District 3 News
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 Humanity Fund Contributes $5,000 to Support Victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas
The Bahamas suffered greatly because of this catastrophe, and our hope is that our contribution will help with the reconstruction efforts.
United Steelworkers Responds to B.C. Government Forest Worker Announcement
The USW is calling for the B.C. government to restore the bond between our public forest resources and employment opportunities and benefits for British Columbians.
Health Care Worker Spotlight: Misty Lafond Finds Voice in Union as an Organizer
Misty Lafond first became involved with the union four years ago, in 2015, when the previous unit chair asked her to attend her first shop steward training.
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.
Another Devastating Sawmill Closure Reinforces Urgent Need for Changes to B.C. Forestry Policy: Steelworkers
The announcement of the closure of Hammond Cedar in Maple Ridge is the latest in a series of devastating sawmill closures in British Columbia that requires immediate and robust changes to forestry policy, says the United Steelworkers (USW) union.
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.
Think Carefully About Your Vote!
As we move closer to the federal election in October, it is increasingly important that we, as union retirees think critically about how we use our vote.
700 Workers Have Voted to Join the United Steelworkers
The United Steelworkers welcome 700 new members after several successful organizing victories in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Trump's 'Buy America' Rules Are Harmful to Canada, But Could Have Been Avoided
Donald Trump signed the executive order requiring that 75% of the value of components must be sourced in the U.S., an increase from 50%.
United Steelworkers Welcomes ‘Hot Edict’ of Western Forest Products
All affiliated unions of the BC Federation of Labour will no longer handle any of WFP’s wood products.
Health Care Workers Council Spotlight: Ray White, District 3 Coordinator
Ray White, president of Local 1-207 in Alberta, Canada, took his first union course in 1992. He knew right away he wanted to play a role in the fight for workers’ rights and has been an activist ever since.
USW Local 7619 Celebrates 50th Anniversary
USW Local 7619 celebrated their 50th Anniversary over three eventful days – a Weekend of Steel in Logan Lake, British Columbia.
USW Looks to Consult, Contribute to Solutions
Ken Neumann Statement on the MMIWG National Inquiry Final Report
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $58,950 to Support Disaster Recovery Here and Abroad
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund has contributed $58,950 to support victims of natural and human-made disasters that have deeply impacted communities across the globe in 2019.
Ken Neumann’s Statement on the Occasion of June 21, National Indigenous Day
We’re watching the Senate and the federal government to see if they will pass Bill C-262 into law, so that Canada can adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Ken Neumann Statement for Pride Month
In June this year, Steelworkers from all across Canada join with LGBT communities to celebrate Pride Month.
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.
Canadian and U.S. Steelworkers Rally at Hecla Mining AGM
Steelworkers and other members of the B.C. labour community will join striking miners from Idaho today in a demonstration at Hecla Mining Company's annual general meeting, to protest Hecla's anti-labour practices.
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
CLC/UWCC Post-Secondary Scholarship
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Young Workers Program and United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) are pleased to present the annual CLC/UWCC Post-Secondary Scholarship.
Join the International Campaign for a New Social Contract for Working People
It’s time to make the economy work for everybody. Sign ITUC’s petition for a New Social Contract to ensure a fairer deal that puts people, not corporate greed, back in the driver’s seat.
Remembering Westray
In the early morning of May 9, 1992, an explosion ripped through the Westray coal mine in Plymouth, Nova Scotia, killing all twenty-six miners working the night shift.
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.
CFLPA and United Steelworkers Announce Strategic Alliance
The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) and the United Steelworkers (USW) today announced a ‘strategic alliance’ that will build a closer unity of purpose between the two associations.
Labour a Key Partner in a Canadian Green New Deal
The Broadbent Institute's Rick Smith and USW National Director Ken Neumann write in The Toronto Star about putting the concerns of labour and environmental groups to work in a mutually reinforcing way in a Canadian Green New Deal.
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.
Day of Mourning
APRIL 28TH Day of Mourning - Close to 1,000 workers in Canada die on the job every year.
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.
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.
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.
United Steelworkers Ratify New CN Agreement
Contract improves wages, benefits and travel allowances for3,000 USW members who inspect, maintain and repair CN’s Canada-wide infrastructure.
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.
Health Care Workers Council Welcomes 120 New Members
Workers at Chartwell St. Albert Retirement Residence, who work as LPNs, aides, dietary technicians, and more, received their union certification last month after overwhelming support for the organizing effort.
United Steelworkers and CN Reach Tentative Agreement
CN and United Steelworkers Local 2004 announced today that a new tentative collective agreement has been reached between the company and union.
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.
Taxi Drivers Hit Hard by Saskatchewan Government Days Before Busy Christmas Season
The United Steelworkers (USW) Taxi Council is deeply disappointed in the decisions made by the government, SGI, and municipalities to attack the current livelihood of taxi workers.
Diversity Council Ups Union Involvement
Recognizing that “the world is changing everywhere,” Local 6717 developed a human rights training course and established a Diversity Council to help “find a way to ease the transition into something new.”
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.
Stephen Hunt Statement on USW Member's Death at Elkview Mine
Statement of condolences and support for USW member's family and co-workers following workplace fatality at B.C. mine.
Recalling the Horror Part of Making Improvements
Twenty-six years after telling his story of post-traumatic stress on every anniversary of the disaster, Vern Theriault has written it all down in “Westray, My Journey from Darkness to Light”.
