Latest News

Striking Uni-Select workers to hold rally to demand fair wages amidst rising costs

September 16, 2024
Uni-Select

Striking United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 2009 members at Uni-Select, Bumper to Bumper, in Coquitlam, B.C., are set to hold a rally on Wednesday to demand fair wages from their employer. The unionized members have been on strike since Sept. 3, 2024, after months of negotiations and two failed votes to ratify a new collective agreement. 

The rally in support of the striking workers will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 12:00 p.m., at 91 Glacier St., in Coquitlam. 

“The company doesn’t understand, or care, that Uni-Select workers in Coquitlam are struggling to survive,” said Al Bieksa, USW Local 2009 president. “With the cost of living reaching unprecedented levels, workers deserve fair wages that allow them to provide for their families and live with dignity. We are inviting members of the public to join us on Wednesday to hear from speakers and to show solidarity with these dedicated workers as they fight for the fair wages they deserve.”

The primary issue driving the strike is wages. In 2022, when inflation hit an all-time high of over 8%, wages at Uni-Select only saw an increase of 1.3%, followed by a 1.2% rise the following year. The result is a significant erosion of buying power, leaving many workers facing economic hardship.

“Despite the drastically higher cost of living in the Lower Mainland, the company refuses to acknowledge the value of its Coquitlam employees or address their financial struggles,” said Bieksa. “With over two billion in annual revenue in 2023 and over 1,400 employees across Canada, the company boasts a revenue-per-employee ratio of $179,372. So, given these figures, workers are asking a simple question: ‘if not now, when?,’” added Bieksa.

The USW is calling on the public to support these workers in their fight for fair wages and encouraging the public to not patronize Uni-Select until the company returns to the bargaining table with a fair offer.

Join our newsletter

Media Contact

Al Bieksa
USW Local 2009 President
604-842-2900
abieksa@usw2009.ca

Brett Barden
USW Communications
604-445-6956
bbarden@usw.ca

Recent news

Featured image for Canada must hit back hard against Trump’s reckless tariffs

Canada must hit back hard against Trump’s reckless tariffs

March 7, 2025 | News Articles

The United Steelworkers union (USW) is stepping up its fight against U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canadian exports, calling them a reckless economic attack that threatens workers, their families and the communities that depend on the jobs under attack by the U.S. president. “These tariffs are a direct assault on Canadian workers and […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Canada must hit back hard against Trump’s reckless tariffs
Image for Queen’s University pushes Steelworkers union to brink of strike

Queen’s University pushes Steelworkers union to brink of strike

March 5, 2025 | Media Releases

KINGSTON, Ont. – After years of being overworked, underpaid and undervalued, members of the United Steelworkers union (USW) at Queen’s University are saying “enough is enough,” setting a strike deadline for Saturday, March 8, if a new collective agreement is not negotiated. “We are done waiting. Despite already cutting over 100 jobs and contributing to […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Queen’s University pushes Steelworkers union to brink of strike
BC Legislature

B.C. government’s budget prioritizes tariff threat and strengthens, diversifies and responds to uncertainty: United Steelworkers

March 5, 2025 | Media Releases

VICTORIA – The United Steelworkers union (USW) acknowledges the difficult position facing the B.C. government in its 2025 budget and applauds the thoughtful, diligent focus on priorities by Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey.  U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats and the imposition of tariffs have created uncertainty for important exports, including lumber, copper, zinc and many other […]

Read More
Click to read the article about B.C. government’s budget prioritizes tariff threat and strengthens, diversifies and responds to uncertainty: United Steelworkers