Human Rights & Equity

Our members reflect the diversity of Canada. We celebrate differences and believe that everyone is entitled to a workplace that is free from discrimination, regardless of race, religion, gender, age, status or sexual orientation. Our union helped achieve legislation and regulations that provide for equal pay, anti-harassment protection and employment equity provisions.

Human Rights & Equity | Resources »

USW Transition Handbook

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit/LGBTQ+ People

USW helped in the call for a National inquiry, because an injury to one is an injury to all, and because Steelworkers and our family members are among the missing and murdered.

USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights

This guide contains examples of contract language from USW and other collective agreements which aim to advance the rights of Indigenous workers and their communities.

The Blanket Exercise: Our Shared History as Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada

The Blanket Exercise builds awareness and understanding of our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

USW and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission

The United Steelworkers supports and endorses the report and recommendations of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Calendar of Religious and Special Days

Use this calendar to recognize special holidays of many faiths and plan local union meetings and events so that all members may attend.

United Steelworkers Statement of Principles on Aboriginal Issues

USW is expanding outreach to members who are First Nations, Inuit and Métis and expanding action on issues of importance to Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Delegates at the 2016 USW NPC adopted this Statement of Principles to guide our union’s work.

Anti-Harassment Policy of the United Steelworkers (The Yellow Sheet)

Steelworkers will not tolerate nor condone behaviour that is likely to undermine the dignity or self-esteem of an individual, or which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Draft Letter for Accommodation

Draft Language for Letter of Understanding re: Accommodation Policy and Procedure (based on OHRC, but can be changed for other jurisdictions)

Steelworkers Guide to Preventing and Dealing with Harassment

We can’t make people like each other. But in the workplace, we can make sure no one is treated differently because of their racial or ethnic origin, or because of gender, ability or sexual orientation.