ON LOCATION

Local 1944 is proud to have members across the country in almost every province, and while the physical distance between members might be large, we stand united.

Over the past few months, and throughout the rest of the year, Table Officers, Michael Phillips, Jenn Turner and Ross Brown are travelling across provinces to spend some face to face time with every unit.

For Secretary-Treasurer Ross Brown, this is what turns coworkers into allies and allies into community:

"Too often, people think the Union is something separate from them but every time we come together at our social events, that idea falls apart. Face to face, you see it immediately. We have far more in common than we do dividing us."

For Michael Phillips, spending time with members makes him feel more connected to the Local:

"We had more and larger Christmas parties than ever last year, and almost triple the turnout for the Telus Bargaining Committee election compared to last round.

I just got back from a pub night in Nanaimo with maybe half the Unit attending. Visiting members gives us insight into what work is like on the shop floor and hear about issues in real time."

Please contact the union office if you would like to plan an event in your area.

A STEELWORKERS OPPORTUNITY

Whether at the Local, National or International level, the United Steelworkers offers several opportunities for every member to empower themselves within the Union. These include conferences, conventions, winter and summer school sessions, webinars, volunteering and casual get-togethers.

Vice-President, Jenn Turner has been really encouraged by the increase in participation we’re seeing across Units:

"More members are showing up to events across the provinces, from golf tournaments and BBQs to pub nights and fishing derbies. There’s a clear shift since 2024, and I’m excited to see it continue."

The 2025 Indigenous Conference in Winnipeg

Montreal Summer BBQ

The AFL Federation of Labour Winter School

Rogers Leafletting Campaign

Want to become more involved in the Union and aren't sure where to start? Attend an upcoming Unit meeting.

COME READY TO:

- Learn about your rights and benefits

- Share your concerns and ideas

- Meet fellow union members and leaders

- Take action to shape your future!

A NEW ERA FOR WOMEN OF STEEL

Our Women of Steel Committee is committed to supporting their communities and building engagement within the Local. Recently, the WOS Committee had the chance to unwind and build solidarity at our Women of Steel events, including a Calgary and Lower Mainland Paint Nite. The Committee is looking forward to hosting more community events.

SHOP STEWARD WINS

Shop Stewards are essential to building a strong Union. When something goes wrong in the workplace, they are usually the first one's to step in to help in any way they can. While most violations of the Collective Agreement escalate to a Local Union Rep, some are handled at the Shop Steward level. Their knowledge of the Collective Agreement and training allows them to hold their employer accountable and handle issues effectively as they arise.

It may not always be easy but it can be an intensely rewarding experience when a member right's are protected. Thank you to our Shop Stewards for making a difference!

Captec Bargaining Committee

Keewatin Air Bargaining Committee

Ericsson Bargaining Committee

Telus Bargaining Committee

THE ART OF NEGOTIATION

Having a voice at the bargaining table is one of the strongest tools that Unions have and it's a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

Bargaining Committees for Keewatin Air, Captec, Ericsson, ADT by Telus and Telus have been established and the members trained. Keewatin Air, Captec and Ericsson have began preliminary meetings with their employer, with ADT by Telus and Telus preparing for their upcoming negotiations.

"We’ve got so much bargaining going on and it's clear that members are very dedicated to ensuring job security and better treatment at work in the future in the way they’re getting involved. I think part of it is that members see that this is a Local that fights to win, as we did with the Rogers Abbotsford strike, recent organizing wins, and all the high-profile lobbying we’re doing.” - Michael Phillips

Employer specific bargaining updates can be found on the USW Local 1944 website.

STRONGER TOGETHER THAN DIVIDED

The Canadian Telecommunications Workers Alliance was officially launched on February 11th. The three largest unions representing Telecommunications workers in Canada, USW, Unifor and CUPE have come together in recognition that there is far more that unites telecom workers, than separates them.

This alliance is about being strong and united to confront the critical issues facing telecom workers in Canada. We must protect our jobs, our data and our sovereignty!

THE POWER OF A VOTE

Coming together in solidarity is a common theme in the labour movement as we recognize that true strength is built in numbers. Earlier this month, our members met with other labour unions in Calgary for the first joint Labour Votes school where they received training, resources and knowledge to continue standing in solidarity to protect worker's rights.

As well, Secretary-Treasurer, Ross Brown attended the NDP Convention where Avi Lewis was voted in as the new NDP Leader. Thinking about what engages our members, he remarked:

That’s where our strength comes from, our ability to come together for a common cause. Members don't just show up for issues, they show up for each other. And when that happens, when we stand side by side for something that matters to our community, that's when we become unstoppable. Seeing that grow across our Local gives me real pride because that's how real power is built, together.

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USW Local 1944

5261 Lane Street

Burnaby, BC V5H 4A6

(604) 437-8601