At the 55th USW National Policy Conference in Toronto in April 2023, Steelworkers activists from across the country adopted dozens of resolutions to shape our union’s policies for improving the working and living standards of our members and all workers. Following the conference, USW leaders, staff and activists have been working diligently to implement these […]
You would think that Sean Staddon is too busy to be involved in the union. He and his wife both work full-time and have two kids, aged seven and nine, both with autism. Yet Sean is Co-chair of the USW District 6 Political Action Committee (PAC), Chair of the Local 6500 PAC, a Guard on […]
In early June, over 60 delegates from USW steel industry locals gathered in Ottawa for the Stand Up for Steel Conference. This event brought together Steelworkers from across the country to share the issues they face in their workplaces and to advocate for policies that protect Canadian steel jobs, defend the domestic industry and strengthen […]
The United Steelworkers union schools have a rich legacy of learning and empowerment. Each year, members and facilitators gather to exchange skills and experiences, strengthening both their knowledge and commitment to union values. These schools build a network of informed members, equipped to educate and mobilize others within their locals. “We work hard to make […]
USW delegation strengthens ties with South American workers The Steelworkers Humanity Fund’s Women’s Delegation to South America had an opportunity to foster solidarity and learning among union women from three countries. The delegation, which included three Canadian USW delegates, travelled to Lima, Peru and La Paz, Bolivia, to engage with unions, labour federations and women’s […]
The 60th Annual Assembly of District 5 Steelworkers, held from Nov. 20-22, 2024, in Jonquière, Que., brought together more than 500 delegates, staff and guests from across Quebec under the theme “Steelworkers Change the World.” The event celebrated decades of solidarity, struggles and victories, while highlighting current issues facing workers. Inspiring speeches by Dominic Lemieux, […]
Workers at steel-pipe maker Evraz in Calgary are proud members of USW Local 6673. They are also getting more involved in helping others – through mental health stewards and connecting to the broader community outside of work. Local President Kent Irving was looking for ways to get more USW members involved in the union beyond […]
The USW District 3 Conference took place in Winnipeg from Oct. 28-31, 2024, bringing together more than 300 union leaders, delegates, staff and guests from across Western Canada and the northern territories. With the theme “Better Work for Everybody,” the conference included workshops, debates, panels and speeches aimed at improving the working lives of members. […]
Thousands of USW members across Canada recently negotiated strong collective agreements that protect health and safety, improve wages, benefits and working conditions, and ensure more respectful workplaces. These settlements include: Local 9490 • Aluminum workers won’t be foiled, wrap up shiny new contract With pension and wage issues previously settled, members at Rio Tinto’s aluminum […]
In September, 1,200 Paladin Security employees in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador joined the USW, reinforcing the Steelworkers’ standing as THE union for security workers in Canada. Security workers represent the fastest-growing group within the USW, with tens of thousands of members across the country. In Quebec, a province-wide USW campaign to […]
In July, District 6 assembled 450 members, staff and guests in St. John’s, N.L., as part of the district’s triennial conference. With the theme “We’re Ready,” the conference featured plenary sessions, workshops and an educational field trip. The conference kicked off with an Inuit welcome and blessing from Danny Pottle from the First Light St. […]
This past year, across every USW district in Canada, local union leaders, activists and staff have had the opportunity to come together to attend a district conference in District 3 or 6, or in the case of District 5, the Assemblée annuelle. Incredibly, District 5 brought over 500 Steelworkers together this year to celebrate the […]
Being gathered around a sacred fire and hearing an Elder’s word carry the weight of history, grief, and hope is transformative and inspiring. At USW Local 6500, these moments are not just symbolic – they are a moment to build a foundation of relationships grounded in respect and a shared future with the Indigenous communities. Dan […]
District 6 members gather for a group photo after participating in Spring School 2024 in Collingwood, Ont.
The United Steelworkers union (USW) is proud to announce its participation in the newly formed Canada-U.S. Trade Council (CUSTC), a voluntary initiative bringing together industry leaders, labour organizations and experts to address critical issues surrounding Canada’s trade relationship with the United States. “As an international union, we know that workers on both sides of the […]
Four Steelworkers proudly participated in the 31st ILGA World Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, this past November. The delegation included Dexter Hunlin from Local 6673 in District 3, Tomy Hyacinthe Bezeau-Héroux from Local 7401 in District 5, Mayson Fulk from Local 2699 in District 6 and USW staff representative Brett Barden. This year’s […]
The chill of winter bites harder when it’s paired with uncertainty. On December 23, 2024, members of USW Local 8328 were locked out by employer Welded Tube, shattering years of labour peace and leaving 340 dedicated workers in the cold. For many, this cuts especially deep during what should be a season of togetherness. “It’s […]
As this year draws to a close, I am drawing inspiration from the many members I have spoken to over this past year about their efforts in the union – bargaining committee members working to negotiate top notch agreements and resolve workplace issues, health and safety activists pushing for safer working conditions on the job […]