Political Action News
Aluminum Tariffs Would Make Mockery of NAFTA 2 and Ignore the Real Problem
“Virtually everyone agrees, including unions and major aluminum producers in the U.S., that there is no justification for new tariffs on Canadian aluminum.” - Dominic Lemieux
Grant Exemption to Bill 124 or Risk Seniors in Long-Term Care: Steelworkers
“The premier is fond of praising essential workers for their ‘courage.’ But actions speak louder than words.” - Marty Warren
Ford Government Allowing Undue Risk to Workers Amid Province-Wide Reopening: Steelworkers
“We cannot be opening up the Ontario economy without ensuring workers will be protected, and when they are not, that there are consequences.” - Marty Warren
Steelworkers Union Welcomes WSIB Decision Recognizing McIntyre Powder-Related Parkinson’s as Occupational Disease
“This victory means workers’ claims for compensation may finally be met. It's a significant step toward justice for elderly and sick retirees and their families."
Canada Emergency Response Benefit Extended by Eight Weeks
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has been extended from 16 to 24 weeks.
After Serving as Essential Workers During COVID-19, Black Cat Wear Parts Cruelly Locks Out Canadian Workers
“These members worked hard through COVID-19, were praised for their efforts, only to be locked out at the first opportunity. It is a real slap in the face.”
Workers’ Compensation System a ‘National Disgrace’: United Steelworkers
Provincial governments must rectify fatal flaws in the workers’ compensation system that continue to ruin lives and exacerbate the opioid crisis
Even Richer Than You Think – Time for Liberals to Act on Growing Inequality, Says Steelworkers Union
“This is an outrageous imbalance. The richest, wealthiest families in Canada are holding more than $3 trillion, which is a quarter of the worth of the whole country. This is out of whack. Let’s heed this warning.”
Pandemic Pay for Security Guards: We’re Waiting!
More than 5,200 Quebecers sign petition to the National Assembly in support of a pandemic premium for the province's security guards.
The Jury Is In: Unconstitutional Attacks on Workers’ Rights Must End
The latest in a long line of court rulings strikes down another ‘draconian’ violation of collective bargaining rights guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Director Warren to Solicitor General: Take Action and Ensure Fairness for Security Guards
USW District 6 Director Marty Warren has written an open letter to Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, urging the Ontario government pay security guards the $4 per hour frontline worker pandemic wage top-up.
Federal Prison Chaplains Apply for Conciliation in First-Contract Negotiations
Chaplains request conciliation in collective bargaining amidst undue suffering and rising tensions within federal prison system.
Help Save Child Care and Early Learning
Help save early learning and child care. Sign on to support Canada’s three national child care organizations that have developed a plan to sustain early learning and child care through the pandemic.
Pandemic Exposes Urgent Need for Reforms for Workers, all Canadians: Ken Neumann
USW National Director Ken Neumann appears on Sauga 960 AM radio to advocate for critical issues for workers and all Canadians during the pandemic.
Steelworkers Call for Health and Safety Reforms Following Report into Worker’s Death
Quebec’s workplace health and safety agency cites poor management of inspection and maintenance procedures as one of the causes of fatality.
Steel Dumping Investigations Must Proceed Without Delay: Steelworkers
“Workers and their families are already suffering during this crisis. We can’t allow illegal dumping to threaten more jobs in our community.”
Steelworkers Union Praises NDP Victory in Securing Paid Sick Leave Commitment
“The federal government must do everything in its power to quickly bring all provinces and territories on board to ensure paid sick leave for all workers.”
Feds Must Rescind Punitive Income Restrictions for Thousands of Canadians: Steelworkers
“The government’s misguided position serves no purpose, other than denying workers much-needed income that they have negotiated with their employers.”
Simple ‘Review’ of Long-Term Care an Injustice to Victims of Deadly Crisis: Steelworkers
“How is a public inquiry not justified when more than 1,400 residents have died and thousands more residents and workers have been infected with COVID-19?” - Marty Warren
New Canada-U.S.-Mexico Trade Deal is Flawed – Ken Neumann on RadioLabour
RadioLabour’s Marc Belanger talks to USW National Director Ken Neumann about the new trade deal.
