Canadian Union of Skilled Workers

Canadian Union of Skilled Workers CUSW is a proudly democratic and independent Canadian union. Visit cusw.ca to learn more.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and it holds deep meaning for CUSW members across Canada....
09/29/2026

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and it holds deep meaning for CUSW members across Canada.

We are proud to work alongside First Nations, Mรฉtis, and Inuit peoples, and to build partnerships grounded in respect. One of those partnerships is with Indigenous Skills Employment Apprenticeship and Development - ISEAD. We work closely with ISEAD to support Indigenous workers and their families, helping build healthy communities and respectful workplaces across the country.

Our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation is steady. Education and workplace inclusion are real priorities for us. Working with ISEAD to build strong, lasting relationships, we are proud of what we have achieved together with Indigenous employers, Indigenous organizations, and skilled trades training. We continue to expand learning opportunities for all members, new and existing, and our employment agreements include commitments to Indigenous participation in the skilled workforce.

Today, we invite you to join us in continuing the journey of learning, understanding, and meaningful Reconciliation, so that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can move forward together toward a better future for all.

More Learning:

On the latest episode of the CUSW Spotlight podcast, returning guest Valerie Vanderwyk of ISEAD joins us for an honest and deeply personal conversation about Truth and Reconciliation. Visit cuswpodcast.ca to listen.

One way to take part: wear an orange shirt today, and learn why it matters at orangeshirtday.org.

09/28/2026

Madeleine Parent and John St. Amand Bursary Application / application de bourse Madeleine Parent et John St. Amand

https://ccu-csc.ca/madeleine-parent-and-john-st-amand-bursary-application-application-de-bourse-madeleine-parent-et-john-st-amand/

It's that time of year again. The Confederation of Canadian Unions provides annual bursaries of $1,000 for dependent children of members of unions belonging to the CCU/CSC for the purpose of furthering their post-secondary education. The deadline for application is October 20, 2026.

Apply on the Confederation of Canadian Unions website at the link above. Please Like and Share online.

Nova Scotia Union of Public & Private Employees Construction, Maintenance & Allied Workers Canada - CMAW Canadian Union of Skilled Workers York University Staff Association (YUSA) Public and Private Workers of Canada - PPWC Canadian Union of Skilled Workers British Columbia CMAW Training Association of Employees Supporting Education Services

The 2026 Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2026 is underway in Bruce County! CUSW is proud to be b...
09/22/2026

The 2026 Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2026 is underway in Bruce County! CUSW is proud to be both a sponsor and an exhibitor this year.

The IPM is a five day celebration of agriculture and rural life, and the largest event of its kind in North America. Participating in the event is a chance to connect with our neighbours and celebrate the community we're proud to call home.

If you're at the Match, come see us! Stop by our booth to say hello, meet some of our members, and learn more about CUSW and the skilled trades.

09/15/2026

Proud to see one of our CUSW apprentices featured. Natasha is hard at work building a real career in the trades, and stories like hers are exactly why we support programs like Build a Dream. Keep going, Natasha!

Every September, working people across Canada pause to mark Labour Day. While many view it as a well-deserved long weeke...
09/04/2026

Every September, working people across Canada pause to mark Labour Day. While many view it as a well-deserved long weekend to signify the end of summer, for the labour movement, Labour Day represents something far deeper: a moment rooted in the struggles, victories, and ongoing pursuit of economic justice, equality, and dignity for all workers.

The history of Labour Day in Canada is a powerful testament to the resilience of ordinary working people. Its origins trace back to the Nine-Hour Movement of 1872, when brave printers and trade workers organized mass strikes in Toronto and across the country. Their courage forced the legalization of trade unions under Prime Minister John A. MacDonald, laying the foundation for modern Canadian labour rights. By 1894, Labour Day was officially recognized as a national holiday.

Over a century later, the victories won by unions, including the eight-hour workday, universal healthcare standards, sick leave, minimum wages, and workplace safety protections, shape the fabric of our society. None of these rights were willingly gifted by governments or corporations. They were fought for and secured through collective bargaining, strikes, and unrelenting grassroots organizing.

At the CUSW, we firmly believe that workersโ€™ rights are human rights. True democracy must not end at the ballot box. It must extend directly into our workplaces. Economic democracy means ensuring that the people who build this country with their hands and minds have a meaningful voice on the job and a fair share of the wealth they create.

Happy Labour Day to all Canadians and workers everywhere.

08/17/2026

THREE new episodes of the Spotlight Podcast!

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ EPISODE #29 โ€“ CARRIE WALKER-BOYD

Think about someone who taught you something you'll never forget. What made them so good at it?

Carrie Walker-Boyd has spent years helping CUSW develop learning for its members, and one thing came up again and again during this conversation: before you can create training that works, you have to understand the people you're creating it for.

๐ŸŽง Listen or watch using the links below.

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460173/episodes/19515572-trades-and-training-touchpoints-learning-with-carrie-walker-boyd-episode-29.mp3?download=true

๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://youtu.be/Low1uM6zdX4

๐ŸŽต Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KPJy9pisVVmlgImBodrrb?si=Qs3o2L0YS92ewp-LCXzKiQ

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ EPISODE #30 โ€“ ELYAS

"The world is a very good place, and there are very good people here."

These words come from our youngest guest ever.
At just 10 years old, Elyas joins the podcast to talk about bullying, kindness, support, Scouts and how we can all help protect the environment.

