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.
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.
Alberta’s future is on the ballot and Steelworkers have a choice to make. We need solutions, not scapegoats. Leadership, not chaos. Our focus should be on strengthening health care, making life more affordable, protecting good jobs and building a better future for working families. That’s why the United Steelworkers union is encouraging members across Alberta […]
Local elections and their advance voting are underway across B.C. and for Steelworkers, the people who get elected in our communities matters, deeply. In the resource communities where thousands of our members live and work, municipal governments make decisions that affect our jobs, families and communities. Strong local leaders can be our champions for forestry, mining […]
Long-term project partnerships create meaningful international alliances and sustainable development for workers and marginalized communities. The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) marked ten years of working with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), empowering forestry workers and local unions across India. This alliance has connected Canadian union activists from the USW national Wood Council with […]