The United Steelworkers (USW) District 6 Conference wrapped up how it began – with strength, solidarity, determination and good humour.
The morning featured speeches by Assistant to the National Director Meg Gingrich, Assistant to the District 3 Director Mike Duhra, District 5 Director Dominic Lemieux, District 12 Director Gaylan Prescott and District 11 Director Cathy Drummond.
Gingrich spoke about the importance of strong collaboration across the union, including the recent success of the Stand Up for Steel Conference, held in Ottawa on June 3-4. The conference was led by many of the same dynamic leaders of our steel locals who have testified in government committees and trade hearings to advocate on behalf of our members and the Canadian steel industry, Gingrich noted.
Lemieux was impressed by the spirit of community at the conference and the pride people have for their traditions and for sharing those traditions. He also underlined how union solidarity is making a difference at so many USW bargaining tables.
“Our solidarity is the only reason we can negotiate, as equals, with big corporations,” Lemieux
Drummond, the first-ever female USW District Director, spoke about the challenges of operating in so-called “right-to-work” states, where it is more difficult for workers to be part of unions and exercise union rights. Six of the nine states in USW District 11 are right-to-work jurisdictions, and workers in those states need unions, she noted.
“There are a lot of unorganized workers in the health care sector and they deserve to have the same rights that we all have,” she said.
Duhra spoke about how USW District 3 is working to strengthen its committees so they can take meaningful action on behalf of members. He spoke about District 3 Director Scott Lunny’s ambitious agenda that includes electing more New Democratic governments in Western Canada.
Duhra credited the Steelworkers Vote program for helping move the needle in Manitoba, electing an NDP majority government and history-making Premier.
“The Steelworkers Vote program was instrumental in electing the first-ever Indigenous Premier in Manitoba – Wab Kinew.”
Prescott spoke of the connections between the Canadian and America labour movements, including the historic merger of the USW with the former International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers (Mine Mill), also formerly the Western Federation of Miners, on both sides of the border. He also noted the Mine Mill legacy of militant tactics on behalf of workers.
The conference’s last morning also featured a heartwarming panel which reported on projects sponsored by the USW Family and Community Education Fund in Atlantic Canada. Moderated by USW District 6 Education Co-ordinator Amanda Zakhour, the panel’s story tellers included Tonia Murphy (Local 9503), Richard Thibodeau (Local 1-306), Brandon Mercer (Local 9508) and Michael Furlong (Local 5795).
The afternoon featured an energetic address from Newfoundland and Labrador USW staff representative Ron Thomas, who expressed appreciation for the trip by conference delegates to Bell Island on Tuesday and Wednesday, which was a memorable and impactful experience for all.
District 6 Director Myles Sullivan wrapped up the conference with gratitude to conference planners, staff and all the delegates who took the time to be together, to learn and to strengthen the union across the district.
Assistant to the Director Kevon Stewart emphasized that the conference’s success was a result of the combination of the hard work that went into planning each day and the incredible enthusiasm and commitment of all delegates.
A highlight of the final day was a giant cheque presentation demonstrating the generosity of the District 6 office and the district’s local unions, which combined to donate $10,500 to the Bell Island Community Museum and $88,088 to the Community Food Sharing Association.
The USW’s generosity helps address tremendous – and growing – needs in Newfoundland and Labrador, said Tina Bishop, general manager of the Community Food Sharing Association. The organization provides resources to 60 food banks, serving 15,000 families, across the province, she said.
Check out the conference wrap-up video here!
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