Labour’s Day: Celebrating our wins for workers

USW 2024 Labour Day statement

Labour Day is a statutory holiday where we celebrate workers and labour movement victories that benefit all of us. Like most of the benefits we enjoy – and, let’s face it, sometimes take for granted – workers had to fight for it.  

It’s our local leaders and members on the front lines who are inviting workers to join the USW who, together, are making our movement stronger.

Our bargaining committees are standing up to greedy employers in these difficult inflationary times and bargaining good gains for members who deserve everything they win in contract negotiations.

We are thinking of Steelworkers who are currently out on strike, such as:

• Members of USW / Metallos Local 7065, who have been on strike since March 22 at Comfort Inn – 20 members in Baie-Comeau, Que.
• Members of USW / Metallos Local 8896, who have been on strike since June 17 at Termaco – 90 members in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.
• Members of USW Local 4045, who have been on strike since July 19 at Cambridge Brass – 135 members in Cambridge, Ont.
• Members of USW Local 4883, who have been on strike since Aug. 12 at IMP Aerostructures Ltd. – 150 members in Amherst, N.S.

On Labour Day, come out to an event near you and celebrate all that workers have won.

This year, together we fought for – and won – a lot!

Anti-scab legislation. The law, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2024, comes into force on June 20, 2025. It bans the use of replacement workers during labour disputes, restoring greater balance to collective bargaining. It will not only facilitate the negotiation of better working conditions but also reduce the number and duration of labour disputes.

The Steelworkers and the entire labour movement have fought for decades to make this legislation a reality. This is historic and, above all, a major achievement in the fight for the rights of federally regulated workers, who will now be protected during labour disputes.

Tariffs on aluminum, steel and electric vehicle imports from China. In a move to reinforce domestic industry and stem the tide of unfair trade, we are pleased to see the federal government taking a more assertive role to support high-quality jobs here in Canada and create more balanced trade.

Canadians want to see the government taking action to protect and create good jobs in Canada. The government can and should be more aggressive in stopping unfair trade, for the benefit of jobs in our local communities.

USW members have been at the forefront in calling for decisive trade action covering steel and aluminum imports as well as the electric vehicle supply chain.

When rank-and-file union members get the chance to tell politicians about how policies have an impact on workplaces and communities, we get noticed and heard. And when those workers are members of a union 225,000-strong across Canada, we get taken seriously.

There is always more to do. The USW is an activist union with a proud tradition of strong worker representation, political advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice.

Enjoy the Labour Day long weekend and thank a unionized worker.

In solidarity,

Marty Warren
USW National Director

Scott Lunny
USW District 3 Director (Western Canada and the Territories)

Dominic Lemieux
USW District 5 Director (Quebec)

Myles Sullivan
USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada)

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