S. tariffs. The measures imposed by U.
S. President Donald Trump since February 2025 have significantly disrupted trade between Canada and the United States and threaten thousands of jobs across the country.
Escalation of tariff measures
In March, a 25 percent additional tax was imposed on all steel and aluminum imports to the United States, without an exception for Canada, and then in May, Trump announced that tariffs on steel and aluminum would double to 50 percent, and they are still in effect today. These measures threaten thousands of jobs and destabilize the deeply integrated supply chains between the two countries, the USW said.
Direct impact on Canadian workers
The steel and aluminum industries employ more than 20,000 USW members, which have already been reported. To minimize losses, agreements on the division of work are implemented. In addition to metals, tariffs affect forestry, automotive and manufacturing industries. Higher costs are driving up consumer prices, while investment plans across Canada are being delayed.
USW demands on Ottawa
USW calls on the federal government to expand employment insurance (EI) coverage, expand benefits and lower eligibility thresholds; introduce wage subsidies linked to job security; strengthen the Job Allocation Program to prevent layoffs; develop the Canadian industrial
