USW Local 1944 Women of Steel:  2025 Year in Review & 2026 Outlook

Hello Members,

Did you know that USW Local 1944 has a Women of Steel Committee? The WOS committee is committed to encouraging women members to be leaders within the local union, as a way to make the local and our union stronger. All female-identifying members of the USW are considered Women of Steel regardless of their union position or the industry or service in which they work. WOS activists play a variety of roles, from serving on their local committees to spearheading community engagement to mentoring their Union sisters.

As we look back on 2025, the Women of Steel (WOS) committee is incredibly proud of the impact our members have made in their communities. Through grassroots fundraising and local activism, we have continued to support vulnerable populations and strengthen the bonds of solidarity.

2025 Community Impact

Our Calgary units stepped up in a big way this year, raising a total of $1,055 for "Fear is not Love," a vital division of the Calgary Women’s Shelter. These funds, collected through cash and Eventbrite donations, go directly toward supporting women and children seeking safety from domestic violence.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Events

We have an exciting year of education and connection planned for 2026. Mark your calendars for the following:

Women of Steel Conference

Date: March 29 – April 2, 2026

Location: Toronto, ON

Theme: Education of a New Era

For more conference details click here.

Upcoming Sip and Learn

Topic: Aging in the Workplace

Date: April 20, 2026 5:00pm PST/6:00pm MST/8:00pm EST

Course sign up will be coming out in March!

Update on Raising the Bar

Raising the Bar was a successful Women of Steel campaign focused on addressing the lack of properly fitting clothing and PPE for women. At the time of the campaign, Telus’s internal online store for Craft members did not offer women’s clothing options.

As a result of continued advocacy by the Health & Safety Committee, Telus has since added women’s PPE and clothing options to its internal site. While gaps remain, this represents meaningful progress, and the committee will continue to identify areas for improvement.

Your Women of Steel Committee

 Your committee is here to represent you, advocate for gender equality, and drive positive change within our union.

●      Briana Vigna – Unit 51

●      Gitika Sharma – Unit 51

●      Helen Young – Unit 250

●      Isabelle Chayer – Unit 250

●      Jenn Turner – Vice President & Chair

●      Rachel Worley – Local Union Representative

●      Raven Reed – Unit 53

●      Stacey Sherback – Unit 60

●      Terika Peters – Unit 604

For more information or to apply to be on the committee, please visit our page here.

In Solidarity,

Women of Steel Committee

USW Local 1944

Stronger Together. Women of Steel.