FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LANGLEY, BC – February 17, 2026 – Local Union No. 258 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers announces that as of February 12, 2026, it has reached an impasse in collective bargaining with BC Hydro.

From the outset, the bargaining process has been marked by delay. Although the Union served notice in December 2024, BC Hydro declined to begin bargaining until May 2025, well after the collective agreement had expired and well after the mandatory time period prescribed in Section 47 of the Labour Relations Code, citing a lack of direction from the Public Sector Employers' Council (PSEC).

BC Hydro only met in May 2025 on the condition that monetary items were not tabled or discussed, limiting talks to housekeeping and non-monetary matters. Despite claiming an inability to address monetary issues, the employer tabled multiple proposals with significant concessionary impacts.

Negotiations paused over the summer and resumed in November 2025, where BC Hydro again refused to engage in monetary discussions, continuing to cite the absence of a PSEC mandate. It was not until December 2025, after receiving formal direction from PSEC, that full-scope bargaining began. BC Hydro’s current offer falls short of the standard set by other public sector employers.

Local 258 is making it clear: the Public Sector Employers Act does not override the Labour Relations Code. We will not tolerate interference with our members’ Charter-protected right to free association under Section 2(d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Local 258 remains committed to negotiating a fair agreement that reflects the best possible outcome for our membership, who are expected to deliver on BC Hydro’s aggressive expansion. Our members enable BC Hydro to safely provide British Columbians with reliable, affordable, and clean electricity.

As required under provincial law, the Union has applied to the Labour Relations Board of British Columbia for the appointment of a mediator to determine essential services levels in the event of a labour dispute. This is a mandatory step prior to any job action. At this time, neither the Union nor BC Hydro have initiated job action.

About Local 258 IBEW

Local 258 IBEW represents more than 4,000 members working in the utility, line contracting, vegetation management and manufacturing sectors across British Columbia. Its members are responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity that powers homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure throughout the province.

Media Contact:

Cody Gatzke

Business Manager and Financial Secretary

cgatzke@ibew258.bc.ca

(604) 515-3240