Image: USW Local 1944 / Provided / The union representing thousands of telecom workers has shone a bat light on Rogers Arena as negotiations are set to resume with the telecom giant on Monday, August 25.

By Alyssa Conti

TECHNICIAN STRIKE

Abbotsford technicians shine light on unfair wages over Rogers Arena

Aug 22, 2025 | 9:58 AM

VANCOUVER — Rogers Arena faced the shadow of failed labour deals Thursday night (Aug. 21) as Abbotsford-based technicians continue their fight for a fair contract with the telecom giant.

A bat light projection displaying the message “Fair Contract Now” was shown across the venue during the Cyndi Lauper concert in Vancouver, signalling awareness for the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1944’s ongoing negotiations with Rogers.

“The bat light shines a spotlight on the disrespect our members feel and the unfair offers they’ve received,” said Michael Phillips, USW Local 1944 President. “[T]hese strikers just wanna have a fair contract.”

The strike began on June 19, when Abbotsford technicians called for equal pay with their counterparts in the Lower Mainland.

USW contended that local workers were being paid nine per cent less than those in Vancouver and Surrey, despite providing similar services.

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“What’s worse is Rogers would rather exploit a loophole in Canada’s new federal anti-scab legislation to replace these workers than negotiate in good faith,” said Phillips.

“That shows a deep disrespect not only for our members, but for the intent of Parliament and all Canadians who supported this law.”

The union urges Rogers to come back to the bargaining table with a serious offer for Abbotsford workers, with negotiations scheduled to resume on Monday (Aug. 25).

USW Local 44 represents roughly 4,000 telecom workers across Canada, including technicians, customer service agents, clerical staff and other frontline labourers who keep the country connected.