District 3 News
Pressure on Canadian Aluminum, Steel and Softwood Lumber Shows Fundamental Problems with International Trade: Steelworkers
USW National Director Ken Neumann told the federal Standing Committee on International Trade that COVID-19 has exposed fundamental problems with the international trading system and Canada’s reliance on global supply chains for essential products.
Black Cat’s “Cruel” Lockout Enters Third Week
The employees were shocked to be treated with such disrespect after working tirelessly for the company through the pandemic, as “essential” workers.
USW Social Media Comment Policy: Let's talk, respectfully
Our union was founded in 1942 with a sacred principle that still guides us today: all are welcome. With that being said, we wanted to remind everyone of our official USW comment policy for our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube pages.
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
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.”
Steelworkers and Mosaic Forest Management Reach Landmark Agreements
“These landmark agreements, once ratified, will bring increased certainty for approximately 650 of our union members on Vancouver Island.”
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.”
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.
We Must Keep Indigenous Issues on Political Agenda: Ken Neumann’s Statement for June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day
Let’s mark June 21, National Indigenous People’s Day, by committing to keep issues of key concern to Indigenous peoples at the top of Canada’s political agenda during and after the pandemic.
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.
Steelworkers Locals at Teck Committed to Building Solidarity and Delivering for our Members
Today Local Unions that represent workers at five separate Teck Resources operations in BC met together virtually with USW District 3 Director Stephen Hunt to discuss how we build solidarity to support each other and deliver for our members.
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.
Apply by June 30: Activist Initiates Family and Community Education Fund Project in Sudbury
The Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) supported a Sudbury project that is an example of how the fund can help develop young leaders in the union while serving the local’s goals of greater community connection.
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.
USW Condemns Anti-Black Racism and Racist Violence
The United Steelworkers union in Canada condemns anti-Black racism in all its forms and the racist violence that has occurred on both sides of the border. Our union stands in solidarity with Black communities around the globe.
Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Resources
The United Steelworkers union in Canada and the United States unequivocally condemns the racism and racist violence that has occurred in the last number of weeks on both sides of the border.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $37,690 to Support Workers Affected by COVID-19
Donations from United Steelworkers members will help overcome some of the most-pressing challenges of the pandemic, especially for informal workers, in several countries.
Apply by June 30: Family and Community Education Fund Can Support Pandemic Projects
Are members of your local feeling stressed and having trouble juggling daily tasks and responsibilities during COVID-19? Maybe the USW Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) can help.
New Website Tracks Anti-Asian Racism
A new website – Fight COVID Racism – is a way for individuals to share their experiences of racism.
Federal Government Delays Release of National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
The Trudeau government is postponing the release of the action plan promised for June, one year after the release of the national inquiry’s final report.
Share Your COVID-19 Work Experience
A national survey has been launched to document and analyze the experiences of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.”
USW Post-COVID Recovery Plan (From District 3)
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has upended many elements of our society and caused significant upheaval to the economy. The voices of workers must be front and centre in the decision-making that is to come.
USW Encourages Solidarity, Virtual Pride Celebrations During the Pandemic: Ken Neumann Statement for Pride Month 2020
In June, Steelworkers join with LGBTQ2SIA+ communities across the world to celebrate Pride Month.
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.”
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.
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.
COVID-19 and Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal reaction to uncertainty and things that may harm us. For many of us, the coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness make for a very uncertain future. People worry about their own health and the health of their loved ones.
We Remember Those Lost 28 Years Ago in the Westray Mine Explosion Like It Was Yesterday: Steelworkers
The USW union remembers with heavy hearts the 28th anniversary of the devastating loss of 26 miners in the Westray Coal Mine explosion. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost and their Nova Scotia communities.
May is a Key Anniversary for Women’s Reproductive Rights
Fifty years ago this month, Canadian women converged on Ottawa for Mothers’ Day to demand something we now take for granted: each woman’s right to decide if and when they become mothers.
Proposal to Postpone USW International Convention
COVID-19 crisis leads International Executive Board to pass a resolution postponing 2020 USW Constitutional Convention.
Steelworkers Score Major Victory For Airport Screeners
Steelworkers who work as airport screeners continue to be on the job during COVID-19, and thanks to the efforts of the USW Local 2009, they are now doing so with the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ken Neumann's Statement for Asian Heritage Month 2020
Each year, Steelworkers celebrate May as Asian Heritage Month. We recognize the incredible contributions Asian Canadians have made to this country, and to our union.
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
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $50,000 to Support Bangladeshi Garment Workers Affected by COVID-19
“The contribution will make a huge difference in the lives of 750 families who will receive food packages and medical kits.” - Ken Neumann
USW Family and Community Education Fund - Report on 2019 Projects
In 2019, the USW Family and Community Education Fund supported projects under four themes: Supporting Steelworker Families, Promoting USW in the Community, Supporting and Engaging Young Activists and Supporting and Engaging New Activists.
Virtual FCEF Project Applications Welcome During COVID-19
Until June 30, 2020, any local in Canada can apply to the Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) to fund a project to help its members, families and communities stay connected in these challenging times.
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.
Equity in Hard Times
During COVID-19, we need to remember our union principle of “Solidarity Forever.” An injury to one is an injury to all. Human rights are workers’ rights. We must include ALL in our recognition of harm. Statement by National Director Ken Neumann.
Day of Mourning and COVID-19
Many events that would otherwise be the work of the union have been suspended because of the global pandemic, but we hope that we can all continue to prepare for the Day of Mourning in our communities, whether we are able to gather in ceremony or not.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.