TORONTO – There’s no rest for Ken Neumann. The former United Steelworkers union (USW) National Director is taking retirement seriously by becoming International President of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR).
“Congratulations, Ken! We are so fortunate to have you serve as International President of SOAR. We are happy to have your energy and experience on the front lines of all the fights for working people – now with a focus for seniors and retirees,” said Marty Warren, USW National Director.
Neumann served five terms as USW National Director from 2004 to 2022. Prior to 2004, Neumann was the elected Director of USW District 3 (Western Canada and the Territories) for 15 years. At the time of his retirement, Neumann was the longest-serving member of the USW International Executive Board.
“I’m proud and delighted to be able to continue serving my union and its members – particularly seniors and retirees – in my retirement. I like to stay connected, and if I can make a contribution by advancing the interests of union members in their retirement, I am honoured to do so,” said Neumann.
One of Neumann’s passions has been fighting for the dignity and independence of injured and disabled workers. He is co-chair of the National Institute for Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), operating out of Port Alberni, B.C. Neumann helped found Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences, the first university of its kind, which trains health-care professionals in the return-to-work process for injured workers.
In 2022, Neumann was honoured with the University of Toronto’s Sefton-Williams Award, recognizing his tremendous contributions to the labour movement and Canadian labour relations landscape.
Neumann is the second Canadian to hold the post of SOAR International President. Neumann was sworn in on March 1 and succeeds Bill Pienta, who announced last December that he would step down.
Recognized as an affiliate of the USW, SOAR provides opportunities for Steelworker retirees to stay on the frontlines as activists, helping to advance the policies and programs working families need.
Membership is open to individuals aged 45 and over who want to remain active in our union and fight for working people.
Then-USW International President Lynn Williams formed SOAR in 1985 as a way to keep retirees connected to activism and to their union. Upon his retirement, Williams became SOAR International President from 1997 to 2007, the first Canadian in each of those positions. Williams passed away in 2014.
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