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
Click to view D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

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

Featured image for Solidarity without borders: USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart joins Los Mineros for historic march in Lazaro Cardenas

Solidarity without borders: USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart joins Los Mineros for historic march in Lazaro Cardenas

May 7, 2025 | News Articles

This spring, USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart travelled to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, to participate in the 19th annual remembrance march with Los Mineros, the National Union of Mine, Steel, and Allied Workers of the Mexican Republic. What Stewart witnessed was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for international labour solidarity – and the […]

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Five people standing infront of sign in Mexico

USW District 3 joins Los Mineros in honouring fallen martyrs and advancing workers’ rights in Mexico

April 30, 2025 | News Articles

In April, District 3 staff members Ed Kent and Mike Duhra travelled to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, to attend the Los Mineros Annual Memorial March, an event held each year to honour the martyrs of the 2006 strike and to advance the cause of workers’ rights across borders. In 2006, Los Mineros union members launched a […]

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Featured image for Rana Plaza: 12 years of fighting for corporate accountability

Rana Plaza: 12 years of fighting for corporate accountability

April 24, 2025 | Statements

(Photo courtesy of Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity) Since 2013, when the Rana Plaza factory collapsed in Bangladesh, Canada’s unions have marked the tragic April 24th anniversary by bringing attention to the ongoing unacceptable working conditions of Bangladeshi workers in the ready-made garment industry.  The Rana Plaza industrial disaster, which killed 1,134 workers and injured […]

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More resources

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
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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
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