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SOAR was established in 1985 to organically link the USW’s active members with those in retirement so that both can work on common problems.

SOAR has proved to be a true partner of our active membership in the pursuit of economic security.

In recognition of this partnership the delegates to the 30th International Convention voted unanimously to add an amendment to the USW Constitution recognizing SOAR as an affiliate organization of the USW. The amendment also encourages the formation of SOAR chapters, establishes direct communication between the local union and the chapter and gives SOAR chapter leaders input into negotiations on retiree issues.

Until SOAR came along, there was no strong advocate to focus attention on the special problems and needs faced by USW pensioners and their spouses.

SOAR made these problems very visible and helped fashion USW policy to deal with them. Our relationship with the United Steelworkers is based on shared values

The major purpose of SOAR is to deal with the Social, Economic, Educational, Legislative and Political developments and concerns of its members and spouses. We fight for the preservation of Social Security, Medicare, for better health care protection, as well as for federal laws to better serve the elderly.

Our structure gives USW retirees a special place in their union.

• USW INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
• USW INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
• SOAR DEPARTMENT
• INTERNATIONAL SOAR BOARD
• SOAR CHAPTERS
• SOAR  CHAPTER MEMBERS
• USW SOAR MEMBER