Month: October 2026

We want to start by thanking everyone who was able to attend one of our bargaining info sessions last night. It was great to see so many of you participate, ask questions, and continue to be engaged in this round of negotiations.

We know that there are some members who weren’t able to attend, so we want to provide a summary of the information we shared last night. Hopefully this helps everyone feel like they have the most up-to-date information on bargaining and a clear understanding of next steps.

Bargaining Timeline

• Early 2025: bargaining committee elected and survey out to members for feedback
• September 2025: proposal package endorsed by members
• December 2025: first official bargaining sessions with the employer
• December 2025 – October 2026: 12 total days of negotiations, impasse reached on October 22

Where things stand with negotiations
We want to share a summary of where things currently stand with negotiations. The issues outlined below are the areas where we still need to see movement before we can reach an agreement that reflects what members have told us matters most.

While we’ve outlined these issues individually, it’s important to understand that your bargaining committee considers each issue as part of an overall package. Our focus is on reaching an agreement that, taken as a whole, addresses members’ priorities and meets the expectations you’ve shared with us.

Here’s where things currently stand:

1. General Wage Increases

We are looking for wage increases in line with what other municipal workers in this region have already negotiated that also address increases to cost of living. The employer’s current offer currently does not fully address either of these issues. Here’s where we each stand on wages:

CUPE 458:

• January 1, 2026: 6.5%
• January 1, 2027: 5.5%
• January 1, 2028: 5%

Employer:

• January 1, 2026: 4.75%
• January 1, 2027: 4.5%
• January 1, 2028: 4.25%
• January 1, 2029: 4.25%

2. Term of the agreement

Members made it clear that it was important to negotiate a term that will allow us to negotiate wages and working conditions again within a reasonable timeframe.

The employer has currently put forward a four-year agreement.

We’ve proposed a three-year agreement because we believe it strikes the right balance between stability, and the ability to negotiate changes to wages and working conditions without having to wait too long to return to the bargaining table.

3. Extended Health Benefits

Members identified this as a key priority for this round of negotiations, and we’ve been advocating improvements at the bargaining table. We’ve discussed a variety of potential improvements with the employer, but any improvements have been tied to the employer’s wage and term proposal.

4. Retirement Severance, Retirement Gratuity, Vacation Improvements, Probationary Rate and Length, and Pensionable Overtime Improvements

These are the areas we are looking to see some movement in. Currently the employer has been unwilling to have further discussions on these topics.

What’s next?
At this point, our plan is to apply for mediation through the BC Labour Relations Board. Mediation involves bringing in a neutral third party to help the union and employer work through outstanding issues.

It’s important to know that mediation is not binding. A mediator does not make decisions for you but helps both sides communicate better and hopefully find common ground.

The mediator can suggest solutions, but it’s up to the union and the employer to decide whether to accept them. If a tentative agreement is reached through mediation, we still hold a ratification vote where you get to vote on the agreement.
We also recognize that things can change quickly during bargaining. Your bargaining committee will continue to carefully assess our options and make strategic decisions that help move us closer to a new agreement.
Thanks again to everyone for their support, trust, and patience as we navigate through this round of negotiations. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns.

In solidarity,

the CUPE 458 Kent Bargaining Team

Hi,

We wanted to reach out and give everyone more information about our upcoming info sessions, take a moment to address the employer’s recent meeting with members, and share where things stand with bargaining.

Bargaining Info Sessions this Thursday

This week we are hosting two bargaining info sessions, one in-person and one online.

We encourage all members to attend this session to stay informed about the bargaining process and what it means for you. We want everyone to have a clearer understanding of where negotiations currently stand. Your input and engagement are critical as we continue working toward a fair agreement. Here are the details:

Bargaining Info Session 1 – 4:45 pm

In-Person in MPB at the Recreation Centre, 6660 Pioneer Ave, Agassiz

Bargaining Info Session 2 – 7:00 pm

Online – Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/14FfHSODT0uh5SMGp1HW6g

** Both sessions will cover the same content, so please feel free to attend the session that works best for your schedule

Where things stand with bargaining

We are aware that this week the employer shared their perspective about bargaining directly with members. It’s not standard practice for employers to directly talk with workers about negotiations, and we don’t think this approach helps us get closer to an agreement.

While we will talk more in detail about exactly where things stand with negotiations at our info sessions on Thursday, we want members to know that your bargaining team’s focus hasn’t changed. We’re continuing to focus on addressing the issues you told us are most important at the bargaining table.

While wages are certainly a large focus, they aren’t the only outstanding issue. Other issues we still need to see movement on include benefit improvements and the length of the agreement.

It may feel like we are not that far apart, but we want to stress that there are still important issues we need to see movement on.

Stay connected

As we enter this phase of negotiations, your support will be important and can make a big difference at the bargaining table.

If you know any members who aren’t getting these updates, please ask them to send their contact information to: cupelocal458@cupe458.com and we will add them to our email list.

Thanks for your support, solidarity, and trust throughout this round of negotiations – it doesn’t go unnoticed by your bargaining team.

We hope to see many of you this Thursday.

 

In solidarity,

the CUPE 458 Bargaining Team