The United Steelworkers union (USW) has appointed Kevon Stewart as the new Director of District 6, which covers Ontario and Atlantic Canada, effective Oct. 1, 2024. Stewart becomes the first Black District Director in the union’s history across both Canada and the United States.
Stewart succeeds Myles Sullivan, who has accepted a new role as Assistant to USW International President David McCall, based in Pittsburgh.
Stewart, who previously served as Assistant to the District 6 Director, expressed his commitment to continuing the union’s efforts in growing membership and negotiating robust contracts for workers. “In my new role as USW Ontario and Atlantic Canada Director, I intend to build on our union’s work by helping more workers gain union representation with the USW, bargaining industry-leading strong contracts and continuing as the go-to organization for community partnerships,” Stewart said in a statement.
Marty Warren, USW National Director for Canada, congratulated both Sullivan and Stewart on their new roles, emphasizing the shared goals of the union. “I look forward to working with Myles and Kevon in their new roles on our shared goals: growing our great union, representing workers and fighting for fairness and social justice,” Warren said.
Sullivan, who served as District 6 Director since 2022, will now focus on the union’s priorities at the international level, including organizing new members and supporting education and training programs. “I am honoured to be entrusted with new responsibilities in the USW International Office,” Sullivan stated.
Stewart’s career with the USW spans decades, beginning with his work as a machine operator at Samuel Strapping, a steel plant in Scarborough, Ontario. His involvement in a USW education course sparked a passion for union activism, leading him to roles in health and safety training, grievance handling, and local leadership. Stewart’s rise through the ranks was supported by mentorship from former District 6 Director Wayne Fraser.
Myles Sullivan’s history with the union began in 1995, and his activism has included involvement in the 361-day strike against Vale in Sudbury, which he described as a “defining experience” that highlighted the need for solidarity and community alliances. His work in northeastern Ontario and later as District 6 Director has been marked by major collective bargaining efforts and building partnerships within the labour movement.
The United Steelworkers represents 225,000 members across Canada.