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.

2025

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

A group of workers walking towards a factor

Result of judicial review further strengthens the need for an empowered CORE to ensure corporate accountability of Canadian companies

December 15, 2025 | Statements

As part of a longstanding commitment to improving living and working conditions for Bangladeshi garment workers, the United Steelworkers union (USW) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) jointly filed a complaint with the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) against retailer Mark’s and its parent company Canadian Tire. In this complaint, we argued that the […]

A group of people posing for a photo in a room while raising their fists.

Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – December 2025

December 15, 2025 | Publications

Telecommunications sector workers joining forces to defend their rights at work  USW Local 1944 joined a Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) delegation to Izmir, Turkey, in August, to meet Telus workers.  The Telus workers in Turkey described the challenges of organizing in the global ‘Business Process Outsourcing’ industry. Telus is primarily known in Canada as a provider of phone and internet services. Yet […]

A group of people posing for the camera and hold a board.

Steelworkers spread holiday cheer with donations across Sault Ste. Marie

December 11, 2025 | News Articles

As the holiday season approaches, many families in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., are experiencing increased financial pressure and uncertainty. To help support the community during this challenging time, United Steelworkers union (USW) locals have once again come together to provide much-needed assistance to local charities and service organizations. This year, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is […]

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