In our union’s proud history of promoting and supporting equality, Steelworkers celebrate Black History Month annually. We celebrate the accomplishments of black Canadian people in society, acknowledge the achievements of activists in our union and encourage Steelworkers to continue the struggle for equality. We are beginning to recognize that despite advances in equality, racism has played a historic part in our national experience. This experience has also led to discrimination against black immigrants and Canadians in our workplaces.
Internationally, Steelworkers support the UN General Assembly’s implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), and accordingly, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Nationally, I would like to draw your attention to the newly formed Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), a national, non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country. The federation advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent. We see the FBC as a valuable support for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU).
Within our own union, I am proud that our member activism for equality-seeking groups is mandated by our constitution, requiring each local to establish a human rights committee.
Beyond celebrating Black History Month in February, we as Steelworkers must continue to support racial equality each day in our workplaces and communities.
I know that activism is driven by our membership in our workplaces and communities. During Black History Month, I urge all of our racialized activists and allies to:
In solidarity,
First published on globeandmail.com on October 22, 2026 By Marty Warren, Special to the Globe and Mail Marty Warren, the Canadian national director of the United Steelworkers union. As I write, more workers at Hamilton’s Stelco steel mill are being laid off. In all, the plant’s U.S. owner, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., will cut up to 500 jobs. This, […]
Union representing laid-off workers makes no apology for helping enforce Canadian law TORONTO – The American CEO of the company that owns the Stelco steel mills laying off Canadian workers accused the United Steelworkers union (USW) of “colluding” with the federal government. “Damn right we’re colluding with Ottawa,” said USW national director Marty Warren. “Like […]
As Canada continues to face many challenges on the global scale, continued progress on issues affecting Indigenous workers and communities must remain a priority. In this context, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has been building partnerships with Indigenous nations across Canada, reflecting our union’s commitment to reconciliation. Through this work, the SHF connected with the […]