USW D3 Strong as Steel Podcast E31 with Maddi Genn and Dexter Hunlin

USW D3 Strong as Steel Podcast E31 with Maddi Genn and Dexter Hunlin

In this episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, host Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director, sits down with two emerging activists and leaders in USW District 3, Maddi Genn and Dexter Hunlin to talk about getting involved, finding your voice and building a stronger and more inclusive union. As June marks Pride Month, the conversation explores the role of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, allyship and equity within the labour movement. Maddi and Dexter share their experiences as activists, committee members and leaders working to create workplaces and union spaces where everyone feels respected and valued. Strong unions are built when members step forward, support each other and stand together in solidarity.

USW D3 Strong as Steel Podcast E30 with Chris Gallaway from Friends of Medicare

In Episode 30, USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny speaks with Chris Gallaway from Friends of Medicare about growing threats to public health care in Alberta. The conversation talks about the Alberta government’s push toward privatization, two-tier health care and expanded private insurance, and what it could mean for workers, rural communities, bargaining and Canada’s public Medicare system. Chris outlines how proposed legislation could increase costs, weaken universal access and undermine national protections under the Canada Health Act. The episode also highlights organizing efforts across Alberta to defend and strengthen public health care for future generations.

USW D3 Strong as Steel Podcast E29 with Director Scott Lunny and Meg Gingrich

In Episode 29 of the Strong as Steel podcast, USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny sits down with Meg Gingrich to discuss the state of Canada’s steel sector and the growing importance of protecting domestic industry. They dive into the Stand Up for Steel conference and lobby days in Ottawa, where Steelworkers from across Canada came together to push for stronger trade protections, Buy Canadian procurement policies and a long-term industrial strategy for Canada’s steel industry. The episode explores the ongoing impact of U.S. tariffs, job losses and layoffs and why maintaining a strong domestic steel sector is critical not just for jobs, but for Canada’s economic sovereignty. Scott and Meg also discuss the role of trade cases in defending Canadian industries from unfair imports, the importance of worker voices in lobbying and advocacy, and what’s at stake in upcoming CUSMA trade discussions. From steel to lumber, aluminum and critical minerals, the USW continues to make the case for a national strategy that protects key sectors without sacrificing one industry for another.

USW District 3 Strong as Steel Podcast E28 with Director Scott Lunny, Randie Pearson and Tara Cavanagh

In this episode of the Strong as Steel podcast, USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny sits down with International Women of Steel Director Randie Pearson and District 3 Women of Steel Co-ordinator Tara Cavanagh to talk about the growing impact of the Women of Steel program. They discuss the program’s roots, how it empowers women across the union and the work being done to advance health and safety, leadership and education for members. The conversation also looks ahead to the upcoming International Women of Steel Conference in Toronto and why building strong and supportive spaces for women strengthens the entire union.

USW District 3 Strong as Steel Podcast E27 with Director Scott Lunny and Rob Ashton

In this episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director, sits down with longtime labour leader Rob Ashton, the National President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, to talk about his campaign to lead the New Democratic Party of Canada. This candid conversation dives into: -The 2023 longshore strike and the federal government’s use of Section 107 -Why workers’ right to strike is under threat -Why Rob Ashton decided to step up and run for federal NDP leader -How the party can reconnect with working-class Canadians -Winning back young workers who feel shut out of housing and good jobs -A bold “Jobs Promise” building Canadian industries, expanding shipbuilding, strengthening steel and forestry, and creating publicly built co-op housing -The leaders who inspire him from Jack Layton to Bernie Sanders to labour pioneers This episode is about more than politics — it’s about who speaks for workers, how we rebuild trust and why listening to rank-and-file concerns matters now more than ever. If you care about good jobs, union rights, public housing, Canadian procurement and building a future where the next generation is better off, this conversation is for you. For more on Rob Ashton’s campaign visit robashton.ca