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 Bargaining Guide for Advancing Aboriginal Rights

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

Steelworkers Anti-Harassment Policy (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.

Pride at Work: Creating a Positive Space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People

Proud to represent gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers, Steelworkers are actively working for equality in the workplace, at the bargaining table and in our communities.

Opening Doors: USW Policy on Disability Rights

The challenge of disability can face anyone of us at any time in our lives. As a child or an adult, as a parent or a friend. All of us reading or hearing this paper read probably know someone who is disabled and having problems with their job.

Human Rights & Equity | News »

Dec 10, 2018 · Statement

Joint Statement Calling on Canada to End Sterilization without Consent

The United Steelworkers is one of 72 organizations to endorse a joint statement calling for government action to #DefendConsent and end #ForcedSterilization of Indigenous women in Canada.

Dec 05, 2018

Ken Neumann Statement for International Human Rights Day, December 10th, 2018.

Each year on December 10th, the United Steelworkers observe Human Rights Day. The day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations.