District 5 News
Solidarity March Supports Locked-Out ABI Workers
Wave of solidarity breaks out in Trois-Rivières as thousands demand negotiated resolution to ABI lockout.
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.
Locked-Out ABI Workers Demonstrate at Alcoa Annual Meeting
USW tells shareholders: “Good business means respecting workers.”
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 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.
Quebec Labour Minister Proposes Settlement in 15-Month ABI Lockout
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.
Steelworkers Take ABI Lockout Battle to Global Stage
USW leaders from across North America announce global campaign to support locked-out ABI workers in Bécancour, Que.
ABI Upends Conciliation, Rejects Negotiated Settlement to Lockout
“The company has been emboldened by the Premier’s inappropriate statements that took sides against the workers.”
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.
No USMCA Ratification Unless Tariffs, Quotas Rejected Outright: Steelworkers
United Steelworkers leaders visit Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, demand firm stand from federal government.
Steelworkers Submit Counter-Proposal in 14-Month ABI Lockout
Union proposal comes 10 days after locked-out workers rejected concession-laden company offer by 82% majority.
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.
Steelworkers, Bedrock Reach Agreement on Pointe-Noire Pellet Plant
Workers will vote on proposed collective agreement once Pointe-Noire pellet plant is back in operation.
Locked-Out ABI Workers Reject Unilateral Offer, Demand Negotiated Settlement
“ABI has refused to negotiate, it has refused to accept third-party arbitration. It just wanted to impose its will.”
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.
Locked-Out ABI Workers to Vote Monday on Company Offer
“It essentially reflects our previous report to members on the employer’s positions on the issues.”
Locked-Out Workers Ask Quebec Premier: What Are You Doing, Mr. Legault?
“We are asking the Premier to take action to back up the statements he made during the election campaign.”
United Steelworkers Seek Mandate for Arbitration
“We’re going to ask our members for a mandate to request arbitration for the dispute," said Local 9700 President Clément Masse.
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.
Restart of Pointe-Noire Pellet Plant Proposed
"Bedrock Industries has informed us of its intention to relaunch the plant and its desire to negotiate a collective agreement."
ABI Backs Out of Anticipated Negotiations in 13-Month Lockout
“ABI seems to be looking for a pretext to break off negotiations. This raises questions about its genuine willingness to negotiate in good faith."
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.
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.
Tom Harding's Dismissal Ruled Illegal, Company Ordered to Provide Compensation
Company’s actions were illegal and a “fundamental” violation of the collective agreement.
ABI Lockout Hits One-Year Mark
Quebec government remains complicitly silent on ABI’s abuse of workers.
Steelworkers Accuse Alcoa of Bad Faith Bargaining
“A company that reneges on clauses that are already signed off and that makes demands for more concessions is not acting in good faith.”
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.
Alcoa Shows Contempt for Government-Initiated Negotiation Process
Shutdown of more pot lines at ABI smelter makes mockery of Quebec government’s efforts to resolve 11-month lockout.
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.
A Lockout Is Not an ‘Act of God:’ Rally Supports ABI Workers
“A lockout is a deliberate decision by an employer to force workers to accept lower working and living standards.”
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.
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.
Alcoa Wants More Concessions at ABI, Despite Lowest Labour Costs
Locked-out smelter workers plan campaign to increase pressure for a fair settlement to nine-month lockout.
Negotiations Break Off Between ABI, Locked-Out Steelworkers
Steelworkers Local 9700 members will meet within the next few days to discuss the state of negotiations.
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."
Historic Labour Victory
The relentless activism of Steelworkers led to landmark legislation banning two-tier pension and benefit plans in Quebec.
Locked-Out ABI Employees to Demonstrate at Leaders’ Debate
Aluminum workers want Quebec party leaders’ commitment to help resolve the labour dispute with Alcoa, Rio Tinto.
Alcoa, Steelworkers Discuss ABI Lockout
“The union remains ready and willing to negotiate in good faith whenever the special mediator summons the parties back to the bargaining table.” - Alain Croteau
Investors Cautioned on Alcoa-Related ‘Controversies’
Aluminum giant receives unenviable mention in report targeted at international investors.
