FortisBC union members to strike

Hundreds of workers will be hitting the picket lines across B.C. as union workers at Fortis have voted to strike.

Members of Local 213 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 213) across FortisBC’s electric and gas operations have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action — 84.1 per cent in favour at FortisBC Inc. (electric) and 99.4 per cent in favour at FortisBC Energy (gas).

“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.”

Approximately 580 members in gas have been without a collectiv