In this special two-part, multilingual episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, host Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director, welcomes guests from across the globe to talk about international solidarity in the mining sector. This episode highlights the work of the International Miners Network, which brings together unions representing Newmont Mine workers from Canada, Australia, Argentina, Peru and Mexico.

Part 1 features a conversation with Craig Beverage from the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU). Craig shares insights on mining in Australia, the history of AWU and the union’s success in winning criminal liability for companies that cause worker deaths. He highlights the value of cross-border union co-operation in holding multinational employers like Newmont accountable for health and safety standards, no matter where they operate.

Part 2 brings in Roberto Ovando, ASIJEMIN (Argentina), Ruth Lopez, Los Mineros (Mexico) and Ulices Martos, SITRACOMY (Peru). The guests describe the structure of their unions, challenges with company and site-specific bargaining language and the shared struggle to raise labour standards for all miners. Each speaks to the importance of the International Miners Network in learning from one another, building strength and developing collective strategies to pressure multinational corporations. Health and safety remains a central theme especially in light of fatalities and inconsistent standards across regions.

Scott wraps the episode by emphasizing the importance of international solidarity and ongoing relationship-building.

Contact:
D3Comms@USW.ca

In Episode 21 of the Strong as Steel podcast, host Scott Lunny sits down with USW District 12 Director Gaylan Prescott and special guest Angelina DeRosa to explore the power of solidarity across borders.
Angelina shares her journey from neuroscience to the labour movement, reflecting on her time with the United Steelworkers and the supportive, people-centred values that shaped her experience. Director Prescott offers insight into the unique makeup of District 12 spanning the U.S. West Coast and representing workers in sectors from mining to healthcare. He shares the challenges of organizing across such a vast and diverse region.
Together, they talk about the differences between U.S. and Canadian labour laws, the harm of "right to work" legislation and the broader impact on workers' rights. This episode is a thoughtful reminder of why unions matter and what we must do to build a better future for all.

In this special Pride Month episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, host Scott Lunny (he/him), USW District 3 Director, is joined by Sarah Konig (she/her), District 3 staff member and bookkeeper, and Brett Barden (he/him), USW District 3’s Communications and Political Action Co-ordinator, for a powerful conversation on what Pride means within the labour movement.

Together, they unpack the roots of Pride as protest, the importance of visibility and allyship, and how Steelworkers are working year-round to create inclusive and safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ members both in workplaces and communities.

👉 Don’t forget to visit usw.ca/steelpride for resources, events, and ways your local can get involved.

www.usw.ca

In this episode of the USW District 3 Strong as Steel Podcast, Director Scott Lunny sits down with USW International organizers Maria Somma and Mariana Padias for a conversation on the future of labour organizing. They dive into the strategy behind building union strength in key sectors like mining and telecommunications, the importance of community engagement, and the unique challenges of organizing in the United States. From the University of Pittsburgh’s success to the evolving labour landscape, this episode offers insights and inspiration for anyone committed to empowering workers and growing the labour movement. Whether you’re a union activist or just curious about how organizing really works, this one’s a must-listen!

In this episode of The Strong as Steel Podcast, host USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny dives into the pressing issue of trade tariffs and their impact on Canadian workers. Joined by Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske and Guio Jacinto from the USW Research, Public Policy and Bargaining Support Department, the discussion unpacks the latest threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, the economic risks for key industries like steel, aluminum, lumber and auto manufacturing, and what Canada must do to protect jobs and economic sovereignty.

With potential job losses in the millions and entire sectors at risk, this conversation is a call to action for workers, unions and policymakers. From retaliatory tariffs to proactive industrial policies, the guests explore what must be done to ensure that Canadian producers keep producing and workers keep working.

https://workerstogether.ca/
D3comms@usw.ca

In this episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, Director Scott Lunny tackles the urgent fight for washroom dignity in the workplace. Scott is joined by Dayna Sykes, USW District 3’s Education Co-ordinator, and Ed Kent, USW District 3’s Health, Safety and Environment Co-ordinator, to break down the Make Shit Better campaign, highlighting the barriers workers face when trying to access safe, clean and accessible washrooms on the job.

Drawing from member surveys, they discuss the real health and safety risks posed by inadequate facilities and the systemic issues that perpetuate inequity. The conversation also covers employer responsibilities, regulatory gaps and what must change to ensure dignity for all workers. Tune in for insightful and a powerful call to action because everyone deserves washroom dignity at work.

Learn more about the campaign at usw.ca/makeitbetter

Happy New Year! In our first Strong as Steel podcast of 2025, Scott Lunny discusses the current state of the forest sector with guests Jeff Bromley, USW Wood Council Chair, and Phil Ducharme, USW 1-417 president.

This episode explores the current challenges in the forest sector across Canada, the impact of mill closures on communities and the challenges of government policies and market fluctuations. The conversation also highlights the importance of organizing efforts within the union and the potential for value-added products to revitalize the sector.

Join USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny for a holiday edition of the podcast as we reflect on the many highlights of 2024. Scott celebrates the work that defined this year for members across District 3. Looking ahead, Scott shares insights into 2025, setting the stage for another exciting year of progress and solidarity. Don’t miss this episode to close out the year!