President’s Messages

President’s message: STATEMENT ON THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! USW Local 1944 adds its voice to the growing chorus of labour organizations, faith communities, advocacy groups, and activists working tirelessly to end the campaign of ethnic cleansing in Palestine.

President's Message: Resolution reached over statutory holiday grievances

We are happy to announce that the Union has come to an agreement with the Company that anyone who “volunteered” to work this day will, in fact, be paid the premium for the basic hours worked.

President’s Message: B.C. Flooding

November 17, 2021 - Hello Members,

President’s Message on the passing of Local Representative Joe Benn

September 9, 2021 - It is with immense sadness and a broken heart that I inform you that USW Local Representative Joe Benn passed away just a short time ago. His sister Sue held him tight as he left us behind. Having suffered a catastrophic stroke in the early morning last Saturday September 4th, and having no chance of recovery, Joe has now been taken off life support.

President’s Message: B.C. Wildfires

August 19, 2021 - As you may know, at this time, there are more than 260 active fires throughout British Columbia, and 31 are considered wildfires of concern. Thousands of people are under evacuation orders, and even more are under evacuation alert, and must be ready to evacuate at any time.

Acting President’s Message: Vaccine priority

April 15, 2021 - There is an understandable amount of worry around vaccine distribution and who should get priority over others. I don’t think anyone would disagree that our elder population, and the most vulnerable amongst us should be first. Included in those that are most vulnerable are also those most at risk for contracting the virus.

Acting President’s Message: Are You Taking Vaccine Appointment Bookings?

March 12, 2021 - If you have been trained to take appointments for the vaccination clinics and are inside the bargaining unit, you DO NOT have to do unpaid work, including system start-up, prior to the start of your shift. No discipline will be forthcoming if you refuse.

Acting President’s Message: The Local holds Telus accountable for the coding issues

January 22, 2021 - Thank you everyone for exercising patience as I try to work through the Holiday coding issues with Telus (see previous Acting President’s Message here). They are firm in their position that they made an honest mistake and that they corrected that mistake by applying the language of the collective agreement.

Acting President’s message: The Local is currently working on solving miscoding issues with Telus

January 8, 2021 - To those affected by the coding issues regarding the statutory holidays of the Christmas break, I have been in constant contact with the Acting Director of Telus Labour Relations since Christmas Eve day. I am grateful for the many members who have flagged this as an issue and for all of the emails I have received. I am acutely aware of your frustration and the disruption in your lives that this has caused. This is why since December 24th, the Acting Director and myself have been working on this very important issue.