! 60 years ! 

On August 16, 2009, we started another year dedicated to ensuring that our members have a voice in the workplace. The greatest benefit a union offers an employee is a voice in the workplace. A voice guaranteed by law to challenge any decision that a worker feels is unjust about their right to employment and the conditions of that employment.

In 1949, our members worked six days a week and ten-hour days. There was no sick leave, no allowances for retirement and no health and welfare benefits. Many of our members were injured on the job because of poor safety practices, lack of training and poor equipment. Today our members and their families have benefited from that fight.

We are proud of the accomplishments that the founders fought for more than sixty years ago. Our members are still fighting for a better work environment, to keep their rights and be respected for the work they offer their employers.

 Labour Day is an opportunity to honour our workers and the sacrifices, struggles and accomplishments everyone has made. Working conditions, as well as our social benefits, such as the Canada Pension Plan and Workers’ Compensation, are the result of the insistence, perseverance and struggle of the working class. We all play a significant role in determining those working conditions. 

Teach our new brothers and sisters how to get involved with the union and on the job. We need to take the time to show them how to stand up for their rights, help them to be proud of their accomplishments and to keep our rights protected for another 60 years. 

We must continue to fight for the rights and privileges we have gained or lose them to a new workforce who do not understand their rights and yours which are tied to theirs during your working years and in retirement.

Thank you to our brothers and sisters, past and present, for their hard work and dedication. 

IBEW Local 1620
! 60 years strong !
! think union – work union – hire union !

ENJOY YOUR LABOUR DAY!