Health, Safety & the Environment News
United Steelworkers honour Westray disaster 30 years later, push for enforcement of law
In the early morning hours of May 9, 1992, an explosion ripped through the Westray coal mine in Plymouth, N.S. The explosion took the lives of 26 miners and forever changed the lives of the people of Plymouth and many surrounding communities.
Remembering the tragic loss of Steelworkers in B.C. sawmill explosions
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the deadly explosions at the Babine Forest Products sawmill near Burns Lake, and at Lakeland Mills in Prince George.
Uranium miner’s daughter “breaks the trail” for victims of McIntyre Powder
A decade-long campaign led by the daughter of a deceased uranium miner has led to victory for workers struck by Parkinson’s disease after being subjected to aluminum dust inhalation “treatments” in their jobs.
Let’s Raise the Bar on women’s health and safety
Most workplaces and safety equipment have been designed to suit male workers. When we take women into account, we make workplaces safer.
Health and safety struggle continues in Quebec
Quebec Steelworkers are mobilizing to resist the harmful effects of regressive health and safety legislation passed by the right-wing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government.
Westray: 30 Years
In May, Steelworkers leaders and rank-and-file members will be in Pictou County, N.S., for the 30th anniversary of Westray, to join with the families and community and remember the miners who were killed.
Day of Mourning 2022
On April 28, we mourn the dead and recommit to fight for the living, every day.
McIntyre Powder: A dark era in Canada’s mining industry
Between 1943 and 1979, tens of thousands of Canadian workers were compelled to endure toxic aluminum dust inhalation “therapy.”
‘Racing against the clock’
An urgent quest is under way to find former miners and families entitled to potentially life-changing compensation for industrial disease.
USW calls on Ontario Labour Minister to continue funding Job Action Centres
“Our union has been informed by representatives of your government that you intend to eliminate funding and shut down three highly effective Job Action Centres,” writes Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director.
Optimism, gratitude and pride in our union
"The unwavering commitment of Steelworkers to lead the fight for workers’ rights fuels my optimism that our union is ready to confront the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead." - Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director
The FCEF can help you plan events!
Is your local a contributor to the Family & Community Education Fund (FCEF) but stuck as to what events to host? Feeling too busy to brainstorm a project? We can help!
Uranium miner’s daughter “breaks the trail” for victims of toxic aluminum dust “treatment”
Decade-long campaign led by the daughter of a deceased uranium miner has led to victory for workers subjected to aluminum dust inhalation “treatments” in their jobs.
Ontario government must fulfill promises to injured workers, families: United Steelworkers
“Promises and pretty words are meaningless if they are not promptly followed by concrete measures to help injured workers and their families.”
Emergency measures needed to address the health care staffing crisis
Ontario’s hospitals, long-term care (LTC) and home care services face critical and growing staffing crises.
New alliance calls for compensation reform
The Occupational Disease Reform Alliance (ODRA), made up of clusters of workers experiencing work-related illnesses, is calling on the Ontario government to fix the broken Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) system.
CFL Players’ Association and United Steelworkers join together to take on gender-based violence
USW and CFLPA to train members to "Be More Than a Bystander" and stand up against all forms of gender-based violence.
Ken Neumann’s statement for December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Union education and political action are two ways to help end the violence.
Facing Fossil Fuels’ Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Workers in Canada’s Energy and Labour Transitions
Local 1944 Women of Steel Raising the Bar to Address Stress, Burnout
“You know people are being affected when so many of them step up to tell their stories.”
UPDATE: Sudbury Miners and Rescue Crews Safely Above Ground
USW statement: early this morning all remaining workers were evacuated from the Totten Mine, outside of Sudbury.
UPDATE: Rescue Effort Continues, Press Conference Postponed to Tomorrow (Wednesday)
Rescue efforts continue for the remaining four workers, while 35 workers who were safely evacuated earlier today are now resting at home.
UPDATE: Mine Rescue Efforts Well Underway, 27 Miners Safely Evacuated
A highly trained rescue team has been working since last night to evacuate the miners. No one has been physically injured in the incident or in the evacuation.
Union Cautiously Optimistic of Imminent Rescue of Trapped Miners
Rescue efforts are underway and the union is cautiously optimistic all of the workers will be safely evacuated as soon as possible.
Death of Three Workers at Bois ouvré de Beauceville
The United Steelworkers union wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the families, loved ones and friends of the victims and our support for our members of Local 9531.
No Efforts Will Be Spared to Support Families and Investigate Deadly Workplace Explosion, Union Vows
USW vows no efforts will be spared to investigate an explosion and fire at a wood-processing plant Monday that killed three workers and injured five others.
USW Statement: Stay of Proceedings in Case of Workplace Death of Sam Fitzpatrick
“Sam and the Fitzpatrick family deserved justice. We will not give up our fight for Sam or the thousands of workers who die on the job due to employer negligence.”
Join the USW District 6 NextGen Committee’s Movember Campaign!
The District 6 NextGen Committee is supporting the 2021 Movember campaign by raising funds through the sale of unique, long-sleeve T-shirts.
Trading One Risk for Another
Inspired by the horrendous experiences of her late father and thousands of other miners, Steelworker Janice Martell is exposing a dark era in Canada’s mining industry and seeking justice for survivors.
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