ALL IN on SOLIDARITY 2025 USW International Convention

At the USW International Convention held in Las Vegas in April, delegates showed that solidarity remains the union’s greatest strength. With the theme “All In,” Canadian members joined thousands of Steelworkers from the U.S. and international allies to recommit to the values that built the union: unity, strength and workers.

International President David McCall opened the convention by emphasizing that “All In” means showing up for each other every day: “Being all in isn’t a one-time action – and it isn’t a bet. It’s our way of operating, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

National Director Marty Warren presented the 2025 Officers’ Report (available online at usw.org/2025-officers-report), which outlines key wins in bargaining, organizing, advocacy and honours the legacy of the late International President Tom Conway.

During the convention, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew praised Steelworkers in a video address, highlighting efforts to protect jobs from U.S. tariffs, improve affordability and pass anti-scab legislation. “We’re taking steps to make life more affordable in a challenging economy. We’re supporting people’s jobs in the face of Trump’s tariff tax,” he said.

B.C. Premier David Eby echoed the need for cross-border solidarity, warning that trade conflicts hurt workers on both sides and urged Canada to defend its industries. “We didn’t ask for this trade war, but Canada must fight back,” Eby told delegates.

Canadian delegates echoed the call to rebuild manufacturing as a foundation of a strong, union-led economy. “We’re trying to instill in people the importance of our manufacturing industries,” said Mike Foat of USW Local 6673. “It’s important for energy, construction, for defence to make things at home.”

Retired National Director Ken Neumann also paid tribute to former International President Leo W. Gerard, celebrating the creation of the USW/Leo Gerard Chair at the University of Toronto as

a reflection of Gerard’s legacy and the power of Steelworker solidarity across borders.

Steelworkers double down on organizing

At the heart of the USW International Convention was a clear message: organizing is essential to building a stronger union and a more just and equitable society. Delegates from across Canada pledged to expand outreach and grow the union in sectors facing rising precarity and inequality.

Delegates approved a resolution to shape the future of USW organizing. The strategy focused on strengthening the union’s presence in core sectors while expanding into emerging industries. It emphasized targeting larger workplaces and key regions. It was a commitment to reaching workers who are often underrepresented, including young workers, women, racialized workers and new immigrants in Canada and the United States.

“Let’s build a movement where no worker is invisible,” urged Parvinder Kaur, from USW Local 5296. “When we stand together, every sector gets stronger.”

Canadian Steelworkers also emphasized cross-border solidarity as a critical tool. In industries like steel, aluminum and forestry, international co-ordination is key to stopping the race to the bottom. Delegates renewed their commitment to fair trade and holding governments accountable to protect Canadian jobs.

USW Staff Representative Jayson Little expressed strong solidarity with Telus workers in Turkey facing labour rights violations, reminding delegates that the fight for fair wages, safety and respect is a global issue. “From Canada to Turkey, our fight for justice is one shared by all workers,” he said as USW Local 1944 members continue to lose their jobs to workers in other countries, a practice often called “offshoring.”

Delegates emphasized that the next generation is critical to organizing our union. With mandatory NextGen committees now established, young workers are encouraged to lead campaigns and grow our movement.

If you know someone who might like to form a union at their workplace, encourage them to learn more at usw.ca/join.

Canadian delegates put health and safety front and centre

For Steelworkers, health and safety isn’t a slogan, it’s a matter of life and death. At the USW International Convention, Canadian delegates made it clear: every worker deserves to come home safe.

Each year, over 6,000 workers die on the job across Canada and the U.S., with another 120,000 estimated to die from occupational-related illnesses. Canadian delegates renewed their push for vigorous enforcement of workplace safety laws and real accountability for negligent employers.

Darrin Curran from USW Local 1-417 and Ed Kent, Health, Safety and Environment Co-ordinator for District 3, highlighted the importance of relaunching the “Stop the Killing, Enforce the Law” campaign. Wearing a shirt bearing “Stop the Killing,” they reinforced the message: if you kill a worker, you go to jail.

Delegates reaffirmed their support for robust Joint Health and Safety Committees, improved training and whistleblower protections. With provincial standards varying across Canada, the USW continues to advocate for harmonized national protections.

Paul McCrea from USW Local 8782 called for inclusive personal protective equipment and gender-accessible facilities, noting that safety must reflect the diversity of the workforce. “We need proper controls in place to protect workers and hold companies accountable,” he said.

Delegates demanded full enforcement of Canada’s Westray Law, which permits criminal prosecution of employers whose negligence leads to death or injury, laws often ignored by authorities.

“We are the health and safety union,” said Will Foresi from USW Local 7135. “When it comes to health and safety, we have no choice but to always be all in.”

Delegates also called for stronger mental health supports and protections against workplace violence.

Steelworkers champion inclusion and intergenerational strength

The future of the USW is multigenerational, intersectional and rooted in solidarity. At the 2025 USW International Convention, delegates advanced bold resolutions to ensure the union reflects its membership’s full strength and diversity. Women of Steel, NextGen leaders, Veterans of Steel and Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) members all play key roles in shaping this vision.

Nishell Selinger from USW Local 7552 delivered a powerful message urging delegates to move beyond symbolism and commit to real equity.

“Equity isn’t about treating everyone the same, it’s about levelling the playing field,” she said. Equal pay is about dignity and progress can only be made when people are properly represented and advocated for. Selinger called on allies, especially men, to step up, speak out and do the work, not just when women are in the room. “If you’re not willing to do the work, step aside for someone who will.”

Delegates voted to amend the USW Constitution to require every local to establish a Next Generation Committee, ensuring young members are engaged and empowered to lead. They also urged locals to promote SOAR membership, which begins at age 45, and support retirees with meeting space and resources.

“You are missing out on a tremendous resource,” said SOAR Vice-President Doug MacPherson, noting that retirees consistently show up for picket lines, rallies and union actions.

Equity and inclusion remained front and centre with delegates backing resolutions to expand representation of women, racialized members and 2SLGBTQIA+ workers. These commitments are part of a growing movement to break down barriers and build a more inclusive union.

Find more convention coverage:

• usw.org/usw-convention

• usw.org/videos

• flickr.com/photos/unitedsteelworkers/albums

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