District 5 News
Transport minister wilfully ignorant to cause of airport security delays: Steelworkers union
Turning a blind eye to staff shortages does not help to find effective solutions to attract new screening officers and to retain those who are already trained and working.
Steelworkers union supports Canadian Football League Players’ Association, denounces league’s behaviour
“The United Steelworkers urges the CFL to return to the bargaining table and to commit to negotiating in good faith with its most-important asset – its players.” - Marty Warren
United Steelworkers honour Westray disaster 30 years later, push for enforcement of law
In the early morning hours of May 9, 1992, an explosion ripped through the Westray coal mine in Plymouth, N.S. The explosion took the lives of 26 miners and forever changed the lives of the people of Plymouth and many surrounding communities.
Grassroots activists are the strength of our union
Message from USW District 5 Director Dominic Lemieux
Community action builds bargaining support
The members of USW Local 9211-14 sent a message to their employer and a provincial board of arbitration that was meeting to decide the outcome of their collective agreement. The employer wanted concessions, and the workers fought back.
Workers across Canada turn to USW
From hotels to sawmills and long-term care homes to call centres, workers in virtually every sector of the economy are turning to the Steelworkers union to help improve their working and living standards.
Remembering the tragic loss of Steelworkers in B.C. sawmill explosions
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the deadly explosions at the Babine Forest Products sawmill near Burns Lake, and at Lakeland Mills in Prince George.
Atlantic Screeners: Bargaining for post-pandemic gains
Two USW local unions are covered under one agreement and they are heading to the bargaining table with Securitas this spring. The USW represents airport screeners in all three districts in Canada.
Uranium miner’s daughter “breaks the trail” for victims of McIntyre Powder
A decade-long campaign led by the daughter of a deceased uranium miner has led to victory for workers struck by Parkinson’s disease after being subjected to aluminum dust inhalation “treatments” in their jobs.
Bargaining successes
From laundry workers to university employees and ski resort staff to child-care providers, Steelworkers in virtually every sector of Canada’s economy are negotiating good collective agreements to improve their working and living standards.
Let’s Raise the Bar on women’s health and safety
Most workplaces and safety equipment have been designed to suit male workers. When we take women into account, we make workplaces safer.
Steelworkers argue landmark international trade case
USW files first union-led trade complaint in Canada, leading to anti-dumping investigation.
Health and safety struggle continues in Quebec
Quebec Steelworkers are mobilizing to resist the harmful effects of regressive health and safety legislation passed by the right-wing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government.
Victory on the picket lines!
Two groups of Steelworkers make big gains after taking the ultimate stand.
Building on the union’s strong legacy
On March 1, international and district officers of the United Steelworkers were sworn into office in a ceremony at the USW headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.
Westray: 30 Years
In May, Steelworkers leaders and rank-and-file members will be in Pictou County, N.S., for the 30th anniversary of Westray, to join with the families and community and remember the miners who were killed.
Director Message: Taking on this challenge, together: Strong as Steel
"As a district director, I always surrounded myself with activists who were passionate and energetic about creating a better future for workers and that continues to this day." – Marty Warren, USW National Director
3rd National Gathering of Indigenous Steelworkers
Message from National Director Marty Warren calling for registrations for the third National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers, October 5-6, 2022 at the historic Machine Shop building in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.
Ken Neumann honoured with prestigious Sefton-Williams Award
Award recognizes Ken Neumann’s legacy as one of Canada’s pre-eminent labour leaders and as a pioneer in building global labour solidarity.
Asian Heritage Month 2022
In May each year, Steelworkers join with communities celebrating Asian Heritage Month.
Day of Mourning 2022
On April 28, we mourn the dead and recommit to fight for the living, every day.
Federal budget answers Steelworkers’ call to defend Canadian jobs
Changes will give Canadian workers better ability to fight unfair trade practices.
Equal Pay Day 2022: We know how to close the wage gap, so why don’t we?
Women workers deserve better! We need a recovery that lifts all women up, and we need to close the gender wage gap, through effective pay equity laws and enforcement.
Federal budget must support workers, strengthen Canada: United Steelworkers union
Federal budget must secure a stronger economy that will create jobs and support people across Canada.
McIntyre Powder: A dark era in Canada’s mining industry
Between 1943 and 1979, tens of thousands of Canadian workers were compelled to endure toxic aluminum dust inhalation “therapy.”
‘Racing against the clock’
An urgent quest is under way to find former miners and families entitled to potentially life-changing compensation for industrial disease.
