The United Steelworkers union today announced it is endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for president.

In a statement released this morning, the Pittsburgh-based union said:

"When the presidential primary contests began last year, our union felt strongly that because of Sen. John Edwards' deep commitment to working people and because of our shared beliefs, he deserved our strong endorsement. His belief that unfair trade policies must be changed, his commitment to pass the Employee Free Choice Act to restore workers' rights to freely choose workplace representation, and his proposal for universal health care were widely shared by our members.

"Today, by virtue of a unanimous vote of our International Executive Board, we find ourselves once again in agreement with Sen. Edwards, this time with his decision last evening to endorse Sen. Barack Obama."

The union said Mr. Obama has consistently supported workers and called for major changes in the health care system.

Mr. Edwards' announcement was expected to help Mr. Obama make inroads with blue-collar workers, perceived to favor his rival for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.