United Steelworkers

National Policy Conference Convoked in Toronto April 23-28

Youth panel at National NextGen Conference, April 24, 2023

The United Steelworkers Canada (USW Canada) is holding its National Policy Conference from April 25-28 in Toronto. Prior to it, the National NextGen Conference took place on April 24 for Steelworker activists 35 and under. The promo says it is "a chance for younger Steelworkers to build networks, and to prioritize and discuss action items most relevant to NextGen." The one-day event will include speakers, panels and workshops. Also on Monday, April 24, for the second time, USW is holding a conference for members in national locals and federally regulated sectors to address issues "from anti-scab legislation, building cross-district bargaining strength and other issues relevant to federally regulated members," the unions says.

The National Conference of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) is also taking place over two days "to discuss and plan their many upcoming actions and activities," USW says.

Delegates to the National Conference of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, April 24, 2023

Policy and Issue Discussions and Resolutions

The union informs that the following policy areas will be debated at the conference followed by a debate about the union's direction over the coming years:

- Organizing in new sectors
- International trade
- Member engagement
- Anti-racism
- Advancing Indigenous rights
- Environment and decarbonization
- Maintaining our health and safety priorities
- Building international solidarity
- Equity caucus meetings

The organizers say that the conference agenda "will include time for all of our equity caucuses. These will be held over the lunch hour on two conference days to ensure strong participation and access for all delegates from equity-seeking groups."

This year's conference theme is "engage, mobilize, organize." USW National Director Marty Warren told members in a letter convoking the conference that this theme "is so relevant as we have seen so many organizing victories and bargaining successes over the past several years, we need to build on a re-energized labour movement."

All sessions and activities are taking place at the Sheraton in downtown Toronto.

(Photos: United Steelworkers)

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This article was published in

Number 23 - April 25, 2023

Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/WF2023/Articles/WO10236.HTM

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