Steelworkers urge all-party support for NDP bills to protect people and the planet
“These two ground-breaking bills are a progressive response to a recurring pattern of violations of workers’ rights and human rights linked to Canadian companies.” - Marty Warren
Big gains for workers in Liberal-NDP agreement: Steelworkers
“This is a triumph by the NDP. To get the Liberals to agree to bring in anti-scab legislation, dental care and pharmacare – all things the Liberals have repeatedly voted against – is a big deal,” said Marty Warren, USW National Director.
Good contract for Steelworkers at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane
Four-year agreement brings several gains and will add $11 million to local economy.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund contributes $40,000 in support of Ukrainian refugees
Funds from United Steelworkers’ Canadian members will support humanitarian needs in Ukraine and surrounding countries.
Marty Warren’s statement for International Women’s Day 2022
Mothers carry the load when child-care services aren’t available
Steelworkers support measures aimed to help Ukraine
The Canadian government must take swift action to support the Ukrainian people and to protect the livelihoods of Canadian workers.
New Canadian leadership pledges to build on United Steelworkers union’s legacy
USW leaders pledge renewed fight "for change that makes life better for workers and that builds stronger communities."
Quebec Steelworkers win strike at ArcelorMittal
Four-week labour dispute ends with “great victory for solidarity.”
The FCEF can help you plan events!
Is your local a contributor to the Family & Community Education Fund (FCEF) but stuck as to what events to host? Feeling too busy to brainstorm a project? We can help!
Ken Neumann and Marty Warren statement for Black History Month
In our union’s proud history of promoting and supporting equality, Steelworkers celebrate Black History Month each February.
Taking action on Truth and Reconciliation
Reconciliation means action. Here are some practical things Steelworkers and local unions can do to build reconciliation.
Alexa McDonough was a hero – United Steelworkers
The USW pays tribute to the memory and solidarity of Alexa McDonough, who, as leader of the federal New Democratic Party (1995-2003), was instrumental in the unanimous passing of the Westray Bill.
Pride, hope and optimism this holiday season
"As I reflect on my pending retirement as USW National Director, I am more proud than ever of our collective efforts to advance workers’ rights and build a better society." – Ken Neumann
Steelworkers union joins drive for labour rights accountability at world’s largest money manager
Unions are holding pension fund and money managers accountable. Workers’ capital must not undermine workers’ rights around the globe.
Steelworkers deliver petition demanding Canadian Tire pay global garment workers a living wage
Calling Canadian Tire! Members of the USW union petition CEO Greg Hicks to pay living wages to Bangladeshi garment workers in CTC's supply chain.
CFLPA and United Steelworkers support Hamilton Minor Football Association skills development camps
United Steelworkers and CFL players announce support for Hamilton minor football during Grey Cup week.
Ken Neumann statement for International Human Rights Day
Each year on December 10th, the United Steelworkers observe Human Rights Day. The recognition of human rights is at the core of Steelworker values and activism.
CFL Players’ Association and United Steelworkers join together to take on gender-based violence
USW and CFLPA to train members to "Be More Than a Bystander" and stand up against all forms of gender-based violence.
120 food banks across Canada receive $233,750 from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund
“While we must do our part through our annual donations, we continue to demand bold action from our governments to tackle the root causes of inequalities.”
USW demands federal action to stop new U.S. softwood lumber tariffs
"Tens of thousands of families in more than 600 communities across Canada depend on our forestry sector. The federal government needs to finally fix this conflict for good.”
Ken Neumann’s statement for December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Union education and political action are two ways to help end the violence.
2021 USW Cares, District 5 Jefferson Award winner, Denis Grenier
Denis Grenier of Local 9996 has been selected as District 5’s 2021 USW Cares Jefferson Award recipient for founding the non-profit Cancer Fermont.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund contributes $50,000 to support victims of floods in B.C.
“A variety of programs and essential services will be critical as B.C. residents recover physically and emotionally from the devastation of flooding, and we encourage others to donate available resources and time to those in desperate need today.”
Every Child Matters – Chaque enfant compte
Quebec Steelworkers are honouring and recognizing Sept. 30 – the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
United Steelworkers Union and TELUS Kick Off Contract Negotiations
“The workers are engaged, fired-up and ready to go. They see that TELUS is a multi-billion-dollar telecom giant and are demanding respect,” said USW Local 1944 President Donna Hokiro.
Gender pension gap can be addressed by higher minimum wage and removing barriers to unionization
USW National Director for Canada Ken Neumann comments on the latest annual Mercer Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI).
