Portsmouth Site Union is Strong on Safety

Paige Cisco, USW 689 safety representative, attended the Ohio event and served as a trainer at the national Next Generation Conference in Pittsburg, Indiana. Cisco says the opportunity to be part of these programs focusing on health, safety and leadership has been beneficial to her day-to-day responsibilities onsite.

"With the USW empowering me to further my education, I feel more confident when things arise in the workplace," said Cisco. "Having other USW members from all over the country come together with the ability to discuss and problem-solve with health and safety issues is honestly incredible. At these conferences, they give tools to help problem-solve, understand regulations, show leadership and develop communication skills."

This year, USW members also represented the site at the Women of Steel Leadership Development Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Black Labor Week Project in Gary, Indiana. Union member Tonia Brown, USW 689 member, attended both conferences.

"Our union encourages and promotes education for all union workers," said Brown. "The conferences recognized the need for diversity in USW leadership and women working in all job capacities. The conferences have provided incredible learning opportunities in health and safety, history, labor education, labor law, bargaining and enforcing contracts, legislative and political strategies, social justice activism, and communication. I'm thankful for the opportunity and encourage all union members to take advantage of the opportunities."

-Contributor: Cindi Remy