Labour Day is a time to come together and celebrate our achievements, our friendships and our solidarity.
2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike, a historic moment in our Canadian history when workers and broader society took action for better treatment and workers’ rights.
The struggle brought labour movements together and crossed ethnic divides through common cause.
It ignited a movement for collective workers’ rights and motivated labour activists to run for office so workers’ voices would be heard in Parliament and our legislatures advocating directly for better laws and policies for the working class.
Workers and unions have always been at the forefront of the struggles for progressive change that built our middle class, that reduced inequality and created a more prosperous Canada.
The labour movement was on the front lines of battles for public health care and stronger social programs, for jobs with better wages and working conditions, for workers’ rights and human rights laws, for better pensions and retirement security, for safer and healthier workplaces.
We accomplished great things because our struggles reflected the values and the dreams of Canadians for a fair, more equal society with opportunity for all.
These achievements have been under attack for many years now. Our governments have too often bent to the demands of the wealthy and powerful, to an agenda that does not reflect the values and principles of most Canadians.
The result has been an erosion of the middle class, growing inequality, our cherished social programs under constant threat and forecasts that younger generations today will end up worse off than their parents.
Steelworkers and the entire labour movement recognize these daunting challenges.
As we gather with our labour family and celebrate our solidarity, let’s renew our struggle for good jobs, justice and fairness for all. Enjoy a safe and happy holiday.
In solidarity,
Layoffs coming at Nova Tube, more uncertainty in the steel sector MONTREAL – The United Steelworkers union (USW) is publicly asking how many more jobs must be lost, or steel plants closed, before the federal government takes stronger action to crack down on unfair trade that is harming Canada’s steel industry. The USW has learned […]
USW District 3 welcomes the BC Federation of Labour’s declaration of a hot edict on mineral products and by-products from Teck’s Highland Valley Copper operation. This is a powerful show of solidarity with more than 1,200 members of USW Local 7619 who have been on strike since October 24, fighting for fair wages, pensions, adequate […]
TORONTO – The United Steelworkers union (USW) issued the following statement in response to the federal budget 2026: “The United Steelworkers welcomes federal investments in Canada’s forestry and wood products sector, as well as in the critical minerals industry. These are important steps toward the industrial strategy Canada needs. But we cannot build the industries […]