Labour group promises more union drives in 2017
The B.C. Federation of Labour (BCFED ) announced more than 300 electrical workers recently agreed to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 213.
Employees of Burnaby, B.C.-based Trotter and Morton Electrical Constructors voted overwhelmingly to join IBEW to help address workplace issues, enhanced training opportunities, and better benefits, according to the union.
“Trotter and Morton employees are now part of a very capable, progressive and democratic union that will help them address issues on the job and improve benefits and wages,” said Irene Lanzinger, BCFED president. “Whether it is in the private or public sector, workers who are union members have better pay and benefits than workers who aren’t union members.”
Trotter and Morton Electrical Constructors B.C. Limited is part of the Calgary-based Trotter and Morton group of companies, offering diversified demolition, construction and building maintenance services.
The employees were previously represented by the Canada West Construction Union. In a ballot conducted under the supervision of the B.C. Labour Relations Board, they voted by a four-to-one margin to join IBEW Local 213, said the union.
In the year ahead, BCFED will be more aggressive to ensure more workers join unions to help them win better working conditions, pay and benefits, said Lanzinger.
