November 12, 2026

Brothers and Sisters,

Local 258 IBEW recognizes the concerns surrounding potential layoffs resulting from BC Hydro funding issues, which to date have been limited to distribution vegetation management work. Some of BC Hydro's non-union distribution vegetation contractors have already begun laying off employees. We understand the uncertainty and stress this creates for workers and their families, particularly as we enter the holiday season. Our members deserve stability, respect, and recognition for the important work they do.

Should these circumstances worsen for our members and result in formal layoffs, you can take confidence in knowing that a negotiated layoff procedure is established in your collective agreement. Local 258 will work directly with your employer to ensure the agreement is upheld and that every member is treated fairly throughout the process.

We are also taking these concerns directly to BC Hydro and beyond. Local 258 will continue advocating on behalf of our union members and signatory contractors to ensure that the value of this workforce is recognized by the utilities that depend on it.

You should all take tremendous pride in your trade.

The people of British Columbia depend on your skills, experience, and dedication every single day. You are the ones working in the toughest conditions, answering the calls in the middle of the night to deal with storm-damaged trees, keeping vegetation clear of the power system, stepping up when your communities need you most.

You are the workers coming home with soot-covered clothes after spending long, exhausting days cutting through fire-damaged trees, helping restore power to communities devastated by wildfires. You are on the front lines, doing difficult and often dangerous work that keeps our communities safe and our province running. This is essential work. It demands skill, sacrifice, and it deserves to be recognized, respected, and properly valued.

Local 258 IBEW will not lose sight of that. We will continue to stand up for our members, protect the future of your trade, and ensure that the voices of electrical vegetation workers are heard.

We are stronger together, and our message will be heard loud and clear.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Union representatives. We are here to support you.

In solidarity,

BC HYDRO-Vegetation Layoffs_.pdf