Parties in Squamish labour dispute agree to mediation

Windwhistler
3 Min Read
Parties in Squamish labour dispute agree to mediation

British ColumbiaThe District of Squamish and the union representing around 250 of its workers have agreed to enter into mediation to resolve a contract dispute, with job action now in its third week.Job action now in 3rd week has shut down local rec centreCBC News · Posted: Oct 23, 2025 10:03 AM EDT | Last Updated: 4 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesDistrict of Squamish workers on the picket lines on Oct. 20. They’re set to enter into mediation with the district on Friday. (Alanna Kelly/CBC)The District of Squamish and the union representing around 250 of its workers have agreed to enter into mediation to resolve a contract dispute, with job action now in its third week.CUPE Local 2269 began job action on Oct. 2, and the district issued a lockout on Oct. 16.In a release, the municipality said the Labour Relations Board of B.C. has confirmed that mediation will begin between the district and union on Friday morning.It follows a request for a mediator from CUPE 2269, which represents approximately 250 District of Squamish employees, including workers involved in water and wastewater treatment, swimming lessons, children’s programs and camps, recreation services, facilities maintenance and other services.The biggest impact of the job action so far has been a shutdown of the Brennan Park Recreation Centre, including its ice rink and pool.Labour action in Squamish has resulted in the closure of the town’s only ice rink and pool. (Alanna Kelly/CBC)“This is not where any of us want to be and the impacts to both our employees and the community are significant and growing daily, which is deeply troubling to us,” said Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford in a news release.“Our employees are the lifeblood of our services to the community, and we want our entire team back at work with wages and community services resumed.”In June, the union asked for a 4.5 per cent wage increase for 2025 and a four per cent increase in 2026.The district proposed a wage of $27.50 per hour for the lowest paid employees, and a general wage increase to all other positions of 3.26 per cent in 2025 and 2.99 per cent in 2026.District of Squamish unionized employees on the picket line outside the public works facility on Monday. (Alanna Kelly/CBC)A report by Living Wage B.C. found the 2024 living wage in Squamish was $26.76 an hour.“We are hopeful that with the assistance of a mediator we can make some real progress, and ideally in short order,” said Hurford.In a statement about entering mediation, the union said it is hopeful for positive negotiations.“Our goal remains the same: to negotiate a fair agreement that better supports workers and better supports reliable community services,” it said.With files from Alanna Kelly

Share This Article
x  Powerful Protection for WordPress, from Shield Security
This Site Is Protected By
Shield Security