The United Steelworkers (USW) announced that it will augment its initial contribution of $100,000 for relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina with an additional $50,000 for those workers victimized by Hurricane Rita.

The commitment of $50,000 is in addition to $50,000 initially committed by the international union, which was matched by $50,000 from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund in Canada. In addition, contributions from the USW's members and its locals have swelled to more than $300,000, and continue to pour in.

Thousands of the union's members and retirees live and work in the Gulf communities affected by the hurricanes. It is estimated that more than 2,500 USW members and 1,000 retirees have lost their homes as a result of the disasters.

"We're extremely proud of the generosity our members have shown toward the plight of their brothers and sisters in the Gulf," said USW President Leo W. Gerard, who continues to encourage the union's locals and membership to donate to the Steelworkers Charitable and Educational Organization, the union's non-profit charitable organization.

The international union is issuing another letter to its staff requesting additional contributions, both personal and from the locals that make up the USW.