News
Amidst Historic Upheaval, Steelworkers' Solidarity Endures
A message from the National Director, Ken Neumann.
Layoff Notices Issued to 500 Steelworkers at Evraz in Regina
“Our governments are failing to protect Canadian jobs by not having a Canadian-made procurement strategy for public infrastructure projects.”
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes to 46 Food Banks in Western Canada
In an unprecedented COVID year, the Humanity Fund is helping community organizations help those in need in areas where Steelworkers live and work across Western Canada.
Steelworkers: Elimination of 156 Jobs at Vale Is Appalling
“This is absolutely, morally wrong. This is nothing more than a continuation of corporate greed and putting profits over people.”
Fast-Track the Time to Care Act: Steelworkers
“Everyone agrees raising the minimum standard of care in Ontario’s long-term care homes is vital and long overdue. What is this government waiting for?”
Treatment of Long-Term Care Workers a Disgrace, Says United Steelworkers
An absence of minimum standards, as well provincial compensation restraints, are resulting in workers quitting and positions going unfilled.
New, Three-Year Agreements for Steelworkers at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
CNL workers approve three-year contracts providing annual two-per-cent wage increases retroactive to June 2019.
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 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.
Miners Rise to the Challenges of the Pandemic
"Our folks want to go to work, they want to be safe and they want to earn a living, so they take it seriously," says Myles Sullivan, Assistant to USW District 6 Director Marty Warren.
Governments Could Stop Layoffs at Evraz Steel
News of pending layoffs is the result of the federal government’s failure to commit to use Canadian products in Canadian infrastructure projects.
Taxpayer Funds Must Improve Long-Term Care, Not Subsidize Corporate Dividends: Steelworkers
USW calls for greater investments to protect residents and staff, ban on dividends for corporations receiving public subsidies.
Seasons Dufferin Centre Employees in Trenton Join the United Steelworkers
“Once people heard the United Steelworkers had our back, they were all-in. The choice was obvious to us. We don't feel alone anymore.”
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.
New Campaign Aims to Make Pandemic Pay Permanent for Essential Care Workers
USW District 3 has launched a campaign to make pandemic bonus wage increases permanent and apply to all workers involved in providing care.
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.
Ontario Families Juggling Child Care, Education, Work Can't Be 'New Reality,' Expert Warns
Steelworkers Union and Gateway Casinos Sign Return to Operations Agreement for Ontario
The United Steelworkers and Gateway Casinos are pleased to announce a return to operations agreement has been reached after several weeks of negotiations with USW representatives in Ontario.
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.
Black Cat’s “Cruel” Lockout Enters Third Week
The employees were shocked to be treated with such disrespect after working tirelessly for the company through the pandemic, as “essential” workers.
Aluminum Tariffs Would Make Mockery of NAFTA 2 and Ignore the Real Problem
“Virtually everyone agrees, including unions and major aluminum producers in the U.S., that there is no justification for new tariffs on Canadian aluminum.” - Dominic Lemieux
Grant Exemption to Bill 124 or Risk Seniors in Long-Term Care: Steelworkers
“The premier is fond of praising essential workers for their ‘courage.’ But actions speak louder than words.” - Marty Warren
Ford Government Allowing Undue Risk to Workers Amid Province-Wide Reopening: Steelworkers
“We cannot be opening up the Ontario economy without ensuring workers will be protected, and when they are not, that there are consequences.” - Marty Warren
After Serving as Essential Workers During COVID-19, Black Cat Wear Parts Cruelly Locks Out Canadian Workers
“These members worked hard through COVID-19, were praised for their efforts, only to be locked out at the first opportunity. It is a real slap in the face.”
Canada Emergency Response Benefit Extended by Eight Weeks
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has been extended from 16 to 24 weeks.
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.”
Pandemic Pay for Security Guards: We’re Waiting!
More than 5,200 Quebecers sign petition to the National Assembly in support of a pandemic premium for the province's security guards.
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.
Director Warren to Solicitor General: Take Action and Ensure Fairness for Security Guards
USW District 6 Director Marty Warren has written an open letter to Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, urging the Ontario government pay security guards the $4 per hour frontline worker pandemic wage top-up.
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.
Federal Prison Chaplains Apply for Conciliation in First-Contract Negotiations
Chaplains request conciliation in collective bargaining amidst undue suffering and rising tensions within federal prison system.
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.
Steelworkers Humanity Fund Provides $37,690 to Support Workers Affected by COVID-19
Donations from United Steelworkers members will help overcome some of the most-pressing challenges of the pandemic, especially for informal workers, in several countries.
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.
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 Post-COVID Recovery Plan (From District 3)
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has upended many elements of our society and caused significant upheaval to the economy. The voices of workers must be front and centre in the decision-making that is to come.
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.”
Quebec Steelworkers Join with Employer to Support Local Food Bank
“It’s important to support the community when so many are going through very tough times.”
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.
