There has been no shortage of movement across District 6 – on the shop floor, at the bargaining table and in the streets. Our members continue to demonstrate what solidarity looks like in action.
I want to begin by celebrating Brother Lawrence McKay, a retired Area Co-ordinator for the Atlantic provinces. Lawrence has dedicated his life to the labour movement, and it’s only fitting that he was inducted into the New Brunswick Federation of Labour Honour Roll, which occurred in May at the Delta Hotel in Saint John. The location couldn’t be more symbolic – Lawrence led the negotiations for the hotel’s first contract following a harsh and bitter strike. This recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our members and the labour movement. Thank you to everyone who supported his nomination – it was a team effort and one he truly deserves.
We’ve also had essential wins on the organizing and bargaining front. At Welded Tube of Canada, the 340 members who manufacture steel pipe and tube for buildings, industry and infrastructure secured a strong new agreement after a six-week lockout. The three-year deal includes a 10% wage increase, a $2,000 signing bonus, and major improvements to health benefits, short- and long-term disability coverage and the defined benefit pension plan. It also strengthens the provision for full-time union leave and secures all seven paid statutory holidays and floaters.
Momentum continues to build at Starbucks, where five more Ontario locations recently ratified their first contracts. These workers, many of them young, are leading the charge in demanding respect, fair pay and safe workplaces.
At the USW International Convention, District 6 showed up in full force with nearly 300 delegates. It was inspiring to see so many of our members step up to the microphones and speak passionately on the issues that matter most to them. Their voices and leadership reflect the power and diversity of our district.
Internationally, I was honoured to represent us at the Los Mineros convention in Mexico, where we reaffirmed our commitment to global worker solidarity.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who participated in Spring School and training at Living Water Resort in Collingwood, Ont., where the workers are represented by USW Local 252-01. Education builds power and your dedication helps move our movement forward.
In solidarity,
Kevon Stewart
USW District 6 Director
Layoffs coming at Nova Tube, more uncertainty in the steel sector MONTREAL – The United Steelworkers union (USW) is publicly asking how many more jobs must be lost, or steel plants closed, before the federal government takes stronger action to crack down on unfair trade that is harming Canada’s steel industry. The USW has learned […]
USW District 3 welcomes the BC Federation of Labour’s declaration of a hot edict on mineral products and by-products from Teck’s Highland Valley Copper operation. This is a powerful show of solidarity with more than 1,200 members of USW Local 7619 who have been on strike since October 24, fighting for fair wages, pensions, adequate […]
TORONTO – The United Steelworkers union (USW) issued the following statement in response to the federal budget 2026: “The United Steelworkers welcomes federal investments in Canada’s forestry and wood products sector, as well as in the critical minerals industry. These are important steps toward the industrial strategy Canada needs. But we cannot build the industries […]