Political Action News
Solidarity March Supports Locked-Out ABI Workers
Wave of solidarity breaks out in Trois-Rivières as thousands demand negotiated resolution to ABI lockout.
USW District 6 Health Care Activists Mobilize in Canada and Prepare for More Action
The District 6 Health Care Council convened in Ottawa last week for their bi-annual meeting and to rally in the streets in support of improving conditions for the nation’s thousands of health care workers.
United Steelworkers Welcomes Tariffs Deal, Urges Strong Measures to Protect Canadian Steel
“Our union pushed hard for these tariffs to be lifted. Now we need strong measures to stabilize our market and defend our steel sector from predatory foreign trade practices." - Ken Neumann
The struggle for an ombudsperson “with teeth” continues in streets of Toronto
Along with other prominent Canadian human rights organizations, the United Steelworkers union calls on the federal government to appoint an ombudsperson with real power to investigate corporate abuses abroad.
Steelworkers Welcome Progress on Rights of B.C. Workers
The United Steelworkers (USW) union is pleased that the British Columbia government is making progress with changes to Employment Standards legislation and the Labour Relations Code that will modernize and advance the rights of workers in B.C.
Steelworkers on Parliament Hill to Put “Retirees First”
Steelworkers from across Canada are lobbying for a commitment to put protection for retired workers on the election platform of every political party.
Thousands of Canadian Steel Jobs at Risk as Trudeau Government Abandons Key Safeguards
“Thousands of jobs across the country are now at risk due to the Trudeau government’s failure to maintain safeguards protecting Canada’s steel sector.” - Ken Neumann
USW Welcomes B.C. Government Review of WorkSafeBC Actions In Sawmill Explosions
The United Steelworkers' "Stop The Killing, Enforce The Law" campaign has been focused on lobbying governments at every level to protect the health and safety of all workers and ensuring that the Westray Law is applied when appropriate.
The United Steelworkers Dismisses Government Announcement and Renews Calls for Independent Ombudsperson
USW reacts angrily to appointment of a special advisor, without the powers of an effective ombudsperson, to address long-standing human rights concerns related to Canadian corporate behaviour overseas.
Morneau Must Finalize Steel Safeguards to Defend Canadian Jobs and Communities
“Minister Morneau has the statutory authority and moral obligation to defend Canadian jobs and communities.”
Neo-Liberals Are Not the Answer to Growing Populism
This data shows what we all know: Canadians are increasingly worried about their financial situation. However, we should not be framing this as an “affordability crisis.” The real frame is growing inequality and wage stagnation.
Government Fails to Deliver on Universal Pharmacare, Retiree Bankruptcy Protection and More
The Liberal government’s budget has failed Canadians by not committing to a single-payer pharmacare plan that is universal, public, accessible, comprehensive and portable as they promised, says USW National Director Ken Neumann.
USW Works to Safeguard Canadian Steel Jobs
USW is part of a coordinated industry effort to preserve good Canadian jobs in the steel sector, calling on the federal government to keep current steel industry safeguards in place.
United Steelworkers Prevail on Another Dumping Case
Compelling evidence from Steelworkers leads to significant duties on steel exports from China, India, South Korea and Taiwan.
Jagmeet Singh Byelection Win Signals Momentum for NDP – Steelworkers
Jagmeet Singh’s decisive byelection win is a significant victory for the NDP, signalling much-needed momentum for the party and its leader.
Trade Tribunal Agrees with Steelworkers on Foreign Dumping Case
On top of baseless U.S. tariffs, Canada’s steel industry is being harmed by foreign dumping of steel pipe.
Sural Canada Under Creditor Protection – Steelworkers Union Will Fight for Monies Owed to Workers
The union will do everything in its power to ensure workers receive all payments and benefits they are owed.
Steelworkers Denounce Plea Agreement in Worker’s Death
“The consequences of workplace deaths and injuries must be more than a cost of doing business.”
Health Care Activists Advocate Universal Pharmacare on Parliament Hill
More than 100 public health care advocates, including members of the United Steelworkers, visited MPs on Parliament Hill last week to push for universal public pharmacare.
Keep Safeguards in Place to Protect Canada’s Steel Industry
Safeguard measures must be extended on foreign steel imports, which surged throughout much of 2018.
Alcoa Shows Contempt for Government-Initiated Negotiation Process
Shutdown of more pot lines at ABI smelter makes mockery of Quebec government’s efforts to resolve 11-month lockout.
Trudeau’s Tariff Failure Threatens New Year Devastation for Many Canadians
The prime minister betrayed his promise to steel and aluminum workers that he had their backs.
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.
Parliamentarians Must Defend Canadians in Wake of Trudeau’s USMCA Sellout
“Canadians are right to question how much worse things have to get before this government takes decisive action to defend their interests. What will it take?” - Ken Neumann
A Lockout Is Not an ‘Act of God:’ Rally Supports ABI Workers
“A lockout is a deliberate decision by an employer to force workers to accept lower working and living standards.”
