Bulletin
September 24: Update on the Essential Services Order at FortisBC
September 24, 2025
To: All MoveUP Members at FortisBC and FortisBC-CSC
We wanted to provide you with an update on the essential services order (ESO) process that has been taking place at the BC Labour Relations Board (LRB) with respect to a potential IBEW 213 strike at FortisBC.
Update on IBEW’s process
IBEW 213 Gas and FortisBC has come to an agreement on most of their outstanding issues regarding essential services staffing levels. There are just two areas of dispute remaining and these will be settled through a Vice-Chair at the BC Labour Relations Board.
Update on MoveUP’s process
MoveUP was scheduled to meet on September 26 & 29 to review our staffing levels. Yesterday the company cancelled September 26. Going through the essential services order process is not uncommon. Over the past 20 years, this is the fifth time we have gone through this process (2006, 2007, 2013, and 2015).
Based on past practice, we anticipate there will be 8 roles identified as essential services. We are hopeful we can conclude this process quickly to identify the minimum services roles.
Once all the staffing levels and roles are agreed to or appointed, the mediator will complete the essential services order (ESO) for MoveUP and IBEW 213 Gas.
Next steps
As of now, there is no change to the situation between IBEW 213 and FortisBC. IBEW 213’s continued goal is to reach a fair and equitable collective agreement without a labour disruption.
There is no strike imminent. There is no strike or job action currently underway, and there are no picket lines currently in place. Should it be necessary, IBEW will be positioned to serve 72-hour strike notice once the ESO is completed.
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. (JAC Communication Tree)
Thank you for your patience and continued solidarity.
April Young, Union Representative
Paul Voykin, Union Representative
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities