Creating equity

Changes in the workforce have demanded that unions remain representative and responsive. By applying the principles of equality, justice, dignity and respect within the union, the United Steelworkers has promoted human rights since its beginning. Steelworkers understand that everyone is entitled to the same rights and freedoms, regardless of race, religion, gender, age or sexual orientation.

Human Rights Committee Guide

Calendar of religious and special days

Use this calendar to recognize special holidays of many faiths and plan local union meetings and events so that all members may attend.

2025

Human rights & equity photos

View the Human Rights & Equity photo gallery on Flickr.

VIEW PHOTOS

Featured resources

D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

July 27, 2022
Click to view D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights – Revised June 2022

Booklets & Manuals • Reports • Research & Publications
July 20, 2017
Click to view USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights – Revised June 2022

Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

Policy
August 4, 2010
Click to view Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

News

A group of women working in a garment factory.

Abject failure: Canada’s would-be human rights watchdog leaves Bangladeshi garment workers languishing in poverty

March 12, 2025 | Statements

In many Bangladeshi garment factories, the women and men who make clothes for export around the globe endure gruelling schedules – six days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day. But no matter how long and hard they work, their wages are so low, these workers cannot escape poverty.  The appalling working and living […]

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Click to read the article about Abject failure: Canada’s would-be human rights watchdog leaves Bangladeshi garment workers languishing in poverty
A person standing behind snow with a red dress hanging on a tree and red hand print on her face.

Standing in solidarity and raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples

March 10, 2025 | News Articles

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we must acknowledge that for many Indigenous communities, this day is about celebrating achievements and recognizing the ongoing struggle for justice, safety and dignity. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse people (MMIWG2S+) extends beyond national borders – it is a global human rights […]

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Click to read the article about Standing in solidarity and raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples
Featured image for Empowering and inspiring the next generation in Black labour activism for the fight for inclusion

Empowering and inspiring the next generation in Black labour activism for the fight for inclusion

February 27, 2025 | News Articles

Labour activism has long been a vehicle for change, and Black workers have played a critical role in shaping the movement. Ephrin Jenkins (E.J.), a leader in the United Steelworkers union’s (USW) District 7 and founder of the Black Labour Week Project, has dedicated his career to ensuring that activism remains relevant and inclusive, especially […]

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Click to read the article about Empowering and inspiring the next generation in Black labour activism for the fight for inclusion

More resources

Poster with text: March 8, International Women's Day for ALL women and girls.

Poster for March 8, International Women’s Day

Misc. Resources
March 7, 2025
Click to view Poster for March 8, International Women’s Day

Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction

Policy
December 16, 2024
Click to view Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction
A poster portraying the effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health. There are two racialized people wearing their work outfit in the centre of the poster.

The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

Misc. Resources
December 3, 2024
Click to view The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

How unions can support members with family responsibilities

Misc. Resources
October 23, 2024
Click to view How unions can support members with family responsibilities

Justice Conference 2024 materials

Booklets & Manuals
September 23, 2024
Click to view Justice Conference 2024 materials

Building Trust, Becoming Allies: Practical ways for USW local unions to engage with Indigenous members and Indigenous communities

June 14, 2024
Click to view Building Trust, Becoming Allies: Practical ways for USW local unions to engage with Indigenous members and Indigenous communities

2SLGBTQIA+ glossary: list of definitions 

Research & Publications
April 23, 2024
Click to view 2SLGBTQIA+ glossary: list of definitions 

Report of the USW Task Force on Increasing Accessibility at Union Events

Booklets & Manuals
April 23, 2024
Click to view Report of the USW Task Force on Increasing Accessibility at Union Events