David McCall started his long career in the steel industry at Bethlehem Steel’s Burns Harbor steel facility in Local 6787. Now he will lead United Steel Workers International.
The USW International Executive Board appointed him the union's new president after Tom Conway died this week.
“We are all mourning a great loss,” McCall said in a press release, “but even in our sadness, our union is strong, thanks in large part to Tom’s leadership and vision. Now, we’ll move forward the only way we can: together. Together, we’ll honor Tom’s legacy, as together, we fight for justice and fairness for working families.”
McCall served as USW International's vice president of administration since 2019. Previously, he was appointed director of district 1 in 1998. He joined the staff of the international union in 1985. He began his career as a millwright in Burns Harbor.
“Our union is changing,” McCall said. “We’re organizing new members in new industries in both the United States and Canada, even as we bargain cutting-edge agreements for members in our traditional sectors. I am humbled to lead our union as we continue to fight for a better future for all working people.”
McCall graduated from the labor studies program at Indiana University Northwest in 1973 and the Harvard University Trade Union Program in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1990.
Conway, who was president for four years, also started his career with the USW Local 6787 at the Burns Harbor Works of Bethlehem Steel. He joined the USW International staff in 1987.
“Solidarity wasn’t just a word to Tom; it was a way of life,” USW International Secretary-Treasurer John Shinn said in a press release. “He understood that by working together, we will balance the scales against greedy corporations and the billionaire class.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education.
