March 16, 2020 - Local 258 IBEW Assistant Business Manager Dan Giesbrecht reports bargaining with Asplundh Canada ULC for a new collective agreement is underway but has been suspended, until June, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the travel restrictions currently in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were asked by the company to agree to a temporary suspension of bargaining until June of this year when both sides will review the circumstances,” said Brother Giesbrecht. “Asplundh’s negotiator has to travel from the U.S. and is not able to do so at this time.”

Brother Giesbrecht indicates the company has made a commitment that any negotiated wage increases would be retroactive to April 6, 2020.

The contract with Asplundh Canada ULC expires on April 5. Local 258 IBEW represents about 85 members who work in the Utility Arborist industry at multiple locations throughout the province.

Brother Giesbrecht would like to thank Brother Tim Mitchell, Shop Steward and Unit 6 Executive Member, and Brother Greg Lasota, who are serving on the Union’s bargaining committee.