United Steelworkers Canada News Feed

  • The Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) is now accepting applications for Labour Day celebrations!
      It pays to plan your Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) events early! Request funds for your large-scale Labour Day celebrations by June 11th. Labour Day, on September 6th, is sooner than you think. The FCEF doesn’t provide funding for events retroactively, so apply today to secure funds for your Labour Day celebration. After our June 11th deadline, the final large-scale submission date for 2021 is in the Fall. Reach out to Gabriele Simmons, the FCEF Fund Co-ordinator, for support with your application and/or to begin contributing to the Fund. Click here for project templates, including a Labour Day event outline. Requests for projects under $5,000 can be sent to your District Education Co-ordinator at any time.   — May 12
  • Super-Exploitation and Resistance - Podcast launched
    The Steelworkers Humanity Fund invites you to listen to Super-Exploitation and Resistance, a podcast that brings the voices of labour leaders, activists, organizers, and social movements to a North American audience, sharing the perspectives of people on the frontlines of social struggle and change in Latin America and the Caribbean. This month's episode, Taking State Power Through Elections, will use the recent elections in Peru and Ecuador as examples of how the quality of life of millions of people can be improved when leftist and progressive politicians win state power through elections – and the limitations of this strategy. Super-Exploitation and Resistance is produced by Steelworkers Humanity Fund partner Common Frontiers, an alliance of Canadian unions and social organizations supporting local and international work for economic and social justice across the Americas. Have a “listen” and please share far and wide! Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/SuperResistance — May 12
  • Got the Shot: Steelworkers happy, relieved to receive COVID-19 vaccines
    Health-care workers have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have borne the brunt of the virus front and centre and have witnessed many tragic moments of this pandemic. Late last year, some collective relief came as we heard news that vaccines to protect against COVID-19 have been approved for use. As vaccinations across the country ramp up, we talked to some Steelworkers working in health care about their experiences and what being vaccinated means for them. Maria Santos, USW Local 1-207Edmonton Maria Santos is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at a retirement residence in Edmonton. She works overnight shifts where she comes across 13-16 residents and staff. Not all shifts are the same in terms of the needs of the residents, but one thing remains the same: keeping them safe is top of the task list. When vaccines became available, Maria was happy but also had some questions, such as how it works and how her body would accept the vaccine. She thought about how getting vaccinated is ultimately to keep ourselves and others safe. “My happiness in getting vaccinated was much more than my fear,” said Maria. For others, Maria recommends that people should talk to their family doctor if they have any fears, but ultimately your life is worth protecting and the vaccine will help you.   Allyza Delmas, USW Local 1-207Edmonton Allyza works as a Health Care Aide at a retirement residence in Edmonton. Day-to-day, Allyza assists residents with their meals, medication, exercises and getting them ready for the day or bedtime. During the course of her shift, she comes across, or is exposed to about 12-14 people. From fearing for the safety of her family members to seeing people across Canada start to get vaccinated, Allyza has started to feel a little bit of relief. Allyza admitted that she had her own doubts about getting vaccinated – she was not the first in line. But she witnessed the co-workers she trusts receive theirs, so she joined in. “Everyone who is able to get vaccinated should, because it will help all of us. Trust the people who made these vaccines. It’s for our collective benefit. We can go back to a semblance of normalcy again and not feel scared anymore,” said Allyza. Audra Nixon, USW Local 9211Maxville, Ont. Audra Nixon works as a Personal Support Worker at a long-term care facility in Maxville, Ont., that went almost nine months before an outbreak struck. When it did, workers’ days became longer and more grueling than ever. From changing in and out of full personal protective equipment (PPE) 75 to 100 times a shift, to witnessing the sadness of residents in isolation, the load was heavy. The cycle on most days was work and home with a mix of isolation. When vaccines were approved and arrived, Audra thought, “OMG, there is a bright light!” She was elated to get vaccinated. Audra wasn’t only protecting herself, but those around her, including her family and the residents she interacts with. Getting that jab was the first step to things getting better – to protecting ourselves and one another. — May 12
  • Letter from USW denouncing repression in Colombia – Carta de USW denunciando la represión en Colombia
    On May 7th, the United Steelworkers wrote a letter to Colombian President Yvan Duque to denounce the violent repression faced by peaceful protesters since the beginning of the National Strike, on April 28. #SOSColombia — May 11
  • 2021 Steelworkers Vote Online Campaign School - June 7-9, 2021
    2021 Steelworkers VoteOnline Campaign SchoolJune 7-9, 2021 Your chance to learn more and get involved! The USW is holding virtual campaign schools in preparation for the next federal election. These three-day schools are great opportunities to learn about politics, build a network of engaged Steelworkers and volunteer for the NDP. Elections matter and Steelworker involvement can make a difference. Click here to a apply for a Steelworkers Vote school Course hours are 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific/11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern  plus volunteer hours expected after class. Be ready to work! While virtual, these are intense schools running over three days including volunteer hours each evening of the course. Local unions will be reimbursed for participant lost time by the USW International Office. Don’t delay. Apply today. NextGENers particularly welcome. “The Steelworkers Vote school taught me a lot about how the political structure works, also that we as Steelworkers need to support the party that has our interest. It opens your eyes to the political world to get involved in.”–      Vendia Boston, USW Local 1944-502, Scarborough * Dates subject to change ** As this is an online school requiring no travel, no per diem is reimbursed by the International. If the employer doesn’t cover pension/RRSP and benefits during union leave, local unions will be responsible for these costs as these are not reimbursable by the International. ** Local unions will have to cover participant costs related to per diem, pension or RRSP and benefit contributions. Do you need help with child care or elder care in order to attend? Learn more about the Family Care Reimbursement Program from the Family and Community Education Fund: usw.ca/fcef For those who are interested in attending our Steelworkers Vote Campaign Schools and are unable to attend the pilot on June 7-9, sign up here and we will let you know as soon as new dates become available. — Apr 29