Steelworkers vote 99.6% to strike at Rogers Communications
Burnaby, Friday, September 22, 2023
Overwhelming support for strike action has been shown by members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1944, Unit 60 at Rogers Communications in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. Over 85% of the membership turned up to vote, providing a strike mandate of over 99.6%.
The members have been without a contract since March 23 of this year. Despite 18 days at the negotiating table, including current efforts with a Federal Conciliator, Rogers has yet to provide the commitments USW members need to feel that their jobs won’t be replaced by contractors.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the members of Unit 60,” stated Donna Hokiro, USW Local 1944 President. “They have not only given a resoundingly strong vote of confidence to their bargaining team but also a clear message to Rogers that they are unflinching in their determination to ensure their jobs are secure from contracting out now and well into the future.”
“With this impressive display of solidarity, our members have notified Toronto that they resolutely refuse to live in a space where the employer can erode their jobs in favour of contractors,” Hokiro added. “When they purchased Shaw, Rogers made a commitment to the Canadian public, and most importantly Western Canadians, that this would benefit the telecommunications sector, including the creation of jobs. We intend on holding them accountable to that commitment, which includes preserving the existing work our skilled membership has proudly provided for generations in the Lower Mainland.”
Strike votes were held September 18, 19, and 21, 2023, with 85% of active members voting 99.6% in support of strike action. The Vancouver/Richmond certification received 99.3% support with the Surrey/Langley certification being unanimous in their support with 100%.
Your continued support is appreciated.
Your Unit 60 Bargaining Team,
Jayson, Steve, Andy, Wallace, Curtis, Stacey, and Corey