11-07-08, 9:31 am

In a letter circulated this week to the staff and leadership of the United Steelworkers union (USW), USW President Leo Gerard expressed jubilation at the election of Barack Obama and urged union members to continue to support his agenda to expand workers' rights, provide universal health care, negotiate trade agreements that protect jobs, and other key policies.

Sounding a celebratory note, Gerard wrote, 'this is one of the most significant victories in our union’s history.' He added that Obama's election ends the Bush 'era of unparalleled attacks against American workers and their unions, as well as the economic well being of our members and their families.'

Working families have experienced tough times as a result of Bush administration economic, tax, and trade policies, Gerard told the union's leaders. Additionally, working families have suffered as a result of rising unemployment, decreased retirement security, the burdens of health care costs and much more. 'Many have prayed for this day to come,' Gerard emphasized. 'That day is now here because of your hard work.'

Gerard pointed to the role of Steelworkers in contributing to Obama's victory. 'President-Elect Obama could not have won this election without your efforts,' he insisted. 'This victory is as much yours as it is anyone else’s, and for that you and our members should be very proud.'

Steelworkers spent many thousands of hours campaigning on Obama's behalf. At phonebanks, worksites, and meeting with workers one-on-one, Steelworkers helped solidify the majority for Obama in key battleground states, especially in Pennsylvania, which the McCain campaign had pointed to as its last stand.

Gerard further expressed strong support for Obama's agenda and pledged his union's continued backing. He identified some key policy issues that his union will fight for passage. 'The Employee Free Choice Act, health care reform, trade that protects workers and creates jobs, retirement security and other critical worker issues are now within our reach, and I have pledged to President-Elect Obama that the USW will not rest until these become law,' he wrote.

President-elect Obama will need tremendous support from working families to see this agenda implemented, Gerard argued. 'We must be the ones to drive this agenda forward and turn our plans into reality. Nothing that was ever worth so much came for free.'

Echoing Obama's campaign theme of 'Yes, we can,' Gerard admitted it would be a difficult struggle for these changes, but it is one we can win, he concluded, 'Power is not relinquished without struggle. We must put all of our efforts into this, and we will!'