Steel Industry Workers

Entry-level steelworkers and those new to a plant may start in a pool of unskilled laborers. Steelworkers have a strong union, which is why advancement is often dependent on seniority. As workers gain skills and seniority, they may move into more difficult but higher paying jobs. Workers may take five years to learn the work of supervisors or rollers but then have to wait much longer for openings to occur. With further education and training, workers may advance into management positions.