Collective Bargaining - BC Hydro & L258 IBEW

Posted August 26, 2022 - We are all aware of the disputes between the BC Government and two of its Unions, the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and the Professional Employees’ Association (PEA).  Both Unions have issued 72-hour strike notice, and on August 23^rd, BCGEU accepted the government’s offer to return to the bargaining table. This is a significant development, and it is the direct result of the pressure BCGEU members have applied, which includes the current job action that reflects the solidarity of BCGEU members.

One of our negotiating strategies is to await the outcome of these public sector negotiations to see if the BC Government will add funding above what they have already offered.  This pause also provides myself and our President, Kevin Duchak, the opportunity to meet with our BC Hydro Bargaining Committee and fully review our bargaining position.  

As a Crown Corporation, BC Hydro falls under the Public Sector Employers’ Council.  I have included the link to the public sector bargaining mandate for your information.  Note it hasn’t been updated since 2019, but it does provide information on how many Unionized members fall under PSEC.

 https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employers/public-sector-employers/public-sector-bargaining/mandates-and-agreements?keyword=2019&keyword=mandate 

In anticipation that the BCGEU and PEA will conclude bargaining this fall, I have scheduled the following bargaining dates with BC Hydro November 29 and 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, and 16.  As well, I have secured a written agreement from BC Hydro stating that the general wages increases will be retroactive to April 1, 2022. 

I appreciate your patience as we move through the bargaining process and want to thank those who have reached out to me to discuss bargaining.  As we move through the negotiations we are continuing to receive suggestions to modify the collective agreement. We understand the rate of change we have seen this year alone has prompted some of those suggestions. While we have already provided our proposals to BC Hydro and can’t add proposals, we will keep your suggestions as potential counters to the employer or modifications to our original position where the opportunity presents itself. 

IBEW 258 Golf Tournament 2022 – Pitt Meadows Golf and Country Club

Spots are quickly filling up for our tournament and I know this event will be a huge success. Find out more here and sign up today! I will be golfing and I look forward to meeting everyone! 

Celebrating Labour Day

Bring your family & friends to a Labour Day celebration in your community on Monday, September 5^th. Check the listings here.

Unit Meetings resume in September

After a summer break, Unit meetings will resume in September, as follows. Please note there have been some date, time and/or location changes

Unit 1
Maset : Thursday,  09/08 at 430 pm *official

Unit 2
Prince George : Thursday,  09/15 at 7 pm *official

Unit 3
Bridge River : Tuesday,  09/13 at 530 pm *official
Kamloops: Wednesday, 09/14 at 530 pm
Vernon: Thursday,  09/15 at 5 pm
Mica: Tuesday, 09/20 at 6 pm
Revelstoke: Wednesday, 09/21 at 4 pm

Unit 4
Port Alberni : Tuesday, 09/13 at 4 pm
Nanaimo: Wednesday, 09/14 at 5 pm *official
Victoria: Thursday, 09/15 at 4 pm

Unit 5
Vancouver: Wednesday, 09/07 at 5 pm
Powell River: Wednesday, 09/14 at 5 pm *official
Sechelt: Thursday,  09/15 at 5 pm

Unit 6
Langley; Wednesday,  09/07 at 530 pm *official

In Solidarity

Cody Gatzke
Business Manager
IBEW258

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