Whether you're a parent, a mentor, or someone who believes we can all do a little better, this conversation is for you.

๐Ÿ”— Listen or watch using the links below.

๐ŸŽง Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460173/episodes/19508914-young-man-old-soul-growing-up-cusw-with-elyas-episode-30.mp3?download=true
๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://youtu.be/sKXJVzBxUZI?si=GsXjWO9ElSKKpNQx

๐ŸŽต Video on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5g7YqhTr8pryk2IHiU5wjk?si=LTLYWpHQSsOf--S-XmXzWQ

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ EPISODE #31 โ€“ SHAWN CAMPBELL

โ€œUnity is our greatest asset, and solidarity is exactly how we win.โ€
Shawn Campbell is back on the podcast, this time joining Dan to talk about his role as President of the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU) and what that connection means for CUSW and its members.

They talk about the history of the CCU, the challenges workers are facing, and the importance of coming together, sharing experiences and finding solutions that work for members.

๐ŸŽง Listen : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460173/episodes/19639862-labour-unites-us-solidarity-defines-us-ccu-shawn-campbell-cusw-episode-31.mp3?download=true

๐Ÿ“บ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bz3Wn3Ct_pU

๐ŸŽต Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/34EKKM3K1kMwMo8GhNtpLW?si=sknooeI3SEaVqHWC21moHw
๐ŸŒ Follow the Podcast: https://www.cuswpodcast.ca/

Like the episode, follow the podcast and share it with your members, coworkers and friends.

07/02/2026

Two more episodes of the Spotlight Podcast!

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ EPISODE 26: JOHNNY ISSALUK

"Life is the reflection of what you tell yourself, not what others tell about you."

From growing up in Nunavut to competing around the world as an Inuit Games athlete, and now building a career in the trades, Johnny Issaluk shares a perspective on life that is both powerful and inspiring.

This conversation touches on culture, relationships, personal growth, and the importance of believing in yourself.

๐ŸŽง Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460173/episodes/19305635-inuk-champion-to-cusw-apprentice-with-johnny-issaluk-episode-26.mp3?download=true

๐Ÿ”— Tap to watch on Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/episode/0g6v5e5cA5tZ5F6A2zxtRI?si=dkTQQhDGTZ60QP7P2NqwvQ

Tap to watch on YouTube! ๐Ÿ”— : https://youtu.be/HHay3K5WK5U

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ EPISODE 27: CODY QUAN

"This is an exciting time to be a CUSW member."

CUSW continues to grow, and with that growth comes new opportunities for members to get involved, share ideas, and help shape the future of our union.

In this episode, Cody Quan returns to the Spotlight Podcast to discuss unity, participation, and the importance of staying connected as we continue to grow across Canada.

๐Ÿ”— Listen or watch the episode "CUSW. Connected by Trades. United by Purpose." using the links below.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460173/episodes/19379443-cusw-connected-by-trades-united-by-purpose-with-cody-quan-episode-27.mp3?download=true

YouTube: https://youtu.be/SXb1-pzEKZ8?si=TG9s0maA-TMqtPaG

Don't forget to comment, share, and follow the podcast: https://www.cuswpodcast.ca/

Canada Day, celebrated every July 1, is more than just fireworks, music, and barbecues. Itโ€™s a time to reflect on the va...
07/02/2026

Canada Day, celebrated every July 1, is more than just fireworks, music, and barbecues. Itโ€™s a time to reflect on the values that make our country strong: solidarity, fairness, and the enduring contributions of working people. From the earliest builders of our railways and industries to the frontline workers who continue to carry us through modern challenges, Canada has been shaped by the hands and hearts of its workers.

Canada Day is not just a celebration of our past. Itโ€™s an opportunity to shape our future. As unions and working people, we reaffirm our commitment to a fairer, more inclusive Canada. We stand proud not just of our flag, but of the values it can represent: compassion, solidarity, and collective progress.

Happy Canada Day from all of us who believe that a better Canada is one where workers are respected, empowered, and at the heart of our nationโ€™s success. Letโ€™s keep building that Canada โ€“ together.

Last week, before Premier Ford's trip to Washington, CUSW members, including Chairperson John Wabb, had the opportunity ...
06/15/2026

Last week, before Premier Ford's trip to Washington, CUSW members, including Chairperson John Wabb, had the opportunity to sit down with the Premier to share what skilled trades mean to major projects across Ontario.

Premier Ford's Fortress North America plan centres on investment in critical minerals, nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure, the kinds of projects our members are proud to be part of every day. We were glad to bring that perspective to the conversation ahead of his trip.

Skilled tradespeople are a big part of what makes Ontario's economy strong. It means a lot to have that recognized at the highest levels.

Ontario just made history and our members were part of making it happen!Bruce Power's Unit 3 reactor has returned to ser...
06/10/2026

Ontario just made history and our members were part of making it happen!

Bruce Power's Unit 3 reactor has returned to service seven months ahead of schedule and $150 million under budget, the most successful nuclear refurbishment completion in Ontario history.

CUSW members contributed their skills and expertise to this landmark project, which will now power over 800,000 Ontario homes with clean, reliable electricity for the next 35+ years.

This is what skilled trades in the power sector look like. Record-setting work, delivered safely, by the best workforce in the world.

Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in this achievement.

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