PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – CityWest and its union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 213 announced this week they have consolidated three unions into one.
The bargaining committees for CityWest and IBEW agreed to the terms on Sept. 5, and the agreements were ratified by members on Sept. 25-26. The agreement covers 60 members in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, and Smithers, and will run until June 30, 2024.
“In 2018 we started the difficult task of consolidating three collective agreements into one,” said Robin Nedila, assistant business manager with IBEW Local 213, in a press release. “Given the technology changes and expansion at CityWest, we felt consolidation was the only solution to ensure labour stability for the future.”
Before the agreement was reached, CityWest operated with three unions representing cable, telephone, and clerical workers. Now, CityWest and IBEW Local 213 will move forward under one union.
“We thought that this would be the best way forward as we expand into new areas and roll out new technologies,” said Chris Marett, CEO of CityWest. “In the last few years we’ve moved from our traditional plants of twisted pair and coax to fibre, and our workforce needed to reflect that. I’d like to thank members of both bargaining parties for their professionalism and dedication throughout the negotiations. This is an historic event.”
Chris Marett co-led the negotiations with Tina Lussier, vice president, customer service. Bart Kuntz, vice president outside plant, Bill Nicholls, director of finance, and Serina Repole, executive administrative assistant, were also heavily involved.
The terms of the contract will see employees continue to receive competitive wages, health care and retirement benefits.
