Striking Ledcor Workers' "Drive for Dignity"
Port Coquitlam International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' Local 213, which represents the workers on strike against Ledcor Technical Services (LTS) announced on September 16: "September 30th will mark a full year that we have been 'On Strike' against LTS. Members have remained strong on the lines, both at the downtown offices and across the street from our very Local, in the fight for a first agreement with this employer. Federal Labour code has given LTS time and leeway to extend this labour dispute, while they use SCABS to keep their business operating. The use of replacement workers must cease! Federal Labour Board hearings are scheduled for October. Please take some time to support and stand strong with these members as we approach this important time. The New Westminster and District Labour Council has assisted in organizing this COVID friendly drive for dignity. If you can make it by for a loop or two in your vehicle to wave and honk in solidarity, it will help immensely to demonstrate the spirit of our community and unionism to these workers, as they roll through 365 days of fighting for better working conditions and the dignity they deserve." The Ledcor workers in Port Coquitlam went on strike on September 30, 2019. The strike was provoked by the mass firing of 31 workers following a union meeting where members took a strike vote to put pressure on the company to get serious about negotiating. The workers are seeking a first contract which provides for job security and acceptable wages and working conditions. The union was certified as the bargaining agent for the workers more than two years ago and the strike vote was taken after months without progress in bargaining with LTS. For one year the workers have been picketing daily outside the LTS production facility as well as picketing the Ledcor head office in downtown Vancouver and sending flying pickets to sites where LTS scabs are working. They have been supported throughout by the community and other unions including the United Steelworkers, BC Building Trades, the New Westminster and District Labour Council, and others.
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