September 13, 2017 - In July, the union formally requested assistance from the Federal Minister of Labour by filing for conciliation in an effort to reach a respectful renewed collective agreement for our members at Shaw Abbotsford.

This conciliation process is a key part of our federal labour law. It is designed to help the parties move toward settlement.

We will be meeting with the Conciliation Officer this week from September 13th-15th.

“We strongly believe a deal can be reached that is reasonable and respectful,” stated Lee Riggs, National President of USW Local 1944. “We know that Shaw has the resources to reach a fair deal, and we are hopeful that this process will help take us a step closer to reaching a deal that our members with Shaw Abbotsford deserve.”

Wages, jurisdiction, mandatory overtime and benefits are the top issues in this round of bargaining. 

We are committed in reaching a tentative agreement that the Bargaining Committee can recommend.

USW Local 1944 has been bargaining with Shaw since early March for the agreement that expired March 31, 2017. 

In solidarity,

United Steelworkers Local 1944