FortisBC gas and electrical employees vote in favour of job action

FortisBC electric and gas employees across the province have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a strike mandate.

Earlier this week, Local 213 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 213) announced that 84.1% of its FortisBC Inc. (electric) members and 99.4% of its FortisBC Energy (gas) members voted in favour of a strike mandate.

The union represents about 580 gas members and approximately 210 electric members who have been without collective agreements since April 2024 and February 2023, respectively.

“These results reflect the deep frustration of nearly 800 skilled tradespeople after years of expired contracts and stalled negotiations,” said IBEW 213 Business Manager Jim Lofty.

“Despite multiple rounds of mediation—including under a jointly selected private mediator—FortisBC has failed to address long-standing concerns.”

The strike mandate, which is viable for three months, was registered with the BC Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) on July 25.

On Aug. 7, IBEW 213 applied to the BCLRB to designate essential service levels and set minimum staffing for the IBEW 213 gas members. The application for the electric members will then follow.

“The LRB will designate the facilities, productions, and services it considers necessary or essential to prevent immediate and serious danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the residents of British Columbia, and to make copies of this designation available to all the parties [FortisBC Energy Inc., IBEW Local 213 and Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378 (MoveUP)],” stated a press release from IBEW 213.

Until those staffing numbers are set, the union will not be allowed to strike and the employer will not be allowed to enact a lockout. In the meantime, union members have been directed to continue to work.

“FortisBC is committed to reaching fair and equitable collective agreements through bargaining with the support of a mediator,” stated FortisBC.

“While the unions have filed the outcome of their strike votes, no strike notice has been issued. At this time, we are continuing with negotiations.”