Simple ‘Review’ of Long-Term Care an Injustice to Victims of Deadly Crisis: Steelworkers
“How is a public inquiry not justified when more than 1,400 residents have died and thousands more residents and workers have been infected with COVID-19?” - Marty Warren
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.
Long-Term Care Workers to Protest Cuts at Maxville Manor
PSW hours cut as long-term care is in crisis and vulnerable residents are at risk due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter to Premier Ford: All “Frontline Heroes” Deserve Recognition
Security guards, who place themselves at risk every day, have been left to ask why their frontline service during the pandemic is not being recognized.
COVID-19 and Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal reaction to uncertainty and things that may harm us. For many of us, the coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness make for a very uncertain future. People worry about their own health and the health of their loved ones.
Federal Government Stands Aside as More Canadians Lose Manufacturing Jobs
“This plant means so much to our families and our community. And now it’s being taken away. As far as we know, the majority of our work will be going to Mexico.”
Our Unvalued Heroes: Care Workers Confront Heartbreak, Death and PTSD
“From the beginning, we knew we were at risk. We knew an outbreak was coming, it was just a matter of time.”
Proposal to Postpone USW International Convention
COVID-19 crisis leads International Executive Board to pass a resolution postponing 2020 USW Constitutional Convention.
Emergency Response Must Lead to Long-Term Reform, Says USW Leader
Responses to the global pandemic must be the basis for reforms to everything from Employment Insurance to care for the elderly and corporate restructuring, Ken Neumann tells parliamentary committee.
Steelworkers Score Major Victory For Airport Screeners
Steelworkers who work as airport screeners continue to be on the job during COVID-19, and thanks to the efforts of the USW Local 2009, they are now doing so with the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ontario Labour Ministry Not Upholding Workers’ Rights: Steelworkers
“Workers’ right to refuse unsafe work is being denied by the Ministry of Labour. Some workers are deemed essential. But none should be sacrificial.”
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.
Cargill Death and Disease a 21st-Century Version of the Westray Explosion
“The events leading up to the death of a worker who died at Cargill this month are eerily similar to those leading up to the explosion of the Westray mine 28 years ago.” - Steve Hunt
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
Covid-19 Health & Safety Complaints and Work Refusals in Ontario: A Letter to the Minister of Labour
United Steelworkers Members Vote for New Deal, Despite Pandemic Restrictions
“This agreement shows it’s possible to adjust the way workers’ rights can be maintained, despite restrictions imposed by the pandemic." - Marty Warren
Steelworkers at Koolatron Protecting Canadian Workers
Steelworkers in Brantford, Ont., ready to produce Personal Protective Equipment and medical transportation coolers to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Equity in Hard Times
During COVID-19, we need to remember our union principle of “Solidarity Forever.” An injury to one is an injury to all. Human rights are workers’ rights. We must include ALL in our recognition of harm. Statement by National Director Ken Neumann.
United Steelworkers in Niagara Get Busy Fighting COVID-19
USW members purchase 3D printers and begin pumping out face shields for health-care workers.
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.
COVID-19 Crisis Response Must Address Gender Faultlines
As we navigate this crisis, it is critical to take lived experience of women into account.
Ottawa’s Wage Subsidy Must Be Designed Primarily to Help Workers: United Steelworkers
To make sure the new wage-subsidy aid goes to workers and is not eaten up by employer profiteering, the program needs a principle of ‘workers first.’
Commercial Drivers Need Government Action on COVID-19 Protection: Steelworkers
“We worry about bringing that risk home to our families. We need to reduce the risk as much as possible.”
COVID-19 Resources for Workers
As the global pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, the new normal is changing every day. The United Steelworkers union is reaching out to share information and resources.
Crisis Comes at Worst Time for Struggling Canadian Workers and Families
To keep our economy from total collapse, governments must focus on keeping workers employed and supporting those who are laid off or unable to work.
Increased Federal Wage Subsidy Must Help All Workers: Steelworkers
“Restricting the subsidy will result in massive job losses across the country and will exacerbate this crisis.” - Ken Neumann
Federal Government’s Response for Workers to COVID-19 Is Woefully Insufficient: Steelworkers Union
The United Steelworkers calls for an increase to the employee wage subsidy to 80% as adopted in the U.K.
Joint USW Local Union Statement on Teck Temporary Slowdown March 23, 2020
United Steelworker (USW) local unions representing Teck employees at three mines and the smelter operations in British Columbia support the latest measures by Teck Resources to ensure health and safety of employees and communities and to combat COVID-19.
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.
In Face of COVID-19 Pandemic, Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $220,000 to Food Banks Across Canada
To support the most vulnerable in our communities during COVID-19, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $220,000 to 112 food banks and community food centres.
Steelworkers Union Calls for Worker Support and Protection During COVID-19
Time away from work to stop the spread of the virus should not mean loss of income, regardless of job or workplace. Unpaid job-protected leave doesn’t pay the bills.
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.