
Support the Jones Act!
The Jones Act ensures a strong and vibrant maritime industry, which helps ensure the United States maintains its expertise in shipbuilding and waterborne transportation. Without American maritime, the U.S. would be dependent on foreign-owned and flagged vessels for the transport of waterborne commerce in and around the country.
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Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, United Steelworkers Local 5000 (often just called Local 5') represents over three hundred members who are the unlicensed crew aboard nineteen Great Lakes freighters, employed by Central Marine Logistics, The Interlake Steamship Company, and Key Lakes Inc. (Great Lakes Fleet). We have one land-based unit with twenty members who service the steel industry employed by Sisco.
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Rapid Response News
Rapid Response, our union’s nonpartisan grassroots activist program, provides an opportunity for every USW member to weigh in on legislation concerning labor and work-related issues. By joining together, we encourage government actions that will positively impact our families, contracts and communities. Learn more!
Union Plus Benefits
Did you know your USW membership entitles you to discounts on wireless, car rentals, movie tickets, car insurance and more? Visit the Union Plus website to view current discounts and programs.

Support Enbridge Straits Line 5 Replacement Segment Project

A project critical to protecting the environment and the longterm viability of Enbridge Line 5, a crude oil pipeline that supplies refineries throughout the midwest, is in jeopardy.
The Enbridge Straits Line 5 Replacement Segment Project would allow for the current pipeline that runs through the Straits of Mackinac to be rerouted through a tunnel in the bedrock beneath the Straits, protecting the waterway and the Great Lakes.
USW National News
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Local 904L’s Cindy Odden Champions the Power of Legislative Activism
This article is part of Women of Steel’s “Sister Stories” series. Cindy Odden has held a lot of positions in Local 904L throughout her 28 years of union membership. Most significantly, perhaps, was he... —
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Message from the WOS Director: “All In” on Women of Steel
From Randie PearsonDirector of USW Women of Steel The 2025 USW International Constitutional Convention was a powerful experience, not just as a union member, but as a Woman of Steel. Thousands of USW... —
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Delegates Support Women of Steel, Health Care Workers
Delegates passed resolutions on the final day of the USW convention on Thursday committing the union to fighting for its core values and building on the success of its activism and advocacy programs.&... —
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Locals Honored for Rapid Response Activism
The USW’s Rapid Response Department marks its 30th anniversary this year, providing convention delegates with a special opportunity to celebrate a long list of advocacy wins and recognize locals that... —
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USW PAC Leaders Advance Workers’ Agenda
The USW convention’s work to advance a worker-centered legislative and policy agenda culminated Thursday in recognition of districts and locals with the top USW PAC contributions. Members volunt... —