The forestry sector has always played a key role in Canada’s economic health. Now more than ever, it needs strong government action to ensure that it can continue to sustainably support workers’ families, their communities, as well as many of our public services. Right now, thousands of USW members and forestry workers could be in danger of losing their livelihoods. Decisions are being made that could affect the future of the forestry employment industry in British Columbia.

Dear Fraser Health Family,     Since our    first immunization   on December 15, 2020, we have worked hard to deliver on the provincial goal of maximizing immunization of our highest priority populations as quickly as possible. It is rewarding to see what we have been able to achieve in a short period of time as vaccine arrived earlier than expected. We will be completing vaccinations at long-term care and assisted living facilities by the end of this week.

“IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS, THERE IS ALSO OPPORTUNITY”  – SUN TZU  “ART OF WAR (544–496 BC)   The pandemic has provided a new lens through which to view how health care is delivered in BC, and what is possible to achieve. We must immediately stop contracting out of health care support services. Keeping them public is key to healthier patients and cleaner facilities.   When we hear stories about front-line healthcare...

The United Steelworkers Local 2009 are proud to stand in solidarity with farmers from Punjab and across India as they stand together against injustices.   We implore the Indian Government to stop using violence against the protestors and instead engage in a meaningful dialogue with farmers with the goal of achieving a mutually satisfactory resolve. As you are aware In September 2020, during the Pandemic, Indian Government passed three laws deregulating the agriculture sector in...

  Exclusion of vacation entitlement and severance under “simplified” EI. There has been some confusion regarding new Employment Insurance (EI) rules that affect our members who have been victims of mill closures. Previously all severance and vacation payments received at the closure of a mill were used to negatively impact EI entitlement. Those rules have changed.  Due to some incredible diligent lobbying, including the significant efforts of Jeff Bromley USW...

USW Rejects Endorsement of Former Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau for OECD Role Late on Friday, October 30, the Canadian Labour Congress, without consulting any union affiliate, announced a joint endorsement with the business lobby group, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of former Finance Minister Bill Morneau for the role of Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This was a shocking action by the CLC, which is responsible to...

A Message from the President-Al Bieksa   As you know, the B.C. provincial election takes place on October 24. It is no secret that our union has endorsed the BC NDP because they understand that building a strong and prosperous economy starts with investing in working people, improving and expanding services such as child care and healthcare, and making life more affordable for families such as yours and mine. Today, however, I wanted to reach out to you personally not only in...

The BC NDP has called an election which will take place October 24 th , 2020. We have an opportunity to re-elect a government that understands firsthand, the challenges faced by working people in BC. The most important thing we can do, is ensure we get out and vote. Together, we have the power to elect the BC NDP, the party that appreciates our hard work, our industries, and our collective desire for a better society.   The United Steelworkers, and this local in particular, has...

Lisa Beare was elected as the MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows in May 2017. She is the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Lisa had an eventful debut into provincial politics, with an appointment to John Horgan’s cabinet mere months into her first term as MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows.   Her position as Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture was a bit of a surprise, considering she made a name for herself as an advocate for education and child care.   Beare came...

Bob D'Eith was elected as the MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission in 2017. He serves as Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. For twenty-five years, as an entertainment lawyer, author and music consultant, Bob has helped Canadian musicians achieve their dreams. For over a decade as Executive Director of Music BC, he was a fierce advocate for the music industry and co-creator of the award-winning artist development program "The PEAK Performance Project". Bob served...