Hello Members,
Your Bargaining Committee met with the Rogers Committee earlier this week. YOUR committee tabled a comprehensive package that would address the disparities with every other certification (Surrey, Vancouver & IBEW contracts).
Unfortunately, Rogers continues to act like your previous employer Shaw, with the same bargaining team, and the same disappointing and disrespectful tactics from Shaw. Sadly, we have come to expect these behaviours from this employer, and are prepared to fight back.
After two days of bargaining, the emerging theme from the employer towards you can be summed up in one word - Isolation. They want to keep Abbotsford isolated from the other two USW Certs of Surrey and Vancouver. In the same breath they tabled language from the Surrey/Vancouver contracts but without the Surrey/Vancouver wages. In 2025 Abbotsford will be behind all USW Union Certs by close to $4 per hour for Journeymen and $2.50 per hour for Installers!
Abbotsford members work shoulder and shoulder in the others’ areas, which is masked as “regional teams”, without the equal Abbotsford representation or monetary compensation. We say, the same work for the same pay. The same KPI’s for the same pay. The same treatment with the same pay.
The Shaw bargainers claim a mandate to keep Abbotsford isolated from Surrey and Vancouver, but want to make sure that the contractors that come in to your jurisdiction area have abundant protections. These contractors often have similar skillsets and are subject to the same KPIs, but have higher wage rates.
Your committee is pushing back on these tactics and has made it clear: "We Won't Be Bullied!"
We are committed to securing fair wages, fair treatment, and a fair contract—one that recognizes the work you do and the value you bring.
Stay engaged, stay united, and be ready to take action. The strength of our bargaining position comes from you, the members. Together, we will fight for the contract you deserve.
Our next bargaining dates are scheduled for the end of February. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s keep up the momentum.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee
