The new Steel Pride Working group kicked off its first meeting in December 2023, bringing together Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual + (2SLGBTQIA+) Steelworkers from across the three Canadian districts. The initiative was born out of a resolution to the National Policy Conference in April 2023, which called on the union to create a national working group for 2SLGBTQIA+ Steelworkers.
The new group has an ambitious agenda, working to develop educational materials and resources for members, locals and staff, considering how to increase visibility of 2SLGBTQIA+ Steelworkers and help break down the isolation many rainbow community members feel, especially outside large urban centres.
With the goal of breaking down isolation and bringing people together across the country, the working group has already hosted two online Steel Pride Network meetings – in February and May, open to all Steelworkers who identify as part of the rainbow community. The next network meeting will be in November.
There will be other sessions over the next few months for allies and those who wish to better understand issues like sharing pronouns and why it’s important for solidarity, as well as how to be a good ally to members of equity-seeking groups. The group has also helped create two new postcards aimed at educating members about homophobia and transphobia and what it means to be an ally.
Excitingly, the working group will also help support locals who want to get involved in their local pride, launching a seasonal USW Pride store online.
Want to know more about 2SLGBTQIA+ Steelworkers? Visit: usw.ca/steelpride
Check out our new glossary with helpful definitions, along with new and updated resources.
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 […]
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 […]
