Steelworkers in West Mifflin expressed excitement about the future at U.S. Steel’s Irvin Works after President Trump announced a partnership with Japan-based Nippon Steel during an event on Friday.
Local leaders, steelworkers, and community members gathered to hear the President outline the planned partnership, which aims to keep U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh.
During his speech, President Trump revealed plans to double tariffs on imported steel to 50 percent, stating, “We are going to be imposing a 25% increase. We’re going to bring it from 25% to 50% the tariffs on steel into the United States of America, which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States.”
The President emphasized the importance of steelworkers, calling them the “heart and soul of U.S. Steel,” and assured the crowd that the partnership would save 14,000 jobs, promising that there would be “no layoffs and no outsourcing whatsoever.”
“If you don’t have steel, you don’t have a country,” he stated.
Concerns about U.S. Steel’s future have loomed, with the company warning that without the partnership, it could move its operations down south and potentially relocate its headquarters away from Downtown Pittsburgh. U.S. Steel has indicated a shift away from producing steel using traditional blast furnaces, which are prevalent in the Mon Valley.
However, President Trump reassured steelworkers that the blast furnaces would remain operational for at least the next decade, stating, “They’ll be maintained at full capacity for 10 years.”
In addition to job preservation, the partnership includes a significant financial commitment, with $2.2 billion earmarked to boost steel production in the Mon Valley, much of which is expected to unfold in the next 14 months.
Nippon Steel has pledged to construct a new hot mill at the West Mifflin plant, which promises to introduce newer and cleaner technology.
Steelworker Mike Palmer remarked, “That’s a very aggressive time frame. But actually, they’ve probably been looking at this for years.”
Fellow steelworker Dan Allen shared his optimism, highlighting the potential benefits of the partnership. “That’s gonna make sure that we not only continue to stay alive, but also strive for us.”
In recognition of their hard work, the steelworkers will also receive a $5,000 bonus as part of the partnership agreement, which has been met with enthusiasm among the workers. Allen noted that the bonus would assist him in pursuing further education, while Palmer expressed plans to take his mother on a vacation to Italy.
Currently, details regarding the ownership structure and management of the partnership remain sparse, leaving some workers wanting clarity on the specifics.
Richard Tikey, vice president of USW Local 1557, voiced this concern, stating, “What we’re worried about is gaining the investment in the technology and be able to stay in business for the next 10 years.”
Despite uncertainties, the atmosphere was one of celebration among steelworkers at the event. Many workers expressed hopes that this partnership could ensure U.S. Steel’s longevity for the next 125 years, with Shawn Knight exclaiming, “We have a future. This is going to put new blood into our mill, into our economy. This is great.”
Dominic Defazio reiterated the sentiment, saying, “It means I have work for the next 10 years. … Good to know there’s more investments coming. We have a rundown hot mill, so it would be nice to have some improvements.”
Sarah Alesantrino highlighted the impact of these investments, stating, “I think being able to invest in our communities and be able to ensure the longevity of U.S. Steel, it’s really exciting.”
Several steelworkers shared their confidence in the company’s future. Roy Lawson remarked, “I think it’s great for the Mon Valley, especially. So looking forward to seeing what kind of technologies they have to share with us and how things move forward.”
Amidst the excitement, some employees are still searching for explanations surrounding the partnership. Andrew Macey, a longtime U.S. Steel worker, described the event as “iconic and historic” while emphasizing the company’s long-standing legacy.
Jack Maskil, president of USW Local 2227, expressed his commitment to revitalizing U.S. Steel stating, “With new investment and technology, we’ll put U.S. Steel back on top, on top where it belongs.”
David Burritt, president and CEO of U.S. Steel, along with Takahiro Mori, executive vice president of Nippon Steel, spoke ahead of Mr. Trump’s arrival, demonstrating their readiness to embark on this new journey together.
Burritt highlighted the partnership’s focus on American jobs, saying, “He made sure this partnership protected what matters: American jobs, American steel and American strength.”
Mori echoed that sentiment, reinforcing their vision to be “the best steel company in America and in the world.”
While there is optimism in the air, the United Steelworkers union pointed out that they were not involved in the negotiations concerning the U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel partnership.
In a statement on Friday, United Steelworkers International President David McCall remarked, “We have not participated in the discussions involving U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel, and the Trump administration, nor were we consulted, so we cannot speculate about the meaning of the ‘planned partnership’ between USS and Nippon.”
The event featured special guests from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including quarterback Mason Rudolph, safety Miles Killebrew, and former running back Rocky Bleier, who were welcomed on stage by Mr. Trump.
Bleier presented the President with a Steelers No. 47 jersey, while Trump expressed admiration for the team and highlighted Rudolph’s potential as a quarterback, stating, “I think he’s going to get a big shot.”
As the football players stood on stage, the crowd broke into a spirited “Here we go, Steelers” chant, blending the worlds of sports and steel in a moment of celebration and community spirit.
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