USW education: a key source of our union’s strength

Since the USW’s first course was offered in the 1970s, our union’s member-to-member education program has grown dramatically, allowing Steelworkers to build their skills and expertise in areas including health and safety, collective bargaining, workers’ compensation, stewards’ training and Indigenous engagement and reconciliation.

The USW education program continually develops the skilled and confident activists our members need to stand up for their rights in their workplaces, at their bargaining tables and in the halls of power.

Any member can get involved in the union’s education program, and with sufficient training, also become a course facilitator, notes Cindy Lee, a Local 2009 member in B.C. who rose to become a District 3 staff representative and a facilitator of multiple education courses.

“I enjoy facilitating courses because of the engagement with members, learning about their work environments, understanding some of their struggles and working together. I find it empowering,” says Lee.

To get involved in the USW education program, reach out to your local leadership, staff representative or district office. usw.ca/education-training

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