We all know things feel heavy right now. Across Canada, a lot of working families are dealing with uncertainty, and it is not getting easier. There is a lot of talk out there about industrial strategies, supply chains and investing in infrastructure.
Those conversations matter and are long overdue. But for many Steelworkers, talk does not pay the bills. It does not fix wages that are not keeping up or make housing, child care and everyday life any more affordable.
That is why moments like this remind us of something simple. Unions have to union and Steelworkers have to do what we do best.
Our strength has always come from what we do together. When we organize, we grow stronger. When we bargain, we win real improvements like better pay, safer workplaces and stronger protections. And when we show up in our communities, whether it is lobbying, standing up for good-paying jobs or celebrating together at Labour Day and Pride, we live our values and advance the well-being of working families everywhere.
For more than 85 years, our union and those that came before us have faced tough times head-on. We did not just get through them, we helped build better standards, stronger communities and a more secure future for working people. That work continues today, with new leadership from our International President, Roxanne Brown, whose commitment to our union’s values reflects the strength and unity of our membership.
There is real reason to be hopeful. Not because things are easy, but because we know what we are capable of when we stand together. Our union works and our strength comes from you, our members, our stewards and our activists.
I know we will meet the challenges coming our way and we will continue to be stronger, more united and ready to build a better future.
In solidarity,
Scott Lunny
USW District 3 Director,
This article appears in the Summer 2026 issue of USW@Work magazine.
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