October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a chance for us to learn about, celebrate and remember the women who have made a difference in our union, our community, province and country.
Women’s History Month has been celebrated in October in Canada since 1992 after a group of women from British Columbia campaigned for greater awareness of the contributions of women to Canadian history. Some countries mark Women’s History in other months of the year.
October was chosen because October 18 is Persons Day – the day in 1929 that the Famous Five won their fight to have women recognized as persons in law and eligible to sit in the Senate.
While the victory of the Persons Case was significant and paved the way toward further progress for women’s equality in Canada, we recognize that in 1929 many women had yet to gain the right to vote or run for office for reasons of race, ethnicity, religion or minimum property requirements.
For Women’s History Month, let’s also champion and support the women and girls in our lives who are charting the history of tomorrow through their work today.
Unions are equalizers – but even within our labour community we know there is more work to do towards equality – particularly for racialized and Aboriginal women.
USW has been celebrating women in our union every Wednesday on Facebook and Twitter. Look for the Women Crush Wednesday hashtag in our feeds: #WCW.
Seek out and share a story of women in your union’s or community’s history for Women’s History Month.
KAMLOOPS, B.C. – United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 7619 has issued 72-hour strike notice to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) operation near Logan Lake, B.C., following unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement. The notice was served Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., with the union preparing for potential strike action if an agreement […]
The jobs of thousands of USW members have been plunged into uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs, outsourcing and offshoring. In 2025, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has supported initiatives that help build union-to-union solidarity, which is critical to ensuring workers have a voice. Over the years, the USW has supported the efforts of the Mexican […]
Scott Lunny, United Steelworkers Director for Western Canada, released the following statement following the Alberta referendum vote: “Albertans have made their voices heard. They want to remain part of a strong, united Canada. Now it’s time to put division behind us and get back to work building a better future for working families. “It’s time […]