WORKPLACE PROFILES

1 person standing on the podium during a speech with a bleu and white flag behind

Steelworkers in Forestry

Brandon Nicholson
BFP Technician, Weyerhaeuser
USW Local 1-184, Prince Albert, Sask.

For Brandon, forestry isn’t just a career – it’s a family legacy. His great-great-grandfather’s work in local mills set the stage for generations of his family in the forestry industry. Growing up, Brandon saw forestry as one of the few stable, rewarding career paths in his area. When a position at Weyerhaeuser opened up, offering union membership, year-round stability and strong benefits, he knew it was the right fit.

In his role as a BFP Technician, Brandon faces the daily challenge of monitoring and adjusting countless moving parts to keep operations running smoothly and safely. He finds satisfaction in tackling complex issues and takes pride in maintaining strict safety protocols, especially given the high risks of fire and explosion in his work environment.

The USW plays a critical role in Brandon’s workplace. Brandon’s advice for anyone entering forestry is clear: prioritize safety. In such a demanding industry, he encourages newcomers to stay proactive, ask questions and maintain a safety-focused mindset.

1 person wearing black shirt in a white background

Steelworkers in Nuclear

Nadia Crystal
Local Union President, BWXT Canada
USW Local 2859, Cambridge, Ont.

Nadia joined the nuclear industry for its positive impact on energy and health care. She views nuclear energy as a safe, reliable, low-carbon solution, with benefits across many fields, especially in medicine.

As Local 2859 President, Nadia values advocating for her coworkers’ rights and tackling daily challenges. She enjoys the continuous learning her role offers and works closely with union members to address issues and improve workplace conditions. A challenge she faces is proving herself as an equal in a male-dominated field.

The USW has greatly influenced Nadia’s work, securing better wages, job security and high safety standards. Her local was among the first to secure a full-time health and safety representative in the region, which was vital for enforcing safety protocols. The union has also equipped Nadia with leadership, communication and negotiation skills essential to her role. For those entering the nuclear field, Nadia recommends building strong communication skills and maintaining a work-life balance to thrive in this demanding industry.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

USW NATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE

February 13, 2025 | News Articles

Hundreds of USW delegates gathered in Gatineau,Que., in October for the USW National health safety, environment and human rights conference, known as Justice 2024. The conference started with a moving blessing by Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin Elder, Indigenous rights activist and University of Ottawa Chancellor. “Without justice, will there be healing, will there be equity? […]

Protecting jobs and strengthening rights: recent Steelworker legislative successes

February 12, 2025 | News Articles

of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party’s tactics to force an early election. This period is also marked by greater instability. While the Liberal-NDP deal is now a thing of the past, despite the political turbulence, the last few months have been marked by historic federal developments for USW members and the wider labour […]

Steelworkers Vote contributes to NDP victories in B.C. and Saskatchewan

February 12, 2025 | News Articles

Recent elections in British Columbia and Saskatchewan saw the NDP hold onto power in B.C. and dramatically add to its seat count in Saskatchewan. Steelworkers participated in both elections through our Steelworkers Vote political action program. In B.C., where Premier David Eby and the BC NDP won re-election, the USW held Steelworkers Vote election schools […]

Steelworkers in Forestry

Steelworkers in Nuclear

Join our newsletter

Recent news

USW NATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE

Protecting jobs and strengthening rights: recent Steelworker legislative successes

Steelworkers Vote contributes to NDP victories in B.C. and Saskatchewan