Latest News

Steelworkers mourn the death of Nutrien potash mine worker in Rocanville, Sask.

May 21, 2024
USW District 3 Logo

The United Steelworkers union (USW) announced with great sadness the fatality of a member working at the Nutrien potash mine in Rocanville, Sask. on Sunday. The potash mine facility, located approximately 250 kilometres east of Regina, has been temporarily closed. The name of the member has not been released.

The USW extends heartfelt condolences to the member’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

“Our community is in mourning over this tragic incident at our mine site and our thoughts go out to the family, friends and our union family who are deeply impacted,” said Derek Palmer, USW Local 7916 president.

Ensuring the health and safety of workers is the number-one priority for the USW. The union’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) is working with USW Local 7916, Nutrien and local authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“Our union will be working with Nutrien to assist workers both on and off the mine sites. The Surface Occupational Health Committee and Mines Branch investigation is still in progress. The union will not be commenting further on the fatality until the Mines Branch has completed its investigation,” said Palmer.

USW Local 7916 represents 650 members at Nutrien Rocanville Potash. Operations have been suspended and are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, May 22.

The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Join our newsletter

Media Contact

Derek Palmer
USW 7916 President
306-435-9594
palmerderekw@gmail.com

Brett Barden
USW Communications
604-445-6956
bbarden@usw.ca

Recent news

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 […]

Read More
Click to read the article about United Steelworkers union and University of Toronto launch new research chair honouring Leo Gerard
Featured image for United Steelworkers union mourns John Horgan

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 […]

Read More
Click to read the article about United Steelworkers union mourns John Horgan
Image for USW files labour rights complaint under CUSMA to protect workers at Canadian-owned mine in Mexico

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 […]

Read More
Click to read the article about USW files labour rights complaint under CUSMA to protect workers at Canadian-owned mine in Mexico