TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) National Director Ken Neumann has announced contributions by the Steelworkers Humanity Fund of $15,000 to support relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Neumann, who is also president of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, said, "Steelworkers are relieved that the attack on Gaza has been suspended, and we pleased that the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is able to contribute to relief and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.

"The work of reconstruction will be an enormous task. At the same time, a lasting and fair settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues to be elusive, and will not be based on a military solution."

The contribution of the Steelworker Humanity Fund will be channeled to victims of the destruction of Gaza through three separate organizations: Islamic Relief Canada; the Red Crescent Society of Gaza; and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

Founded by the United Steelworkers union in 1985, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered charitable organization. Steelworker members contribute to the Fund through clauses negotiated into collective agreements, which most commonly provide for a contribution of $20 per year per union member. In a number of important collective agreements matching contributions have been negotiated from employers.

The mandate of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is to address issues of hunger and poverty, primarily in the developing world, through development assistance and emergency aid.