Uswa Local 1397: The Fight for Union Democracy

Uswa Local 1397 is a union local representing workers at the AK Steel plant in Ashland, Kentucky. The local has been fighting for years to maintain its independence from the international union, the United Steelworkers (USW).

Homestead Steel Mill–the Final Ten Years: USWA Local 1397 and the Fight for Union Democracy

by Staughton Lynd

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8112 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Paperback	:	1 pages
Item Weight	:	1.25 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.51 x 0.5 x 11.04 inches

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The conflict between Local 1397 and the USW began in 2013, when the international union placed the local under a trusteeship. A trusteeship is a form of receivership in which the international union takes control of a local union's affairs. The USW claimed that it had placed Local 1397 under trusteeship because the local was not following the international union's constitution and bylaws.

Local 1397 disputed the USW's claims and accused the international union of trying to silence the local's leadership. The local also argued that the trusteeship was illegal because it was not approved by a majority of the local's members.

The conflict between Local 1397 and the USW has been bitter and divisive. The local has accused the international union of corruption and mismanagement. The international union has accused the local of being disloyal and of trying to undermine the union's unity.

The conflict has also been costly. Local 1397 has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees and other expenses. The international union has also spent a significant amount of money on the conflict.

In 2018, the USW filed a lawsuit against Local 1397, seeking to have the local's charter revoked. The lawsuit is still pending.

The conflict between Local 1397 and the USW is a reminder of the challenges facing the labor movement in the United States. Unions are facing declining membership and increasing pressure from employers. In order to survive, unions need to be democratic and accountable to their members.

Local 1397 is an example of a union that is fighting to maintain its independence and its democratic rights. The local's struggle is a reminder that union democracy is essential for the health of the labor movement.

Timeline of the Conflict

• 2013: The USW places Local 1397 under a trusteeship.
• 2014: Local 1397 files a lawsuit against the USW, challenging the trusteeship.
• 2016: The USW withdraws the trusteeship from Local 1397.
• 2018: The USW files a lawsuit against Local 1397, seeking to have the local's charter revoked.

Key Figures in the Conflict

• Bob Coleman: President of Local 1397
• Tom Conway: International President of the USW
• David McCall: USW District 8 Director

Analysis

The conflict between Local 1397 and the USW is a complex one with no easy answers. Both sides have valid points, and it is difficult to say who is ultimately right or wrong.

However, it is clear that the conflict has been damaging to both the local union and the international union. The conflict has divided the union and made it difficult for it to function effectively.

The conflict has also been a distraction from the more important work of representing the interests of workers. The union needs to find a way to resolve the conflict and move forward.

Homestead Steel Mill–the Final Ten Years: USWA Local 1397 and the Fight for Union Democracy

by Staughton Lynd

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8112 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Paperback	:	1 pages
Item Weight	:	1.25 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.51 x 0.5 x 11.04 inches

FREE