CUSW - BC

Rethinking Unions

The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers is an organization built from the bottom up. Concepts like democracy, membership participation, respect, diversity and fairness aren’t just punchlines. They are values built into the very fibre and core of our union.

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Democracy and Accountability

First, members aren’t just “dues payers.” They’re active participants in directing the future of their union. That’s why CUSW in British Columbia (CUSW-BC) is structured on the principle of democratic accountability by its leadership to rank and file members throughout the union.

Secondly, “bosses” don’t exist in CUSW-BC. There are elected officials chosen from – and by – the membership. Our union responds to the needs and demands of the membership. The rank and file direct the leadership, not the other way around. That’s the way unions should be, and CUSW-BC is proud of its democratic traditions.

Diversity and Fairness

CUSW-BC believes that diversity is a strength. Our members in places like Vancouver, Nanaimo, Surrey, Victoria, Richmond and the Interior of British Columbia come from a broad array of cultures from all over the world. Our union wouldn’t have it any other way. CUSW-BC brings together the best of all worlds, and is as diverse as the communities where our members live and work.

Especially in provinces as diverse as British Columbia, CUSW-BC also recognizes that workers’ rights are human rights, and no one should have to suffer from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, language, economic background, sexual orientation or origin. It has no place in any workplace or organization. Equity and fairness are principles that are fully engrained in our union’s progressive constitution and organizational structures.

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Health and Safety Come First

CUSW also recognises that safe and healthy workplaces should be a way of life. Every worker in British Columbia and throughout Canada who becomes injured, gets sick or even killed on the job is one worker too many, and our union believes that workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility. CUSW sisters and brothers make it a priority to protect each other at work.

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Training and Education

The CUSW Training Trust Fund is something we’re very proud of. It’s a unique program for CUSW members to enhance their skills – and careers. Members can individually decide on what types of skills they want and create their own path. Members can be reimbursed for 75% of their course fees (up to $500), and there’s no limit on how many times they can use the Fund.

CUSW acknowledges that many of the old ways of the mid-20th century economy just aren’t feasible. Workers of value are always innovating, just like our union. As our members always like to say: “We’re not like any other union. We’re CUSW.”

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In Our Communities

Our union isn’t an island onto itself. CUSW-BC recognizes that unions have a major role in nurturing a fair and democratic society. That’s why our union encourages elected officials at both the provincial and federal levels to pass progressive legislation that protects our universal health care system, public schools, natural environment, improves wages, benefits and working conditions for all workers, fights for equality, and creates a Canada where everyone can succeed, and no one is left behind.

The values of democracy, equity and respect that we practice each and every day in our union is what we want to see for everyone in British Columbia, throughout the country, and for all workers around the world.

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