Unit 60 Abbotsford members voted 85.7% in favour of ratifying a collective agreement with Shaw

March 9, 2021 - On March 5th, 2021, a tentative agreement with Shaw was reached by our Abbotsford bargaining team, who endorsed the agreement and strongly recommended that members support its ratification.

Last night, Monday, March 8th, Unit 60 members from the Shaw Abbotsford certification attended a ratification meeting in their compound in Abbotsford, BC. Results of the ratification vote have been tabulated and the agreement has been ratified: Unit 60 members were asked to vote “Yes” or “No” to the question “Are you in favour of ratifying the tentative Collective Agreement reached on March 5, 2021?” The results of the vote are 85.7% in favour.

“The renewed and improved collective agreement with Shaw Abbotsford is yet another example that no matter how we meet, physically or virtually, when we fight for a common cause and when we keep on fighting for it no matter what, without hesitation, TOGETHER, WE WIN,” said Acting President Donna Hokiro. “Time and time again we tend to forget, and we tend to fall for the old lies again, that we, as workers, have no power, no value and no voice. If that was true, how is it that last week, we accomplished yet again one of these victories that we, as labour activists and leaders, as workers and team members, achieve when we stand strong and FEARLESS? Members from Unit 60 Abbotsford are a living example that even a small bargaining unit can punch above its weight by demonstrating strong solidarity and determination. Congratulations to our members at Unit 60 Abbotsford on their collective agreement.”

Highlights of the ratified collective agreement include:

  • 10.15% increase to wages over 5 years
  • Creation of new warehouse position language
  • Enhancement to overtime language
  • Improvements to time bank language
  • Strengthening of Union representation language
  • Protection against discipline in relation to GPS monitoring
  • Protection of the existing overtime meal language
  • Alignment with existing Vancouver and Surrey benefit plans, plus additional personal days paid at 100%

The Shaw Cable Systems Abbotsford - USW Local 1944 renewed collective agreement is effective from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2025. We will update the collective agreement with the agreed changes and it will be available on the Local’s web site under the Workplaces heading, Shaw.

“Bargaining is difficult at the best of times, but this round was presented with the additional challenges dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said USW Staff Representative Jayson Little. “We navigated the logistics of bargaining remotely and engaging members virtually, and adapted our traditional in-person engagement and mobilization strategies for info sessions, rallies, and practice pickets in consideration of physical distancing requirements. The solidarity from the Local, District and the resolve of the Abbotsford members was greatly appreciated by our bargaining team. The resulting contract includes important gains for Abbotsford members, including wage increases as well as language that will protect working conditions.”

Unit 60 Shaw Abbotsford Bargaining Committee members are:
James Large - Unit 60 member
Rob Wall - Unit 60 member
Keller Reeves - Unit 60 member
Steve McWhirter - Local Union Representative BC
Scott Lunny - USW Staff Representative
Jayson Little - USW Staff Representative and spokesperson
Donna Hokiro - Acting President

In Solidarity, 

USW Local 1944

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