Workers at DF Barnes in St. John’s, N.L., voted 92 per cent in favour of joining the United Steelworkers union on Jan. 12, marking a major organizing win in Newfoundland and Labrador’s industrial sector.
The newly unionized employees work in construction, fabrication, maintenance and industrial services at the company’s St. John’s operations. The certification vote followed months of organizing efforts.
Established in 1932, DF Barnes began with a focus on manufacturing marine engines and steel-hulled vessels. It now specializes in providing customized maintenance, fabrication, and construction services to the energy, mining, and maritime sectors, according to the company’s website.
The workers will now prepare for first-contract negotiations with the company. The union said it will work with members to identify priorities and build bargaining strength ahead of talks.
“This victory belongs to the workers,” said Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. “By organizing and voting overwhelmingly to join the USW, the workers at DF Barnes showed what’s possible when they stand shoulder to shoulder.”
Darlene Jalbert, USW District 6 organizing co-ordinator, said the campaign relied on worker-to-worker conversations and trust-building.
“This campaign was built by workers talking to workers and trusting each other,” Jalbert said. “They were focused, united and never lost sight of why they were organizing.”
The USW represents 225,000 members across Canada in nearly every economic sector. The union is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.
