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.

Human rights & equity photos

View the Human Rights & Equity photo gallery on Flickr.

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

Featured image for Steelworkers Humanity Fund donates $30,000 for wildfire relief in British Columbia

Steelworkers Humanity Fund donates $30,000 for wildfire relief in British Columbia

August 11, 2026 | Media Releases

TORONTO – The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) is donating $30,000 to support individuals, families and communities evacuated by recent wildfires in British Columbia. Hot and dry conditions across much of British Columbia have contributed to another difficult wildfire season, forcing thousands of people from their homes and creating uncertainty for many communities. The United Steelworkers […]

Featured image for USW Local 1998 members rally to support their bargaining committee

USW Local 1998 members rally to support their bargaining committee

August 10, 2026 | News Articles

Hundreds of USW Local 1998 members rallied across the University of Toronto’s three campuses to call on the university administration to respect their voices through the collective bargaining process. Approximately 500 members attended the St. George campus rally, with another 70 gathering at the university’s Mississauga campus and another 35 at the Scarborough campus. Members […]

Featured image for Steelworkers Humanity Fund donates $20,000 for wildfire relief in Northwestern Ontario

Steelworkers Humanity Fund donates $20,000 for wildfire relief in Northwestern Ontario

July 24, 2026 | Media Releases

TORONTO – The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) is donating $20,000 to support people and communities evacuated by recent wildfires in northwestern Ontario, as well as future wildfire relief efforts across Canada. This year’s wildfire season has forced more than a dozen communities to evacuate in recent days, including 10 First Nations communities across northern Ontario. […]

More resources

United Steelworkers Statement of Principles on Indigenous Issues

Policy
May 27, 2026
United Steelworkers Statement of Principles on Indigenous Issues

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