WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2026: WOMEN OF STEEL DO “EPIC SH#T”

More than 700 Steelworkers gathered in Toronto in March to attend the National and International Women of Steel Conference. The conference featured a series of powerful

speeches by newly elected USW International President, Roxanne D. Brown.

Brown acknowledged that by stepping into the president’s role, she embodies an achievement that moves the USW – and the entire labour movement – forward.

“We have some powerhouse women leading international unions and federations in the U.S. and Canada. And a lot of them have done so for decades. But in the U.S., there has never been a woman leader of an industrial union. Until now.” Leaders from across the globe were present, united by a shared call for women and gender-diverse people to continue doing “epic sh#t.”

Among attendees was Stephanie Gunson, President of USW Local 2020, which at the time was in the middle of a strike of bus drivers in Nipissing, Ont., demanding decent wages. “Drivers care deeply about the students and families they serve, and they want to continue doing their jobs with dignity and fairness,” she said.

The conference was an opportunity for women to learn from each other and recognize the courage and leadership that already exists within each of us.

A closing presentation by leading economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers Armine Yalnizyan showcased the need to see care work as the biggest driver of future economic growth. In a panel following her presentation, USW women shared how bargaining table victories focused on care – such as invitro fertilization benefits, weekend child care and adequate change rooms – were key in creating a working environment women can thrive in.

The next Women of Steel Conference is scheduled for 2029.

See photos from the conference at usw.ca/photos.

This article appears in the Summer 2026 issue of USW@Work magazine.

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