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Women's History Month Profiles: Ann Flener-Gittlen

Ann Flener-Gittlen

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Ann Flener-Gittlen of the United Steelworkers (USW).

Recently retired USW Women of Steel (WOS) Director Ann Flener-Gittlen was an active union member for over 50 years. Flener-Gittlen's long history of activism began in the 1970s with picket duty for several strikes against Rubbermaid Inc. She eventually became president of USW Local 302—after being told that a woman would never hold that position—and would go on to help establish the union’s WOS program. Flener-Gittlen has inspired steelworker women for decades and left a powerful mark on her union and beyond.