Bulletin
Important Information for Employees Affected by End of Racing at Hastings Entertainment Inc. **Revised**
January 16, 2026
To: All MoveUP Members at HEI
To our valued MoveUP members at Hastings,
It is with bittersweet emotions that we provide this update to you outlining the agreed Labour Adjustment Plan under Section 54 of the BC Labour Relations Code for our members impacted by the ending of horse racing at Hastings Racecourse.
Please review the details below carefully as this adjustment plan defines the supports your union fought hard for to win. It includes key provisions on severance pay, termination pay, long-service recognition, priority consideration for other positions, access to counselling, and job search support.
We know this settlement does not erase the magnitude of loss felt from the end of this industry by those of you who have dedicated yourselves to horse racing in British Columbia. This was more than a job; it was a family.
We hope this agreement can ease some of your uncertainty, even though we know nothing can replace the race season.
Our union pushed back as soon as we heard Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) planned to end racing at Hastings, immediately beginning Section 54 negotiations with your employer and meeting with Minister Krieger to urge government to reconsider.
Our discussions with your employer were tough and continued throughout the holiday season. Although your employer resisted many of our proposals, we fought for better severance, long-service recognition, and transition supports, and achieved improvements beyond what is stated in your collective agreement.
The full text of the agreement can be found here. The details are summarized below.
It has been our great honour to represent the workers at Hastings Racecourse since 1985. We hope what we have secured in this settlement helps you take your next steps with confidence. We are proud to call you MoveUP members and please know you can reach out to us at any time if you need further support.
For our members who will remain working at Hastings, we will continue to represent your best interests and provide you with support as we navigate changes to the Hastings site.
In solidarity,
Chris Shier, Union Representative
Severance and Termination Pay
For employees currently on seasonal layoff, with six (6) or more months of service:
- Seniority-based severance pay as per Article 14.04(d) of the Collective Agreement.
- Eight (8) weeks group termination pay under Employment Standards Act (“ESA”).
- Additional severance for long service:
10 years = +1 week
20 years = +2 weeks
30 years = +3 weeks
40 years = +4 weeks
50 years = +5 weeks
- Termination date of December 5, 2025.
For racing employees actively working during wind-down:
- Same severance formula as above:
- Eight (8) weeks ESA group termination.
- Up to eight (8) weeks Article 14 severance.
- Additional long service severance as above.
- End date expected in the spring.
Severance reference table:
Additional Supports
- Job Opportunities: Notice of vacancies at other GCE gaming operations until September 1, 2026. Priority consideration for interviews if qualified.
- Counselling: Continued access to Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) online counselling for employees and families until September 1, 2026.
- Career Transition: Voluntary group sessions for:
- Resume preparation and updating.
- Interview skills training.
Next Steps
- Severance and termination payments will be processed and applied to next pay cycle.
- Severance letters will be going out from your employer in the coming weeks.
- If you wish to receive job vacancy notices you must provide a current email address to your employer.
- Career transition sessions will be scheduled and communicated by your employer shortly.
FAQ/Need to Know
Q: Will this affect the Casino or simulcast racebook operations?
A: No. Casino and simulcast will continue as normal and those jobs will remain.
Q: How is severance calculated?
A: The amount your employer will pay is calculated by totaling your weekly wages during the last eight weeks in which you worked; dividing the total by eight and multiplying the result by the number of weeks’ severance to which you are entitled.
Q: How will receiving severance payments affect my Employment Insurance?
A: We recommended that you contact your claim agent directly for any questions about Employment Insurance.
Q: Is severance pay taxable?
A: Yes, severance pay is taxable income. Please budget accordingly and set aside enough money to pay added income taxes.
Q: Will I be guaranteed a job at another GCE location?
A: No. You will receive priority consideration for interviews if qualified, but placement is not guaranteed. Priority consideration only extends while GCE operates these locations before they are fully transferred to their new owners.
Q: Which GCE operated locations will provide placement support?
A: River Rock (Richmond) and Great Canadian Vancouver (Coquitlam), Surrey, Maple Ridge, and Chilliwack.
Q: Where and when will the interview and resume sessions be held?
A: Sessions will be in the Learning Center from 2pm to 6pm on February 10th and 26th. You should bring a resume and/or a list of job duties which you performed. WorkBC will also be in attendance to provide information on their programs and services.
Q: What happens if our employer doesn’t follow through on these commitments?
A: MoveUP will be watching closely to ensure compliance. Please report any issues at once to your job steward or union representative. These will be investigated and may be pursued at the Labour Relations Board.
Q: Who do I contact for questions?
A: You can contact your union representative, Chris Shier, via e-mail at cshier@moveuptogether.ca or phone at +1 (604) 220-9568.