New Steelworkers Leader Continues Fight for Jobs, Living Standards

Marty Warren Takes Over as USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada

TORONTO, Jan. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) is proud to announce the appointment of Marty Warren as Director of USW District 6, representing 74,000 union members in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Warren, 49, takes over the leadership of USW District 6 from Wayne Fraser, who retired Jan. 1 after serving more than 11 years as Director.

"Canadian families are facing some of the toughest economic and social challenges we have seen in generations. I am committed to ensuring the Steelworkers continue to lead the fight for good jobs and to defend our working and living standards which are under constant attack," Warren said.

"It is our obligation as trade unionists to fight for the interests of working families. Steelworkers and the labour movement are pushing back against the corporate agenda and its political backers. Governments and corporations must know that they are accountable to the working people of this country."

A lifelong Kitchener resident, Warren has been a trade union activist for 28 years, beginning in the mid-1980s with the United Rubber Workers, which later merged with the Steelworkers. Warren became a full-time Steelworkers staff representative in 2004 and in April 2012 was appointed Assistant to the USW District 6 Director.

"Steelworkers across Ontario and Atlantic Canada will be well-served by the experience, skill and dedication that Marty Warren brings to our union," said Ken Neumann, the USW's National Director for Canada.

"I am confident that Marty will deliver the same fierce representation, advocacy and activism for our members, their families and all working people, which have been the hallmark of leaders of USW District 6," Neumann said.

With 74,000 members and 50,000 retirees in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, Steelworkers District 6 is the largest of the 13 USW districts across North America.

Veteran Steelworkers activist Tony DePaulo, a former USW Area Coordinator in Hamilton, has been appointed as Assistant to the District 6 Director.

Wayne Fraser served as USW District 6 Director from November 2001 to Jan. 1, 2013. He joined the Steelworkers in 1969 while working for the former Inco Ltd. in Sudbury, Ont., and rose through the union's leadership ranks over a 43-year career.

"I would like to recognize the many achievements and dedicated service Wayne Fraser has contributed to our union, our members and their families over his impressive career," Warren said.

"Steelworkers and working people throughout our district have benefited from Wayne's fighting spirit and commitment to trade unionism. He has earned our gratitude and respect, as well as a long and happy retirement."

Warren has stated that he will run for the position of Steelworkers District 6 Director in the fall of 2013, when USW members will vote to elect their district, national and international leaders.

SOURCE: United Steelworkers (USW)

For further information:

Marty Warren, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792
Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, [e-mail]