The USW Wood Council was formed when the Executive of the IWA selected the United Steelworkers and negotiated a merger that took effect on September 1, 2004. A critical part of the merger negotiations was the creation of the Steelworkers IWA Council, representing and coordinating the interests of the former IWA local unions in the areas of safety and health, collective bargaining, organizing and political action. By 2006, the IWA Council adopted the moniker "Wood Council."
Since the Liberals were elected in 2015, concern has grown across the country over this government's behaviour on investment, trade and other issues regarding China. Opinion piece in the Huffington Post by USW National Director Ken Neumann.
“Our experience has shown us that an agreement is possible, the only way forward is to get our governments back to the negotiating table.” - Bob Matters, USW Wood Council
"We have a long history of working together and we are here this week to advocate for a fair deal that will benefit both Americans and Canadians." - Bob Matters, USW Wood Council
“We need long-term commitments to workers and families, alongside a sustainable industry.” - Ken Neumann
It’s a “bunch of greedy transnational companies, some of which are Canadian, operating on both sides of the border.”
USW International President Leo W. Gerard speaking to CBC’s Chris Hall on trade, Trump and standing up for Canadian steel and forest workers.
“We need decisive action. A fair softwood lumber agreement that provides good paying jobs, supports local communities and produces sustainable forests is possible.” - Ken Neumann
“By providing unions with the right to file and participate in trade remedy complaints, Canadian producers will benefit in any trade case.” - Ken Neumann
The United Steelworkers (USW) represents more than 280,000 Canadian members, 40,000 of whom work in the forest industry. Forest Products Matter – Our Voice, Our Solutions for Workers, Communities & Industry Stability.
Steelworker Summer Program is an educational and training internship in which participants develop skills useful for union growth by experiencing firsthand the kinds of struggles workers face while trying to win a voice at work and in the community.
Wood Council Chairperson
Bob Matters