USW Urges Immediate Action on National Program Amid Trump’s Tariff Threats
In the wake of growing concerns about job losses, the United Steelworkers union gathered today to emphasize the urgent need for a national strategy to protect Canadian workers from U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies. USW representatives from several manufacturing and steel plants, based in Hamilton and Nanticoke, convened a roundtable discussion with federal New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh to outline the crucial measures needed to counteract the damaging impact of the proposed tariffs.
“We can't afford to stand idly by while President Trump uses tariffs to hurt workers here. We need to fight back and be ready for the worst-case scenario,” said Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 Director. Representing tens of thousands of union members across Ontario and Atlantic Canada, Stewart underscored the urgent need for proactive governmental action. He stressed that a comprehensive response must be developed to shield Canadian steelworkers and other affected sectors, particularly in light of the unprecedented tariffs being threatened by the U.S.
The Looming Threat of 50% Tariffs
USW officials are particularly concerned about President Trump’s latest threats, which include imposing a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. Trump’s actions have escalated an already tense trade conflict, and the potential 50% tariff would be added on top of the existing 25% tariff that was temporarily delayed for 30 days. These tariffs have the potential to devastate Canadian steel exports, which have already been subjected to significant disruptions.
Stewart made it clear that these tariffs have little to do with fair trade practices. “Let us be clear, this has nothing to do with fair trade. It’s about politics, and Canadian workers and industries, like the steel sector, will feel the impact,” he said. The steel industry, a critical component of Canada's economy, has already begun to show signs of strain, with increasing layoffs and closures in the wake of the ongoing trade uncertainty.
Impact on Jobs and Communities
The tariff threat has already led to significant job losses, with hundreds of workers at Hamilton's National Steel Car plant, which manufactures rail cars for U.S. export, experiencing layoffs. “About 90% of our workforce was laid off before Christmas and right now we’re at roughly 50%, so we still have several hundred members who are off work,” said Frank Crowder, President of USW Local 7135. Local 7135 represents 1,400 workers at National Steel Car, and Crowder explained that while temporary layoffs have occurred before, this situation is unprecedented.
"This is different. It’s not one of those normal cycles. This is related to the tariff threats and the uncertainty, and we don’t know what to expect. We need the uncertainty to stop," Crowder said, underscoring the dire need for stability and support.
The NDP's Plan to Protect Canadian Workers
In response to these challenges, the NDP has proposed a comprehensive national plan designed to support Canadian workers, particularly in industries like steel. Singh highlighted the need for the Canadian government to implement the “Build Canadian, Buy Canadian” initiative. The plan would create jobs by requiring Canadian-made products, including steel, to be used in national infrastructure projects such as homes, hospitals, highways, and bridges.
Singh also voiced support for USW policy proposals aimed at protecting workers. These proposals include expanding the Employment Insurance (EI) benefits program and increasing the EI work-sharing initiative, which helps employers avoid layoffs during times of economic uncertainty.
A Call for Immediate Action
The USW is calling for a swift, united response from all levels of government to address the threat posed by Trump’s tariffs. “The steel industry is a true pillar of the Canadian economy. It supports thousands of good-paying jobs and sustains entire communities from coast to coast,” Stewart stated. “When steel workers lose their jobs, their families and entire communities feel the pain.”
The USW's plea for a national plan comes at a critical time. With workers already experiencing layoffs and heightened anxiety over the uncertain future of the steel industry, immediate action is needed to provide support and secure the future of Canadian workers.
