A union is not “them.”
There is no separate “they” who solves every problem or wins every fight. Our union is not a paid service. It is a collective force made real when people, like you, your coworkers, and colleagues, act together. If you want to see change in the workplace, then you have a role to play. Not someday. Now.
You are your union.
This is not a metaphor. A union is not a separate entity that acts on your behalf while you remain on the sidelines. A union is its members. It lives and breathes through your voice, moves through your actions and exists by your solidarity. When you speak up, organize, get involved, or even just show up, you are shaping what your union is and what it can be.
Your involvement is your union’s involvement.
Your union’s strength is not measured in abstract ideals or magic wands entrusted to the hands of your elected leaders. It is measured by participation. Your involvement, bringing forward concerns, offering ideas, and taking initiatives means that your union is involved. Involvement is the means by which everyone’s voice is heard and you set the agenda. Your participation is the engine of change.
Your choices are your union’s priorities.
The issues that you raise become the issues your union champions. If you stay silent, your union may miss what matters most to you. What matters to you? Safer working conditions? Equitable workloads? Remote work? Fair treatment? Respect and dignity? What you choose matters. Your union does not dictate priorities, it reflects yours. Every time you get engaged, you shape your union’s values and provide direction.
Solidarity is not passive.
Solidarity is a word often spoken by unions. It is not a slogan. It is a practice, built by listening, learning and standing together. Solidarity is born from small moments of connection, shared words over coffee, mutual commiseration, and small measures of support. It is expended in great moments of uncertainty, during collective agreement negotiations, in political lobbying, and ultimately, strikes. Every action that you take today creates priceless investment in that invisible well of mutual power.
Our strength comes from member activism and engagement.
Get Involved with Local 2010
Your union is strongest when members are active, engaged, and working together. Whether you want to take on a leadership role as a Union Representative (Steward), contribute your ideas and energy through a committee, or simply learn more about how the union operates, there are many ways to get involved. Every member has something valuable to offer, and even a small commitment can make a significant difference in building a stronger, fairer workplace for all.
If you would like more information, please email contact@usw2010.ca
Become a Union Representative
Union Representatives (sometimes called Stewards in other unions) are the backbone of USW Local 2010. They are the first point of contact for members who have questions, concerns, or need support in the workplace. Representatives play a vital role in ensuring the collective agreement is respected, helping coworkers navigate workplace challenges, and building solidarity across the Local. Serving as a Rep is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved in your union. You will gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, advocacy, and leadership, while helping to make a real difference in the daily lives of your coworkers. Training and mentorship are provided, so you do not need prior experience, just a commitment to fairness, solidarity, and a willingness to stand up for others. If you’ve ever considered stepping into a leadership role within your union, becoming a Rep is the perfect place to start.
USW Committees
Committees are where members come together to share ideas, plan initiatives, and strengthen our union. Each committee focuses on a specific area, such as education, organizing, political action, or social events, and gives members the chance to contribute their skills and creativity in meaningful ways.
Whether you are passionate about educating coworkers on their rights, helping to build union power in our workplaces and community, shaping public policy, or simply planning opportunities for members to connect outside of work, there’s a committee for you. Participation is generally one lunchtime meeting per month, with additional time as needed for projects and events.
Committees are a fantastic way to meet fellow members, learn new skills and make your voice heard in shaping the future of USW Local 2010.
Please see the following pages for more information:
Other ways to get involved with your Union and community
Deals and Promotions Coordinator
Coordinator Needed
Are you someone who likes a good deal? Your Union needs a volunteer to seek Union membership deals and promotions with local businesses. Current examples of membership discounts include: Great Wolf Lodge, Canada’s Wonderland, City of Kingston Wellness and Fitness Passes, Home and Auto Insurance, and Queen’s Enrichment Studies Education Opportunities for family.
Pension Representative
Representative Needed
If your union’s representative on the board of the University Pension Plan (UPP), providing oversight of the plan to ensure that our pension money is invested wisely. They also provide periodic updates to members on the security and sustainability of the pension plan.
Kingston and District Labour Council (KDLC) Representative
Representative Needed
Your union’s representative on the KDLC, which brings together many unions and workers’ groups in the Kingston area to collective respond to local issues that concern all workers.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Committee Representative
Representative Needed
Ensures access to EFAP benefits to members and provides information on how to access benefits.
Food Committee Representative
Representative Needed
Our representative on the Queen’s University Food Committee advises the Director of Food & Beverage Services on matters pertaining to policies and directions of food services at Queen’s. This includes but is not limited to: the sale of food, including items such as quality, quantity, type of food, adaptability, responsiveness to changing demands and lifestyles of students, faculty and staff, manner of service, economy of price to the consumer, budget, location and service. The Committee must be consulted prior to any and all major changes in service, such as: locations, pricing, and permanent changes to hours of operation.