Political Action News
Transport minister wilfully ignorant to cause of airport security delays: Steelworkers union
Turning a blind eye to staff shortages does not help to find effective solutions to attract new screening officers and to retain those who are already trained and working.
Saskatchewan Steelworkers back Carla Beck
The USW announces support for MLA Carla Beck in her campaign to become the leader of the Saskatchewan New Democrats.
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.
Steelworkers argue landmark international trade case
USW files first union-led trade complaint in Canada, leading to anti-dumping investigation.
Let's do better for Ontario – Election 2022
It’s time we did better in Ontario. Voting for better means voting for the Ontario NDP in the June 2022 election. It means voting out the failed government of Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservatives (PCs).
3rd National Gathering of Indigenous Steelworkers
Message from National Director Marty Warren calling for registrations for the third National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers, October 5-6, 2022 at the historic Machine Shop building in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.
Ken Neumann honoured with prestigious Sefton-Williams Award
Award recognizes Ken Neumann’s legacy as one of Canada’s pre-eminent labour leaders and as a pioneer in building global labour solidarity.
Asian Heritage Month 2022
In May each year, Steelworkers join with communities celebrating Asian Heritage Month.
Day of Mourning 2022
On April 28, we mourn the dead and recommit to fight for the living, every day.
Valley Manor long-term care workers still seeking a fair deal
Long-term care workers who have endured enormous challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic continue to mobilize to improve conditions for staff and residents.
Federal budget answers Steelworkers’ call to defend Canadian jobs
Changes will give Canadian workers better ability to fight unfair trade practices.
Federal budget must support workers, strengthen Canada: United Steelworkers union
Federal budget must secure a stronger economy that will create jobs and support people across Canada.
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.
Steelworkers urge all-party support for NDP bills to protect people and the planet
“These two ground-breaking bills are a progressive response to a recurring pattern of violations of workers’ rights and human rights linked to Canadian companies.” - Marty Warren
Big gains for workers in Liberal-NDP agreement: Steelworkers
“This is a triumph by the NDP. To get the Liberals to agree to bring in anti-scab legislation, dental care and pharmacare – all things the Liberals have repeatedly voted against – is a big deal,” said Marty Warren, USW National Director.
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.
April 7 – Steelworkers Talk Politics – Ontario election
All Steelworkers are invited to join our next Steelworkers Talk Politics online event on April 7, where we have a chance to informally exchange ideas and opinions about political issues of the day.
Marty Warren’s statement for International Women’s Day 2022
Mothers carry the load when child-care services aren’t available
Steelworkers support measures aimed to help Ukraine
The Canadian government must take swift action to support the Ukrainian people and to protect the livelihoods of Canadian workers.
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
New Canadian leadership pledges to build on United Steelworkers union’s legacy
USW leaders pledge renewed fight "for change that makes life better for workers and that builds stronger communities."
Steelworkers Vote Ontario 2022 – Apply today
It’s election year in Ontario. That means it’s time to get ready for Steelworkers Vote schools. Apply to attend our online school in April, or choose from in-person schools in May: in Toronto and Cambridge.
Steelworker solidarity in action: no concessions at The Palace!
USW long-term care members are sending a strong message to employers, and their solidarity has not gone unnoticed.
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.
Alexandria long-term care workers seek fair deal
“This is a gross injustice for workers who have spent the last two years struggling with the toll that COVID-19 has inflicted on them and on the residents in their care.”
Let’s do better for Ontario – Election 2022
It’s time we did better in Ontario. Voting for better means voting for the Ontario NDP with Andrea Horwath as Premier and voting out the failed government of Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservatives (PCs).
Ken Neumann and Marty Warren statement for Black History Month
In our union’s proud history of promoting and supporting equality, Steelworkers celebrate Black History Month each February.
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.
120 food banks across Canada receive $233,750 from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund
“While we must do our part through our annual donations, we continue to demand bold action from our governments to tackle the root causes of inequalities.”
USW demands federal action to stop new U.S. softwood lumber tariffs
"Tens of thousands of families in more than 600 communities across Canada depend on our forestry sector. The federal government needs to finally fix this conflict for good.”
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
Oct. 26 – Steelworkers Talk Politics – Engaging Hearts and Minds: Voter Engagement and our Union
All Steelworkers are invited to join our next Steelworkers Talk Politics online event, where we have a chance to informally exchange ideas and opinions about political issues of the day.
Solidarity for the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
A Statement from USW District 6 Director Marty Warren.
Equal Pay for Equal Work for ABI’s Student Workers
Steelworkers advocacy brings an end to wage discrimination against student workers.
Steelworkers Support Indigenous Elder’s Appeals to Federal Candidates
“There is a real alignment between our union and our Indigenous communities.”
Doug Ford Government Must Change Course on National Truth and Reconciliation Day: United Steelworkers Union
Ontario must fulfill its national leadership role and declare Sept. 30 a provincial statutory holiday.
Results for Workers – Federal Election Letter to Steelworkers from Ken Neumann
While we may not want this election, we still need to participate. It’s a chance for Steelworkers to have our say. Elections matter and your vote matters, too!
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.”
Federal Election Telephone Town Halls for Steelworkers
Join Steelworkers in these telephone town halls to talk about union issues as well as hear about how our union is engaged in the 2021 federal election.
SURVEY: What's important to Steelworkers in this upcoming federal election?
A federal election has been called for September 20 and we want to know what issues are most important to Steelworkers!
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.
