PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement today from USW International President Leo W. Gerard in response to the release of 65-year-old American contractor Alan Gross after five years in a Cuban prison.

"Today we commend the Obama administration for securing the release of Alan Gross. The USW has long believed that Mr. Gross was unjustly convicted, and President Obama deserves credit for his vigilance and tenacity in finally achieving justice in this case.

"We're pleased that Alan Gross will be able to spend the holiday season with his family, where he belongs. We wish him and his family well.

"The USW also welcomes the release of the three members of the Miami Five – Ramon Labanino, Antonio Guerrero, and Gerardo Hernandez – who had been imprisoned in the United States.

"Workers Uniting – the USW's partnership with Unite the Union in Great Britain and Ireland – has long worked to win the release of these prisoners. We thank Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey and advisor Tony Woodley for their leadership in this effort.

"The measures announced today by President Obama are the first step in a historic effort by the administration to normalize relations with the Cuban government. This is long overdue good news for the economies of both nations and for the millions of good people in Cuba who have suffered the effects of this conflict for far too long."

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies.

CONTACT:
R.J. Hufnagel: 412-562-2450, rhufnagel@usw.org

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SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)