United Steelworkers Local 9316 is celebrating more than three decades of solidarity with a first-of-its-kind “Stronger Together Party” on Oct.18 – an event dedicated to honouring members, connecting generations and celebrating the spirit of unity that defines the local.
The idea came from Dylan Butt, a young worker who serves on both the NextGen and Health and Safety Committees within the local. Wanting to create something that would bring members together beyond the workplace, Dylan shared his vision with Local 9316 President Glenn Nolan, who immediately supported it.
“When Dylan came to me with the idea, I was hands down for it,” Glenn says. “He wanted to create something special – a space where retirees, current members and young workers could come together, share stories and celebrate who we are as a union family.”
Founded in 1992, Local 9316 represents workers at Canada’s only renewable fuels refinery, in Come By Chance, N.L. Since its early days, the local has grown into a proud and tight-knit group, known for championing safety, improving wages and working conditions, and supporting local charities.
The coming celebration will honour those achievements and the people behind them. Members will welcome past and present leaders, including founding president Gord Hobber, and recognize the families who’ve stood beside them. As part of the event, members will present flowers to their loved ones – a symbolic gesture of appreciation for their support throughout their union journey.
The initiative also received valuable guidance and support from the USW Family and Community Education Fund, which helped bring the idea to life.
“It’s about getting to know each other beyond the workplace,” Glenn adds. “When we come together like this, we strengthen the bonds that make our local so special.”
District 6 Director Kevon Stewart shared his congratulations and pride in the local’s efforts: “Local 9316 is a great example of what solidarity in action looks like. This celebration shows how strong we are when every generation of Steelworkers – from retirees to new members – comes together to honour our shared values and keep budling our union’s future.”
For Local 9316, the “Stronger Together Party” is more than a social gathering – it’s a reminder of what solidarity truly means: celebrating where we’ve come from, standing strong together in the present and building our union’s future together.
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