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.

Human Rights Committee Guide

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.

2026

Human rights & equity photos

View the Human Rights & Equity photo gallery on Flickr.

VIEW PHOTOS

Featured resources

D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

July 27, 2022
D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights – Revised June 2022

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

Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

Policy
August 4, 2010
Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

News

Image for Quebec Steelworkers win key legal challenges of Rio Tinto policies

Quebec Steelworkers win key legal challenges of Rio Tinto policies

April 8, 2026 | News Articles

USW Local 9344, representing mining and transportation workers at Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Company (IOC) operations in Quebec’s North Shore region, recently won key legal challenges of company policies on medical leave and workplace favouritism. One of the Local 9344 victories appears to have set legal precedent, with a recent decision by the Superior Court […]

Featured image for Women of Steel Conference builds power, connection and a “New Era” of leadership

Women of Steel Conference builds power, connection and a “New Era” of leadership

April 8, 2026 | News Articles

More than 850 activists from across Canada and the United States gathered in Toronto for the United Steelworkers National and International Women of Steel Conference – a space defined by learning, solidarity and a renewed commitment to building power across the labour movement. From the moment delegates arrived, the energy was clear: this was more […]

Featured image for A great humanitarian and champion of workers’ and human rights everywhere: Steelworkers mourn the loss of Stephen Lewis

A great humanitarian and champion of workers’ and human rights everywhere: Steelworkers mourn the loss of Stephen Lewis

March 31, 2026 | Statements

TORONTO, March 31, 2026 – Marty Warren, United Steelworkers (USW) National Director for Canada, issued the following statement today on the death of Stephen Lewis: The United Steelworkers and our members across Canada mourn the loss of Stephen Lewis, one of the greatest friends our union has known. We offer our deepest sympathies to Stephen’s […]

More resources

2026 Calendar of Religious and Special Days

Misc. Resources
December 1, 2025
2026 Calendar of Religious and Special Days
Poster with text: March 8, International Women's Day for ALL women and girls.

Poster for March 8, International Women’s Day

Misc. Resources
March 7, 2025
Poster for March 8, International Women’s Day

Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction

Policy
December 16, 2024
Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction
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
The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

How unions can support members with family responsibilities

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

Justice Conference 2024 materials

Booklets & Manuals
September 23, 2024
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
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
2SLGBTQIA+ glossary: list of definitions