Unions need women and women need unions. The USW is a leader in developing women activists and recognizing women's issues as workers' issues.

Women of Steel gives female workers the tools and skills we need to fight for and achieve equality and take leadership roles in our workplaces and in our union.

The USW has strong policies to challenge workplace harassment, prevent violence against women and balance work and family responsibilities. We have developed programs on human rights, pay equity and the Women of Steel Development Course

The USW established the Women of Steel Leadership Development Course in 1990 to encourage the development of leadership skills and the participation of women in the union. Hundreds of sisters have taken the Women of Steel course and many have become union and civic leaders.

Canadian Steelworkers held the first National Women's Conference in 1996. The USW constitution requires all local unions to establish a women's committee. In addition to the National Women's Committee, each of the Canadian District Directors has established a women's committee to help encourage women's full participation.

Our union has helped achieve legislation and employment standards in equal pay, anti-harassment protection and employment equity provisions.

With our commitment to equality and fairness, women are joining the USW in increasing numbers from the health care, office, social service and university sectors.

Women of Steel: building power and making a difference in workplaces, communities and in our union.