Authors:

Ellison Zhu

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

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About Paper:

The US steel industry contributes 2% of the nation's CO2 emissions, which can be attributed to using coal for 80% of the industry's primary energy. Our research aims to develop ways to decarbonize the steel industry while accounting for the impacts of the transition on the industry. While a technological transition with economic considerations is crucial, it is also necessary to ensure a transition that is equitable for workers. Therefore, we keep steel-workers at the forefront of this study; the primary objective is to optimize for worker satisfaction while prioritizing decarbonization and achieving manufacturing goals profitably. We are conducting semi-structured interviews with steel-workers to gain insight into their schedules, pay rates, over-time and time- off. Themes from interviews will be transcribed and compared with ground theory code to detect steelworkers' most valued preferences. Interviews conducted thus far have revealed some consistent themes, with workers having a 4-on-4-off schedule; while this works for some, others prefer a schedule closer aligned with family. A redeeming quality is the pay/benefits in this industry, and the ability to advance in rank. A recurring disfavor is the schedule: as workers take time off, there is more overtime for those on shift. The results of our choice- based survey will help better align steel workers' work-life balance with their ideal schedule.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Ellison Zhu