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I am very proud of all of the hard work our union has done on issues of Human Rights. The Steelworkers has always been on the forefront of struggles for dignity, respect and equality.

Over the last number of years, we have introduced a number of initiatives to help us advance our Human Rights objectives in District 6. Some of the highlights include:

• "The Yellow Sheet ": The Steelworkers Anti-harassment policy, traditionally printed on yellow paper, is read at the onset of our schools, conferences and meetings. Development of this anti - harassment policy, and education on the issue, has had a very positive impact in our workplaces and in the Union.

• "Anti-harassment Workplace Training" has made a significant change in the environment at workplaces where we have delivered the sessions. The training is delivered to all workers, supervisors and managers in the workplace, on paid work time. The sessions help participants understand what constitutes harassment and discrimination and how to deal with it in the workplace. We have trained over 40,000 workers across the country since the program began in the early 1990s.

• "Workers Rights are Human Rights" is a week long course designed to provide local union activists with the knowledge and skills to make our workplaces safe and healthy for everyone.

• Resources: We have developed and distributed booklets on harassment and discrimination which locals can use to educate members and bargaining committees can use to develop language to address these issues in their Collective Agreement.

• Reflecting our Diversity: We have done everything we can to ensure the process for selection of people for casual, temporary and staff opportunities are open to everyone. We send out requests for submission of resumes to all locals/units to make sure all members have an opportunity to access the opportunities and programs offered by the Union.

• Human Rights Committees – I am very proud of the work our District 6 Human Rights Committee does to help support the establishment of local and regional human rights committees across the District. In addition, this committee provides support and advice to our leadership team here in the District.

If you want more information and assistance in dealing with issues of Human Rights, please contact your staff representative or the District 6 Education Co-ordinator Marlene Gow (416) 487-1571 ext. 5976 or mgow@usw.ca