October 15, 2025

LANGLEY, B.C. — Local Union 258 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has submitted an open letter to the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, calling for an immediate investigation into a BC Hydro contract awarded to a contractor who utilizes out-of-province labour.

The request is being made pursuant to Article 3(c) of Local 258’s collective agreement with BC Hydro, which requires the payment of fair wages and working conditions that reflect the standards prevailing in the vicinity of the work. The contract in question was awarded to Aecon Power Services Inc., a Manitoba-based company that recently changed its name from Voltage Power Ltd. to Aecon Power Services Inc.

Concerns about fair wages and working conditions stem from both the contractor’s origins in Manitoba, a market with different labour standards than B.C., and its affiliation with an Ontario-based union. Neither are affiliated with B.C. or national labour bodies, nor does the union operate under a Local Union model. As a result, there is concern that the fair wages and working conditions required under the collective agreement may not be fully upheld on the project. Additionally, beyond the contractual concerns, there is a broader issue of fairness regarding the distribution of economic benefits—including jobs, union funding, and tax dollars—which are likely being diverted out of province instead of supporting B.C. workers, their families, and the local communities that depend on these public investments.

“These circumstances raise important questions about whether BC Hydro is meeting its obligations under Article 3(c),” said Cody Gatzke, Business Manager and Financial Secretary. “We are specifically concerned with whether the fair rate of wages and the fair working conditions that prevail locally are being maintained on this project.”

The letter respectfully calls on the Minister of Labour to investigate whether the standards of fair wages and working conditions prevailing in the vicinity of the work are being met. If non-compliance is found, Local 258 requests that the Minister establish appropriate standards under the provisions of the collective agreement.

Local 258 emphasizes that it is not challenging the contractor’s ability to bid on work but is seeking clarity on whether BC Hydro has met its contractual obligations.

The open letter to Minister Whiteside is attached for reference.

Letter to LRB Minister - Aecon Oct 14-25.pdf