"I'm still hopeful that we can secure the support of the USW leadership because we want to partner with them to make U.S. Steel the best company it can be," he said. "Nothing can change our unwavering belief unionized labor has been and will continue to be the backbone of U.S. Steel, and that Nippon Steel is the best partner to achieve U.S. Steel's long-term success and that the men and women of Gary Works are central to this success. I am confident we will successfully close this deal so that together we can secure a prosperous future for U.S. Steel."