GM Workers Need Real Action to Defend Their Jobs
“Everything about this callous decision is unacceptable. It requires a powerful response from the federal and provincial governments to support these families.” - Ken Neumann
Liberals’ Trampling of Workers’ Rights Is the Cause, Not the Solution to Canada Post Dispute
“The Liberals' willingness to enact back-to-work legislation is not a solution to a problem, it is the cause of the problem.” - Ken Neumann
What Rachel Notley has done for Steelworkers?
Premier Notley has never forgotten who she is working for. After decades of right-wing, anti-worker governments, Alberta is making progress with a government that is on our side.
Make ‘Retirees First’ an Election Issue: Steelworkers
“The legislative principles that should be supported by all MPs are ones that protect workers.” - Ken Neumann
No USMCA Before Tariffs Lifted: Steelworkers
“Canada must stand up for tens of thousands of Canadian families whose livelihoods are at stake.” - Ken Neumann
Steelworkers Join Emergency Actions To Defend Workers’ Rights
United Steelworkers across Ontario are joining community and labour actions condemning the Doug Ford government’s legislation cancelling the $15 minimum wage increase and rolling back basic labour rights.
Feds Must Reject U.S. Quotas on Canadian Steel and Aluminum
“The Canadian government must stop making concessions that harm Canadian workers and communities.”
Women of Steel Take to the Streets for Ontario’s $15 Minimum Wage
More than 1,000 Women of Steel converged on University Avenue in downtown Toronto for the Ontario Day of Action for Workers’ Rights.
Rally to Protect Ontario Labour Rights
Steelworkers will be joined by hundreds of members of unions across Toronto for a ‘Hands Off Decent Work Laws’ rally on Oct. 15 at the Ministry of Labour offices in Toronto.
The USMCA’s Fatal Flaw: ‘National-Security’ Tariffs
Canada's concessions allow Donald Trump and future U.S. presidents to continue to impose baseless 'national-security' tariffs on key Canadian exports.
NAFTA Deal a Sell-Out for Canadian Steel, Aluminum Workers
“Canada’s government must draw a line on this issue. The U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum must be lifted immediately.” - Ken Neumann
Liberals Must Step Back from Job-Killing CPTPP: Steelworkers
“If the CPTPP is implemented, Canadians will lose middle-class livelihoods in our auto, steel, skilled trades and supply-management sectors.” - Ken Neumann
Locked-Out ABI Employees to Demonstrate at Leaders’ Debate
Aluminum workers want Quebec party leaders’ commitment to help resolve the labour dispute with Alcoa, Rio Tinto.
Renegotiated NAFTA Must “Truly Advance the Interests of Workers in Canada and Across North America"
Joint statement from USW Canadian Director Ken Neumann and USW International President Leo W. Gerard.
USW Welcomes the Return of Napoleón Gómez to Mexico
USW welcomes the return to Mexico of Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, the President and General Secretary of Los Mineros after more than 12 years of exile.
A New World of Possibilities for Workers: Napoleon Gomez Becomes A Senator in Mexico
Leo Gerard honours labour hero – Los Mineros leader Napoleon Gomez – on his swearing in as a Senator of the Mexican Republic.
Federal Steel Measures a Needed Step: Steelworkers
The USW welcomes the federal government's announcement that it is commencing consultations on the steel safeguards and protection measures our union has been requesting for months,
Steelworkers Welcome Criminal Charges in Sudbury Worker’s Death
Company and owner face charges of criminal negligence causing the death of worker Rheal Dionne.
Canada’s Uranium Industry No Threat to U.S.: Steelworkers
U.S. uranium producers have basically made the case already, that Canada is not the problem.
Steelworkers Call on New Ontario Government to “Stop the Killing and Enforce the Law” – Now
“It is far too late for excuses. We are calling on the Ontario government to step up and enforce the law – for the people.” - Marty Warren
Canadian Counter-Tariff Measures and Industry/Community Supports a Good First Step
"It is important the community/workers support measures are implemented immediately and extend as long as necessary." – Ken Neumann
Trump Tariffs Could Tip Canada into Recession, Trade Committee Told
"If you don't poke the bear, he's going to eat your lunch," USW National Director Ken Neumann told the House of Commons committee on international trade.
Liberals’ Corporate-Friendly TPP Trade Deal Will Kill Canadian Jobs, Increase Inequality
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is another corporate-friendly trade deal that will kill tens of thousands of Canadian jobs, increase inequality and worsen global environmental challenges.
Landmark Labour Law Reforms in Quebec Ban Two-Tier Pensions, Benefits
Steelworkers led relentless campaign to end discrimination against young workers.
Steelworkers Urge Swift Action on Canada’s Retaliatory Tariffs, Support for Workers
The Canadian government must act swiftly to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports and to support Canadian workers and communities affected by U.S. tariffs.
U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Steel, Aluminum 'Wrongheaded:' Ken Neumann
USW National Director Ken Neumann appears on RadioLabour to denounce “wrongheaded” Trump tariffs.
