CWA, Steelworkers Join Forces on Worker Health and Safety

A new partnership between CWA and the Steelworkers means members will be that much safer at work as the two unions run joint safety and health training programs and work together to identify and reduce hazards on the job.

For CWA, it means new and expanded resources for training and an opportunity to get a new generation of workers involved in safety and health issues, said CWA Safety and Health Director Dave LeGrande said.

Already, CWA members in manufacturing, telecom craft work, health care and the public sector are taking USW-sponsored train-the-trainer courses in chemical hazards. The multi-day courses, which can include reimbursement for lost wages and travel, are funded through a grant the USW received, and in the future the two unions will file joint safety and health grant proposals, LeGrande said.

Staff from each union will attend each other's safety and health conferences to begin coordinating efforts. CWA's conference takes place Oct. 2-5 in San Diego. CWA safety and health activists also will be able to use the Tony Mazzocchi Center for Health, Safety and Environmental Education, the USW's center for training and education. A copy of the agreement between CWA and the USW is online at www.cwasafetyandhealth.org.