In this episode, USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny talks two tough but inspiring strikes in British Columbia. He’s joined by members from USW Local 1-405 at StellerVista Credit Union in Castlegar and Slocan Park, and USW Local 1944, Unit 60, at Rogers Communications in Abbotsford.

The conversation highlights the unique struggles of small bargaining units of just 11 workers at the credit union and 25 technicians at Rogers. Both groups describe their employers’ attempts to roll back hard-won contract rights, stall wage growth, and divide workers.

Throughout the episode, the guests stress that these fights are not just about money, but about respect, dignity and fairness. From solidarity BBQs in the Kootenays to coordinated picket actions in the Lower Mainland, they show how “one day longer, one day stronger” is more than a slogan but a strategy for winning.

Listeners are encouraged to support the strikes at StellerVista Credit Union (USW Local 1-405) and Rogers Abbotsford (USW Local 1944, Unit 60).

Close the Rogers scab loophole to protect workers, communities and Bill C-58:
https://usw.ca/campaigns/close-the-loophole/

Support USW Local 1944, Unit 60 by donating:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/9Q99DAFTXJ7Y4/checkout/KM5NLAC4ZWPQKBUYPSPUBLVT?src=webqr

Director Scott Lunny and coordinator Tracey Phan are joined by summer students Elisha, Hazel, Micah and Juliana from Winnipeg to share their experiences in the Steelworkers Summer Program. From attending the National Gathering of Indigenous Steelworkers to union courses, workplace tours and self-directed projects, they reflect on lessons learned, advice for future participants and the power of solidarity.

www.usw.ca/steelworker-summer

In this special two-part, multilingual episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, host Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director, welcomes guests from across the globe to talk about international solidarity in the mining sector. This episode highlights the work of the International Miners Network, which brings together unions representing Newmont Mine workers from Canada, Australia, Argentina, Peru and Mexico.

Part 1 features a conversation with Craig Beverage from the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU). Craig shares insights on mining in Australia, the history of AWU and the union’s success in winning criminal liability for companies that cause worker deaths. He highlights the value of cross-border union co-operation in holding multinational employers like Newmont accountable for health and safety standards, no matter where they operate.

Part 2 brings in Roberto Ovando, ASIJEMIN (Argentina), Ruth Lopez, Los Mineros (Mexico) and Ulices Martos, SITRACOMY (Peru). The guests describe the structure of their unions, challenges with company and site-specific bargaining language and the shared struggle to raise labour standards for all miners. Each speaks to the importance of the International Miners Network in learning from one another, building strength and developing collective strategies to pressure multinational corporations. Health and safety remains a central theme especially in light of fatalities and inconsistent standards across regions.

Scott wraps the episode by emphasizing the importance of international solidarity and ongoing relationship-building.

Contact:
D3Comms@USW.ca