Concession Bargaining
From NAFTA to TPP to CETA, Liberals’ trade deals make things worse for Canadians.
Support Bécancour Steelworkers Locked Out by ABI
Show your solidarity with a donation to the locked-out workers of Local 9700 in Bécancour.
Remove Steel Tariffs Before Signing New Trade Deal: Mark Rowlinson on Power & Politics
The USW says Canada should not sign the USMCA until the U.S. has removed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley to Speak to Steelworkers at Conference in Kamloops
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley will address members of the United Steelworkers from across Western Canada at the USW District 3 Conference in Kamloops, B.C., on Wednesday, October 31.
B.C. Labour Code Recommendations a Good First Step: Steelworkers
Greater reforms are needed to modernize labour relations and ensure workers share in B.C.'s prosperity, union says.
I Am With You, Sisters!
“I have had the privilege to be here over the last several days and hear the women of our great union – on both sides of the border – set out your plans and your ideas for how you will continue the struggle for women’s equality."
Answering the Call to Action Through Global Solidarity
Tapping the Power of Authenticity: delegates to the International Women of Steel Conference were inspired by the experiences of women activists and union leaders from around the world.
The Women Speak
We’re the women of the union in the forefront of the fight, we fight for women’s issues; we fight for women’s rights. We’re prepared to fight for freedom; we’re prepared to stand our ground, women make the union strong!
USW President Gerard Calls for Movement, Not Musing at WOS Conference
USW International President Leo Gerard took the mic for the keynote speech on the second morning of the International Women of Steel Conference .
2018 International Women's Conference Delegate Bios - Districts 1 to 6
We asked some of our most stellar sisters who are attending the 2018 International Women's Conference in Toronto, Ontario, some questions about being an activist and more. Check out some of their bios below.
More than 1,200 Women of Steel Answer the Call
The 2018 USW Women of Steel (WOS) Conference in Toronto, Ontario, was called to order on Monday, October 15.
United Steelworkers Endorse Mike Hurley for Burnaby Mayor
The United Steelworkers is proud to announce its support for Mike Hurley and is encouraging all working people in Burnaby to support him as the next Mayor of the city in October 20th election
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $10,000 to Aid Survivors of Indonesian Tsunami
“This catastrophe left nearly 200,000 people in urgent need of assistance, about a quarter of them children. We felt compelled to demonstrate the Steelworkers' solidarity in the face of a catastrophe of such magnitude."
Battle to Defend Steel and Aluminum Continues
For years, Steelworkers on both sides of the U.S. border have decried and battled the harmful and unfair dumping of steel and aluminum by countries, including China, South Korea and Turkey.
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,
USW Forestry Workers in Northern B.C. Preparing for Strike
"The employer is unwilling to discuss the most basic proposals. Our workers are demanding changes and we will fight for them. We are bargaining for 23 different worksites and it's time to send them a message."
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.
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.
Our Unity. Our Strength: 2018 USW District 3 Conference - October 30 to November 1, Kamloops, BC
USW District 3 will be holdings its 2018 District Conference from October 30th to November 1st, at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre.
Story of the Sears Bankruptcy
Watch this Radio-Canada documentary on the Sears bankruptcy, featuring an interview with Steelworker and NDP MP Scott Duvall on the legalized theft of workers' hard-earned pensions in corporate bankruptcies.
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
Day of Mourning 2018
This April 28th, the National Day of Mourning, our union must once again reflect on the continuing tragedy in workplaces.
"Be More Than A Bystander” Training Already Making An Impression
It seems that every time you open a newspaper or turn on the six o’clock news these days, you’re surrounded by bad news.
USW to Hear from Taxi Drivers and Community after Violent Attack
A taxi driver from Regina Cabs is recovering from multiple stab wounds to the throat, chest and stomach after a violent attack on Friday morning, April 13. The driver remains in critical condition
Introducing Atkinson Foundation Podcast: Just Work It
'Just Work It,' is the Atkinson Foundation’s brand new platform for podcasts and events on decent work for and by those of us who are called “millennials.”
Workers Were Sold a Lie
NAFTA must defend good jobs, improve living standards and reverse growing inequality.
Submissions to the Review Panel under Section 3 of the BC Labour Relations Code
The world of work has changed dramatically over the last fifty years and our members have experienced these changes first-hand.
Stepping Up to Stop Harassment
Let’s take this #MeToo #TimesUp moment as an opportunity to revisit and expand our anti-harassment policies.
Canadian Health Care Workers Find Common Ground
Health care workers in western Canada are all members of amalgamated locals, which brings a unique set of challenges.
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
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
Steelworkers Arbitration Victory Ends Random Drug and Alcohol Testing At Teck’s Elk Valley Unionized Mines
The significant arbitration decision recognizes the importance of employee privacy rights and imposes a high bar on employers to justify random testing.
USW Calls for Labour Unity in Face of Unifor's Unilateral Actions
The USW will stand with and support CLC-affiliated unions that are under attack, just as we would expect them to support us if Unifor turned on USW members, anywhere in this country.
USW Potash Locals United Like Never Before Following Strategic Meetings
The United Steelworkers Potash Locals have concluded two days of successful and productive meetings in Saskatoon, Sask., where local unions came together to discuss a number of issues important to Steelworkers who work in potash mines in the province.
United Steelworkers Alberta Lobby 2017
For the first time ever, the USW conducted "Lobby Days" at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton.