The United Steelworkers union (USW) is alleging Rogers is refusing to return to the bargaining table with striking workers in Abbotsford, B.C., and is instead bringing in managers from Alberta and other parts of British Columbia to do the work of unionized employees on strike.
The 25 technicians who are members of USW Local 1944 have been on strike since June 19, after negotiations with Rogers failed to deliver a contract that ensured equal pay for the Abbotsford workers when compared to their counterparts in Vancouver and Surrey, the USW says. The Abbotsford technicians are paid approximately nine per cent less, despite performing identical work, the USW claims.
In a July 8 press release, the union said Rogers’s “blatant move to sidestep negotiations” indicates the company “is more interested in maintaining operations at any cost rather than addressing the concerns of its frontline workers.”
“We’re incredibly disappointed that Rogers would rather exploit a potential loophole in Canada’s new federal anti-scab legislation rather than negotiate in good faith,” said Michael Phillips, USW Local 1944 president, in the union’s press release. “The law was designed to protect workers’ right to strike and not to be undermined by companies bringing in managers from other regions.”
The federal government’s Bill C-58 — which amends the Canada Labour Code to prohibit the use of replacement workers during strikes and lockouts in federally regulated workplaces, including telecom companies — came into force on June 20.
The amended legislation states an employer is prohibited from using employees who normally work at another location to perform the duties of employees in a bargaining unit at a workplace where a strike or lockout is taking place. Employers are also banned from using employees who were transferred to said workplace after the day on which notice to bargain collectively is given.
“Despite repeated calls to resume bargaining and resolve the dispute fairly, Rogers has shown no interest in engaging constructively. Instead, the company is escalating tensions by using out-of-province management staff as replacement workers,” the USW says in its Tuesday press release.
“Our members in Abbotsford provide and maintain essential internet, phone and TV services and have been clear about what they need in a fair contract,” said Phillips. “Rather than respecting that, Rogers is dragging its feet and disrespecting both its workers and the spirit of the law.”
In a statement provided to Cartt on Wednesday afternoon, a Rogers spokesperson said the company is complying with government legislation.
“Our goal is always to reach a fair, negotiated collective agreement with our 25 technicians,” said the statement from Rogers spokesperson Leann Yutuc. “We’ve put forward a five-year agreement offering long-term stability and more than a 14% wage increase over the course of the term. As we continue working towards a balanced deal, we remain committed to serving our customers in Abbotsford without interruption.”
Rogers says that it has presented a fair and balanced package to the union and is open to receiving a counter proposal. It added it has received no formal requests from the union to return to the bargaining table until very recently. It also suggests the wages being offered in its proposed collective agreement are comparable to compensation for its employees in White Rock, North Vancouver and Chilliwack.
Photo of USW Local 1944 members on strike at Rogers in Abbotsford, B.C., courtesy of the United Steelworkers union
