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Edmonton area metal workers try to expand union

If successful, the union will represent workers at 3 of the employer’s plants.

Last week, the Alberta Labour Relations Board published their second new applications report for March 2026. In it was an application for union expansion.

Local 1-207 of United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, also known as the United Steelworkers, filed the application on 3 March 2026.

The union has represented a group of workers employed by Russel Metals Inc. since April 2009 at the company’s Edmonton plant.

Based out of Ontario, Russel Metals one of the largest metals distribution and processing companies in North America. They have several locations in Alberta.

Now, the union wants to represent workers at the company’s Nisku plant, too.

According to the application summary provided by the ALRB, USW has applied to have their certification changed from

All employees in the Edmonton plant except office, clerical and technical personnel.

to

All employees in the Edmonton and Nisku plants except office, clerical and technical personnel.

The ALRB has not yet published information on when they will hold a hearing regarding this application.

USW also represents workers at Russel Metals’ Calgary plant.

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By Kim Siever

Kim Siever is an independent queer journalist based in Lethbridge, Alberta, and writes daily news articles, focusing on politics and labour.

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