Planned EI Changes Must Extend to Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Workers, USW Says
New federal support for fisheries sector must be expanded to tourism, hotel and restaurant workers affected by pandemic.
Long-Term Care Workers to Protest Cuts at Maxville Manor
PSW hours cut as long-term care is in crisis and vulnerable residents are at risk due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter to Premier Ford: All “Frontline Heroes” Deserve Recognition
Security guards, who place themselves at risk every day, have been left to ask why their frontline service during the pandemic is not being recognized.
Basic Training Would Have Saved a Life
Quebec health and safety agency’s report into workplace fatality indicates employer failed in its duty to train workers.
Our Unvalued Heroes: Care Workers Confront Heartbreak, Death and PTSD
“From the beginning, we knew we were at risk. We knew an outbreak was coming, it was just a matter of time.”
Study Released by Ontario WSIB Must Be Applied to Compensation Across Canada, Say Steelworkers
“The study means compensation claims that were rejected will be reviewed, hopefully resulting in justice for survivors and families.” - Marty Warren
Federal Government Stands Aside as More Canadians Lose Manufacturing Jobs
“This plant means so much to our families and our community. And now it’s being taken away. As far as we know, the majority of our work will be going to Mexico.”
Emergency Response Must Lead to Long-Term Reform, Says USW Leader
Responses to the global pandemic must be the basis for reforms to everything from Employment Insurance to care for the elderly and corporate restructuring, Ken Neumann tells parliamentary committee.
Ontario Labour Ministry Not Upholding Workers’ Rights: Steelworkers
“Workers’ right to refuse unsafe work is being denied by the Ministry of Labour. Some workers are deemed essential. But none should be sacrificial.”
Cargill Death and Disease a 21st-Century Version of the Westray Explosion
“The events leading up to the death of a worker who died at Cargill this month are eerily similar to those leading up to the explosion of the Westray mine 28 years ago.” - Steve Hunt
One Lesson from the Pandemic: Canada Needs to Rebuild Manufacturing
One of the by-products of COVID-19 is that people are paying attention to where things are manufactured. By focusing on an industrial growth strategy, governments can help ensure that the economic recovery that follows the pandemic will be more durable.
Ottawa’s Wage Subsidy Must Be Designed Primarily to Help Workers: United Steelworkers
To make sure the new wage-subsidy aid goes to workers and is not eaten up by employer profiteering, the program needs a principle of ‘workers first.’
Commercial Drivers Need Government Action on COVID-19 Protection: Steelworkers
“We worry about bringing that risk home to our families. We need to reduce the risk as much as possible.”
Crisis Comes at Worst Time for Struggling Canadian Workers and Families
To keep our economy from total collapse, governments must focus on keeping workers employed and supporting those who are laid off or unable to work.
Increased Federal Wage Subsidy Must Help All Workers: Steelworkers
“Restricting the subsidy will result in massive job losses across the country and will exacerbate this crisis.” - Ken Neumann
Federal Government’s Response for Workers to COVID-19 Is Woefully Insufficient: Steelworkers Union
The United Steelworkers calls for an increase to the employee wage subsidy to 80% as adopted in the U.K.
Steelworkers Union Calls for Worker Support and Protection During COVID-19
Time away from work to stop the spread of the virus should not mean loss of income, regardless of job or workplace. Unpaid job-protected leave doesn’t pay the bills.
Coalition of Ontario Unions Files Charter Challenge to Protect Free and Fair Collective Bargaining
A growing list of public and private sector unions opposes Bill 124, with this constitutional challenge being a part of the Ontario labour movement’s broader campaign to repeal the bill.
Steelworkers Stand Up for Health Care, Endorse NDP in Nova Scotia By-elections
The United Steelworkers union is proud to endorse NDP candidates Kendra Coombes and Kathleen Kevany in the March 10 by-elections.
Letter to the Prime Minister About Rail Blockades
USW National Director Ken Neumann expresses grave concerns to the prime minister about the rail blockades that are threatening jobs and asks that the prime minister find a resolution and demonstrate a genuine commitment to reconciliation.
Workers Demand Severance, Benefits in Bankruptcy of Canadian Icon Barrymore
“Once again, working people are victims of a rigged system that disregards their interests while giving priority to wealthy investors.”
