In this episode of the Strong as Steel podcast, USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny sits down with International Women of Steel Director Randi Pearson and District 3 Women of Steel Co-ordinator Tara Cavanagh to talk about the growing impact of the Women of Steel program. They discuss the program’s roots, how it empowers women across the union and the work being done to advance health and safety, leadership and education for members. The conversation also looks ahead to the upcoming International Women of Steel Conference in Toronto and why building strong and supportive spaces for women strengthens the entire union.

In this episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director, sits down with longtime labour leader Rob Ashton, the National President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, to talk about his campaign to lead the New Democratic Party of Canada.

This candid conversation dives into:

-The 2023 longshore strike and the federal government’s use of Section 107
-Why workers’ right to strike is under threat
-Why Rob Ashton decided to step up and run for federal NDP leader
-How the party can reconnect with working-class Canadians
-Winning back young workers who feel shut out of housing and good jobs
-A bold “Jobs Promise” building Canadian industries, expanding shipbuilding, strengthening steel and forestry, and creating publicly built co-op housing
-The leaders who inspire him from Jack Layton to Bernie Sanders to labour pioneers

This episode is about more than politics — it’s about who speaks for workers, how we rebuild trust and why listening to rank-and-file concerns matters now more than ever.

If you care about good jobs, union rights, public housing, Canadian procurement and building a future where the next generation is better off, this conversation is for you.

For more on Rob Ashton’s campaign visit robashton.ca

Content note: This episode includes discussion of gender-based violence which maybe triggering to some.

This special Strong as Steel Elevating Action episode is hosted by White Ribbon and the Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA), in partnership with the United Steelworkers union (USW).

In this episode, Zoey James, Senior Program Manager at White Ribbon, sits down with Andrew Peirson (BC Lions), Jake Ceresna (Edmonton Elks) and Maxime Rouyer (BC Lions) to talk about Elevating Action – a national partnership working to end gender-based violence and promote healthier masculinities, safer locker rooms and more respectful workplaces and communities.

Since 2023, Elevating Action has been training peer leaders across Canada to facilitate conversations that challenge gender-based violence, harmful stereotypes and the “man box” – from the field to the shop floor.

To learn more or get involved visit whiteribbon.ca. Talk to your USW Education Coordinator or CFL player rep about bringing Elevating Action training to your workplace, team or local union.