The layoffs and safety concerns did not dissuade U.S. Steel from going forward with its plan to issue 21.7 million new shares of stock. This special stock offering, which raised $482 million, occurred in August, the same month the union accused the company of gutting its maintenance department. Angry over safety issues, the union on August 26 led a protest march to U.S. Steel’s main gate in Gary. Normally union protests occur only during contract negotiations. Workers chanted, “McKinsey sucks! McKinsey sucks!” Union members carried signs that drove home their sentiment:

“Hello Mario! McKinsey must go.”

“McKinsey stole.”

“McKinsey = contract violations.”

“Union yes, McKinsey no.”

“McKinsey steals.”

“Give McKinsey the (picture of a boot).”