CUPE 454 – Member Update
January 22, 2026
Update from your bargaining committees
Bargaining Has Reached an Impasse
Hi,
We’re reaching out to share an update on bargaining – how our most recent session went and what’s happening next.
On January 20 we resumed negotiations with the employers and we’re disappointed to share that no progress was made. This was our first bargaining session since CUPE 23 and the City of Burnaby reached a deal earlier this month. In an effort to move us closer to a settlement, your bargaining committee brought forward a revised proposal package. This package was a meaningful compromise that both reflected members‘ key priorities and was in line with what CUPE 23 and the City of Burnaby agreed to.
Unfortunately, we didn’t see any willingness from the employers to try and conclude this round of bargaining. Instead of attempting to find common ground, and work towards a resolution, the employers ended yesterday’s bargaining session early and cancelled the remaining bargaining dates we had scheduled.
What we saw yesterday was more of the same – no interest in having any meaningful discussions about your key issues, including the rapid expansion of expensive management positions, premiums, vacation and benefit improvements and a fair general wage increase to offset cost of living increases. In fact, the Employer Representatives at the table have been completely dismissive, refusing to even respond to the majority of the proposals we’ve put forward to improve your rights and compensation. This has left us at an impasse.
What does impasse mean?
That we are no longer making any positive progress at the table, and there’s no clear path to reaching an agreement.
What’s next?
We’re at a critical point in the bargaining process. We’re no longer making positive progress, and while we are committed to doing everything possible to negotiate a deal at the table, we need to start preparing for the possibility we may need to take a strike vote.
We’ll be holding an important information session soon to give a full bargaining update and to explain next steps, including how members can support the bargaining committee in working toward a new contract.
We are also putting in an application to the Labour Relations Board (LRB) so we can begin negotiating essential service levels. This is something that must be done before any strike action takes place. While we aren’t at the point where we are prepared to call a strike vote, we do want to be prepared so we have started this process.
How does this happen?
The union and the employers sit down to agree on what work needs to keep happening during a strike or lockout to maintain essential services. In BC essential service levels (during a strike or lockout) refer to the specific services and staffing that must continue to operate to prevent immediate and serious danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the public.
If the two sides can’t agree, the LRB steps in and a mediator is appointed to help find a resolution.
As we move into the next phase of this process, member participation will matter more than ever. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out.In solidarity,
the CUPE 454 Bargaining Team