About Us

A Proud History

Formerly a local of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), skilled workers in Canada wanted to create a different approach to being in a union and build their own path.  They wanted to create something new and bold, and after years of hard work, the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers was born in February 1999. 

Unions at the time focused on the industries of the past.  CUSW wanted a strong union for the future, one where innovation, knowledge, new skills, and the creation of jobs in exciting, modern industries, would be welcomed. 

The founders of CUSW made democratic values and community outreach a priority, with a new constitution and strategic plan that would guide the union and its membership to break new ground and adopt new ways of doing things.

Many of the pioneers who gave so much to establish CUSW over twenty years ago are still involved today.  It's a testament to the strength of our union and the vigilance of our membership that keeps CUSW going strong well into the future.

It’s been a very successful two decades, and CUSW has established itself as the best decision for skilled workers wanting to join a labour union in British Columbia and throughout Canada. 
 

It all Started in 1999

The first meeting of the Canadian Union fo Skilled Workers took place on January 16th, 1999. A lot has changed since then! We were a small group of 300 members and we're now almost 4000. Take a look at our founding minutes to see how far we've come. 
Unions and good paying jobs in Vancouver

Building a Brighter Future… Together

CUSW is responding to the fluctuating world of work in British Columbia and taking on the challenges of the global economy.  CUSW members are knowledge workers who understand that the economy and the workforce is always in transition.  

When workers join a union like CUSW, they are prepared for change and the possibility of doing things in new ways.  Having a multitude of blended skills sets for CUSW members is a strength, and instead of waiting for things to happen, our union employs the tools to train workers for the economy of the 21st century in British Columbia.

Some of the jobs skilled workers perform today may not even exist twenty years from now.  That’s why CUSW is committed to the principle of lifelong learning and skills upgrading.  Members are encouraged to take on training, innovate their skillsets and contribute to new knowledge. 

Training & 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.”

In Our Communities

Our union isn’t an island onto itself.  CUSW 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.