Bargaining
BC Hydro & Powertech – Bargaining Update #11 – IBEW’s situation and how it affects us
April 24, 2026
To: All MoveUP members at BCH & Powertech
Our bargaining committee was originally scheduled to resume negotiations with BC Hydro on April 27 and 28. However, BC Hydro has now cancelled these two dates, and we are now scheduled to resume on May 5, 6, and 7.
The reason BC Hydro gave for cancelling the April dates were due to their breakdown in negotiations with the IBEW 258. We have expressed our dissatisfaction with this delay but remain commited to reaching a fair agreement for you as soon as possible.
Is our bargaining connected to the IBEW’s bargaining?
Our bargaining is not directly related to the IBEW’s bargaining.
Our goal is to continue to push BC Hydro to make meaningful movement on the key issues raised by your bargaining committee.
Currently, we don’t feel BC Hydro has made a legitimate effort to address your concerns or improve your collective agreement. Instead, they continue to seek cuts and want to rollback the rights that we have fought for in the past.
What’s going on with IBEW?
Last week, IBEW 258 declared an impasse in their bargaining for a second time. As part of that progress, both IBEW 258 and MoveUP are participating in an essential services mediation at the Labour Relations Board (LRB) to determine what job functions must continue uninterrupted even in the event of a labour dispute and potential strike.
The essential services mediation is a required step before any lawful strike or lockout can occur. This process is ongoing and expected to continue through May.
What happens if the IBEW goes on strike?
At this time, no job action (i.e. strike or lockout) is underway. A strike can only occur if IBEW members vote in favour of a strike mandate. A strike vote does not guarantee a strike but rather, it provides their bargaining committee with the authority to take job action if necessary.
If the IBEW goes on strike or they are locked out, the essential services order will determine which jobs being performed by MoveUP members are affected. If it gets to this point, we will share more information with you.
At this time, we do not have information about which BC Hydro or Powertech locations, if any, IBEW 258 may picket in the event of job action. However, we remain in close contact and they have committed to sharing relevant information as it becomes available.
If job action proceeds and picket lines are established, we will provide further guidance to affected members regarding picket line locations, recognition, reporting obligations, and any implications involving the essential services order.
We are committed to standing in solidarity with IBEW members as they fight for a strong collective agreement for their members.
Demonstrating union solidarity strengthens our collective bargaining power and protects working conditions across all bargaining units, for both MoveUP members and IBEW members.
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee:
Anderson Charles, Executive Board Member
Kim McInroy, Executive Board Member
Andrea McKenna, Executive Board Member
Kelly Cammack, Executive Councillor
Carol Brown, Executive Councillor
Luc Vail, Executive Councillor
Mike Novak, Union Representative
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities