UNITED STEELWORKERS 2025 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Every three years, the USW holds its International Convention, where delegates from all over Canada and the U.S. vote to set the policies of the Union. USW International Convention 2025 was held in Las Vegas, April 7-10 and Local 1944 was in attendance loudly and proudly as always. Despite the location, the Local felt it was very important to attend so that we as Canadian delegates could speak for and vote for policies that benefit Canadian workers, including opposition to U.S tariffs. This year's theme, "ALL IN on solidarity", aptly described the conference, as USW workers from both sides of the border came together in a solid demonstration of unity, including voting to continue to oppose U.S. tariffs, and delivered a powerful message that workers will not be divided.

Many issues were brought to light through resolutions allowing for progressive, grassroots conversations to happen between workers from all walks of life. Topics such as protecting collective bargaining rights for workers, health, safety, the environment, education, and organizing were on the agenda. It sparked conversations that spoke to our values and reminded us that we are stronger when we work together!

BACK TO OFFICE = BACK TO BASICS

For many members, their career at Telus started as an at home position, or transitioned into one during the pandemic. Work from home benefits are undeniable, offering a great work-life balance, making the return to office mandate an acute stress point for many clerical members.

Now, despite how we may feel about the arbitrator's decision to side with Telus, we are taking full advantage of the opportunity to build connections amongst members. It means more visibility for our Shop Stewards on the floor, more frequent updates to the physical union boards and more communication between members.

PRESIDENT MICHAEL PHILLIPS

 JOINS SOLIDARITY NEWS ON RADIOLABOUR

Rabble recently welcomed Michael Phillips to their RadioLabour show to discuss Telus. This particular conversation was prompted by the issues being faced by TikTok content moderators working for the Telus Digital subsidiary in Turkey. 

With our long-standing history with Telus, President Phillips was able to share details of Telus’ consistent anti-union approach and how their work structure is taxing their workers’ mental health. In Canada, some members are facing public shame within the workplace if they do not meet the arbitrary sales targets set by the company. Even more troubling, are the over 500 individual grievances that have been filed for payroll errors. Errors that have been ongoing for over a year!

As a result of Telus’ insistence of putting profits over everything, workers are the ones being left behind. 

VICE-PRESIDENT JENN TURNER JOINED 25 OTHER ALBERTA

UNION LEADERS AND COMMITTED TO BEING A COMMON FRONT

AN UPDATE FROM YOUR ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS ABBOTSFORD BARGAINING COMMITTEE

Pictured left to right: Steve McWhirter, Keller Reeves, Andy Wong (Unit 60 Chair), Norbert Torok, Jayson Little.

As was reported in the last bargaining update on March 24th, Rogers filed for mediation and conciliation services. While the filing was unexpected after only 4 days at the table, it appears to be caused by the impending Federal Anti-Scab legislation that will be coming into effect on June 20th. The company is clearly nervous about this legislation and how it affects their ability to isolate and bully their employees. 

Mediation dates have been set for May 7, 13, 14, 21 and 22. Your committee is ready to continue bargaining and will hold strong in our resolution to achieve an agreement that both protects and values the work that you do!

MAP COMMUNICATIONS HAS RATIFIED A NEW AGREEMENT

THREE MEMBERS CHOSEN FOR THE 2025 LDS PROGRAM

Left to right: Dan Jay, Gitika Sharma

The local is proud of the work you do and that you will be representing Local 1944 along with the previously selected members who will be completing their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year. Participating members are provided with the tools needed to help strengthen our union and continue fighting for workers’ rights. We wish you the best of luck in your studies and training!

LOCAL 1944 WELCOMES TWELVE NEW SHOP STEWARDS

Our last virtual shop steward course was held at the beginning of April and we had an amazing group of activists ready to become more involved in their union. We are excited to welcome 12 new shop stewards!

Thank you to our course facilitators, Chris Endicott, of Unit 53 and Terika Peters of Unit 604, for educating this latest group of shop stewards and providing them with tools to effectively advocate for our members. Shop Stewards are the stewards of the floor; the first line of defense in ensuring that our members get what they rightfully deserve.

Isabelle Chayer, Unit 250 secretary shared a recent win she had as a Shop Steward. Her knowledge of the collective agreement meant she was able to hold the Company accountable when they incorrectly changed a members schedule on short notice. She filed a grievance and it was resolved at Level 1 with a full redress and overtime pay. Thank you Isabelle for all the work that you do!

MEMBERS STAND UP AGAINST BULLYING

WANT TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD? ATTEND YOUR NEXT UNIT MEETING!

If you encounter an unsafe situation at work, here’s what you can do:

1. Report the issue immediately to your team lead/manager.
2. If the issue isn’t fixed, reach out to a workplace health and safety committee member for a follow-up and inspection. Workplace health and safety committees are composed of both management and union members.

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USW Local 1944

5261 Lane Street

Burnaby, BC V5H 4A6

(604) 437-8601