Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 10-00086 in West Point, Pennsylvania, are ready to step up to their next fight in helping to defeat the coronavirus. On March 10, their employer, pharmaceutical giant Merck, announced it would be assisting in the production of rival Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. By late May, the workers at Merck’s West Point facility will be mixing the key drug component with other ingredients and filling vials with the vaccine. “Our membership is very proud to be a part of the fight to put an end to this pandemic and save the country, and the world,” said local President Mike Gauger. “We have a very experienced and devoted workforce, and I truly believe when Merck is challenged, they know they can come here to West Point and we can get it done.”