USW Local 1-2010’s Women of Steel Committee has once again demonstrated its commitment to equity and justice by hosting an annual meeting that placed racial justice at the forefront. Held in Kapuskasing, Ont., the gathering welcomed 20 committee members from Northern Ontario, representing various sectors within our union, including forestry and lumber, health care, social services and gaming.
While the committee meets annually, the local union has recently integrated an equity-focused component into the agenda.
This year’s workshop, ‘Working for more racial justice,’ focused on developing skills and strategies to become stronger allies to Black and racialized workers within our union. For members who participated, the workshop was more than just training – it was an opportunity to reflect, engage deeply and take accountability for their role in advancing equity within the labour movement.
“As union members, we have a responsibility to challenge racism wherever it shows up, whether that’s in our communities, our workplaces, or even within our ranks,” said Anita Bryan, USW District 6 Co-ordinator for Women of Steel. “We’re proud to see more Women of Steel committees across District 6 using spaces like these to grow, learn and lead with equity.”
Participants embraced the content with sincerity and purpose. The conversations were thoughtful and the commitment to action was evident. The day left members with concrete tools to carry forward, from identifying barriers to racial equity to exploring how all members from different backgrounds can show up as allies.
For Gisele Pintar, Chairperson of the Local 1-2010 Women’s Committee and a worker at GreenFirst Lumber Mill in Chapleau, the experience was powerful and personal.
“I loved it and it was an eye-opener. We talked about privilege, and a lot of us are elders who don’t always see the same issues as women in bigger cities,” Gisele shared. “Lorei Leigh De Los Reyes (USW Equity Representative), who taught the course, really opened our eyes by sharing her experiences. The group engaged meaningfully and it sparked important conversations about how we can each reflect and grow.”
April Johnson, a member of the Local 1-2010 Women’s committee and the National Women of Steel Committee who also holds a seat on the USW Wood Council, echoed the value of the session.
“This was my third time taking this workshop, and it was just as powerful,” April said. “Lorei was fantastic, self-provoking. Even if you’ve taken the course before, each group brings different perspectives. This time, it was emotional. We had the opportunity to reflect on ourselves and discuss ways to improve within the union movement. Locals and women’s committees should take this course.”
By continuing to build space for equity education at the local level, committees like this one are helping shape a more inclusive and accountable labour movement – one that doesn’t just fight for fairness in the workplace but in all corners of society.
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