After Years of Frustration and Expired Contracts, FortisBC’s Nearly 800 Union Workers Vote to Strike
Skilled tradespeople push back after stalled talks—what it means for B.C.’s energy frontline as FortisBC union workers vote to strike
What Just Happened
Nearly 800 unionized employees at FortisBC have voted to strike after years without renewed contracts. The event where FortisBC union workers vote to strike is significant for gas and electric operations in British Columbia. Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 213 represent gas and electric operations across the province. About 580 gas workers have gone without a collective agreement since April 2024, and roughly 210 electric workers have worked under expired contracts since February 2023.
Union members delivered a decisive mandate: 99.4% of gas workers and 84.1% of electric staff supported the strike. The union filed the results with the BC Labour Relations Board, clearing the way for potential job action. The situation, where FortisBC union workers vote to strike, highlights critical labor issues. Read the full union announcement on the IBEW Local 213 official website.
Background: Years of Deadlock
The dispute stems from wage demands, cost-of-living protections, and job security concerns in a shifting energy sector. Negotiations began months ago but stalled repeatedly. Even with a Labour Relations Board-appointed mediator in the room, the two sides couldn’t bridge the gap, leading to FortisBC union workers voting to strike.
FortisBC has faced similar contract delays before, and many workers say these long waits reflect a lack of urgency from management.
Why This Matters
- Reliability of services: A prolonged strike could interrupt electricity and natural gas delivery across the province.
- Worker morale: Extended contract gaps chip away at trust between frontline crews and company leadership.
- Public cost: Service interruptions could raise costs for households and businesses.
Labour expert Dr. Karen Willoughby from UBC’s School of Public Policy notes, “When collective bargaining drags on for years, the issue becomes respect as much as pay. Workers want to feel heard and valued for the critical services they deliver.”
The Human Side of the Story
These crews maintain pipelines, repair outages during storms, and keep homes heated in winter. Union leaders say workers face rising living costs without fair wage adjustments. This urgency has caused FortisBC union workers to vote to strike.
A FortisBC technician, who asked not to be named, said: “We’re not asking for luxuries. We just want our wages to keep up with inflation so our families don’t fall behind.”
Public Sentiment and Possible Outcomes
Public opinion appears split. Many residents support the workers’ push for fair compensation, while others worry about the impact of a strike on essential services. Social media comments lean toward empathy for workers, with calls for both sides to resolve the standoff quickly.
Possible paths forward include:
- Introducing cost-of-living allowances during negotiations
- Using binding arbitration to avoid service interruptions
- Setting fixed timelines for future contract renewals
Explore More Grounded in Justice: Why 10,000 Air Canada Flight Attendants Are Picketing.
What Happens Next
Union leaders say they’re ready to return to the bargaining table if FortisBC presents a fair offer. The vote to strike by FortisBC union workers pressures management for speedy negotiations. Without progress, job action could start within weeks.
FortisBC says it remains committed to reaching an agreement and will continue discussions with the union. Read FortisBC’s official position here.