Facing Fossil Fuels’ Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Workers in Canada’s Energy and Labour Transitions
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $25,000 to Support Communities Affected by Natural Disasters in Haiti
United Steelworkers members respond to emergency needs of victims of Aug. 14 earthquake and Aug. 16 tropical storm in Haiti.
Indigenous Women Take Action Against Violence
Ken Neumann’s statement for October 4, National Day to Commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Quebec Steelworkers Show Solidarity with B.C. Strikers
USW aluminum workers in Alma, Que., strengthen longstanding ties with colleagues in Kitimat, B.C., forced on strike by resource giant Rio Tinto.
Death of Three Workers at Bois ouvré de Beauceville
The United Steelworkers union wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the families, loved ones and friends of the victims and our support for our members of Local 9531.
No Efforts Will Be Spared to Support Families and Investigate Deadly Workplace Explosion, Union Vows
USW vows no efforts will be spared to investigate an explosion and fire at a wood-processing plant Monday that killed three workers and injured five others.
2021 Winners of USW Scholarships
2021 recipients of various USW scholarships.
Equal Pay for Equal Work for ABI’s Student Workers
Steelworkers advocacy brings an end to wage discrimination against student workers.
Steelworkers’ Generosity Earns National Recognition
USW members recognized by United Way Canada for their generosity and community spirit.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $45,000 to Support Bangladeshi Garment Workers Affected by Corporate Wage Theft
“Canadian garment brands and retailers have a responsibility to protect the incomes of the women working in their global supply chains.”
Steelworkers Ratify Contract Extension at Ciment Québec
Three-year contract extension, precipitated by strong demand for cement, a skilled labour shortage and investment plans, includes significant monetary improvements.
Major Job Improvements Needed to Address Quebec’s Child-Care Worker Shortage: Steelworkers
“One in three educators is thinking of quitting and there is no one to replace them. As long as we don't improve wages, we won't be able to recruit and retain educators.”
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $50,000 to Support Victims of Wildfires in B.C.
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $50,000 to the United Way’s BC Wildfire Recovery Fund, to provide immediate and longer-term support to victims of the wildfires in British Columbia.
Quebec Ferry Workers Denounce Employer’s Refusal to Negotiate
“There is deliberate inaction by the government in negotiations with public-sector workers.”
Steelworkers Make Big Gains at Minerai de fer Québec
“Conditions for negotiations were much better this time, with good prices for iron ore, and this was reflected in the results.”
Living Next Door to Genocide
"The news of the discovery of 751 unmarked graves near that Marieval “school” fills me with profound grief and makes me reflect." – USW National Director Ken Neumann
USW Calls on Federal Government to Crack Down on Anti-Worker Practices by Canadian Mining Companies
The federal government must ensure Canadian companies operating abroad respect human rights and freedom of association as required by the CUSMA.
Quebec Court of Appeal Confirms Equal Pay Principle for Student Workers
Court ruling is a victory for the Steelworkers union’s campaign for student workers’ rights.
Taking Steps Toward Reconciliation at the Bargaining Table
In June, Steelworkers celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, and the rich history of the many Indigenous Peoples of this land throughout the entire month.
USW Denounces Religious Hate Crime in London, Ont., Calls for Action
Steelworkers express our grief and send condolences to the family of those who died, and best wishes for the young survivor. We call on governments at all levels to strengthen laws related to race and religious hatred.
Quebec Steelworkers Win New Contract, Strike Ends at ArcelorMittal
Four-year agreement expected to increase local economic spin-offs by 14% annually.
Tentative Agreement Reached in Strike at ArcelorMittal Quebec Operations
Ratification meetings will be held over the next few days for 2,500 striking members of five United Steelworkers’ locals.
Steelworkers Urge Federal MPs to Protect Pensioners and Workers in Bankruptcies
“This is an opportunity to get this issue resolved before the next election.”
Quebec Steelworkers Join Marathon Labour Demonstration Against Bill 59
ArcelorMittal strikers among workers converging on Quebec City to oppose cuts to health and safety protections.
Impasse Persists at ArcelorMittal, Strike Continues
A strike by 2,500 Steelworkers continues at ArcelorMittal facilities in Fermont and Port-Cartier.
Steelworkers in Montreal and Montérégie Pledge Solidarity to ArcelorMittal Strikers
“We stand in solidarity with the people of the North and will support them financially throughout this dispute.”
Solidarity in Hard Times: Upcoming Online Conferences
We are happy to introduce a series of three online one-day conferences built around the theme of “Solidarity in Hard Times" where Steelworkers can exchange ideas on how we can support one another and our communities during these unusual times.
