About the Campaign

On February 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian exports and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products, threatening thousands of Canadian jobs and disrupting North American supply chains. The federal government responded with $30 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, with plans for an additional $125 billion in countermeasures.

Just hours before these measures took effect, the federal government secured a 30-day reprieve, delaying implementation. While this provides temporary relief, the threat remains.

As many as 50-55% of USW members in Canada work in sectors that will be affected by the possible tariffs. Steelworkers in Canada and the U.S. have fought back against reckless trade measures before, and we will do so again to ensure strong policies that protect and grow Canadian jobs and industries.

News

Image for The United Steelworkers union demands Canadian materials for high-speed rail project amid U.S. tariff threats

The United Steelworkers union demands Canadian materials for high-speed rail project amid U.S. tariff threats

February 19, 2025 | Media Releases

OTTAWA – The United Steelworkers union (USW) is urging the Government of Canada to prioritize Canadian-made materials in the construction of the newly announced high-speed rail network connecting Toronto and Quebec City. While the project is presented as a transformative infrastructure investment with potential to drive economic growth, job creation, and environmental progress, USW leaders […]

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Featured image for Steelworkers union supports NDP plan for massive public infrastructure program using Canadian steel

Steelworkers union supports NDP plan for massive public infrastructure program using Canadian steel

February 18, 2025 | Media Releases

HAMILTON – With job losses already a reality, United Steelworkers union (USW) representatives met today in Hamilton to underscore the urgency of a national program to protect Canadian workers from the Trump administration’s threats of devastating, unprecedented tariffs. USW members from five manufacturing and steel plants in Hamilton and the nearby community of Nanticoke held […]

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Featured image for UPDATE: USW is fighting back against Trump’s tariffs to defend Canadian workers and jobs

UPDATE: USW is fighting back against Trump’s tariffs to defend Canadian workers and jobs

February 5, 2025 | Statements

Steelworkers, On Monday night, the Canadian government secured a 30-day reprieve from the imposition of sweeping tariffs, but the threats to Canadian workers still loom. Make no mistake, this is not the end of the fight. Instead, it’s an opportunity for us to urge our governments to take the necessary steps to protect our jobs […]

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Image: man stands at microphone in front of large conference of 500 people.

“Let’s be clear: these tariffs are reckless, unfounded, and harmful to both Canadian and American workers. This is not about fair trade; it’s about political posturing at the expense of good-paying jobs.”

Marty Warren, USW National Director

Steelworkers in the news

Feb. 11, 2025: Prince Albert Daily Herald: Trump tariff threat a Trojan horse for B.C.’s fossil fuels Feb. 10, CBC Radio, Here and Now: Reaction to steel tariffs from United Steel Workers Union in Canada Feb. 10, 2025, BC IT: Canadian Steelworkers fear impact of 25% tariff Feb. 11, 2025, CBC radio Ottawa Morning with Rebecca Zandbergen: Local Steelworkers union weighs in on 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum
Feb. 11, 2025, The Washington Post: Trump announces round of tariffs on steel and aluminum Feb. 12, 2025, CBC Ottawa: Local businesses brace for U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum Feb. 11, 2025, Trail Times: Steelworkers condemn Trump’s tariffs, warn of Canadian job losses Feb. 11, 2025, Globe and Mail: Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, including Canada Feb. 11, 2025, Hardlines – Home Improvement: U.S. imposes global 25 percent tariffs on aluminum and steel imports Feb. 11, 2025, InsideHalton.com: ‘China wins’: United Steelworkers, Canadian politicians react to Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum Feb. 11, 2025, US Glass magazine: US Targets Foreign Steel and Aluminum with New 25% Tariff Feb. 10, 2025, National Post: Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum; no carve-out for Canada Feb. 10, 2025, CBC News Network: What could tariffs do to Canada's steel industry?