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.

2024

Human rights & equity photos

View the Human Rights & Equity photo gallery on Flickr.

VIEW PHOTOS

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
Click to view Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

News

Image for Mexican workers assaulted and sent death threats for unionizing at Canadian-owned mine

Mexican workers assaulted and sent death threats for unionizing at Canadian-owned mine

November 5, 2024 | Media Releases

OTTAWA, November 5, 2024 – Canadian labour leaders are calling for immediate action from the Canadian and Mexican governments to protect workers at a Canadian-owned mine in Mexico who have been assaulted and received death threats after they joined an independent union. The Mexican government has formally recognized the independent miners’ union, Los Mineros, as […]

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Click to read the article about Mexican workers assaulted and sent death threats for unionizing at Canadian-owned mine
NDP Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks at the USW 2024 D3 Conference.

NDP Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wows delegates

October 30, 2024 | News Articles

In a thoughtful and insightful address, NDP Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew spoke to District 3 Conference delegates about his first year in government, relaying some key priorities and successes. Kinew was elected as the first ever Indigenous Premier in Manitoba on Oct. 3, 2023. Kinew is a former CBC broadcaster, a best-selling author and musician. […]

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Click to read the article about NDP Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wows delegates
Image for USW stands in support of university workers and public education in Argentina

USW stands in support of university workers and public education in Argentina

October 25, 2024 | Statements

The United Steelworkers union in Canada is standing in solidarity with students, teachers, and university workers nationwide in Argentina who are marching and protesting the defunding of public education by the far-right government of its president, Javier Milei. A presidential veto was enacted to defund the budget to support public education and universities across Argentina. Public universities […]

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Click to read the article about USW stands in support of university workers and public education in Argentina

More resources

A poster featuring two workers wearing their uniforms at their workplaces. On the right side there is a welder holding his safety mask, adn on the left, there a nurse. There. is a text at the bottom saying: The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

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
A group of people taking a photo outdoor whilemholding a banner with text saying "Training for leadership adn governance for women waste workers

Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – March 2024

Research & Publications
March 13, 2024
Click to view Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – March 2024