The latest news for you

A USW LOCAL 1944 SUMMER

This summer, 25 of our technicians in Abbotsford were pushed to the brink and forced to strike against Rogers’ unfair treatment and low wages. For too long, this small but mighty group of technicians, who work in a smaller community, have been putting up with the company's unfair practice of isolation, bullying and low wages. It is appalling that a multi-billion dollar company feels justified in paying workers less for doing the same work as other technicians, often side by side, while charging customers the same price. Enough is enough!

Our message is loud and clear: Equal Pay for Equal Work

We will not stand by and watch members be bullied by their employer simply because they are smaller in number. When worker's come together, we are undefeatable and we will continue to stand up for what is right and fair.

For over two months, the 25 Abbotsford Technicians have held the line, rain or shine.

The solidarity and support from everyone has been tremendous and deeply appreciated. When we are a common front, we are undefeatable. Thank you to all including the BC Federation of Labour, Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan, Interim NDP Leader Don Davies, Abbotsford MP's Sukhman Gil and Brad Vis, BC Nurses Union, IBEW, VDLC, MoveUP, NWDLC, CUPE, IUOE, SEIU, USW Local 2009, CLC, SOAR, COSCO, FVLC, PSAC, ILWU, HSA and more.

Historical labour wins have been achieved by unionized workers who stood on a picket line and fought for what they know is fair and right and this is no different for the 25 striking Abbotsford Technicians. Thank you for standing up for workers rights at your workplace and for all workers across Canada. Your dedication makes all the difference.

One day longer, one day STRONGER!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH HOW WORKERS IN BC CAME TOGETHER IN SOLIDARITY

MORE LOCAL 1944 SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Although the Rogers strike in Abbotsford has been a summer focal point, that is not all that the Local has been up to these last few months.

Camaraderie has been a big theme of the summer. Table officers, unit executives and staff were busy planning and attending Local 1944 events in BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, because we love nothing more than joining together with members for some food, drinks, music, socializing and a great time.

These events allow everyone to reconnect and remind ourselves what it's all about and why we do what we do. Solidarity forever!

Lower Mainland Units (7, 51, 52) got together for a BBQ at Lane Street in Burnaby and had the opportunity to meet and hangout with fellow members.

If the pictures are anything to go by, unit 53 of Prince George fishing derby was an event to remember. Can't wait to see what next year's derby has in store!

Unit 32 members from Abbotsford and Chilliwack enjoyed some much needed downtime on the paintball field.

A morning on the golf course for our unit 60 members was a summer morning well spent. Members had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day and some great camaraderie.

Members pictured above are from units 203, 208, 214, 604, 602, 33.

Thank you to our members that took the time and opportunities to come out and make these events unforgettable!

CONTACT THE UNION OFFICE IF YOU'D LIKE TO PLAN AN EVENT FOR YOUR UNIT.

4TH NATIONAL INDIGENOUS GATHERING

This years 4th National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers was held on July 7 and 8 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Treaty One Territory, in Winnipeg. USW Local 1944 delegates, Harleigh Hansen, Maverick Olson, Randy Magera and Raven Reed had the opportunity to share experiences, under the theme "Growing our circle," and hear from Manitoba's premier, Wab Kinew, who brought words of inspiration and strength to the gathering. Delegates participated in profoundly meaningful sharing circles; their presence and voices made this gathering an unforgettable experience.

WHAT IS A SCAB?

A picket line is formed when union members vote "yes" in favour of going on strike. A scab, is anyone who crosses a picket line to perform the work of a striker or takes the job of a striking worker by working for the employer. It's a term that has been used since the 18th and 19th centuries and is deeply rooted in union history to express the harmful, undermining effects of taking the work of a striking worker.

The recently enacted Bill C-58, the Federal Anti-Scab Legislation, restricts federally regulated employers from using replacement workers. However, Rogers has found a loophole that allows them to bring in managers to perform the work of our Abbotsford strikers.

Take action and send a letter to your Member of Parliament to urge them to close the anti-scab loophole that allows Rogers to use managers as scabs.

SEND YOUR AUTOMATED LETTER HERE

FIRST RATIFIED AGREEMENT FOR SECURITAS

Members in our new Unit 65, Securitas Technicians have officially secured their first collective agreement!

This collective agreement, which was strongly endorsed, came with no concessions and a solid financial gain bringing an average wage increase of 13% in the first year. The Bargaining Committee also obtained strong additional increases every six months based on tenure for those not at the maximum rate.