Hello members,

Your Union is always working hard on many active grievances, and it’s important that members consistently be updated on the progress of those grievances being worked on. Specifically, we’d like to update you on a grievance regarding vacation pay, and on our many Payroll and Benefits grievances. 

 Missing 2023 Vacation Pay-out 

USW Local 1944 was made aware of an issue where new members hired in 2023 were not being paid their vacation payout at the beginning of 2024, as per Article A4.01 and B4.01. 

 The Union flagged this issue to Telus and, after providing multiple examples of their mistake, the company was forced to agree to a full vacation pay audit for the 2023 hire group. When the audit was completed, the Union was provided with 25 names of new hires who had not been paid what was rightfully owed. The company has contacted these members by email to inform them that they would be made whole on the July 25th payroll. 

 General Payroll Grievance 

All members who have filed individual payroll grievances should be aware that these grievances have been put in abeyance until the resolution of the policy grievance. The policy grievance is scheduled to be heard in late January 2025, and we expect a ruling in the months following the hearing. 

What Does "Abeyance" Mean? 

• The term "abeyance" means that the grievances are temporarily on hold or suspended. 

Reason for Abeyance: 

• The Local has put forward a policy grievance regarding payroll issues. This policy grievance aims to address and resolve the concerns affecting payroll and seek a more expedient resolve to ALL cases. 

Next Steps: 

• Once the policy grievance is resolved, the status of individual payroll grievances will be re-evaluated and addressed accordingly. Any awards granted through the policy grievance and arbitration process will be applied to individual grievances at that point. 

 Benefits Grievance 

The benefits reduction grievance was presented to Telus by the Union and was promptly denied. The grievance was then reviewed by our Grievance Committee who have approved proceeding to arbitration. The Union is currently awaiting a date for the hearing. 

 New or Unresolved Payroll Issues 

Recently there has been some new Payroll issues that have come up, impacting approximately 300 members. Telus is working on resolving the issue, however if you do not find resolution, please fill out a payroll grievance form. 

For all unresolved payroll issues, please continue to work with management and the payroll department and give the Union updates if you have found resolution or need assistance in your situation.    

 We deeply appreciate your patience as we navigate the path to arbitration on these cases. While we share your frustration with the slow pace of getting cases in front of an arbitrator, this is the long path that we need to take to win. Your vigilance and perseverance are crucial. Rest assured, we are committed to seeing these issues through to their rightful resolution. 

 Grievance form

 In Solidarity,

USW Local 1944