District 3 News
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.
Joint USW Local Union Statement on Teck Temporary Slowdown March 23, 2020
United Steelworker (USW) local unions representing Teck employees at three mines and the smelter operations in British Columbia support the latest measures by Teck Resources to ensure health and safety of employees and communities and to combat COVID-19.
USW COVID-19 Demands to Federal and Provincial Governments
The United Steelworkers union calls on the federal government to immediately enact the following reforms to support workers and retirees during these uncertain times.
CORONAVIRUS: A Guide for USW Canadian Members
COVID-19, the disease caused by the new, or “novel” coronavirus, is spreading in Canada as of March 19, 2020.
Information for USW Members in Canada: Workplace Issues During COVID-19
There are a number of steps that employers can take to improve the health and safety of workers during this time.
Information for USW Members in Canada: Health and Safety During COVID-19
USW encourages members to stay current with the latest information from your local health authority and follow their most current guidelines.
Federal Government Response to COVID-19: Announcement on March 18, 2020
On March 18, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced additional measures to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Upcoming USW Event Postponements
USW is passionate about keeping USW members safe at work and at home. This is the reason that the union is cancelling or postponing a number of upcoming events in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In Face of COVID-19 Pandemic, Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $220,000 to Food Banks Across Canada
To support the most vulnerable in our communities during COVID-19, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $220,000 to 112 food banks and community food centres.
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.
COVID-19 Recommendations: Postponing Local Union Meetings
With the recent announcement by the World Health Organization that the Corona Virus / COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic, it is recommended that local unions postpone or cancel any meetings that are scheduled to occur in the near future.
Hard-Won First Contracts at Two Chartwell Retirement Facilities
After their employer, Chartwell, stalled negotiations in a failed attempt to weaken their resolve, workers at two retirement facilities in Alberta have officially become USW members with their first ratified collective bargaining agreements.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $7,000 to Support Communities Affected by Volcano in the Philippines
Members from USW Local 8327 at Park Place Retirement Home in Ottawa approached the Humanity Fund to support victims, many of the local union members being of Filipino heritage.
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.
USW Leaders Welcome Lily Chang to Team Unite CLC
The USW Canadian Directors welcome Lily Chang to the Team Unite CLC slate and offer our endorsement of Lily’s candidacy for Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
USW Continues Its Call to Stop the Killing and Enforce the Law
On the first anniversary of a mining disaster in Brazil which killed 250 workers, the United Steelworkers union continues its call to stop the killing and ensure proper enforcement of the law.
USW Endorses Team Unite for CLC Leadership Race
USW leaders have thrown their support behind Bea Bruske and Siobhan Vipond for Canadian Labour Congress President and Executive Vice-President at the upcoming CLC Convention in Vancouver (May 4-8).
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
USW Cares: 2019 Jefferson Award Winners Announced
Since 2015, the USW has partnered with the Jefferson Awards Foundation, recently renamed Multiplying Good, to celebrate Steelworkers who do amazing works of community service, and to show the world that Steelworkers have big hearts.
Steelworkers Urge Government To Implement Recommendations From Sawmill Explosions Review
Nearly eight years after two sawmill explosions in northern British Columbia claimed the lives of four people and injured dozens more, the (USW) is responding to the release of a review of actions by WorkSafeBC and government in relation to worker safety.
Winnipeg General Strike Musical Heads to Major Theatres
Stand! a musical about the Winnipeg General Strike premiered during the Toronto International Film Festival this past fall, and has now returned for a wider release starting November 29 in select Canadian cities.
Canadian Labour Legend Leo Gerard on the Past, Present and Future of Unions
USW International President emeritus Leo W. Gerard spoke with the CBC's Michael Enright about his life in the labour movement and the future of unions in an age of globalized trade, a collapsing manufacturing sector and precarious employment.
Honouring One of Our Own this Remembrance Day
This Remembrance Day, we would like to honour one of our own that has done outstanding work for our veterans in Canada: Scott Casey, from USW Local 7619.
112 Food Banks Across Canada Receive $229,750 from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund
At this time every year, we are reminded that social inequalities are growing in Canada. As the holiday season approaches, Steelworkers, through the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, join together to support food banks and other community organizations.
Supreme Steel Betraying Its Winnipeg Employees After 50 Years of Loyal Service
For more than 50 years, employees at Supreme Steel in Winnipeg loyally went to work every day and drove the success and profitability of the company.
Carol Landry: Trailblazing Woman of Steel
Landry’s leadership skills and history of achievement inspired Steelworkers at all levels of the union, particularly women and Next Generation members.
Leo Gerard: An Extraordinary Legacy
The lessons of those formative years led Gerard into an extraordinary, five-decade career of labour activism, including 18 years as United Steelworkers International President.
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 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.