Bulletin
Explaining the essential services order
August 27, 2025
To: All MoveUP Members at FortisBC and FortisBC-CSC
In our last update on August 19, we informed you that the IBEW 213 would be meeting with a mediator alongside FortisBC on September 2, 4, and 9, to determine what will be deemed as essential services in the event of a strike.
MoveUP will also be participating in those sessions so that we can have a voice in that discussion.
It is our opinion that all MoveUP members should have the right to respect a legal picket line and should not be compelled to cross a picket line in the event a strike occurs.
We will provide you with more information following these meetings.
As of now, there is no change to the situation between IBEW 213 and FortisBC as the two sides continue to work towards an agreement.
There is no strike imminent. There is no strike or job action currently underway, and there are no picket lines currently in place. IBEW will still be required to issue 72-hour strike notice before a legal picket line can be set up.
No remote work in the event of a legal picket line
Some members have asked if their manager can direct them to work remotely if the IBEW 213 sets up a legal picket line. The simple answer is no.
Other than those positions that are deemed an essential service, if there is a legal picket line set up by IBEW 213, then all work is considered behind a picket line regardless of whether you typically work in-office or remotely.
Direct Deposit information
We continue to encourage you to register your banking information with us by filling out the Direct Deposit Authorization Form. This will allow our team to have more ability to process your information quicker and avoid any delay in issuing strike pay should job action occur.
We are continuing to update our Frequently Asked Questions page to address more specific issues as they arise. If you have questions not addressed in the FAQ, please reach out to your Job Action Committee (JAC) assigned to your area.
In solidarity,
April Young, Union Representative
Paul Voykin, Union Representative
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
