On October 21, 2009, the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) Executive Council voted to form a strategic alliance with the United Steelworkers Union (USW) in order to build solidarity and a closer unity of purpose between the two organizations, subject to the approval of convention. 

The motions reads, “Therefore Be It Resolved that the Executive Council approve in principle the document entitled TWU-STT and United Steelworkers Strategic Alliance with the final agreement to be approved by the TWU-STT 2010 Convention”.  The Executive Council sees opportunities to work together in areas such as public policy and lobbying politicians.  The agreement also calls for participating in each others’ schools, conferences and campaigns.  The agreement calls for a coordinating committee that will meet regularly and will operate by consensus.

This does not mean that the TWU is merging with the United Steelworkers Union.   The agreement specifically states, “Both unions will fully retain their autonomy and independence, leaving undisturbed their constitutions and bylaws, their assets, memberships and collective agreements”.

The USW represents employees in various industries including, among others, call centres and credit unions, mines and manufacturing plants, sawmills and steel mills, legal clinics, social agencies and universities.