United Steelworkers activism is a driving force for social justice. It is genuine, tangible power that improves working and living standards not only for our members, but for all workers.
There are those who claim that trade unionism is outdated, that it belongs to an earlier time when workers toiled behind locked factory doors, when child labour was exploited and when workplace injuries were the norm.
However, we know that things are better today precisely due to the impact of unions. We know that it is thanks to the determination of generations of labour activists that workers have won major advances such as paid time off, regular pay raises, improved health and safety and a living wage.
We also know that our struggle is as relevant today as ever, given that:
This is why we resist — to ensure that our rights are respected and to fight for laws that create a more fair and just society. We devote our time and energy to make life better for our co-workers and for all workers, now and into the future.
We can be proud of what we’ve achieved together. As our idea of organizing continues to evolve, our union remains steadfast in modernizing and welcoming new ways of engaging workers. We welcome new generations of activists, we recognize Indigenous realities and gender issues, and we take on the fight against systemic racism. We are adapting our tools, our strategies and our ways of campaigning.
Some of our struggles endure through time, such as our commitment to defend Quebec, our culture and the French language. This has always been at the heart of our activism here in District 5.
One thing that will never change is our solidarity! When the going gets tough, when a government or an employer tries to ignore us, we keep our heads up, stand firm and remember that there are more of us than there are bosses. We have strength in numbers!
In solidarity,
Nicolas Lapierre
USW District 5 Director
Statement from Scott Lunny, USW Western Canada Director: This sudden election wasn’t on anyone’s radar. At dinner tables across the province, families are asking themselves why we’re voting again. It’s a fair question. But the question at the ballot box won’t be about David Eby’s approval ratings or whether the Conservatives are too chaotic. It […]
BURNABY, B.C. – The United Steelworkers union (USW) welcomes David Eby and the BC NDP’s plan to double B.C.’s critical mineral exports by expanding the port of Prince Rupert and creating more family supporting jobs by processing minerals here at home. “The world needs the minerals B.C. produces and Steelworkers know what it takes to […]
The USW encourages all Steelworkers to attend events held nationwide, learn more about past injustices and commit to combatting injustices that last into the present.