The latest news - USW Canada

A man in a suit stands in front of a podium with a laptop on it and a microphone mounted to it. He's speaking with his hands up at chest-level as he gestures.

United Steelworkers union and University of Toronto launch new research chair honouring Leo Gerard

November 15, 2024 | Media Releases

TORONTO – The United Steelworkers union (USW) has partnered with the University of Toronto to launch a new USW/Leo Gerard Chair in Collective Bargaining and Worker Representation at the university’s Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. The USW/Leo Gerard Chair will further the University of Toronto’s leadership in the study and teaching of labour […]

United Steelworkers union mourns John Horgan

November 12, 2024 | Statements

Statement from Scott Lunny, Western Canada Director, United Steelworkers (USW), on the passing today of John Horgan: It is with great sadness that the United Steelworkers mourns the death of former British Columbia Premier John Horgan, a friend to our union and a steadfast advocate for the rights and dignity of all workers. Throughout his […]

USW files labour rights complaint under CUSMA to protect workers at Canadian-owned mine in Mexico

November 12, 2024 | Media Releases

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2024 – The United Steelworkers union (USW) has filed a complaint under the Canada United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on behalf of workers at a Canadian-owned mine in Mexico who have faced assaults and death threats after they joined an independent union. This complaint calls for an independent panel to investigate and […]

Unionizing Starbucks: A path to fairness, safety and collective power

November 7, 2024 | News Articles

In a bustling Starbucks, each drink crafted and every customer served reflects its employees’ dedication and hard work. With a joyous moment growing across Ontario, Starbucks workers are taking steps to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected – by joining the United Steelworkers (USW). With the recent successful unionization of the […]

Mexican workers assaulted and sent death threats for unionizing at Canadian-owned mine

November 5, 2024 | Media Releases

OTTAWA, November 5, 2024 – Canadian labour leaders are calling for immediate action from the Canadian and Mexican governments to protect workers at a Canadian-owned mine in Mexico who have been assaulted and received death threats after they joined an independent union. The Mexican government has formally recognized the independent miners’ union, Los Mineros, as […]

Talking politics at the District 3 Conference

October 31, 2024 | News Articles

(Photo: Steelworker and former B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains) For day two of the USW District 3 Conference, politics was at the forefront of discussion, hearing first from NDP Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. Kinew was elected as the first-ever Indigenous Premier in Manitoba on Oct. 3, 2023. A former CBC broadcaster, a best-selling author and […]

Together we rise: USW District 6 Women of Steel committee fights for equality and awareness

October 28, 2024 | News Articles

The United Steelworkers (USW) District 6 Women of Steel Committee met Oct. 24-25 to review union initiatives aimed at empowering women, advancing equity and addressing workplace challenges. Updates covered the National Women’s Committee, resolutions for the upcoming International Constitutional Convention, recent union conferences and leadership training. The committee also participated in the Royal LePage Shelter […]

USW stands in support of university workers and public education in Argentina

October 25, 2024 | Statements

The United Steelworkers union in Canada is standing in solidarity with students, teachers, and university workers nationwide in Argentina who are marching and protesting the defunding of public education by the far-right government of its president, Javier Milei. A presidential veto was enacted to defund the budget to support public education and universities across Argentina. Public universities […]

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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 […]

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 […]

The United Steelworkers union welcomes new tariffs that will protect jobs in Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors

October 22, 2024 | Media Releases

TORONTO – The United Steelworkers union (USW) applauds today’s implementation of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products, following the Government of Canada’s decision to address unfair trade practices. This move is a crucial step in safeguarding domestic industries and preserving union jobs across the country. “Today’s entry into force of this new border measures […]

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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 […]

Labour unions express concerns about proposed free trade agreement with Ecuador

October 18, 2024 | News Articles

Dear Prime Minister: We are writing on behalf of Canadian unions that are deeply concerned about the current negotiations for a free trade agreement with Ecuador. Collectively, we represent more than three million public- and private-sector workers across the country. Our key concerns: 1. We are deeply concerned about the worsening human rights crisis in […]

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Building worker to worker solidarity through supply chains

October 18, 2024 | News Articles

USW members increasingly work for multinational employers with the capacity to shift production to regions where lower labour standards prevail or offset lost revenue due to a strike in Canada from other sites around the world. In this context, a strong union in a single workplace may not be enough to challenge a powerful employer. […]

Four people taking a photo in a room next to a SHF banner.

Sustainable development and the rights of local communities: focus on Colombia

October 16, 2024 | News Articles

The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) supports projects worldwide that strive to promote and defend the rights of local communities. In Colombia, a country characterized by high levels of inequality, our partners have been active on a range of issues, including the civic inclusion of marginalized populations. One of those key partnerships has been focussed on […]

A person facilitating a workshop to a group of people.

Contributing our grain of sand to global solidarity

October 15, 2024 | News Articles

Following a year marked by transitions, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has developed solid bases to continue to convey Steelworker union solidarity around the world and in our own backyard. Whether by developing opportunities for member engagement, advocating for the rights of workers, or supporting the activities of inspiring partner organizations, this annual report provides […]

Group of volunteers helping out with gardening.

Steelworkers help revitalize Chelmsford’s community food forest

October 15, 2024 | News Articles

Volunteers from the USW Northeastern Ontario Area Council (NEOAC) have made a significant contribution to the Chelmsford Community Food Forest as part of their second annual “good works” project. Some 20 Steelworkers from Sudbury, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie came together in early October to collaborate with the non-profit group Sudbury Shared Harvest to revitalize […]

A graphic showing three copies of the 2023 SHF Annual Report.

Steelworkers Humanity Fund Annual Report 2023

October 10, 2024 | Publications

In 2023, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) strengthened its global and local solidarity efforts. The 2023 report highlights key initiatives made possible by USW member contributions, including support for partner organizations in Colombia, Brazil, and beyond, with a focus on women workers and worker-to-worker solidarity. Domestically, SHF continued its contributions to food security and social […]