August 24 – Steelworkers Talk Politics – Focus on Long-term Care
Register to join the online discussion on Long-term Care for the next Steelworkers Talk Politics event on Tuesday, August 24.
Liberals failed to protect steelworkers caught in green shift
The Liberals failed to engage Algoma workers, and their union, in developing a clear transition plan that includes a long-term commitment to keep jobs in the community.
2021 Steelworkers Vote Courses – More Dates Added
Apply now for Steelworkers Vote schools in September and October. Our virtual and in-person campaign schools will prepare you to get active in the next federal election.
Major Job Improvements Needed to Address Quebec’s Child-Care Worker Shortage: Steelworkers
“One in three educators is thinking of quitting and there is no one to replace them. As long as we don't improve wages, we won't be able to recruit and retain educators.”
Quebec Ferry Workers Denounce Employer’s Refusal to Negotiate
“There is deliberate inaction by the government in negotiations with public-sector workers.”
USW Calls on Federal Government to Crack Down on Anti-Worker Practices by Canadian Mining Companies
The federal government must ensure Canadian companies operating abroad respect human rights and freedom of association as required by the CUSMA.
Quebec Court of Appeal Confirms Equal Pay Principle for Student Workers
Court ruling is a victory for the Steelworkers union’s campaign for student workers’ rights.
Taking Steps Toward Reconciliation at the Bargaining Table
In June, Steelworkers celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, and the rich history of the many Indigenous Peoples of this land throughout the entire month.
Get Notified When Steelworkers Vote Is Offered Again
Sign up to be notified when we schedule the next course dates for Steelworkers Vote, a three-day online course to prepare Steelworkers to be active during the next federal election.
USW Denounces Religious Hate Crime in London, Ont., Calls for Action
Steelworkers express our grief and send condolences to the family of those who died, and best wishes for the young survivor. We call on governments at all levels to strengthen laws related to race and religious hatred.
Steelworkers Urge Federal MPs to Protect Pensioners and Workers in Bankruptcies
“This is an opportunity to get this issue resolved before the next election.”
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.
Steelworkers in Montreal and Montérégie Pledge Solidarity to ArcelorMittal Strikers
“We stand in solidarity with the people of the North and will support them financially throughout this dispute.”
Steelworkers Mourn Loss of Two Members
Union calls on Ministry of Labour to conduct immediate and thorough review of workplace health and safety program.
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.
Federal Budget Must Help Workers and Strengthen Canada: Steelworkers
“The Liberals need to stop making promises they have no intention of keeping and present a concrete plan to support people in need.” - Ken Neumann
Union Leaders Call for Immediate Action on Laurentian University Crisis
Devastating cuts at Laurentian will have profound impact on students, families, local businesses and the region's economic and social development.
Steelworkers Help Make 2021 Federal NDP Convention a Success
USW delegates helped make history at the recent 2021 Federal NDP Convention. We helped elect a Steelworker as President of the party: congrats to Dhananjai (DJ) Kohli, who is the first racialized person in the role!
United Steelworkers Union: Build Back Better Through Infrastructure Spending on Both Sides of the Border
The Steelworkers union sees U.S. President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan as an opportunity to maintain and create jobs, bolster manufacturing and make our communities safer on both sides of the border.
The Conservative Pitch For More Union Votes Doesn’t Scare the NDP. Should It?
Kyle Wolff, president of USW Local 7619, shares his thoughts about the federal Conservatives’ recent overtures to private sector union members. “Put it this way, when’s the last time a Conservative or a Liberal phoned me to talk about labour? Never.”
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
Canada Had to Test Masks in Florida
The Department of Health was so poorly prepared for the outbreak of the pandemic it had to send masks to Florida for safety testing, say internal records.
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 Sees Opportunity for Canadian Workers as Trudeau and Biden Meet
"The new president's stated commitments offer the perfect opportunity for the prime minister to seek Canadian exemptions to Buy American policies, permanently resolve the softwood lumber dispute and start incorporating our countries' climate plans."
United Steelworkers Denounces Possible Increase to U.S. Softwood Duties, Calls for Reversal
“There is no justification to increase duties. Our union is calling on the new administration to reverse this approach.” – Ken Neumann
Elements Casino Flamboro Locks Out Workers in Shameful Attack on Benefits
“This is just the latest example of the disastrous effects of the Ontario government’s privatization of casinos in the province.” - Marty Warren
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.
Open Letter: Defending the Hometown University We Built Together
"Most of all, our union has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Laurentian’s students, faculty and staff."
Complicit in Laurentian Crisis, Province Must Step Up
Every step of the way, government representatives have been part of the disastrous, secretive and arbitrary decision-making at Laurentian that led to this crisis.
United Steelworkers Urges Province, Feds to Intervene at Laurentian University
“Students, employees and their families should not have to pay for a scandal caused by years of administrative problems and a deliberate erosion of public funding.” - Marty Warren
Steelworkers Support Laurentian University Students, Faculty and Staff Amid Financial Crisis
United Steelworkers union locals representing 12,000 university employees in Ontario call for immediate intervention by provincial and federal governments to stop scandalous insolvency proceedings at Laurentian University.
Canadian Steel Plants Require More Orders from Governments
“We cannot afford more job losses and more good-paying Canadian jobs moved offshore.” - Stephen Hunt
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.
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
Our New Year’s Resolution: Let’s Buy Canadian
It’s time that we demand all levels of government adopt Buy Canadian policies to protect Canadian jobs. It's disturbing that bridges, pipelines and other infrastructure projects are being built with imported steel. We must do better by buying local.