The USW District 3 Conference took place in Winnipeg from Oct. 28-31, 2024, bringing together more than 300 union leaders, delegates, staff and guests from across Western Canada and the northern territories. With the theme “Better Work for Everybody,” the conference included workshops, debates, panels and speeches aimed at improving the working lives of members.
The conference opened with an Indigenous blessing from Elder Eric Flett, who highlighted the shared values between trade unionism and Indigenous cultures.
District 3 Director Scott Lunny emphasized that “Better Work for Everybody” is both a demand and a promise, reflecting the union’s commitment to achieving progress in bargaining, community work and legislative advocacy.
USW International President Dave McCall attended his first USW District 3 conference and encouraged delegates to stay close to members’ concerns, especially when engaging in politics.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew discussed his first year in office and highlighted his government’s Bill 37, which includes a ban on replacement workers and card-check certification. Both measures are seen as significant advancements for workers’ rights in union organizing.
USW National Director Marty Warren spoke on the importance of politics when it comes to worker protections, jobs and the economy. He also highlighted the important work the union has been doing on trade and procurement.
District 3 Health and Safety Co-ordinator Ed Kent also addressed the delegates talking about workplace bullying and harassment, honouring members lost since the last conference and presented the “Make Shit Better!” campaign to provide safe and accessible washrooms in all workplaces.
Throughout the conference, delegates heard from fellow members and guest speakers including Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck, transgender human rights and social justice lawyer Adrienne Smith, USW District 5 Director Dominic Lemieux, USW International Organizing Director Maria Somma, USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart, International Secretary- Treasurer John Shinn and former USW National Director Ken Neumann.
Director Lunny concluded the week by reaffirming the conference’s theme, urging delegates to continue the important work and the ongoing fight for Better Work for Everybody.
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