Resolution No. 26: Training and Career Development

WHEREAS, continuing education and training provide our members with tools crucial for adapting to the changing economy and the changing environment of work; and

WHEREAS, the USW has negotiated with major steel compa­nies, most major tire manufacturers, a glass manufacturer, a paper products manufacturer, and a utility systems manufacturer to offer employer-funded training through the Institute for Career Development (ICD); and

WHEREAS, this negotiated benefit has proven so popular with our members that in 2023 alone, there were more than 4,000 USW enrollments in more than 2,000 ICD-sponsored classes hosted by local learning centers; and

WHEREAS, the ICD has more than 50 ca­reer development sites in the U.S. to enrich the lives of USW members by providing training that not only helps members on the job, but also improves long-term employability through a series of ba­sic skills-teaching and technical-training packages; and

WHEREAS, new technologies and work reorganization have increased the education, literacy and skill requirements needed for our members to advance in their workplaces; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, the ICD has been awarded three United States Department of Labor grants to develop and deliver training to help workers transition to new employment opportunities and to supplement the training efforts of incumbent workers in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, basic skills like reading, writing, oral communications, numeracy and computer skills; the ability to understand, retain and utilize written and oral information; critical thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution; social and economic analysis are critical components of educational and training programs; and

WHEREAS, ICD is committed to developing a highly-trained workforce by continually providing upskilling of our members through its programs; and

WHEREAS, the USW in Canada has a long history of working with employers, provincial and federal governments, and in some instances with other unions, to create sector-based councils that develop, promote and deliver training and labor adjustment programs that are tailored to meet the needs of workers; and

WHEREAS, the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC) has operated for more than thirty years and offers skill development programs for Canadian steelworkers and other workers in the manufacturing sector, provides leadership in the development of training programs that benefit workers, and continues to demonstrate the enormous potential of sector-based approaches to apprenticeship and training for both workers and employers; and

WHEREAS, the Steelworkers Charitable and Educational Organization (SCEO) has expanded its training programs to support educational initiatives that prepare USW members to integrate new technology in the workplace, aid in career transitions, and create a pipeline of future workers.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that:

1. Our union should continue to expand its pioneering efforts to es­tablish career development and other training programs in the United States, funded by collec­tively bargained employer contributions, that realize the de­sires of our members for lifelong learning and allow them to improve their literacy and basic skills, develop portable skills, and enhance their personal and family relation­ships by expanding their education op­portunities, training and counseling inside and outside of their workplaces.
2. In Canada, our union should continue to build on its track record of creating effective councils that bring unions, employers, provincial and federal governments, and community colleges together to develop and deliver training and labor adjustment programs designed to meet the needs of workers.
3. We will increase the efforts with employers to provide more apprenticeship, training, and career advancement opportunities.
4. We will ensure that the enforcement of training and occupational standards in skilled trade jobs is maintained and work to strengthen the portability of skilled trade credentials and the mobility of skilled tradespeople.
5. The USW will call on our governments to support effective training and retraining programs, including those that train workers involved in new technologies that may offer significant employment opportunities building on the skills and talents of our members.
6. We support strong accountability measures in any expenditure of public monies, but such measures should not be used to privatize adjustment services and destroy labor and community-based programs that served workers successfully for many years.