Bargaining
BC Hydro & Powertech – Bargaining Update #12 Standing Firm Against Concessions
May 8, 2026
To: All MoveUP members at BCH & Powertech
Your bargaining committee met with BC Hydro on May 5, 6, and 7 to continue negotiations toward a renewed collective agreement.
During these meetings, both sides engaged in detailed discussions regarding wages, benefits, job security, contracting out, overtime, vacation, and other collective agreement entitlements.
We made some progress on monetary issues. However, your employer continues to pursue concessions that would reduce or weaken existing rights and protections under your collective agreement.
No other public sector agreement in British Columbia has accepted concessions during this round of bargaining, and your committee remains committed to that same standard. We will not agree to a settlement that leaves members with less than they currently have.
What are concessions?
In collective bargaining, a concession means to concede. It is when a party agrees to give up, weaken, or reduce existing collective agreement rights or protections in order to reach a settlement.
Examples of concessions can include:
- Lower wage increases
- Reduced benefits
- Weaker job security protections
- Increased contracting out
- Longer wage progression periods
- Reduced overtime protections
- Scheduling flexibility that disproportionately favours the employer, such as split shifts.
What’s Next?
We are scheduled to return to bargaining on May 26 and 27. Your bargaining committee remains hopeful that your employer will move away from concessionary proposals and work towards a collective agreement that is fair and recognizes and respects MoveUP members working for BC Hydro & Powertech.
We will continue to provide updates on the MoveUP Member Portal.
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