Established in 1972, the UPIU emerged from the merger of the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers with the United Papermakers and Paperworkers. This union represented workers in the paper industry across the United States and Canada.
Formed in 1955 through the merger of the Oil Workers International Union and the United Gas, Coke, and Chemical Workers of America, the OCAW represented employees in the oil, chemical, and atomic sectors.
On January 4, 1999, UPIU and OCAW united to create the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE). This merger combined their resources to better advocate for workers across multiple industries.
In 2005, PACE merged with the United Steelworkers, forming the largest industrial union in North America. This consolidation aimed to enhance collective bargaining power and streamline member services.
PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund (PIUMPF): Established in 1963, this fund began providing retirement benefits in 1964.
PACE Benefit Funds: Following the 1999 merger, the fund office was renamed to reflect the new union structure.
USW Benefit Funds: After the 2005 merger with USW, the fund office adopted its current name, continuing to manage retirement and health benefits for members.
In 2023, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation approved approximately $1.3 billion in special financial assistance for the PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund. This funding, part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, ensures the continued payment of retirement benefits to over 64,000 participants.
Today, the USW Benefit Funds office, located in Nashville, Tennessee, administers:
PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund (PIUMPF): Providing defined benefit pensions.
USW Industry 401(k) Fund: Offering retirement savings plans.
USW HRA Fund: Managing health reimbursement arrangements for eligible healthcare expenses.
These funds are overseen by a Board of Trustees comprising union and employer representatives, ensuring collaborative management aligned with members' interests.