TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Tennis season is in full swing at the Rogers Cup, but one of the most unreported matches is taking place between the telecommunication giant and the technicians that deliver its services. Some of Rogers' technician staff have been on strike for two months in a bid to secure a first work contract.
"While Rogers is parading on tennis courts this week, the technicians that deliver its services to customers are out on the picket line", says Dave Coles, National President of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP). "Rogers has a big role to play in making sure its subcontractors pay their workers a decent wage."
The striking technicians are employed by DHT and INTEK that are contracted by Rogers to do installations and repairs. The formed a union a year ago and their employers has thus far refused to negotiate a first collective agreement. While these technicians struggle with unstable work schedules and often do not earn the legal minimum wage, Rogers has racked in more than $10 billion over the past five years.
"It is unacceptable that Rogers would allow its contracting companies to treat its workers this way," added Coles. "When Rogers customers want service from the company, they sign a 2-3 year contract - it's time Rogers did the same for its staff."
The technicians are represented by CEP local 5011. They are calling on DHT and INTEK to negotiate a first collective agreement.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada is the largest union in several key sectors of Canada's economy, including forestry, energy, telecommunications and media and represents over 120,000 members.
SOURCE: COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND PAPERWORKERS UNION OF CANADA
Dave Coles, National President, 613-299-5628
Roxanne Dubois, Communications Officer, 613-230-5200, ext. 241
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