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

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

A group of kids holding empty water gallons and lining up in front of a water container waiting for their turns.

Emergency relief 2023

October 25, 2024 | News Articles

In the face of natural and human-made disasters, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has been providing essential assistance such as food, shelter, and healthcare to those in need, both in Canada and across the globe. From earthquakes to hurricanes to wars, USW members from across the country, through their important contributions to the SHF, have […]

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Click to read the article about Emergency relief 2023
Four USW members taking a photo with a food bank representative. The rep is holding a cheque.

Canadian Program 

October 24, 2024 | News Articles

Every year, an important part of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund’s (SHF) resources is dedicated to providing grants or support to organizations in Canada, seeking to address issues that very often should not be those of a “developed” country, but unfortunately are.  Food insecurity continues to affect a growing number of Canadians who, due to rising […]

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Click to read the article about Canadian Program 
Two individuals giving each other a high five while sitting behind a table in a room. One of them is wearing safety helmet.

Women/femmes/mujeres working to accelerate change   

October 22, 2024 | News Articles

In every corner of the world, women are faced with a gender inequality gap that, according to global indicators, will take 132 years to eliminate. This means that at least five generations of women will continue to face disadvantages and barriers compared to their male counterparts.  It is challenging not to feel disheartened at the […]

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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
Click to view Poster for March 8, International Women’s Day

Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction

Policy
December 16, 2024
Click to view 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
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