Got the Shot: Steelworkers happy, relieved to receive COVID-19 vaccines
As vaccinations across the country ramp up, we talked to some Steelworkers working in health care about their experiences and what being vaccinated means for them.
In Near-Unanimous Vote, Steelworkers Reject ArcelorMittal Contract Offer, Begin Strike
“This company has really been squeezing these workers and it must start to show some renewed respect to those who generate the profits.”
Steelworkers Honour the 29th Anniversary of the Westray Mine Disaster
Twenty-nine years later, the Steelworkers union continues to fight for employers to be held criminally responsible for workplace injuries and death.
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $5,000 to Support Victims of COVID-19 in India
Confronted with the critical situation in India, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund has provided emergency funds totalling $5,000 to Oxfam-Quebec to strengthen the COVID-19 humanitarian response, and to support economic stimulus.
United Steelworkers National Director Announces Retirement
Longtime United Steelworkers union (USW) National Director for Canada Ken Neumann announced today he will not seek re-election in the union’s international elections this fall.
Quebec Steelworkers Reject ArcelorMittal Contract Offer
"We are reaching out to the employer to get back to the table and negotiate an improved offer to address the members’ concerns."
Ken Neumann Statement on Asian Heritage Month 2021
In May each year, Steelworkers join with communities celebrating Asian Heritage Month.
Improving Democracy at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
USW delegates to CLC Convention – Support the constitutional resolution to improve CLC democracy.
We Can Help Bangladeshi Garment Workers, Who Still Struggle Eight Years After Factory Collapse
Changes that will improve the lives of millions of garment workers are within reach – if Canadian retailers and brands are prepared to act.
Day of Mourning 2021
A joint letter from the Canadian Directors.
Federal Budget 2021 Overview
An overview of the federal budget 2021 from the United Steelworkers of Canada
Federal Budget Must Help Workers and Strengthen Canada: Steelworkers
“The Liberals need to stop making promises they have no intention of keeping and present a concrete plan to support people in need.” - Ken Neumann
Alma Steelworkers Raise the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety
Local 9490 activists launch joint labour-management process to tackle women’s health and safety issues at the Rio Tinto aluminum smelter in Alma, Que.
Quebec Steelworkers Reach Tentative Agreement With ArcelorMittal Mines
About 2,500 union members will vote on proposed contract in coming weeks.
Federal Prison Chaplains Improve Working Conditions, Ratify First Union Contract
Members of the United Steelworkers, Canada's prison chaplains have achieved a contract aimed at improving working conditions and spiritual care to thousands of inmates.
United Steelworkers Union: Build Back Better Through Infrastructure Spending on Both Sides of the Border
The Steelworkers union sees U.S. President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan as an opportunity to maintain and create jobs, bolster manufacturing and make our communities safer on both sides of the border.
Closing the Wage Gap Needs an Economic Recovery for Women: Ken Neumann’s Statement for Equal Pay Day 2021
Each year in early April, we “celebrate” Equal Pay Day, but it’s not much of a celebration, marking how many extra days into 2021 it takes the average Canadian woman to earn as much as the average man earned in the twelve months of 2020.
Steelworkers Counter Anti-Union Practices at Community Care Agency
Union seeks first-contract arbitration in wake of 10-month stalemate in negotiations.
Quebec Mining Workers Sound Alarm on Health and Safety
Steelworkers warn Bill 59 will set back occupational health and safety in the mining industry by more than 40 years.
New Report Links Canadian Retailers to Never-Ending Hardships of Bangladeshi Garment Workers
Steelworkers Humanity Fund report establishes clear connection between Canadian retailers and Bangladeshi garment factories that trap workers – primarily women – in poverty and struggle.
USW Supports Team Unite the CLC!
The United Steelworkers union is calling on local union leaders to send delegates to the upcoming online Canadian Labour Congress Convention – June 16-18.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Setting Up New Partnerships to Support Women’s Rights in the Workplace in Bolivia and Peru
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is establishing partnerships with organizations in Bolivia and Peru to amplify women workers’ voices and rights in the mining, municipal and retail sectors, and to raise awareness on gender-based violence issues.
USW Expresses Hopes for a More Equitable Post-Pandemic Future
“As we mourn the loss of life over the last year and reflect on the impact of the pandemic, we know the work is even more urgent to fight for the changes we need to make workers safer and our country fairer.” – Ken Neumann, USW National Director
Steelworkers Secure Good Contract at Forterra
In addition to total wage increases of 8.25%, three-year deal includes additional wage adjustments and improvements to group RRSP and shift premiums.
