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."
“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."
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.
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 International President Leo Gerard took the mic for the keynote speech on the second morning of the International Women of Steel Conference .
The 2018 USW Women of Steel (WOS) Conference in Toronto, Ontario, was called to order on Monday, October 15.
NAFTA must defend good jobs, improve living standards and reverse growing inequality.
“Canada must do more to protect our forest-dependent communities.” - Ken Neumann
"This support is possible thanks to contributions by thousands of USW members across Canada and the USW National and District offices." - Ken Neumann said.
In the wake of yet another closure of a B.C. sawmill due to lack of logs, the USW is seeking a fresh approach from the new B.C. government.
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.
Wood Council Chairperson
Bob Matters