Steelworker Biggs leaving as United Way Labor liaison

By CARL GREEN
Illinois Correspondent

East Alton, IL – Terry Biggs left Granite City Steel in 2016 to take on a vital role in the Labor Movement as a United Way Labor Liaison in Illinois. Now, after five good years of helping people in all kinds of ways, it’s time for him to head back to the steel mill as a member of the United Steelworkers.

Biggs announced the change he is making at last month’s meeting of the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor. The Federation will conduct a search in coordination of the United Way to find a replacement.

Biggs got a hearty round of applause from the Federation as he made his final report and promised that he would be heard from again.

“I want to thank everybody for their support over the years,” he said. “I’m going back home to the steel mill. I might not be in this position anymore, but I still know what it means to help.”

Federation President B. Dean Webb said Biggs’ shoes will be hard to fill.

“He has been excellent,” Webb said. “I hate to see him leave. He was our guy from day one.”

Biggs will remain a member of the Federation’s executive board.

Current United Way Labor liaisons in Illinois include Nick Dodson, who focuses on Madison County, and Terry Knoth in St. Clair County.

Biggs replaced longtime liaison Bill Jakich upon his retirement. Biggs had been working at the plant for 20 years in the business planning department as a USW member and was on layoff status at the time he took the post with United Way.

The Federation is accepting applicants for liaison positions from members of affiliated unions. Webb said the Federation and United Way will be looking for someone with good work and organizational skills, preferably experience in fundraising.

For more information or to apply, contact Webb at 618-259-8558.