Criminal Charges Against Brazilian Multinational Should Send a Message to Canadian Government – Steelworkers
“Our federal government should ensure that multinational companies operating in Canada have records that do not include putting profit over safety and human life anywhere in the world.” - Ken Neumann
Steelworkers Union Hails Victory in Aluminum Dumping Case
“This is a welcome victory for all Canadian aluminum workers. We need to continue to push for further protections for both the steel and aluminum sectors.” - Ken Neumann
January 7 Is Corporate Income Tax Freedom Day
Canadians are paying a hefty price from deep corporate tax cuts. It's time for governments to make corporations pay their fair share.
Coalition of Ontario Unions to Launch Charter Challenge, Vowing to Defend the Rights of All Ontarians
"Middle-class families are the backbone of our province and country, and it is fundamentally wrong to strip them of their collective bargaining rights." – Marty Warren, District 6 Director
Steelworkers Recognize NAFTA Improvements, Cite Aluminum/Steel Concerns
New deal does not include stronger North American automotive rules of origin requirements related to steel and aluminum.
Third Death of a Traffic Control Worker in Two Months
How long before workplace safety prevention is taken seriously in Quebec, Steelworkers ask.
Glencore, Government Must Do Right by New Brunswick Workers, Communities
USW will press provincial and federal governments and Glencore to do everything they can to assist Brunswick Smetler workers, families and their communities.
Sudbury Permanently Loses Jobs Under Anti-Union, Private Home Care
“Our government, that claims to be ‘for the people,’ allows private corporations to put profits before patients and workers.” - Marty Warren
Doug Ford Breaks Promise to ‘Get It Right,’ Renews Attacks on Ontario Families
Doug Ford immediately breaks promise to abandon regressive agenda that is deeply unpopular with Ontarians.
Elections Matter – Thank You for Engaging
We are proud of our Steelworkers union members who were actively involved in this election and will continue to encourage political engagement to bring working people’s viewpoints to the discussion.
Steelworkers Vote Fuels NDP Momentum
USW members have been volunteering in ridings across the country, knocking on doors and talking to our members about the NDP policies that will make a difference for workers and the candidates who are on our side.
Steelworkers Support and Applaud Climate Day of Action
“We stand with the youth of the world who are taking to the streets to urge our leaders to commit to fighting climate change.” - Ken Neumann
Trudeau’s Broken Promises to Indigenous Canadians Theme of Steelworkers New Election Ads
Liberal broken promises particularly impactful in Indigenous communities – many Steelworkers are members of these communities and work in these areas.
Steelworkers Union Takes Aim at Federal Liberals Ahead of Fall Vote
The USW plans to focus its ad campaign against the Liberals in key Ontario ridings, using television and radio ads to paint Trudeau as betraying campaign vows from 2015.
Following Labour Day Protest of Trudeau, Steelworkers Launch Election Ads
This week the USW starts running ads reminding everyday Canadians that the Liberal government has broken its promises and failed to make life affordable.
Liberals Approve Exporting Good Canadian Steel Jobs to China
Trudeau handing China $42 billion of steel and construction jobs in Canada’s largest-ever project.
Residents, Employees Benefit from United Steelworkers Settlement at Maxville Manor
“A decent contract means better employee retention and a generally healthier environment for everyone.” - Marty Warren
Every Vote Counts!
“Every vote counts.” Very cliché, right? Not for the case of Jordan Brown, the newly-minted Member of House Assembly (MHA) for Labrador West (Newfoundland and Labrador).
United Steelworkers Files Complaint with International Labour Organization Against Quebec Government
Premier François Legault’s interference in negotiations at ABI aluminum smelter violates ILO conventions and declarations, USW says.
Steelworkers Welcome New Legislation, Urge Renewed Safeguards
“Canadian workers and producers need an unequivocal commitment from the federal government that it will defend our industry.”
United Steelworkers Welcomes Criminal Charges Against Kiewit Construction in Death of Sam Fitzpatrick
Kiewit and two supervisors each face one count of criminal negligence causing death.
NDP Climate Plan Protects our Planet and our Jobs – Steelworkers
The NDP climate plan is the most comprehensive environmental platform of any of the parties. It is worker-oriented and jobs-centred. Our members want to be involved in the decision-making, and this plan specifically mentions working with labour.
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.