Friday, May 2, Langley, BC - After a challenging round of bargaining that spanned several months, Local 258 IBEW would like to announce that the Master Line Agreement has been ratified by the membership.

The bargaining process included a previously rejected tentative agreement, a successful strike vote, and the involvement of a third-party mediator to help the parties reach a final deal. Following these efforts, the membership voted on the renewed agreement, resulting in 57.5% in favour of ratification.

While the result reflects a range of views within our union, it also demonstrates the strength of our democratic process. A clear majority of members voted in support of the agreement, and their decision sets the path forward.

“This has been a long process, and I'd like to thank our membership for their patience,” said Cody Gatzke, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Local 258. "While the outcome wasn’t unanimous, it shows that a majority of members are ready to move forward under the new terms.”

The highlights of the new three-year agreement include a 12% wage increase over the term, a shorter probationary period for trades trainees, protections against transporting employer tools and materials in personal vehicles, enhanced language around layoffs and discipline, a requirement to report union dues on T4 slips, leave of absence provisions for any member elected as Business Manager, and the addition of two new job classifications: Hydrovac Operator and Try-a-Trade.

The union leadership would like to thank all members who participated — whether through voting, attending meetings, or staying engaged throughout the process. Your involvement is the foundation of our strength as a union.