U. S. Steel and the United Steelworkers gathered on Tuesday to mark one year since an explosion at the Clairton Coke Works killed steelworkers Steven Menefee and Timothy Quinn.
The fatal incident occurred at the Clairton plant on Aug. 11, 2025.
Across U. S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works, flags were lowered to half-staff as employees observed a moment of silence for Menefee and Quinn. Workers and company management also held safety discussions and meetings throughout the day to focus on workplace safety protocols.
Related coverage: Federal investigators release final report on deadly explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works
USW International President Roxanne Brown highlighted the ongoing impact of the tragedy on families and co-workers.
“Our hearts remain with the families, friends and co-workers who continue to live with the loss of two dedicated union brothers,” Brown said. “No family should ever have to wonder whether their loved one will make it home safely from work.” Brown added that the union remains focused on improving safety protections. “The best way we can honor their memory is by continuing to fight for safer workplaces and ensuring that every worker has the training, equipment and authority to speak up about unsafe conditions,” she said.
The memorial coincides with renewed union calls for improved workplace safety standards following another fatal incident within the company.
Bernie Hall, USW District 10 director and chair of negotiations with U. S. Steel, urged management to address safety concerns after a worker died at U.S. Steel’s Granite City Works facility on July 11.
“Safety requires constant vigilance and a shared commitment,” Hall said. “We will continue holding U.S. Steel accountable for providing safe workplaces while working constructively to identify risks before they become tragedies. Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of every shift.”
Hall noted the broader impact of recent industrial fatalities across company locations.
“Today, we remember our three fallen brothers,” Hall said. “Tomorrow, and every day after, we recommit ourselves to ensuring tragedies like this become less likely because workers have a strong voice, employers take safety seriously and everyone shares responsibility for protecting the people who make this industry possible.”
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW