Gender-based violence in the workplace can have severe consequences for those affected, including physical and mental health issues, decreased productivity and career setbacks. It also undermines efforts to promote gender equality and create inclusive work environments.
Challenging gender-based violence and promoting a safe workplace for everyone is a core commitment of the United Steelworkers (USW). The union strives to provide members with the training and education necessary to be allies who actively challenge sexism and gender-based violence and take responsibility for creating an environment where everyone feels safe.
Last year, the USW joined an initiative along with the Canadian
Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) and White Ribbon, named Elevating Action on Gender-Based Violence. The initiative aims to train male spokespeople from the USW and CFLPA to be leaders in changing workplace cultures and to challenge gender-based violence in workplaces and communities. Elevating Action is the new iteration of the work previously done by the union, building on programs like Men Speak Up and Be More Than a Bystander.
Earlier this year, the partnership between the three organizations took the next step by organizing the inaugural training session
in Jasper, Alta. Members of the USW and CFLPA participated in a workshop conducted by White Ribbon to become spokespeople and leaders in changing workplace culture. The training focused on issues including promoting gender equality, consent, allyship, healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, safe and inclusive spaces and new visions of masculinity to create lasting, lifelong changes.
In March 2024, USW District 6 organized another Elevating Action event at the Living Water Resort in Collingwood, Ont. (where staff are USW members). Members of USW Districts 3 and 6 and the CFLPA were trained to become spokespeople.
Locals can book presentations – for either 90 minutes or three hours – in their locals and workplaces. There will be a cost for this presentation and the USW will work with locals and employers to set this up. If you are interested in booking a presentation, please reach out to Dayna Sykes at dsykes@usw.ca.
This article appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of USW@Work magazine.
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