Who we are

In 1955, the first organized attempt to establish a collective bargaining agency for the field staff of the United Steelworkers failed to materialize, however, the idea refused to die.

On November 21, 1964, at the Kaufmann Hotel in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, a founding meeting of the Staffman’s Organizing Committee (which is what the SRU was called back then) agreed upon plans to launch an intense campaign to organize the field staff in the United States and Canada.

Twenty-five days later, on December 16, 1964, a “representation committee” of 17 members called a meeting with the USW’s International Officers and made a majority claim on behalf of SRU.  By mutual agreement, a card check campaign began and was overseen by Dean Moor, retired Bishop of Trinity Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh.

Certification of SRU as the exclusive bargaining agent for field staff of the United Steelworkers was approved by Bishop Moor and conditionally recognized by then USW President David J. McDonald, subject to International Executive Board approval.

On January 7, 1965, the USW’s International Executive Board voted to officially recognize SRU as the exclusive bargaining agent for field staff in the United States and Canada.

In September 1966, SRU held its first meeting in Atlantic City, NJ, where SRU’s first Constitution and By Laws were adopted by the membership and the first permanent Officers and Executive Board was elected.

Since that time we have fought to improve wages, benefits and working conditions of all our members; to ensure justice and dignity on the job; and to build a social movement to better the lives of all working people.

Our structure consists of three (3) Table Officers (President, Vice-President and Secretary Treasurer), two (2) Executive Board members and two (2) District Committee members from each of the USW's districts and from the Canadian National Office, one (1) member from the National Organizing Unit and one (1) member from the Grant Staff Employees Unit.

The term of office for the three table officers, District Executive and District Committee members shall be the length of time between membership meetings, which shall be in conjunction with the USW's international convention.

SRU Executive board