WHEREAS, United Steelworkers Local 8888 reached a milestone in January 2020 when it welcomed its 10,000th current member; and

WHEREAS, United Steelworkers Local 8888, established in 1978, has enhanced working conditions, increased workplace safety, and advocated for higher wages and better health benefits and pensions at the Commonwealth's largest industrial employer for more than 40 years; and

WHEREAS, United Steelworkers Local 8888 reached its previous membership record in 2019 with 7,900 individuals; the organization has continued to grow through the passionate service of its recruiters, who have emphasized the union's storied history and many achievements on behalf of members; and

WHEREAS, United Steelworkers Local 8888 had projected to reach 10,000 dues-paying members by August 2020, and the organization has subsequently increased its expectations to 12,000 members in the coming months; and

WHEREAS, United Steelworkers Local 8888 also reached another milestone, with 83 percent of eligible employees joining the union, far above the national average for union membership; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history United Steelworkers Local 8888 has provided an important voice for all employees of Newport News Shipbuilding and ensured that the company continues to serve the Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend United Steelworkers Local 8888 on reaching an all-time high in membership in 2020; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to United Steelworkers Local 8888 as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's commitment to advocating for the hardworking employees of Newport News Shipbuilding.