Hi Sherry —
The USW welcomes improvements in the revised Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), but raises concern over the impact on Canadian aluminum and steel workers.
We’re encouraged that the revised CUSMA appears to include some improvements to the previous version of the trade deal, including provisions on labour rights, environmental protections and pharmaceutical costs.
While full details on CUSMA revisions have yet to be disclosed, the USW is disappointed that the new deal apparently does not include stronger North American automotive rules of origin requirements related to steel and aluminum.
The USW advocated for requirements that 70% of steel and aluminum components in automobiles be melted/smelted and poured in North America in order for a vehicle to enjoy CUSMA benefits.
Read more in our USW media release: Steelworkers Recognize NAFTA Improvements, Cite Aluminum/Steel Concerns
And here is more recent USW news from our website usw.ca:
MEDIA RELEASE, 17 December 2019 – “Middle-class families are the backbone of our province and country, and it is fundamentally wrong to strip them of their collective bargaining rights.” – Marty Warren, District 6 Director
Third Death of a Traffic Control Worker in Two Months
MEDIA RELEASE, 6 December 2019 – A woman working as a traffic control person on a road construction project was killed on the job in Montérégie, marking the third such workplace death in Quebec in the last two months.
Steelworkers Urge Government To Implement Recommendations From Sawmill Explosions Review
MEDIA RELEASE, 2 December 2019 – “The recommendations are long overdue and must be urgently implemented by the provincial government. Taken together, this is an important step in ensuring that WorkSafeBC’s first mandate is to protect workers.” – Stephen Hunt, USW District 3 Director
Steelworkers Local 2724 Gifts Hospital with $45,000 Donation
MEDIA RELEASE, 28 November 2019 – Local 2724 has presented Sault Area Hospital Foundation with a gift of $45,851 to purchase a new piece of medical equipment for the hospital’s laboratory.
USW Cares: 2019 Jefferson Award Winners Announced
MEDIA RELEASE, 16 December 2019 – The USW is proud to have generous and compassionate members who foster a culture of giving back in our union. Canadian winners include Brian Arnold (District 3), Gilles Bordeleau (District 5), Alex Patterson (District 6) and Eleanor Gattafoni-Robinson (SOAR).
USW District 6 is Seeking Applications for Casual Organizers
USW NEWS, 4 December 2019 – If you are interested in helping other workers exercise their collective rights and grow our union, this may be an opportunity for you.
Winnipeg General Strike Movie Musical Heads to Major Theatres
MEDIA RELEASE, 28 November 2019 – Stand! The Musical, follows Stefan, a Ukrainian refugee, and Rebecca, his Jewish suffragette neighbour, as they attempt to navigate love against a backdrop of deep inequality and racial discrimination.
Best wishes to you and yours for the holidays.
In solidarity,
Ken Neumann
USW National Director