Creating equity

Changes in the workforce have demanded that unions remain representative and responsive. By applying the principles of equality, justice, dignity and respect within the union, the United Steelworkers has promoted human rights since its beginning. Steelworkers understand that everyone is entitled to the same rights and freedoms, regardless of race, religion, gender, age or sexual orientation.

Equity for Indigenous people Racial Justice Equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ Disability Rights Women of Steel Anti-Harassment and Anti-Violence Policies and Programs Accessibility Checklist for USW Local Union Events Report of the USW Task Force on Increasing Accessibility at Union Events

Human Rights Committee Guide

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Calendar of religious and special days

Use this calendar to recognize special holidays of many faiths and plan local union meetings and events so that all members may attend.

2025

Human rights & equity photos

View the Human Rights & Equity photo gallery on Flickr.

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Featured resources

D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

July 27, 2022
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USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights – Revised June 2022

Booklets & Manuals • Reports • Research & Publications
July 20, 2017
Click to view USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights – Revised June 2022

Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

Policy
August 4, 2010
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News

A photo of group of people taking a photo in a park wearing winter clothes while smiling to the camera.

Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – December 2024

February 14, 2025 | Publications

Temporary foreign workers, permanent exploitation Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) in Canada are trapped in an unjust labour system that favours employers and erodes workers’ access to proper wages and occupational safety because of their immigration status. Under a “closed” work permit, their contract binds them to one employer, a situation that makes them at risk […]

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four people standing beside each other holding bleu flag with the Rainbow community logo

Support for our American and Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ siblings

February 4, 2025 | Statements

The United Steelworkers union’s Steel Pride National Working Group is expressing its solidarity and concern for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning, Intersex and Asexual plus (2SLGBTQIA+) Steelworkers in the United States, their families and our extended 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, right across America. We are very worried about our 2SLGBTQIA+ siblings south of the […]

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four people standing with the pride flag

Kwa Umoja We Rise: Steelworkers attend ILGA World Conference

January 13, 2025 | News Articles

Four Steelworkers proudly participated in the 31st  ILGA World Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, this past November. The delegation included Dexter Hunlin from Local 6673 in District 3, Tomy Hyacinthe Bezeau-Héroux from Local 7401 in District 5, Mayson Fulk from Local 2699 in District 6 and USW staff representative Brett Barden. This year’s […]

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More resources

Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction

Policy
December 16, 2024
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A poster portraying the effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health. There are two racialized people wearing their work outfit in the centre of the poster.

The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

Misc. Resources
December 3, 2024
Click to view The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

How unions can support members with family responsibilities

Misc. Resources
October 23, 2024
Click to view How unions can support members with family responsibilities

Justice Conference 2024 materials

Booklets & Manuals
September 23, 2024
Click to view Justice Conference 2024 materials

Building Trust, Becoming Allies: Practical ways for USW local unions to engage with Indigenous members and Indigenous communities

June 14, 2024
Click to view Building Trust, Becoming Allies: Practical ways for USW local unions to engage with Indigenous members and Indigenous communities

2SLGBTQIA+ glossary: list of definitions 

Research & Publications
April 23, 2024
Click to view 2SLGBTQIA+ glossary: list of definitions 

Report of the USW Task Force on Increasing Accessibility at Union Events

Booklets & Manuals
April 23, 2024
Click to view Report of the USW Task Force on Increasing Accessibility at Union Events

Accessibility Checklist for USW Local Union Events

April 18, 2024
Click to view Accessibility Checklist for USW Local Union Events
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