Latest News

USW at Pride Toronto Partners Summit

March 8, 2023
Image: Two people are sitting on chairs as part of a group discussion. A bearded white man in a USW t-shirt with tattoos on his forearn is holding a microphone and speking, gesturing with his hand as he talks. He has a notebook on his lap. A Black woman with long dark hair to his right is observing as he speaks. She is holding a glass of water. A Pride Toronto standup banner is behind them. They are in a room with red brick walls. A computer is on a high table off to the side. There is other meeting equipment behind the speakers - a light stand and a long black cord from the computer.

Mayson Fulk, a member of USW Local 2859, attended the Pride Toronto Partners’ Summit, representing the Steelworkers union and the broader labour movement. He wrote about his experience and future plans of involvement:

“I had the opportunity and honour to represent labour, specifically the United Steelworkers union, at the Pride Toronto Partners’ Summit. 

“The annual event brings together donors and corporate sponsors, who, through their dollars and advertising, help make Pride happen each year. The event has lacked a labour presence for quite some time. 

“I was invited to participate in an interesting discussion panel by Pride Toronto Executive Director Sherwin Modeste and Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Human Rights Director Chandra-Li Paul surrounding authenticity in DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies and initiatives. 

“It was a day of important discussions on diversity, inclusion and equity. The importance of labour’s participation in these discussions cannot be understated. It is incumbent upon labour to have a strong voice at the table when we discuss the diversity and inclusion of workers. This is an event I look forward to participating again in the future. 

“Nothing for us, without us.”

York University students introduced to equity in the workplace

Fulk also had the chance to be a guest speaker at an industrial relations class at York University:

“The subject was how collective bargaining can be used to gain equity in the workplace. I was invited to speak on my position as the Trans Liaison for USW District 6 and how the union is working to bargain more inclusive contracts.

“These third- and fourth-year students will go on to become the human resources specialists that write policies, participate in harassment investigations and bargain contracts in unionized workplaces.

“It was a great opportunity to teach them how to work with unions to secure the best workplace protections for all workers.”

Join our newsletter

Recent news

Featured image for Steelworkers Humanity Fund donates $20,000 to support wildfire evacuees in Labrador and Quebec

Steelworkers Humanity Fund donates $20,000 to support wildfire evacuees in Labrador and Quebec

July 25, 2024 | Media Releases

TORONTO – The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) is donating a total of $20,000 to provide support to people and communities evacuated by the recent wildfires in Labrador City, N.L., and Port-Cartier, Que. More than 7,000 residents of Labrador City were ordered to evacuate last week, the biggest evacuation in the city’s history, due to a […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Steelworkers Humanity Fund donates $20,000 to support wildfire evacuees in Labrador and Quebec
Telus Keep Telecom Jobs Canadian

United Steelworkers union asks public to stand up for Canadian call centre workers

July 18, 2024 | Media Releases

The United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 1944 has launched a nationwide campaign calling on the public to support Canadian call centre workers who are losing their jobs with TELUS. You are encouraged to tell your representatives in Ottawa that it is time to stand up for Canadian call centre workers, our communities and our local […]

Read More
Click to read the article about United Steelworkers union asks public to stand up for Canadian call centre workers