Canada Had to Test Masks in Florida
The Department of Health was so poorly prepared for the outbreak of the pandemic it had to send masks to Florida for safety testing, say internal records.
Steelworkers Make Gains at Métallurgie Brasco
New contract provides total wage increases of 7% and improvements to shift premiums and benefits.
Steelworkers Call Out Liberals’ Failure on Pharmacare
“When the chance came for action on a policy that would save people’s lives, the Liberals failed. They teamed up with the Conservatives and voted ‘No’,” said USW National Director Ken Neumann.
Ken Neumann’s Statement for International Women’s Day 2021
USW makes work and activism more accessible for women.
USW Sees Opportunity for Canadian Workers as Trudeau and Biden Meet
"The new president's stated commitments offer the perfect opportunity for the prime minister to seek Canadian exemptions to Buy American policies, permanently resolve the softwood lumber dispute and start incorporating our countries' climate plans."
United Steelworkers Denounces Possible Increase to U.S. Softwood Duties, Calls for Reversal
“There is no justification to increase duties. Our union is calling on the new administration to reverse this approach.” – Ken Neumann
USW Demands Justice for Victims of Grupo Mexico
On 15th anniversary of deadly Pasta de Conchos mine disaster, Steelworkers and Los Mineros renew demand for justice and accountability.
Take Action: Urge Your MP to Vote Yes to Pharmacare
Momentum is growing for NDP Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Julian’s private member’s bill, Bill C-213, An Act to Enact Pharmacare. Steelworkers can help.
What’s Your Work Story? Write for Our Times
Call for submissions for USW members to write your work story for Our Times magazine.
When it Comes to Building Materials, Canada Has a Climate Advantage to Use (or Lose)
New U.S. President Joe Biden has a USD $2-trillion plan to build America’s clean economy. That’s trillion with a t. The good news for us: when it comes to the carbon footprint of these construction materials, Canada has a unique advantage.
New Project Templates for the Family and Community Education Fund
Project templates from the Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) make planning and hosting Steelworker events easier!
Tragic Death of a Steelworker at Munitions Plant in Repentigny, Que.
The United Steelworkers is shaken by the death of one of its members Wednesday in an explosion at a General Dynamics munitions plant.
Steelworkers Welcome New Members at Weston Plant in Gatineau
Members join a new USW local aiming to organize workers throughout the Outaouais region.
Federal Prison Chaplains Negotiate Landmark First Union Contract
“This agreement comes at a critical time for Canada’s prison chaplains and the inmates for whom they provide spiritual care.” - Ken Neumann
Nortek Workers Achieve Good First Contract
The agreement improves working conditions and provides significant wage increases and adjustments.
Canada Should “Buy Clean” to Cut Emissions and Boost the Economy
“We need our governments to support the creation and retention of good jobs by strengthening Canadian industrial and manufacturing capacities in ways that support the low-carbon transition of the economy.” – Ken Neumann, USW National Director
Canadian Steel Plants Require More Orders from Governments
“We cannot afford more job losses and more good-paying Canadian jobs moved offshore.” - Stephen Hunt
Quebec’s Bill 59 Is UNACCEPTABLE!
Allegedly aimed at reforming occupational health and safety, Quebec's Bill 59 will turn back the clock on workers’ rights and protections.
Workers in a Pandemic Need More Than Being Told to ‘Just Stay Home’
In this opinion article in iPolitics, USW National Director Ken Neumann writes about why workers need more than just well-meaning words to stay home and safe during the pandemic.
Steelworkers, SFP Pointe-Noire Reach Tentative Agreement
If ratified, this would be the first collective agreement at the new SFP Pointe-Noire, which operates an iron ore pellet plant and railway and transhipment facilities on Quebec’s North Shore.
Ken Neumann Statement for Black History Month
In our union’s proud history of promoting and supporting equality, Steelworkers celebrate Black History Month each February.
Donna is Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety
Late last year, the USW launched an important new campaign: Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety. Local union leaders and activists are off to a running start in 2021.
Machinerie Laurin’s Laval Unionized Workers Choose United Steelworkers
The forty or so workers employed by Machinerie Laurin in Laval have opted to join the United Steelworkers (USW). These workers manufacture industrial metal containers for waste materials.
FCEF Application Deadline Fast Approaching
The Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) wants to fund your next membership engagement event. January 22, 2021, is our next project deadline for initiatives costing more than $5,000!
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $10,000 to Alleviate Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Ethiopia
“It is my hope that our support will help alleviate this crisis and encourage other progressive organizations to do the same so the world does not face another humanitarian disaster.” - Ken Neumann