 https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/601286/2021-cola-a-
raise-likely-for-social-security-recipients-after-all
would add $216 per year to what people
get from Social Security.1
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020 Page 13EYES ON WASHINGTON
By Jay McMurran, SOAR Legislative Director *
Normally, SOAR Eyes on Washington provides you an no benefits would be paid out until the President and Con-
update on pending legislation. However, there are two gress acted to replace full-funding. Some advocate replac-
actions happening behind the scenes, that until recently, ing the revenue with money from the general fund.
were going unnoticed. Both issues are extremely important However, the country is $22 trillion in debt, there is no
because they will have a major impact on Social Security money in the general fund.
benefits for current and future retirees. Proposals such as The second action to keep a SOAR eye on is a scheme
these are examples of the many reasons why our Union introduced in the Senate by Mitt Romney (R-UT). Under
encourages us to vote for Labor- the Romney plan Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
endorsed candidates. Social Security reform will be treated much like a free trade agreement,
is truly under attack! But, we can stop meaning it will be “Fast Tracked” through Congress. Rom-
the threat of losing our retiree bene- ney calls for each legislative chamber to appoint members
fits by electing the right people! to serve on a committee that will be charged with writing
The first action that will have a legislation to address one of those programs. Once the
major impact on Social Security is an committee agreed on a resolution and drafted it into bill,
executive order that President Trump the language will be sent to the full House and Senate for
signed in late August. The order cre- an immediate vote on the measure. There will be no debate,
ates a payroll tax “holiday” for work- no hearings to allow citizen or expert testimony, no amend-
ers. The payroll tax is 12.4% tax, ments and no changes. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
which 6.2% is paid by the worker and the Senate Majority Leader has stated that he supports the
an additional 6.2% paid by the Romney proposal and will not act on reform unless fast
Jay McMurran
employer. The money is deposited into the Social Security track is approved.
Trust Fund and is used to pay monthly benefits for seniors, Fast Track for trade agreements hasn’t worked because
widowed spouses, dependent children, and the disabled. the people most impacted by the trade pacts are shut out of
The order stipulates that the tax “holiday” is in effect until the process. Now, Congress wants to do the same thing
the end of 2020. At that point workers are required to pay with vital safety nets. Without input from workers and
the taxes they were relieved of. To accomplish that, the experts, Social Security and Medicare will probably end up
government will tax individuals at a 12.4% rate, or double being what our trade policies have become— a bonanza
their typical deduction. Participating in the tax “holiday” is for Wall Street!
voluntary and because of the payback requirements, it is On the other side, Joe Biden has a plan not just to save
not known how many workers will take advantage of Social Security; but, to actually improve it. Currently,
Trump’s plan. wages in the United States are taxed on all earnings up to
That “holiday” tax break may sound pretty painless. But, $137,000 annually. All earnings over that amount are tax-
it is what Trump said following the issuing of the order. He free. Under the Biden plan, that cap will remain in place.
promised, “If victorious on November 3rd, I plan to forgive However, for all earnings over 400,000 annually, the 6.2
these taxes (the taxes owed from the tax holiday) and make tax will apply. Doing that would not only extend the life of
permanent cuts to the payroll tax. I am going to make them the Social Security Trust Fund, it would also allow Social
all permanent.” If Security to increase benefits for current recipients.
Trump is reelected Fortunately, the two actions we have been discussing
and makes good on likely won’t be acted on until after the election. That gives
his promise to make us time to stop them before they are put into action; we can
the payroll tax cuts do that by casting our votes for Union-endorsed candidates.
permanent, according We must save Social Security.
to Social Security SOAR will stay the course and keep our eyes
actuaries the fund will
run out in 2023 and
on Washington, as we continue the fight to protect
folks receiving dis- and enhance the quality of life of our retirees
ability benefits will and working families.
be impacted even * Jay McMurran also serves as SOAR Executive
sooner. To be clear, Board Member, District 2.
Page 14 USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020Election Day is Upon Us, and the Biden-Harris
Ticket Needs Your Support
By Robert Roach, Jr. Some states have
Election Day is just around the corner, purged their voter rolls
and every senior now needs to have an and you need to make sure
advance plan for how they will vote, you are still registered.
finalize that plan and execute it. You can do this online at
The Alliance for Retired Americans has endorsed Joe www.vote.org, a non-partisan,
Biden for President. At the Democratic National Conven- trusted website. This site also offers important details about
tion, we heard from a wide cross section of bipartisan the latest changes to laws in your state, including signature,
supporters why Joe Biden is the right leader to bring us witness and ID requirements.
out of this pandemic. Once you confirm that you are registered, you can use
I know Joe and I know retirees can count on him to look vote.org to find out how you can vote in your community.
out for seniors’ best interests. We can trust him. With him Due to the pandemic, many states have shifted requirements
as our 46th President and Sen. Kamala Harris as Vice and polling locations—and if you intend to vote early or by
President, retirees will know they have leaders who will mail, you must pay close attention to the deadlines.
strengthen and expand our earned Social Security and The U.S. Postal Service says that to ensure a mail ballot
Medicare benefits. They will ensure that millionaires pay will be counted, you must request it AT LEAST two weeks
their fair share into the Social Security system so that it before Election Day. A number of states offer drop boxes to
remains solvent. ensure that postal delays do not become a problem. Vote
Vice President Biden and Sen. Harris both have strong early, and vote by mail or drop box if you can, so that you
pro-retiree records. As a senator Joe Biden earned a 96% stay safe during the pandemic. And encourage your friends
lifetime pro-retiree score in the Alliance’s annual Congres- to do the same.
sional Voting Record. Senator Harris has earned a 100%
lifetime pro-retiree score. registered by going to www.vote.org and entering your
Please take a minute now to check that you are
They will defend workers’ and retirees’ defined benefit
pension plans and the right to retire with dignity after a life-
name and address.
time of hard work. They will also ensure that Medicare nego-
And don’t forget about the rest of the races in your
tiates lower drug prices, and that medicines and vaccines
community. From the U.S. Senate to state and local
developed with taxpayer dollars will be affordable for all.
Voting is more complicated this year and is likely to
elections, retirees must make their voices heard. .
require more steps than you are used to. First, double and
Robert Roach, Jr. is president of the Alliance for
even triple check that you are still registered to vote at your
Retired Americans. He was previously the General
current address. For more information, visit www.retiredamericans.org.
Secretary-Treasurer of the IAMAW.
Don’t Miss this IMPORTANT DEADLINE!
Open Enrollment season for all Medicare enrollees runs through December 7.
Have you looked at your Medicare Part D and Advantage plans to ensure they still work for you?
Each year, both Medicare Advantage and Part D plans make changes to their benefits, cost-sharing,
provider networks and monthly premiums. That means the plan that best served you in 2020 may not
be the best plan for you next year.
Given that out-of-pocket health care costs may consume 25% or more of a Social Security check,
it’s especially important that beneficiaries take the time to ensure last year’s plans still meet their needs.
New! Changes coming to Medicare in 2021 include Telehealth, other virtual services, and more.
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change to a different plan one time during the Medicare Advantage
Open Enrollment Period, between January 1- March 31 each year. For more information on joining, dropping, and switching
plans, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Also, the link to the 2021 Medicare and You Handbook follows:
https://www.medicare.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/10050-Medicare-and-You_0.pdf
USW@Work/SOAR Fall 2020 Page 15USW Membership Department
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Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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