Women of Steel

The Women of Steel program gives women in our union the tools and skills we need to fight for and achieve equality and take leadership roles in our workplaces and in the USW.

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Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety

Steelworkers pride ourselves on being the health and safety union. Women of Steel are pointing to hazards and health issues they face as women workers. Let’s make women’s health and safety issues a priority for action!

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USW Guide to Women's Committees

This step-by-step guide will help develop and support an active USW network of local, area, regional and district Women’s Committees.

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Resources on domestic violence, harassment, and workplace violence

Bargaining language and other tools to take action against domestic violence, harassment and other forms of violence.

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Taking action on women’s equality

At the largest ever International/ National Women’s Conference in Toronto in 2018, women from right across the union came together to build a bold plan of action to help guide our union and our activism at work and in our communities. 

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National Inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit/LGBTQ+ people

Long-time government policies and deeply rooted social beliefs have put Canada’s Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit/LGBTQ+ people at greater risk of violence. USW helped in the call for a National inquiry, because an injury to one is an injury to all, and because Steelworkers and our family members are among the missing and murdered.

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Featured resources

Finding good PPE for women

Misc. Resources
October 18, 2024
Finding good PPE for women

Bargaining Guide for Closing the Gender Wage Gap

Reports • Research & Publications
November 13, 2017
Bargaining Guide for Closing the Gender Wage Gap

Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

Policy
August 4, 2010
Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

USW Guide for Women’s Committees

Booklets & Manuals
July 29, 2009
USW Guide for Women’s Committees

News

Featured image for USW Local 1-2010 Women of Steel deepen equity education in Northern Ontario

USW Local 1-2010 Women of Steel deepen equity education in Northern Ontario

July 4, 2025 | News Articles

USW Local 1-2010’s Women of Steel Committee has once again demonstrated its commitment to equity and justice by hosting an annual meeting that placed racial justice at the forefront. Held in Kapuskasing, Ont., the gathering welcomed 20 committee members from Northern Ontario, representing various sectors within our union, including forestry and lumber, health care, social […]

Featured image for “We’re not alone in this”: Women of Steel Raise the Bar for mental health and solidarity

“We’re not alone in this”: Women of Steel Raise the Bar for mental health and solidarity

May 6, 2025 | News Articles

On a chilly February afternoon at the University of Guelph, 47 Women of Steel gathered not just for lunch but for connection, reflection and solidarity. Over plates of chicken Caesar salad and warm conversation, stories were shared, laughter echoed and for many, something powerful clicked: we are not alone in this. Hosted by USW Local […]

Two women sitting on a table posing for the camera.

Breaking the Cycle of Period Poverty: Sudbury’s Period Promise Drive

April 22, 2025 | News Articles

In the spirit of solidarity and collective action, the Sudbury community recently united to tackle the pervasive issues of period poverty through the Period Promise campaign. The campaign originally started as “Tampon Tuesday,” a partnership between United Way Centraide North East Ontario and the Sudbury and District Labour Council aimed at providing menstrual products to […]

10 people standing with elbows up in the air.

Women of Steel and strength with Amanda Slack

March 31, 2025 | News Articles

March is a moment to celebrate International Women’s Day and women’s work in their union communities. This month, we’re proud to highlight Amanda Slack, a passionate union activist, USW District 6 Women of Steel Committee member and Vice-Chair of Sub-Local 1-500 at USW. She currently works at Hartmann Canada. Amanda started her union journey as […]

National events

District events

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
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
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
Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – March 2024

Pay equity backgrounder

Misc. Resources
December 6, 2023
Pay equity backgrounder

Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety: order form

Forms
November 29, 2023
Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety: order form

A Pay Equity toolkit for USW Staff Representatives and Pay Equity Committee members

Booklets & Manuals
September 18, 2023
A Pay Equity toolkit for USW Staff Representatives and Pay Equity Committee members