august 12,2025
RED FM News Desk
Hundreds of workers across B.C. are preparing to strike after union members at Fortis voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action.
Members of Local 213 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 213), representing employees in FortisBC’s electric and gas operations, approved strike action by wide margins—84.1% at FortisBC Inc. (electric) and 99.4% at FortisBC Energy (gas).
“These results highlight 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 mediation attempts—including one with a jointly chosen private mediator—FortisBC has failed to address long-standing concerns.”
About 580 gas workers have been without a collective agreement since April 2024, while roughly 210 electric workers have been without one since February 2023.
Between July 7 and 24, the union sought strike mandates from both electric and gas members. The results were announced on July 25, and the strike mandate was officially filed with the BC Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) that day, as required under the Labour Relations Code.
On August 7, the union applied to the BCLRB to designate essential service levels and establish minimum staffing for FortisBC Energy Inc. (gas), with a similar application for FortisBC Inc. (electric) forthcoming. This is a necessary step before any strike can begin. The board will identify facilities and services deemed essential to prevent serious harm to public health and safety and share this information with all parties.
Despite ongoing negotiations, progress has been slow. Meanwhile, FortisBC has generated significant profits—nearly $300 million in 2024 alone—paid to its parent company, Fortis Inc., which distributed over $1 billion to shareholders last year. The company has also secured rate increases from the BC Utilities Commission.
IBEW says FortisBC electric and gas workers are among the lowest-paid public utility employees in the province, if not the country, facing tough working conditions and increasing pressures on work-life balance—challenges worsened by the company’s focus on profits. The union is pushing for a contract that reflects industry standards.
Several trade and office-worker unions, including BC Building Trades affiliates, MoveUP, and other IBEW locals, have pledged to honor picket lines in solidarity. The union said this demonstrates a shared commitment across B.C. and nationally to securing a fair collective agreement that upholds public utility standards.
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