Wood Council News
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.
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
USW Mourns the Passing of Former District 6 Director Harry Hynd
It brings our union great sadness to advise that former District 6 Director Harry Hynd passed away on December 29 in Hamilton, with his beloved wife Margaret at his side. Harry was 87 and had been struggling with his health for many years.
Canadian Labour Movement Condemns State Force Violence Against Colombian Trade Union Leaders
"We unequivocally condemn the violence being perpetrated by state forces against trade union leaders, human rights defenders and oppressed communities."
Steelworkers National Aboriginal Committee Online Connecting Circles for 2021
The USW National Aboriginal Committee is hosting a series on online Connecting Circles in 2021. These events allow us to stay in touch and assure all Steelworkers that our union is committed to advancing Indigenous rights, in workplace and in society.
National Survey on Workplace Violence and Harassment
Harassment and violence are a serious health and safety issue that have no place in the workplace. We need to do something about it. If you work, take part in this new national survey.
Amidst Historic Upheaval, Steelworkers' Solidarity Endures
A message from the National Director, Ken Neumann.
Ken Neumann Statement for International Human Rights Day
Each year on December 10, the United Steelworkers observe Human Rights Day. The day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations.
USW NextGen Panel Tomorrow - and we've added an exciting new speaker!
If you haven’t already, please register for our next event in the USW NextGen Committee web series happening tomorrow, when we welcome our panelists: Hamnah Shahid, Jared Ong, Nathan Allen and Maddi Genn.
Ken Neumann’s Statement for December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Federal government must create a national action plan on violence against women, implement national inquiry report
117 Food Banks Across Canada Receive $226,750 from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund's year-end contributions to food banks and community food centres across Canada helps organizations support those facing food insecurity, especially during COVID-19.
U.S. Reduction of Duties on Canadian Lumber a Good First Step, but Softwood Lumber Dispute Must End, Says USW
Solving the softwood lumber dispute must be made a priority in Canada, the United Steelworkers says.
USW NextGen invites you to join our new web series – starting with a Virtual Movie Night tomorrow!
The USW NextGen Committee is hosting three consecutive Tuesday events (starting tomorrow) to give a space for the incredible young members of our union to connect, share their experiences and have some fun!
Child and Youth Education Content Creator – Due January 31, 2021
The USW, through its Family & Community Education Fund (FCEF), is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to develop age-appropriate educational activities for children up to 17 years old.
New FCEF Family Care Reimbursement Program
The USW’s Family & Community Education Fund (FCEF) has launched an important new family care reimbursement program.
Canada’s Labour Unions Could Play Big Role in Efforts to Avert ‘Buy American’ Rules
"We're going to be a voice, and rightfully so," said Ken Neumann, national director of the United Steelworkers in Canada, 225,000 of whose 850,000 North American members live and work north of the border.
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund wants to know what you think!
Please help us better understand the outreach of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund to USW members by filling a short multiple-choice answers survey!
Ken Neumann Statement for October 4, National Day to Commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Statement from USW National Director Ken Neumann for October 4, National Day to Commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Employment Insurance Changes Welcome, but Must Be Made Permanent – Steelworkers
“Workers and their communities must not be held hostage to laws that, instead of assisting them in tough times, punish them for doing an honest day’s work.”
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $72,000 to Support Populations Affected by COVID-19
“Everyone does not fare the same through COVID-19. We are supporting initiatives to address longer-term effects on the most marginalized.”
USW Wood Council Locals in B.C. Received the "Old Growth Strategic Review" Report But Caution BC Jobs Must Not Only Be Protected, They Need to Be Grown
The USW Wood Council of B.C. received the Old Growth Strategic Review. It’s concerning that the old growth report is largely silent on the issues raised by workers, industry and communities and completely silent on possible socio-economic impacts.
USW Endorses Motion 46 Guaranteed Livable Basic Income
"Motion 46 addresses a way forward in strengthening our social safety net for all." - Ken Neumann
Labour Day 2020: the Pandemic Reminds us of the Importance of our Movement
On Labour Day, I am reflecting on the meaning of solidarity and how it is the foundation of our movement. This pandemic has been a profound reminder of the importance of solidarity, for the trade union movement and progressive movements more generally.
What Does Solidarity Mean to You? Post and You Could Win!
This Labour Day, we’re turning our solidarity online more than ever. From September 1-7, the USW is running a special social media contest where we want to hear what the word ‘solidarity’ means to you!
Forestry Workers Welcome WTO Decision on U.S. Softwood Tariffs, Time to Settle Long-Standing Dispute
“These duties must be removed immediately for the benefit of all forestry workers and for the future of our industry.”
Victoria Starbucks Workers Vote to Join United Steelworkers
Workers at a Starbucks drive-thru in Victoria, B.C., have voted overwhelmingly to join the United Steelworkers union, because they believe the best way to protect their health and safety on the job is through a union.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Supports the Population of Beirut Affected by Port Explosions with $5,000 Donation
Funds provided by the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, contributed by Steelworkers members across Canada, have been donated to the Canadian Red Cross Lebanon Humanitarian Needs Fund, for health-care relief.
In July, Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provided $42,800 to Organizations to Support Workers Affected by COVID-19
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund contributed $42,800 to organizations in Colombia, Peru, Madagascar, Guatemala and Palestine to address the needs of communities impacted by the effects of coronavirus on local economies.
Open Letter to the Federal Government: Canada Needs Pharmacare Now
The United Steelworkers union has signed onto an open letter to calling on the federal government to immediately take action to establish a national, universal, single-payer public pharmacare program.
Help Stop Human Rights Abuses by Canadian Companies Abroad – Sign the Petition!
Act to ensure Canadian companies respect human rights and the environment. Sign the petition.
Westray Law Should Have Applied in New Brunswick Fatality, Say Steelworkers
“We want workers and their families to be provided with justice. A fine is not justice. It is permission to repeat the offence of an unsafe workplace.” - Marty Warren
Governments Must Act Now to Address Women’s Inequality: Steelworkers
“In developing the programs for an economic recovery, the government must rely on measures that focus on women’s employment, including investing in the caring economy,” said Ken Neumann, USW National Director.
In June, Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provided $15,000 to Organizations to Support Workers Affected by COVID-19
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left workers and entire communities to fend for themselves, with very little or no government assistance. In this context, the little support we provide goes a long way, giving people a chance to overcome this acute crisis."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).