National Director Marty Warren calls Steelworkers to action

After persevering through years of historic challenges, Canadian Steelworkers are eager to build on their outsized role in expanding workers’ rights, strengthening their communities and fighting for an economy centered on the needs of working families, says USW National Director Marty Warren.

“You have shown incredible strength and resilience … throughout the pandemic,” Warren said Tuesday morning in a passionate keynote address to delegates at the opening of the 55^th USW National Policy Conference.

“I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you,” Warren told the hundreds of grassroots activists drawn to the conference from USW locals across the country.

“Your efforts have been critical in supporting our members and keeping our union strong throughout the pandemic.”

Warren highlighted many of the union’s significant achievements since Canadian Steelworkers gathered for their last National Policy Conference in 2019. He cited tremendous gains in collective bargaining, organizing, health and safety, empowering members, promoting diversity, combatting racism and committing to reconciliation.

Member engagement and activism were crucial in securing legislation to better protect workers’ pensions in cases of bankruptcies and restructuring, in reforming trade laws to give unions the right to file trade complaints to stop unfair trade practices, and defeating unconstitutional laws restricting collective bargaining rights, he noted.

And there is more to come, Warren vowed, emphasizing the USW’s future achievements will be driven by its grassroots activists.

“The strength of our union doesn’t come from the top leaders. The driving force of the United Steelworkers union comes from the grassroots, our activists, our members – from all of you!” he said.

“You represent the strength and power of our union, and our ability to improve the lives of so many. Thank you for being engaged in our union!” Share on Facebook Share on Twitter