Not surprisingly, child-care services were often closed during the first year of the pandemic. A 2021 survey of Steelworkers by the USW National Women’s Committee shows that mothers, more often than fathers, added those child-care duties to their workload, while still doing their paid jobs.
Not all parents are women, but women bear a disproportionate load. That was true before COVID-19; the pandemic has only made it worse. As a result, some working mothers chose to delay their return from a layoff, or decide not to pursue promotions, or even leave the workforce altogether.
In 2021, the federal budget announced $30 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide child-care system. To date, 12 out of 13 provinces and territories have signed agreements to access the funding, and parents are already seeing their fees drop. Only Ontario refuses to sign on, hurting women, families, and the economy. Visit the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care web site to find out more.
The USW wants to make sure all union activities are more inclusive of Steelworkers who identify as female. In March, for International Women’s Day, we’re holding two Zoom events, called Building Inclusive Locals. Join to listen and share what it means to be included in your local union. How can we work together to increase women’s participation and inclusion in locals and workplaces?
There are two chances to join:
I hope to see you there. Happy International Women’s Day!
Marty Warren
National Director for Canada
KAMLOOPS, B.C. – United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 7619 has issued 72-hour strike notice to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) operation near Logan Lake, B.C., following unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement. The notice was served Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., with the union preparing for potential strike action if an agreement […]
The jobs of thousands of USW members have been plunged into uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs, outsourcing and offshoring. In 2025, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has supported initiatives that help build union-to-union solidarity, which is critical to ensuring workers have a voice. Over the years, the USW has supported the efforts of the Mexican […]
Scott Lunny, United Steelworkers Director for Western Canada, released the following statement following the Alberta referendum vote: “Albertans have made their voices heard. They want to remain part of a strong, united Canada. Now it’s time to put division behind us and get back to work building a better future for working families. “It’s time […]