Union Leader Confident in Future of Steelworkers

Retiring USW official reflects on decades of fighting for workers' rights and shared prosperity

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:51am

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In a farewell message, longtime United Steelworkers (USW) leader Dave McCall reflects on his decades of fighting for workers' rights and shared prosperity. McCall recounts battles with company bosses, standing up for union members, and leading the union through industry crises. He expresses confidence that the USW will continue to be a force for good, representing workers in traditional sectors as well as emerging industries.

Why it matters

The USW has been a powerful voice for workers' rights and economic justice for decades. McCall's retirement marks the end of an era, but his message underscores the union's ongoing commitment to supporting workers, building community power, and shaping an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

The details

Over his 55-year career with the USW, McCall has been a tireless advocate for union members, fighting off concession demands from company bosses, saving jobs during industry crises, and helping rescue bankrupt steel companies. He recounts standing up to authorities to prevent the opening of a non-union mill, and leading efforts to secure benefits for thousands of retirees. McCall also highlights the union's work supporting organizing drives in emerging industries like electric vehicles, ensuring workers have a voice as the economy evolves.

  • McCall joined the USW 55 years ago as an 18-year-old worker at Bethlehem Steel's Burns Harbor, Indiana plant.
  • During the steel import crisis of the 1980s, USW locals provided assistance to members who lost their jobs.
  • In the 1990s, the USW helped rescue several bankrupt steel companies, securing benefits for 70,000 retirees.
  • In recent years, the USW has supported union drives in new industries like electric vehicle production.

The players

Dave McCall

A longtime leader in the United Steelworkers (USW) union who is retiring after more than 55 years of representing workers.

United Steelworkers (USW)

A labor union representing workers in the steel, manufacturing, energy, and other industries, known for its advocacy of workers' rights and economic justice.

Republic Engineered Steels

A steel company that sought to cut hundreds of union jobs in the Midwest and open a non-union facility in the South, which the USW successfully fought against.

International Steel Group (ISG)

A company that acquired assets from the bankrupt LTV Steel and worked with the USW on an innovative contract that saved the benefits of 70,000 LTV retirees.

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What they’re saying

“You're not talking to Dave McCall," I liked to remind them at these moments. "You're talking to the members of the United Steelworkers.”

— Dave McCall, Longtime USW Leader

“The 1 percent will never understand the bond that unites us. Employers chase quarterly profits. But we go all in for the long haul, investing decades of sweat equity in jobs that mean everything. The way we see it, shared prosperity is the only real kind.”

— Dave McCall, Longtime USW Leader

What’s next

McCall is set to retire in the near future, but the USW is expected to continue its advocacy for workers' rights and economic justice under new leadership.

The takeaway

McCall's farewell message underscores the USW's enduring commitment to supporting workers, building community power, and shaping an economy that works for everyone. As the union faces new challenges, it remains a vital force for protecting the rights and livelihoods of working people.