United Steelworkers celebrate solidarity with Pride

The United Steelworkers union (USW) proudly joins 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in celebrating Pride Month this June.

Pride was born out of protest, in the United States where it started and here in Canada too, often led by trans women and queer gender-non-conforming people. It was a time of defiance of persecution and an expression of both individual courage and community strength. Pride is a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ members of our community, reflect on the history of queer struggle and liberation and renew our commitment to solidarity.

Solidarity and celebration have always been intertwined in Pride and this remains just as important today as it was during the days of the Stonewall riots (New York City, 1969). In recent years, we have seen a rise in hate acts across Canada influenced by right-wing special interest groups and political parties. Well-organized voices of hate are inciting acts of violence and intimidation worldwide.

USW is proud to have taken significant steps towards building greater inclusivity by strengthening human rights protections for our membership to build a diverse and inclusive environment. Our union is dedicated to ensuring that every member feels safe, respected and valued.

Steelworker bargaining committees have been advocating for protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers. We actively negotiate anti-harassment contract language and programs to create safer and more-inclusive workplaces. We are also working to negotiate accommodations for members undergoing gender transition, ensuring they receive the support they need, when they need it.

This past year, the union also created a Steel Pride Working group with staff and members appointed from all districts. This group has an ambitious agenda to create stronger visibility of 2SLGBTQIA+ Steelworkers, more education and awareness among members and break down the isolation that many 2SLGBTQIA+ Steelworkers experience.

Throughout the summer, Steelworkers will participate in various Pride events and activities to celebrate and support the rainbow community. We encourage you to get involved to show your solidarity and Steel Pride!

To further support 2SLGBTQIA+ Steelworkers and communities, local unions and members are encouraged to:

• Create and support a Human Rights Committee in your local union to ensure the employer’s compliance with updated human rights legislation.
• Encourage your local executives and members to participate in a Pride event in your local and community. [ https://usw.ca/2024-pride-events/ ]
• Attend solidarity events pushing back against anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate and bigotry and work with allied groups to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
• Order new “Help end homophobia and transphobia” and “Be a good ally” postcards. [ https://usw.ca/help-end-homophobia-and-transphobia-be-a-good-ally-postcards/
• Order USW Pride gear through our new Steel pride seasonal shop. [ https://myunionstore.ca/collections/usw-pride-collection ]

For more information on how to become a stronger ally for the rainbow community, check out these great resources from our National Steel Pride Working Group [ https://usw.ca/equity-for-2slgbtqia/ ]:

• 2SLGBTQIA+ glossary: list of definitions [ https://usw.ca/resources/2slgbtqia-glossary-list-of-definitions/ ]2SLGBTQIA+ terminology is continuously evolving. These definitions are a starting point to understanding 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and issues.
• Sharing our pronouns – solidarity in action [ https://usw.ca/sharing-our-pronouns-solidarity-in-action/ ]
• 2SLGBTQIA+Inclusion Tool [ https://usw.ca/resources/lgbtq2sia-inclusion-tool/
  Learn of some ways we can better include 2SLGBTQIA+ members in the life of our union.
• USW Transition Handbook: A Helpful Guide when Gender Transitioning in the Workplace. [ https://usw.ca/resources/usw-transition-handbook/ ]
  The Handbook explains the role of the union in supporting transition, guidelines for individuals who are considering or in transition, a checklist for individualized transition plans, and, guidelines for local executives, staff and employers. 

Wishing all our members who celebrate a happy Pride season.

In solidarity,

Marty Warren
National Director for Canada

Scott Lunny
USW District 3 Director

Dominic Lemieux
USW District 5 Director

Myles Sullivan
USW District 6 Director

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