Creating equity

Changes in the workforce have demanded that unions remain representative and responsive. By applying the principles of equality, justice, dignity and respect within the union, the United Steelworkers has promoted human rights since its beginning. Steelworkers understand that everyone is entitled to the same rights and freedoms, regardless of race, religion, gender, age or sexual orientation.

Human Rights Committee Guide

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.

Human rights & equity photos

View the Human Rights & Equity photo gallery on Flickr.

Featured resources

D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

July 27, 2022
D6 LGBTQ2SIA+ Inclusion Tool

USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights – Revised June 2022

Booklets & Manuals • Reports • Research & Publications
July 20, 2017
USW Bargaining Guide for Advancing Indigenous Rights – Revised June 2022

Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

Policy
August 4, 2010
Equality Agenda: Our Policy on Human Rights

News

Featured image for Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – September 2026

Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – September 2026

October 16, 2026 | Publications

Retired workers in Bolivia fighting for pension justice  All workers should have the right to rest and security after years of work. Yet many workers in Canada and around the world are excluded from social security and healthcare protections, forcing them to continue working past retirement age. Pension justice must remain a priority so every […]

Four women stand together indoors holding a large United Steelworkers (USW) Métallos flag. A project banner is partially visible in the background.

Life after the factory closure: Honduran women rebuilding their future 

October 15, 2026 | News Articles

The garment industry is a major source of employment for workers in Honduras. Women make up over half of the maquila workforce in factories in industrial cities like San Pedro Sula, where companies manufacture clothing sold in Canada.   In the wake of the COVID pandemic, a challenging scenario has emerged as many factories have closed, […]

A group of people pose outdoors in a courtyard, with several wearing orange flower garlands. People at the centre hold a United Steelworkers (USW) Métallos flag.

Celebrating forestry workers’ achievements in India: a decade of solidarity 

October 9, 2026 | News Articles

Long-term project partnerships create meaningful international alliances and sustainable development for workers and marginalized communities. The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) marked ten years of working with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), empowering forestry workers and local unions across India.   This alliance has connected Canadian union activists from the USW national Wood Council with […]

More resources

United Steelworkers Statement of Principles on Indigenous Issues

Policy
May 27, 2026
United Steelworkers Statement of Principles on Indigenous Issues

2026 Calendar of Religious and Special Days

Misc. Resources
December 1, 2025
2026 Calendar of Religious and Special Days
Poster with text: March 8, International Women's Day for ALL women and girls.

Poster for March 8, International Women’s Day

Misc. Resources
March 7, 2025
Poster for March 8, International Women’s Day

Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction

Policy
December 16, 2024
Hygiene facility regulations and requirements by jurisdiction
A poster portraying the effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health. There are two racialized people wearing their work outfit in the centre of the poster.

The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

Misc. Resources
December 3, 2024
The effects of racism and systemic racism on overall health

How unions can support members with family responsibilities

Misc. Resources
October 23, 2024
How unions can support members with family responsibilities

Justice Conference 2024 materials

Booklets & Manuals
September 23, 2024
Justice Conference 2024 materials

Building Trust, Becoming Allies: Practical ways for USW local unions to engage with Indigenous members and Indigenous communities

June 14, 2024
Building Trust, Becoming Allies: Practical ways for USW local unions to engage with Indigenous members and Indigenous communities