Historic Leadership Change at United Steelworkers Union
The United Steelworkers union (USW), North America's largest industrial union, has ushered in a new era of leadership with the installation of Roxanne Brown as its 10th International President. This historic transition occurred on March 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the labor movement.
A Groundbreaking Appointment
Roxanne Brown's swearing-in ceremony represents a groundbreaking moment in the union's history. She becomes the first woman and the first person of color to lead the Steelworkers union since its founding in 1942. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in White Plains, New York, Brown brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as USW International Vice-President since 2019.
Brown was elected last fall to replace David McCall, who did not seek re-election after serving as the union's international president since September 2023. Her appointment signals a transformative shift for the organization that represents hundreds of thousands of industrial workers across North America.
Decades of Advocacy Experience
Brown's journey with the United Steelworkers spans nearly three decades, beginning with her work in the union's Legislative and Policy Department in Washington, D.C., 27 years ago. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a passionate advocate for working families, consistently placing their concerns at the center of policy discussions.
"It's our job in the labour movement to meet the moment – to organize, to educate and to lead the fight for real economic justice," Brown declared during her installation ceremony for the USW's International Executive Board.
Her extensive testimony before state legislatures, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. International Trade Commission, regulatory agencies, and international forums has positioned the USW as a champion for preserving good union jobs throughout North America. Brown has been instrumental in advancing conversations around critical issues including health care, job creation, manufacturing revitalization, retirement security, trade policies, and workplace safety.
Canadian Leadership Continues
Alongside Brown's historic appointment, Marty Warren was sworn into his second term as the USW's National Director for Canada. Warren has held this position since 2022 and previously served nine years as the union's District 6 Director, representing members in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
"Members of our union and workers across our country are facing unprecedented challenges and economic upheaval caused by Donald Trump's senseless tariffs and trade war," Warren stated during the ceremony.
He emphasized the importance of cross-border solidarity among Steelworkers leaders and activists, noting that "these tariffs are harmful to workers and communities in both our countries." Warren pledged that USW leaders in Canada would continue to aggressively advocate for federal and provincial governments to implement transformative measures needed to build a resilient economy.
Strategic Priorities and Future Direction
The new leadership team has outlined several strategic priorities for the union moving forward. Brown emphasized that "workers are hungry for real and lasting change, and our union stands ready to help them deliver it." This commitment reflects the growing demands from union members for substantive economic reforms and workplace protections.
In Canada, the union has already secured government commitments on several key initiatives, including:
- "Buy-Canadian" procurement policies
- Establishment of a comprehensive industrial strategy
- New investments in steel, forestry, critical minerals, and manufacturing sectors
- Stronger trade enforcement mechanisms
- Improvements to Employment Insurance and Work-Sharing programs
These achievements demonstrate the union's ongoing influence in shaping economic policy and protecting workers' interests across North America. As Brown assumes her historic role, she brings with her a deep understanding of the challenges facing industrial workers and a proven track record of advocacy that positions the United Steelworkers for continued relevance and impact in the years ahead.