Ontario Steelworkers Endorse Andrea Horwath and the NDP
“Andrea Horwath and her team of NDP candidates are the best choice for workers in this June 7 election.” - Marty Warren
Unjustified U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Steel, Aluminum Will Harm Jobs, Economy in Both Countries
“Imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum risks harming the U.S. and Canadian economies and threatens thousands of jobs in both countries.” - Ken Neumann
KL Gold’s Hostile Tactics Thwart Workers’ Bid to Join Union
“Labour laws in Ontario and the enforcement of those laws are inadequate to prevent employers from interfering in the fundamental rights of workers to organize a union.” - Marty Warren
Student Workers Win Landmark Discrimination Case Against ABI Smelter
Company will no longer be able to discriminate against student workers and must compensate former employees.
Cliffs Pensioners, Former Workers Recover 60% of Pension Shortfall
“Our union fought relentlessly alongside former workers and pensioners and this struggle has finally paid off.” - Marty Warren
Ontario Steelworkers Talk to Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath
Steelworkers talk about worker health and safety, jobs and ending pension theft during our telephone town hall with Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and USW Ontario Director Marty Warren.
Without Safeguards, NAFTA Will Be a Bad Deal
There are numerous ways Canadian negotiators can ensure a revised NAFTA protects middle-class Canadians from unfair trade practices.
The Body Count from Workplace Death Is Greater than Reported
Ottawa Citizen op-ed column by Ken Neumann and Steven Bittle: Day of Mourning must be catalyst for transformative change.
Operating in the Dark: Mark’s, Sport Chek Can Do Better
Five years after the Rana Plaza tragedy, Canadian retailers like Mark’s and Sport Chek continue to operate in the dark and hide from public scrutiny.
Stronger, Decisive Action Needed to Defend Canadian Steel, Aluminum
"The government must immediately do more to address the impending surge of illegal imports that will no doubt invade our market in coming months." - Ken Neumann
Steelworkers Denounce Dropping of Lac-Mégantic Criminal Case Against MMA
“The result is that those who are truly responsible get away without facing any formal charges, any prosecution or any judgment.”
Permanent Tariff Exemption Needed for Canadian Steel, Aluminum: Steelworkers
“The evidence is clear and overwhelming. Canadian steel and aluminum exports are not part of the problem.” - USW National Director Ken Neumann
Canada’s Exclusion from U.S. Aluminum, Steel Tariffs Clearly Warranted
“The evidence is clear that Canadian steel and aluminum imports are not part of the problem that the U.S. administration is trying to address." – USW National Director Ken Neumann
Liberal Budget Fails to Really “Put People First”
“The budget has no comprehensive, meaningful plan to protect workers and create good jobs with higher wages.” - Ken Neumann
Canadian Aluminum, Steel Must Be Excluded from U.S. Tariffs and Quotas: Steelworkers
“There is no justification to include Canada with countries that systematically violate trade laws.” - Ken Neumann
Union, Government Await ABI’s Return to Bargaining Table
“We’re hoping that Alcoa and Rio Tinto will accept the call to get back to the table to reach an agreement.” - Alain Croteau
Quebec Government Calls for Negotiated Settlement to ABI Smelter Lockout
Unanimous, all-party vote follows sharp criticism that ABI has ‘broken the social contract’ in Quebec.
Canadian Embassy's Role Questioned in Mexican Delegation's Complaint to Integrity Commissioner
Complaint formally requests an investigation into the Canadian embassy's acts and omissions.
Toronto Event – Update on the Political Situation in the Philippines
Join Steelworkers and labour activists at a free event Feb. 15 to hear from leading Philippine activist and progressive politician Ms. Machris Cabreros, Leader of Akbayan (The Citizens’ Action Party).
Rejection of Metron Appeal Welcomed, but Fight for Justice Continues: Steelworkers
USW calls on Ontario government to do more to apply Westray Law in every workplace fatality.
In It to Win It – Ontario Election 2018
Let’s remember that the Ontario election isn’t about choosing between Liberals and Conservatives. There is another option, and it’s a great choice for a better Ontario: Andrea Horwath and the NDP.
Canadians Betrayed by Liberals’ Desperation to Sign Corporate-Friendly TPP
"Facing a choice to accept a bad deal or no deal, Trudeau blinked.” - Ken Neumann
Mining Ombudsperson Offers Hope To Vulnerable In Developing Countries
Vulnerable workers and communities abroad will be watching closely to ensure the ombudsperson's office fulfills its promise.
Unions Play ‘Important and Useful Role’ in Anti-Dumping Case
Canadian International Trade Tribunal cites key evidence from United Steelworkers members in steel dumping ruling.
Proceed Quickly on New Ombudsperson, Steelworkers Urge Feds
“We need swift action to implement measures entrenching the independence and investigatory powers of the office.” - Ken Neumann
Tim Hortons Workers Need a Union
Unfortunately, current Ontario labour laws make it virtually impossible for workers in franchise operations to join unions.
United Steelworkers Alberta Lobby 2017
For the first time ever, the USW conducted "Lobby Days" at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton.