After more than four months, the technician strike has finally come to an end in Abbotsford as Rogers workers have reached an agreement with the company.
Members of United Steelworkers Union Local 1944 have been on the picket line since June 19, with a total of 25 technicians holding out for a contract that would pay them just as much money as their coworkers.
The strike action came as a result of the fact that Abbotsford technicians were being paid approximately nine per cent less than technicians throughout the rest of the Lower Mainland. The union said that this is an issue that has been persisting for years.
However, pay parity has now been achieved with this latest contract, which USW Local 1944 Unit 60 chair Andy Wong announced was approved by 85 per cent of the Abbotsford members on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
“This strong show of support reflects our solidarity and commitment throughout this bargaining process,” Wong said.
“Our deepest accolades to the bargaining committee for their steadfast commitment, perseverance, and exceptional representation throughout this challenging round of negotiations.”
A Rogers spokesperson said that the company was also glad to be able to move forward with an agreement that both sides are happy with.
“Our goal has always been to achieve a fair, negotiated collective agreement that meets the needs of our employees and our customers,” said the spokesperson.
Local 1944 president Michael Phillips said that this new deal is a five-year agreement that includes the following pay increases:
Apr. 1, 2025 – 3.75 per cent, plus a permanent 0.49 per cent RRSP employer contribution increase
Apr. 1, 2026 – 3.75 per cent
Apr. 1, 2027 – 3.5 per cent
Apr. 1, 2028 – 2.5 per cent
Apr. 1, 2029 – 2.5 per cent
“The pay gap between Rogers Abbotsford technicians and Local 1944’s other Rogers Lower Mainland technicians is reduced from the current pay gap of 9.2 per cent down to 3.1 per cent by April 2027,” said Phillips.
The contract also provides these technicians with several other benefits as well, including improved automation protection, expanded and clarified work jurisdiction, a new annual boot allowance, new access to the Rogers Employee Share Accumulation Plan, and additional paid holiday time.
“This agreement was earned by the solidarity and sacrifices of our rock-solid Rogers Abbotsford technicians, on strike for four and a half months, fighting for respect from their employer, and I think we finally got some respect,” said Phillips.
“Rogers better remember that there’s a consequence to treating Abbotsford technicians like they’re second-class just because they’re in a smaller workgroup in a smaller community. They may be a smaller crew, but they know their value and they’re willing to fight for what they deserve.”