98% Strike Vote by Steelworkers at Shaw Cable
BURNABY, BC, July 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1944 at Shaw Cable in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley have strongly voted in favour of strike action. This week, 85% of the membership voted, giving a strike vote mandate over 98%.
Despite many days at the bargaining table, as well as assistance from a federal conciliator, Shaw continues to attack the working conditions of its employees. The members have been without a contract since March 23, 2018.
"Our members know that a strike can induce financial hardships for them and their families," stated Lee Riggs, USW Local 1944 Chief Negotiator. "Yet, our members showed determination in defending their rights against an employer that is showing little respect to them. I am proud of this strong strike vote, which shows how united our members are and that they are ready to fight back."
Demands from Shaw management include:
- Elimination of job security
- Massive erosion of members' work
- 0% annual wage increases
- Forcing employees to pay for work devices
"Shaw says they want an organization that is agile and adaptable; we say this should not be at a cost to our members," said Lee Riggs. "What Shaw really intends to do is to undermine union workers' rights, and change the rules by making workers disposable while putting more financial pressure on their shoulders. We believe that it is possible for Shaw to be a strong player in the competitive market and also provide a fair and respectful collective agreement that shows our members that the work they do is valued and protected."
Strike votes were held July 17, 18 and 19, 2018 with 357 members voting. Two certifications for Shaw Cablesystems G.P. are impacted by the strike vote. The Vancouver/Richmond certification received 99% support and the Surrey/Langley certification received 97% support for strike action.
"The main goal of the Local is to negotiate a new collective agreement, not to go on strike," stated Lee Riggs. "There are many levers we can activate before going on strike. The bargaining committee has our members' backs. More than 10,000 members from USW Local 1944 have our backs. There are a million members from the United Steelworkers that have our backs. There is enough power in our numbers to allow us to do whatever it takes to negotiate a collective agreement that ensures these workers get a fair contract while protecting their jobs for years to come."
USW Local 1944 represents over 500 members at Shaw Cable in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Overall, the Local represents more than 10,000 workers in the telecommunications sector across Canada.
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
Lee Riggs, USW Local 1944 Chief Negotiator, 604-437-8601, [email protected]
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