Local Bargaining Update- August 28, 2026

Aug 28/26

Your local bargaining committee (Tim De Vivo, Tim Chester, Harjit Khangura, Livia Hisaoka, Analida Leung) will be meeting with VSB representatives on September 2, 2026 to resume collective bargaining.  The committee will be joined by IUOE Canadian Director Patrick Campbell. Our last session was June 29, 2026.

We are at a critical point in bargaining with the VSB. As members are aware, the major monetary issues, such as general wage increases of 3% per year for four years, have been settled through the Provincial Framework Agreement (“PFA”).  Members will receive retro-active pay at the conclusion of local bargaining.  The retro-activity is back to July 1, 2025, meaning members are owed 3% from that date.

The employer has tabled a number of concessions, including a de-skilling measure that would lower all power engineer certificates.  They have also proposed reductions to market adjustments and Britannia reductions.  The employer has not responded to cafeteria contracting out language which we are seeking for this group.

Your committee has been clear with the VSB- we have no mandate from our membership to lower certifications.  In fact, members responded to our pre-bargaining survey by an overwhelming number, more than 92% were supportive of maintaining current certifications.

Our next bargaining session will be critical.  If the employer maintains it’s position to de-skill members we will be forced to take action.  This may include taking a strike vote if necessary.