Latest News

The United Steelworkers union welcomes new tariffs that will protect jobs in Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors

October 22, 2024

TORONTO – The United Steelworkers union (USW) applauds today’s implementation of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products, following the Government of Canada’s decision to address unfair trade practices. This move is a crucial step in safeguarding domestic industries and preserving union jobs across the country.

“Today’s entry into force of this new border measures is a win for Canadian workers and jobs,” said Marty Warren, National Director for the United Steelworkers. “For too long, our steel and aluminum sectors have been undermined by unfairly traded Chinese products, hurting local businesses and the communities that rely on them. These tariffs will help level the playing field, ensuring that Canadian products can compete more fairly on the market, and protecting good, unionized jobs.”

The USW applauds the Canadian government for taking decisive action to address practices such as dumping and state-sponsored subsidies, which have distorted global markets and put undue pressure on Canadian jobs. By aligning its approach with the United States, Canada is reinforcing the integrated North American supply chain, which supports stable, good-paying jobs in both countries.

These tariffs are the result of sustained efforts by the USW to broaden the application of government policies to the entire supply chain – which were originally intended to apply only to electric vehicles and the battery industry – with a focus on defending the importance of a strong, coordinated trade policy. The United Steelworkers union recognizes the dedication of its members who have consistently campaigned for fair trade policies that benefit Canada’s manufacturing industry.

“As we look ahead, it is essential that these measures are effectively enforced in order to maintain their strength and effectiveness for Canadian workers and we will continue to push for further measures to maintain good manufacturing jobs in Canada,” added Warren.

About the United Steelworkers union

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.

Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.

Join our newsletter

Media Contact

François Soucy, USW Communications, 873-355-2841, fsoucy@usw.ca

Recent news

Image for The United Steelworkers union demands Canadian materials for high-speed rail project amid U.S. tariff threats

The United Steelworkers union demands Canadian materials for high-speed rail project amid U.S. tariff threats

February 19, 2025 | Media Releases

OTTAWA – The United Steelworkers union (USW) is urging the Government of Canada to prioritize Canadian-made materials in the construction of the newly announced high-speed rail network connecting Toronto and Quebec City. While the project is presented as a transformative infrastructure investment with potential to drive economic growth, job creation, and environmental progress, USW leaders […]

Read More
Click to read the article about The United Steelworkers union demands Canadian materials for high-speed rail project amid U.S. tariff threats
Featured image for Steelworkers union supports NDP plan for massive public infrastructure program using Canadian steel

Steelworkers union supports NDP plan for massive public infrastructure program using Canadian steel

February 18, 2025 | Media Releases

HAMILTON – With job losses already a reality, United Steelworkers union (USW) representatives met today in Hamilton to underscore the urgency of a national program to protect Canadian workers from the Trump administration’s threats of devastating, unprecedented tariffs. USW members from five manufacturing and steel plants in Hamilton and the nearby community of Nanticoke held […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Steelworkers union supports NDP plan for massive public infrastructure program using Canadian steel
A photo of group of people taking a photo in a park wearing winter clothes while smiling to the camera.

Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – December 2024

February 14, 2025 | Publications

Temporary foreign workers, permanent exploitation Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) in Canada are trapped in an unjust labour system that favours employers and erodes workers’ access to proper wages and occupational safety because of their immigration status. Under a “closed” work permit, their contract binds them to one employer, a situation that makes them at risk […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – December 2024