Health, Safety & the Environment News

Quebec Steelworkers Join Marathon Labour Demonstration Against Bill 59

ArcelorMittal strikers among workers converging on Quebec City to oppose cuts to health and safety protections.

National Director Ken Neumann Reflects on Ongoing Scourge of Workplace Accidents

In an interview with Radio Labour, USW National Director Ken Neumann reflects on what was one of the most pivotal moments during his time working for the union.

Got the Shot: Steelworkers happy, relieved to receive COVID-19 vaccines

As vaccinations across the country ramp up, we talked to some Steelworkers working in health care about their experiences and what being vaccinated means for them.

Steelworkers Mourn Loss of Two Members

Union calls on Ministry of Labour to conduct immediate and thorough review of workplace health and safety program.

Steelworkers Honour the 29th Anniversary of the Westray Mine Disaster

Twenty-nine years later, the Steelworkers union continues to fight for employers to be held criminally responsible for workplace injuries and death.

We Can Help Bangladeshi Garment Workers, Who Still Struggle Eight Years After Factory Collapse

Changes that will improve the lives of millions of garment workers are within reach – if Canadian retailers and brands are prepared to act.

Day of Mourning 2021

A joint letter from the Canadian Directors.

Mourning: A Steelworker Account

"Today I am writing to you about my experiences as a unionized worker, and the April 28th Day of Mourning. It’s not easy."

Alma Steelworkers Raise the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety

Local 9490 activists launch joint labour-management process to tackle women’s health and safety issues at the Rio Tinto aluminum smelter in Alma, Que.

Quebec Mining Workers Sound Alarm on Health and Safety

Steelworkers warn Bill 59 will set back occupational health and safety in the mining industry by more than 40 years.

USW Expresses Hopes for a More Equitable Post-Pandemic Future

“As we mourn the loss of life over the last year and reflect on the impact of the pandemic, we know the work is even more urgent to fight for the changes we need to make workers safer and our country fairer.” – Ken Neumann, USW National Director

Steelworkers Call Out Liberals’ Failure on Pharmacare

“When the chance came for action on a policy that would save people’s lives, the Liberals failed. They teamed up with the Conservatives and voted ‘No’,” said USW National Director Ken Neumann.

USW Demands Justice for Victims of Grupo Mexico

On 15th anniversary of deadly Pasta de Conchos mine disaster, Steelworkers and Los Mineros renew demand for justice and accountability.

Take Action: Urge Your MP to Vote Yes to Pharmacare

Momentum is growing for NDP Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Julian’s private member’s bill, Bill C-213, An Act to Enact Pharmacare. Steelworkers can help.

When it Comes to Building Materials, Canada Has a Climate Advantage to Use (or Lose)

New U.S. President Joe Biden has a USD $2-trillion plan to build America’s clean economy. That’s trillion with a t. The good news for us: when it comes to the carbon footprint of these construction materials, Canada has a unique advantage.

Tragic Death of a Steelworker at Munitions Plant in Repentigny, Que.

The United Steelworkers is shaken by the death of one of its members Wednesday in an explosion at a General Dynamics munitions plant.

Canada Should “Buy Clean” to Cut Emissions and Boost the Economy

“We need our governments to support the creation and retention of good jobs by strengthening Canadian industrial and manufacturing capacities in ways that support the low-carbon transition of the economy.” – Ken Neumann, USW National Director

Quebec’s Bill 59 Is UNACCEPTABLE!

Allegedly aimed at reforming occupational health and safety, Quebec's Bill 59 will turn back the clock on workers’ rights and protections.

Workers in a Pandemic Need More Than Being Told to ‘Just Stay Home’

In this opinion article in iPolitics, USW National Director Ken Neumann writes about why workers need more than just well-meaning words to stay home and safe during the pandemic.

Donna is Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety

Late last year, the USW launched an important new campaign: Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety. Local union leaders and activists are off to a running start in 2021.

RCMP Launches Criminal Investigation into COVID-19 Death at Cargill

“The events leading up to the death of a worker at the Cargill meat processing plant are inexcusable and must be investigated through a criminal lens.” Stephen Hunt

COVID-19: Plan a Safe Holiday Season

After a year of unprecedented upheaval in every aspect of our lives caused by this pandemic. It is a welcome sign that a vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed.

National Survey on Workplace Violence and Harassment

Harassment and violence are a serious health and safety issue that have no place in the workplace. We need to do something about it. If you work, take part in this new national survey.

Join us for our National Campaign Launch: Raising the Bar on Women's Health and Safety

Raising the Bar is an exciting new USW campaign to act on women’s health and safety concerns and amplify women’s voices in the workplace.

A Physically Distant Labour Day in 2020

When I think about what “solidarity” means to me, I think about how necessary it is for workers’ needs and rights to be at the forefront of rebuilding our economy post-COVID. Labour Day statement by USW District 6 Director Marty Warren.

David Ellis Scholarships Awarded to Five District 3 Recipients

The David Ellis Scholarship is a health and safety scholarship award available to children and grandchildren of any Steelworker member. USW District 3 has awarded five scholarships for 2020. Congratulations to all of the recipients.

Miners Rise to the Challenges of the Pandemic

"Our folks want to go to work, they want to be safe and they want to earn a living, so they take it seriously," says Myles Sullivan, Assistant to USW District 6 Director Marty Warren.

Taxpayer Funds Must Improve Long-Term Care, Not Subsidize Corporate Dividends: Steelworkers

USW calls for greater investments to protect residents and staff, ban on dividends for corporations receiving public subsidies.

