uswa

USWA stands for United Steelworkers of America, a North American labor union formed in 1942 through the merger of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC) and the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers (IUMMSW). The merger brought workers in steel, mining, and related industries under a single national organization. The union operated across the United States and Canada and played a central role in organizing and bargaining for industrial workers in the mid-20th century.

USWA conducted collective bargaining nationwide, organized new locals, mediated grievances, and engaged in political activity to advance labor standards, safety, and benefits. It worked with broader labor federations and used strikes, arbitration, and contract campaigns as tools. It represented workers in steel mills, mining, aluminum, paper, chemicals, and energy sectors, and supported cross-border cooperation among North American labor movements.

In the late 20th century, amid industrial restructuring and globalization, the USWA merged with other North American unions to form the United Steelworkers (USW). The new organization unified U.S. and Canadian locals, continuing to negotiate contracts and defend workers’ rights under the USW banner. The USWA name remains historically significant as the predecessor to the modern United Steelworkers.