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,
Everyone Loses from Alcoa’s Lockout at ABI Smelter
Each month of the lockout is depriving Alco and Rio Tinto – co-owners of the ABI smelter – CAN$85 million in revenues (US$66 million) and CAN$26 million (US$20 million) in profits, the USW says.
Employer’s New Demands Impede Settlement in ABI Lockout
Locked-out workers overwhelmingly endorse their union bargaining committee as ABI makes new demands for concessions.
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.
Sign the Petition for Domestic Worker Rights
Please join Quebec Steelworkers in supporting the domestic workers’ rights campaign. Sign the parliamentary petition asking Canada to ratify the ILO Convention on Domestic Workers.
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.
Landmark Labour Law Reforms in Quebec Ban Two-Tier Pensions, Benefits
Steelworkers led relentless campaign to end discrimination against young workers.
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
Student Workers Win Landmark Discrimination Case Against ABI Smelter
Company will no longer be able to discriminate against student workers and must compensate former employees.
Cliffs Pensioners, Former Workers Recover 60% of Pension Shortfall
“Our union fought relentlessly alongside former workers and pensioners and this struggle has finally paid off.” - Marty Warren
Locked-out ABI workers protest Alcoa AGM in Pittsburgh
Locked-out Quebec Steelworkers drove for more than 15 hours from Bécancour to be heard by Alcoa shareholders and to denounce an “absurd” lockout.
Day of Mourning 2018
This April 28th, the National Day of Mourning, our union must once again reflect on the continuing tragedy in workplaces.
Unionized Tim Hortons Employees to Obtain First Contract
“These workers showed tremendous courage and patience in standing up to an industry giant.”
Steelworkers Denounce Dropping of Lac-Mégantic Criminal Case Against MMA
“The result is that those who are truly responsible get away without facing any formal charges, any prosecution or any judgment.”
Workers Were Sold a Lie
NAFTA must defend good jobs, improve living standards and reverse growing inequality.
Stepping Up to Stop Harassment
Let’s take this #MeToo #TimesUp moment as an opportunity to revisit and expand our anti-harassment policies.
ABI Lockout Costing Quebecers $604,464 Daily
Hydro-Québec losses since Jan. 11 reach $41.7 million due to unilateral decision by multinationals Alcoa and Rio Tinto.
Employer Takes Vindictive, Unproductive Approach to Mediation in ABI Lockout
Locked-out Steelworkers denounce ABI's “vindictive and unproductive” approach as negotiators called back to bargaining table by mediator.
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
Locked-Out ABI Steelworkers Confront Alcoa CEO in Florida
Locked-out ABI employees from Bécancour, Que., are demonstrating today outside the BMO Global Metals and Mining Conference, where Harvey is addressing investors.
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
Union, Government Await ABI’s Return to Bargaining Table
“We’re hoping that Alcoa and Rio Tinto will accept the call to get back to the table to reach an agreement.” - Alain Croteau
Quebec Government Calls for Negotiated Settlement to ABI Smelter Lockout
Unanimous, all-party vote follows sharp criticism that ABI has ‘broken the social contract’ in Quebec.
District’s Incident Reporting System Tackles Chronic Problems
Like too many health care workers in Canada and the United States, health care members in District 6 struggle with short staffing, a problem that can quickly escalate into higher rates of workplace violence and patient injuries.
Canadian and Mexican Union Leaders Support Locked-Out ABI Workers
Steelworkers across Canada and the U.S. will mobilize to support workers locked out of their jobs at the ABI aluminum smelter.
Lac-Mégantic Verdicts a Tremendous Relief for Accused and All Workers
“Nearly five years later, this verdict is a tremendous relief for these workers and their families.”
Alcoa's Lockout of Quebec Employees Is a Poor Business Decision
"Why provoke a labour dispute that will have a pricetag that exceeds the costs of all union proposals at the bargaining table? There is something fishy here."
What Are the Real Issues Behind ABI’s Odious Lockout?
“You sometimes have to wonder who actually benefits from these tactics.” - Alain Croteau
ABI Shuns Offer to Negotiate, Cavalierly Locks Out Employees
Rio Tinto and Alcoa consent to forcing more than 1,000 workers onto the street.
Steelworkers Overwhelmingly Reject Company Offer at ABI Smelter
“There is still room for further negotiation,” union says.