About the Union
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada was formed in 1992 through a merger of three smaller unions. Nationally, the union now represents about 160,000 members working in a variety of different industries.
Our union local, 255-G, joined the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union on January 1st, 2005. Our members are employed in all facets of the printing industry; newspapers ( The Edmonton Journal ), commercial web ( Quebecor World and Ed-Web Printers ), sheet fed ( ABC Press and Quebecor World ), specialty ( Corporate Graphics and Union Shop ). Their jobs include work in pre press, electronic pre press, stripping, press, bindery, shipping and receiving, delivery services and maintenance.
Our Story
The Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union Local 255-G Edmonton’s involvement in unions and unionism began on May 10, 1910 when we received a Charter from the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders of America and were designated Local 188. Unfortunately, the only information we have on our involvement with this union is the charter itself which hangs on the wall in our office. What happened to them? We can only speculate. Our records are incomplete and go back only as far as 1921, at which time there was no mention of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders.
On April 3, 1911 we received a Charter from the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants Union of North America and given the local number 255, which we hold to this day. We remained proud members of this great organization for more than 67 years.
On July 27, 1978, as a result of a merger with The Stereotypers/Electrotypers International Union, Local 255 if the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants Union became Local 255 of the International Printing and Graphic Communications Union.
On July 1, 1983, we became Local 255-C Edmonton of the Graphic Communications International Union as a result of another merger with the Graphic Arts International Union.P> On January 1, 2005, after a long standing relationship with the Graphic Communications International Union, our local merged with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union as Local 255-G. This merger has now well positioned us to take on the twenty first century.
Join Us
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada is busy unionizing new workplaces all the time. It’s not a complicated procedure, but there are certain steps to follow.
If you think your workplace needs a union, call the CEP. Our organizing representatives will gladly answer your questions.
Complete confidentiality is assured.
Contact Ray (780) 426-0624 or (780) 668-6400
