Formerly a local of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), skilled workers in Ontario 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 at Hamilton, Ontario.
Unions at the time focused on the industries of the past. CUSW wanted a strong union for the future, one where innovation, knowledge, and 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 Canada.