Rogers has locked out 26 Kootenay technicians after failing to reach a first labour agreement with the workers, who unionized last year.
The technicians—who service Nelson, Castlegar, Grand Forks, Trail, Cranbrook, Creston, Fairmont, and Fernie—handle network installations, maintenance, and service calls. They joined IBEW Local 213 after Rogers acquired Shaw for $26 billion in 2023, but negotiations over their contract have stalled.
Union representative Robin Nedila said Rogers is pushing a deal that slashes wages by up to 25% and cuts benefits, vacation, and RRSP matching—despite being one of the most profitable corporations in Canada.
“This is a bad situation that the company has put them in,” said Nedila, to the Grand Forks Gazette. “Rogers being extremely profitable, and one of the most profitable corporations in Canada, their name is everywhere. This is shameful.”
Rogers defended its stance, saying, “The union took a proposal to a vote earlier in March without any discussion. We have since enhanced our offer and the union has not been willing to facilitate a vote on the proposed collective agreement. We’ve offered a compensation package that is consistent with other team members.”
The union has filed an unfair labour practices complaint, accusing Rogers of “surface bargaining”—negotiating in bad faith without any real intention of reaching an agreement.
“I don’t know what kind of planet they’re living on, that Rogers is not making so much money it doesn’t know what to do with it,” said Nedila.
Rogers also allegedly brought in replacement workers from Alberta to cover the lockout. The company said these are “existing staff helping to ensure the needs of our customers continue to be met without interruption.”
When Rogers merged with Shaw, overlap of positions resulted in about 3,000 jobs dropped. Last month, Rogers cut customer service staff in layoffs that took place nationwide. Earlier this year, consumer watchdog group OpenMedia slammed the Rogers-Shaw merger, calling it a “consumer disaster”.
In 2024, Rogers reported total revenue of over $20 billion. Its most recent fourth quarter, ending on December 31, 2024, saw profits climb to $558 million.
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What is a measly $558 million in profit? Daddy needs more, the third mistress still doesn’t have a yacht.