Remarks by Former National Director, Lawrence McBrearty
I want to welcome everyone to beautiful British Columbia and to our 2004 Steelworker National Policy Conference. As you probably know by now, this will be my last Policy Conference as your National Director. It has been an honour for me to be able to serve our Union in all my different capacities for over 40 years, from Local Union President to National Director. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your trust and your support ...... more

Be It Resolved That . . . Progress Report on 2002 Resolutions
At the 2002 National Policy Conference a commitment was made to track the union’s progress on resolutions that were passed. This report reflects those results accomplished over the last two years. ...... more

Jobs, Pensions and Benefits: A Plan to Strengthen Our Economic Security
Changes in the structure of the Canadian economy are putting great pressures on Steelworkers in all sectors. Canada has been drawn more and more into the global economy. Over the last 10 years exports of Canadian goods and services have more than doubled, and imports have followed the same pattern. As a result more and more Steelworkers are directly or indirectly exposed to the pressures of international competition: the race to the bottom. That race to the bottom includes rounds of tax cuts by government...... more

At the Bargaining Table and in Politics
Unions are often judged – by members and non-members – in terms of their members’ "voice". In the workplace, the union provides the collective voice for negotiation and the resolution of conflict. Politically, "voice" refers to discussion and participation in the democratic process, both within the union and the community. ...... more

Fighting for Healthy and Safe Workplaces and a Clean Environment
The United Steelworkers is a leader in the struggle for healthy and safe workplaces and a clean environment. Our involvement in the mining, smelting, and refining of minerals, in steelmaking, and in manufacturing has taught us a lot about what damages the environment. Our experience in other sectors – the service industry, education, health care, transportation, security – show us that the design of work, and how it is planned and supervised, has a profound effect on the health of workers and the environment....... more

Building Our Public Services, Protecting Our Health Care
Public services affect all of our lives and help create a fair and progressive society. Emergencies like the ice storm, SARS, the Walkerton water tragedy, BC forest fires and the power outage in Ontario demonstrate the importance of having strong and reliable public services. ...... more

Pride at Work, Pride in the Union: Steelworkers on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Issues
Proud to represent gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered workers, Steelworkers are actively working for equality in the workplace, at the bargaining table and in our communities. Steelworkers are helping to raise understanding and respect for the diversity and differences that make us strong, proud and, indeed, Everybody’s Union....... more

Opening Doors : Steelworkers' Policy on Disabilty Rights
The challenge of disability can face anyone of us at any time in our lives. As a child or an adult, as a parent or a friend. All of us reading or hearing this paper read probably know someone who is disabled and having problems with their job. Disability can be caused by work or happen while we are away from work. Disability affects everyone of us in different ways. Those who are born with a disability or become disabled before they begin to work face often insurmountable barriers to ever obtaining employment. For unions, it is a matter of human dignity....... more