Bulletin
CapU – Update Re. Section 54 Involuntary Terminations
May 11, 2026
To: All MoveUP members at CapilanoU
We are writing to provide an update regarding the conclusion of the Section 54 process arising from the Employer’s restructuring initiatives announced in December 2025. More information regarding the Employer’s initiatives can be found here, here, here and here.
It’s important that you take time to read and understand this bulletin.
The University previously served the Union with a Section 54 notice on September 25, 2025, regarding potential layoffs. When pressed for further information, the University subsequently issued multiple additional Section 54 notices concerning the closure of multiple campuses and a significant staff reduction initiative affecting the main campus:
- December 12, 2025 – Sunshine Coast |ḵálax-̱ay campus
- December 17, 2025 – Lonsdale Campus
- December 22, 2025 – Main Campus Anticipated Involuntary Layoffs
- December 22, 2025 – Bookstore “Reimagination”
Since that time, the Parties have been engaged in intensive negotiations regarding the Section 54 notices and the involuntary layoffs being advanced by the Employer.
While the Parties were able to reach some agreement regarding the number and scope of positions the Employer sought to eliminate, we were in disagreement on any additional supports and entitlements that should be provided to employees whose positions were eliminated.
On April 15, 2026, the Union applied to the BC Labour Relations Board requesting the appointment of a mediator to assist the Parties in resolving all outstanding matters related to the Section 54 notices.
On May 8, 2026, the Parties met with Mediator Mark Brown to attempt to negotiate a mutually agreeable resolution.
Section 54 negotiations and mediation are generally conducted on a confidential and without-prejudice basis. This confidentiality allows the Parties to have frank discussions, exchange proposals, and explore possible resolutions without prejudicing their respective legal or bargaining positions.
While this has restricted the amount of information we have been able to share regarding the negotiations and mediation process, we are pleased to advise that the Union was able to reach a mediated agreement with the Employer resolving the outstanding Section 54 matters.
- Enhanced severance packages for Sechelt employees, in recognition of the disproportionate impact of the campus closure;
- Enhanced severance packages for affected Main Campus employees;
- Position retention in the Bookstore and the continued operation of the Bookstore with updated hours;
- EFAP benefit extension for six (6) months post-termination;
- Protection against the contracting out of bargaining unit work to non-bargaining unit employees and contractors;
- Joint committee to review implementation of the Section 54 agreement;
- Joint committee to review all current contractors, consultants, and vendors for possible early termination of contract and wind down;
- Confirmation that all rights under the Collective Agreement and applicable legislation are retained.
You can find more information on the Section 54 agreement here.
We sincerely thank you for your ongoing patience while the Union worked to negotiate the best possible agreement despite the difficult circumstances facing members and the Parties.
To our members whose positions have been eliminated, please know that we recognize the seriousness of what you are facing, and we want to acknowledge the contributions you have made to the University and to our bargaining unit.
No mediated agreement can remove the impact of job loss. We will continue to support you as the agreement is implemented and will work to ensure that all negotiated entitlements, Collective Agreement rights, and statutory protections are respected.
In solidarity,
Eric Roberts, Job Steward
Daniel Storms, Union Representative
Nathan Beausoleil, Senior Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President Combined