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USW: Building on a Proud Tradition
The United Steelworkers has a longstanding record of helping union members meet literacy (basic skills) challenges.
When we think of improving basic skills, we look at what we can do at the bargaining table, in the workplace, in our work inside the union, and in the community through political action.
This guide helps the union continue its efforts, building on past successes to better meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Pages from history
Literacy programs at union halls years ago helped people learn basic skills. Immigrant workers took advantage of the classes to help them become Canadian citizens.
Programs also helped workers identify how to fight for and defend their rights. Union membership increased. Workers found their political voice, helping to build the
Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and later the New Democratic Party, political parties committed to helping workers and their families.
Literacy and basic skills programs proved to be key building blocks to strengthening the labour movement.
More recently, the union conducted a country-wide Basic Skills Needs Assessment in 2001. Members, leaders and staff participated in interviews and focus groups to identify needs.
We found that literacy and basic skills training are priorities for members in today’s changing workplaces.
A follow-up survey of locals three years later focused on workplace basic skills courses. Not surprisingly, we found that collective bargaining is critical in ensuring basic skills training and education are delivered in the workplace.
Political action
While we try to negotiate basic skills training in the workplace, we need to lobby governments too.
Part-time and full-time workers, contingent and unemployed workers – all workers and their families – should have access to quality education and skill training.
Steelworkers are committed to political action to improve funding and access to basic skills and other training programs.
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EDUCATION
