USW 1-1937

06/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18xxYwaeMP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Workers at Western Forest Products Value-Added Division (WFP VAD) in Chemainus, B.C., have joined the United Steelworkers union (USW). The successful union organizing campaign was driven by a desire for better representation and a stronger voice on the job with a union that will fight for improvements that forestry workers need and deserve.

The workers at WFP VAD perform essential work in the forest industry through their mill work and kiln drying. They are an important part of Western Forest Products Inc., British Columbia’s forestry industry and the communities that depend on it.

Read more: https://usw.ca/workers-at-western-forest-products-value-added-division-join-the-united-steelworkers-union/

06/04/2026

Workers at Western Forest Products Value-Added Division join the United Steelworkers union.
CHEMAINUS, B.C. – Workers at Western Forest Products Value-Added Division (WFP VAD) in Chemainus, B.C., have joined the United Steelworkers union (USW). The successful union organizing campaign was driven by a desire for better representation and a stronger voice on the job with a union that will fight for improvements that forestry workers need and deserve.

See more on this announcement here👇

05/26/2026

COMOX VALLEY SPORTS AND AQUATIC CENTRE USW BARGAINING UPDATE #3

The USW Local 1-1937 Bargaining Committee has served 72-hour strike notice to the Comox Valley Regional District, the employer of members working at the Comox Valley Sports and Aquatic Centres.
During negotiations, the Employer has tabled proposals that would significantly erode seniority rights. The Union has made it clear from the outset that any concessionary language impacting seniority is unacceptable. In addition, the Employer has failed to present a meaningful response to the cost-of-living pressures and inflationary impacts experienced by the membership.
On May 4, the membership delivered a clear and unified message, voting 100% in favor of strike action. This strong mandate underscores the solidarity and resolve of the membership.
USW Local 1-1937 members and the bargaining committee remain united, committed, and prepared to defend fair working conditions, protect seniority rights, and achieve a fair collective agreement.
More on this inside.

05/10/2026

04/28/2026

April 28, the National Day of Mourning, is a solemn occasion to remember workers who were killed at work, those who have been injured on the job and those who have been made ill by their work.

In USW District 3, four workers lost their lives on the job between April 28 last year and today. Three were members and one was a contractor:
🖤 Ken Carter
🖤 Ron Hollingsworth
🖤 Philip Lagus
🖤 Andrew Osbourne

On this day, we mourn the dead and reaffirm our commitment to fight for the living: a fight to make every workplace safe.

Read our statement here: http://usw.to/5ne

04/13/2026

Dear Members,
The Union is looking to receive an update on how the Service Canada meetings that were made available to members over the past two Tuesdays went.

We understand that a number of our members were able to secure appointments, and I am hoping to gather feedback to present at our next Community Transition Table Meeting, which is scheduled for April 23, 2026.

We do not have a list of members who attended these appointments, so I am asking that any members who did meet with Service Canada please reach out to Mike Redman using the contact information below. If possible, we would appreciate hearing:
🔹What topics were discussed during your appointment, and
What options, supports, or potential solutions were outlined.
🔹Your feedback will be extremely helpful in ensuring member concerns and experiences are accurately reflected at the upcoming meeting.

Also attached here are two job fair opportunities that have recently been shared with the Union for distribution.
For those who are interested and able to attend, please see the attached information.

Thank you, and I appreciate your time and input.

In solidarity,

Mike Redman -USW Business Agent

Contact Info:
[email protected]
Cell Phone (778) 268-5580

04/13/2026

👉🏼The Port Hardy plant is always looking for processors too. So if you are needing work go check them out.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ELUdZaWcc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Electrician and Millwright wanted! Join our Port Hardy Processing Plant team – the most advanced fresh salmon facility in BC. Apply by April 19th.

Learn more: mowi.com/caw/people/vacancies

01/26/2026

Chemainus Mill Staying Closed until at least end of year.

Brian Butler, United Steel Workers Local 1-1937 president, said in a statement Saturday that "striking workers should not be blamed for the closures.
“Western Forest Products’ Attempts to sow dissension amongst Union members in this manner is not a solution,” he said. “It only serves to create more problems.”

Read More on this inside.

01/16/2026

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️
USW and La-Kwa sa muqw come to a Tentative Agreement!
Click below to See the joint statement on this here 👇