Victoria Starbucks Workers Vote to Join United Steelworkers

Workers at a Starbucks drive-thru in Victoria, B.C., have voted overwhelmingly to join the United Steelworkers union, because they believe the best way to protect their health and safety on the job is through a union.

Two-Year-Old Tragedy Finally Answered with Criminal Charges – Steelworkers Union

“We hope the evidence ensures prosecution and conviction and will set an example across Canada.” - Marty Warren

Westray Law Should Have Applied in New Brunswick Fatality, Say Steelworkers

“We want workers and their families to be provided with justice. A fine is not justice. It is permission to repeat the offence of an unsafe workplace.” - Marty Warren

WSIB and Government Must Act Now on Occupational Cancer Claims

“Recognition of work-related cancers is the first necessary step to preventing them in the future.” - Marty Warren

Grant Exemption to Bill 124 or Risk Seniors in Long-Term Care: Steelworkers

“The premier is fond of praising essential workers for their ‘courage.’ But actions speak louder than words.” - Marty Warren

Ford Government Allowing Undue Risk to Workers Amid Province-Wide Reopening: Steelworkers

“We cannot be opening up the Ontario economy without ensuring workers will be protected, and when they are not, that there are consequences.” - Marty Warren

Steelworkers Union Welcomes WSIB Decision Recognizing McIntyre Powder-Related Parkinson’s as Occupational Disease

“This victory means workers’ claims for compensation may finally be met. It's a significant step toward justice for elderly and sick retirees and their families."

Workers’ Compensation System a ‘National Disgrace’: United Steelworkers

Provincial governments must rectify fatal flaws in the workers’ compensation system that continue to ruin lives and exacerbate the opioid crisis

Pandemic Pay for Security Guards: We’re Waiting!

More than 5,200 Quebecers sign petition to the National Assembly in support of a pandemic premium for the province's security guards.

Pandemic Exposes Urgent Need for Reforms for Workers, all Canadians: Ken Neumann

USW National Director Ken Neumann appears on Sauga 960 AM radio to advocate for critical issues for workers and all Canadians during the pandemic.

Share Your COVID-19 Work Experience

A national survey has been launched to document and analyze the experiences of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Steelworkers Call for Health and Safety Reforms Following Report into Worker’s Death

Quebec’s workplace health and safety agency cites poor management of inspection and maintenance procedures as one of the causes of fatality.

Long-Term Care Workers to Protest Cuts at Maxville Manor

PSW hours cut as long-term care is in crisis and vulnerable residents are at risk due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Basic Training Would Have Saved a Life

Quebec health and safety agency’s report into workplace fatality indicates employer failed in its duty to train workers.

Our Unvalued Heroes: Care Workers Confront Heartbreak, Death and PTSD

“From the beginning, we knew we were at risk. We knew an outbreak was coming, it was just a matter of time.”

Study Released by Ontario WSIB Must Be Applied to Compensation Across Canada, Say Steelworkers

“The study means compensation claims that were rejected will be reviewed, hopefully resulting in justice for survivors and families.” - Marty Warren

We Remember Those Lost 28 Years Ago in the Westray Mine Explosion Like It Was Yesterday: Steelworkers

The USW union remembers with heavy hearts the 28th anniversary of the devastating loss of 26 miners in the Westray Coal Mine explosion. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost and their Nova Scotia communities.

Ontario Labour Ministry Not Upholding Workers’ Rights: Steelworkers

“Workers’ right to refuse unsafe work is being denied by the Ministry of Labour. Some workers are deemed essential. But none should be sacrificial.”

Cargill Death and Disease a 21st-Century Version of the Westray Explosion

“The events leading up to the death of a worker who died at Cargill this month are eerily similar to those leading up to the explosion of the Westray mine 28 years ago.” - Steve Hunt

Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $50,000 to Support Bangladeshi Garment Workers Affected by COVID-19

“The contribution will make a huge difference in the lives of 750 families who will receive food packages and medical kits.” - Ken Neumann

Covid-19 Health & Safety Complaints and Work Refusals in Ontario: A Letter to the Minister of Labour

Steelworkers at Koolatron Protecting Canadian Workers

Steelworkers in Brantford, Ont., ready to produce Personal Protective Equipment and medical transportation coolers to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Steelworkers in Niagara Get Busy Fighting COVID-19

USW members purchase 3D printers and begin pumping out face shields for health-care workers.

Day of Mourning and COVID-19

Many events that would otherwise be the work of the union have been suspended because of the global pandemic, but we hope that we can all continue to prepare for the Day of Mourning in our communities, whether we are able to gather in ceremony or not.

Steelworkers Union Calls for Worker Support and Protection During COVID-19

Time away from work to stop the spread of the virus should not mean loss of income, regardless of job or workplace. Unpaid job-protected leave doesn’t pay the bills.

Justice Denied in Olivier Bruneau’s Death

USW joins deceased worker's family in condemning decision to end police investigation and rule out criminal charges.

USW Continues Its Call to Stop the Killing and Enforce the Law

On the first anniversary of a mining disaster in Brazil which killed 250 workers, the United Steelworkers union continues its call to stop the killing and ensure proper enforcement of the law.

Criminal Charges Against Brazilian Multinational Should Send a Message to Canadian Government – Steelworkers

“Our federal government should ensure that multinational companies operating in Canada have records that do not include putting profit over safety and human life anywhere in the world.” - Ken Neumann