It’s no secret that the backbone of every great country is its workers. Throughout society, the hardworking individuals of the industrial market have provided their services to produce and manufacture innovations and tools for the future.
Working any job to sustain a life and better the economy takes heart and strength. These types of workers are not without community, however. One example is the United Steelworkers Union, which offers a world of commitment and support towards making sure that every worker’s voice is heard as a valued member of the job market.
The United Steelworkers Union is North America’s largest industrial union that provides a space for approximately 1.2 million members and retirees. As an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of workers and uplifting their voices, the United Steelworkers Union recognizes the importance of making the union an inclusive environment for all, regardless of creed and color. The all-encompassing conditions of the union are what bred the Union’s very own Women of Steel organization.
Women of Steel is a special group within the United Steelworkers Union made up of women workers which offers a space where women can come together and be with others who share the same experiences and goals as female employees.
“Our workforce is dominated by a male presence, so it’s good to have a place in our union where women can come together,” says Kayla Neely, coordinator for the local 550 Women of Steel group. “It’s important for all of us women in any environment to have other women to discuss things with and raise each other up.”
Paducah’s local 550 Women of Steel organization places not only an emphasis on activism for its members, but also dedicates its time and effort towards charity and fundraising for those less fortunate.
Some of the charitable acts of the Paducah area Women of Steel group are an annual golf scramble to benefit a local charity, gathering money and supplies for Paducah’s annual Toys for Tots drive, donating to organizations like Starfish Orphan Ministries and Cassidy’s Cause, and coordinating with local contractors to raise money for each non-profit group they service.
“Fundraising for local charities helps bring a lot of us United Steelworkers and Women of Steel members together as we are able to take part in an act of generosity for the community,” says Neely. “We really enjoy putting these fundraisers together to help others and show different areas what we stand for.”
While the Women of Steel organization is one in which women are cherished and valued as hardworking and productive employees, the group opens women up to knowing that they have the ability to be presidents and vice-presidents within the businesses they work for. It is the simple collection of women in a special community like Women of Steel that makes the world a more equal place everyday.
