Roxanne Brown is set to become the first African American woman elected as president of the United Steelworkers (USW) in March.
When she takes the helm, Brown told Rev. Mark Thompson on his podcast that the USW, North America’s largest industrial union “will be setting the tone with what she believes is a much-needed representation change.”
“We are the most diverse union in North America…we’re cradle to grave and have everything in between.”
Brown’s ascent is more than just a personal achievement; it represents a shift in the labor movement’s leadership reflecting the demographics of today’s workforce.
Brown is serving as USW’s International Vice President at Large, overseeing the union’s public policy and legislative agenda as well as its political work. She has spent more than two decades advancing policies on Capitol Hill and with regulatory agencies on behalf of USW members. She has extensive experience in manufacturing, environmental and energy policy.
Brown is taking over as U.S. tariffs on foreign steel might create more job opportunities, and with good news coming from the St. Louis region.
Last week, U.S. Steel announced that because of customer demand it would restart the “B” blast furnace at Granite City Works in Illinois.
“400-plus” workers will be returning to work at the plant, according to United Steelworkers Local 1899 President Craig McKey.
“It’s a huge thing for the membership of Local 1899. I know we’re going to get a lot of those people back.”
With those rehires, and new hires, it will bring the number of workers at the facility up to approximately 1,300.
McKey told the Alton Telegraph, he is “optimistic,” although still concerned.
Brown shares his optimism for her industry.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she moved to New York at the age of two and was raised by what she affectionately refers to as “the Amazons”—a family of strong, single women who were deeply involved in healthcare and unions.
Her first exposure to the labor movement came through a nurses’ union and AFSCME’s CSEA in New York. The early influence set the stage for what would be a lifelong commitment to labor rights and leadership.
“I cut my teeth in our policy shop, and I had to learn about our core issues and our core values. I literally spent my entire career fighting on behalf of our members across so many sectors.”
With a membership boasting varied backgrounds, Brown’s leadership reflects this diversity, as the board she is set to lead will be its most diverse in the union’s history.
Leading a predominantly male union presents its unique set of challenges. Brown noted,
“When people think about our union, there’s an image that comes to mind that does not look like me. But…we are the most diverse union in North America, in terms of our sectors and membership,” she said.
She recognizes the importance of transcending stereotypes and advocated for a more inclusive image representing the diversity within the union. Amidst the intricate challenges of tariffs and economic pressures, uncertainty remains a theme. Brown explains, “This current environment of tariffs is not strategic and creates uncertainty…not just for sectors but for our ability to use the tools we’ve relied on for survival.”
Brown is poised to take on these challenges head-on with strategies rooted in education, engagement, and advocacy at all governmental levels. She affirmed the union’s commitment by saying, “Engage, engage, engage—because we are charged to do that on behalf of our membership.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 4 percent between now and 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 7,000 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for reinforcing iron and rebar workers was $59,280 in May 2024, and the median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers was $62,700 during that same period.
“Leadership should always reflect who is being led. I’m opening the door so that others know what is possible,” said Brown.
“It is not about us alone; it is about what we represent and showing what is possible to our members who look like us.”
Alvin A. Reid of the St. Louis American contributed to this report