FortisBC workers put their tools down for an hour on May 16 as part of limited job action in search of “fair treatment” from their employer.
No, it’s not about rate hikes, it’s about trying to secure a new collective agreement that expired on January 31.
FortisBC received 72-hour strike notice from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, (IBEW) local 213.
The only job action was a one-hour walkout of nearly 20 workers who stood outside the FortisBC office in Oliver.
Manager of corporate communications Neal Pobran said all FortisBC services are operating as usual.
“FortisBC and the IBEW 213 have agreed on an essential services order that was issued by the BC Labour Relations Board,” he said.
Essential services are those the board considers necessary or essential to prevent immediate and serious danger to the health, safety or welfare of residents.
“As always, FortisBC’s main focus is on the ongoing safety of its operations and the public, while ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to our customers,” Pobran said.
Rod Russell, the union’s associate business manager for contract negotiations, said both parties have reached an impasse, but noted they were close in resuming negotiations. He said their goal is not to inconvenience people.
Russell said there are no plans for a full strike or work stoppage, only limited job action. He noted there is a lot of anxiety over “language” in the agreement, adding that wage increases are also an issue.
Russell said both parties are not far apart on the topic of wages, but that is only one component in the equation.
“It’s the respect and valuing of employees – we want to see that improved.”
Russell said it’s odd that the union has to resort to job action to get this respect.
But Joyce Wagenaar, FortisBC’s director of communications, said the company has expanded language to include “fair treatment” of employees.
Wagenaar said the company has offered the union a market-competitive wage increase in line with peer companies, without asking for concessions to benefits or pensions.
She would not disclose how much of a wage increase was offered.
Wagenaar said FortisBC is committed to reaching an agreement to meet the needs of its employees and customers.
The union represents approximately 225 FortisBC employees working primarily in electric generation, transmission, and distribution occupations such as power line technicians, electricians, and system power dispatchers.
Pobran said nothing new has developed in the employees’ job action since May 23.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
