-

Lockout comes to an end: District of Squamish workers ratify new collective agreement

SQUAMISH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CUPE 2269 members have ratified the tentative agreement reached earlier this week with the District of Squamish, officially bringing an end to the almost two-week long lockout.

“At its core, this dispute was about respect, and about creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported,” said Celeste Bickford, president of CUPE 2269. “This new agreement is a starting point for addressing the concerns workers have been raising, that could be seen every day during the lockout. There’s still a lot of work to do to address the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges the District faces, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of service levels.”

The new agreement includes wage increases of 3.75 percent for 2025, 3.25 percent for 2026 and 3 percent for 2027. Other key improvements include living wage increases for the lowest paid workers and market adjustments for six separate classifications to support recruitment and retention. A joint committee will also be formed to make recommendations on alternative scheduling options that promote work-life balance.

“This round of negotiations has highlighted the need for a more constructive and collaborative approach moving forward. That said, the employer’s actions throughout this dispute have left a lasting impact, and it will take time and genuine commitment to rebuild trust and restore a healthy working relationship,” says Bickford.

With the agreement now ratified by both parties, picket lines are being taken down and CUPE 2269 members will be back at work tomorrow morning (Thursday, October 30).

Bickford also thanked the community for their patience and support during the lockout.

“We know the lockout had a significant impact on our community, yet so many people showed us so much support,” said Bickford. “There’s no doubt that Squamish is an incredible community, and we’re proud to be the people who provide the vital services our community counts on. We’re looking forward to being back at work and continuing to provide public services for Squamish residents, businesses and visitors.”

COPE491

Contacts

For more information:

Celeste Bickford
President, CUPE 2269
778-970-2269

Kathryn Davies
CUPE Communications Representative
250-886-6502, kdavies@cupe.ca

Industry:

Canadian Union of Public Employees

Release Versions
English

Contacts

For more information:

Celeste Bickford
President, CUPE 2269
778-970-2269

Kathryn Davies
CUPE Communications Representative
250-886-6502, kdavies@cupe.ca

More News From Canadian Union of Public Employees

Unionbusting and safety concerns continue at Rockcliffe Flying Club as CIRB delays certification

Ottawa, ON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Workers at the Rockcliffe Flying Club filed to join CUPE in December 2025 after raising concerns about workplace culture and aircraft safety. Instead of respecting those concerns and letting workers exercise their right to join a union, the employer has responded with delay, pressure, and retaliation. What should have been the straightforward certification process is still not finished, nearly four months later. In that time, workers say the employer has used the de...

TCDSB Ends Beloved Language Program After 50 Years, 77 Jobs Lost

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Thursday the Toronto Catholic District School Board announced that they will completely eliminate its long-standing International Languages Program, resulting in 77 dedicated language instructors losing their jobs. “This is a devastating and short-sighted decision,” said Val Di Gregorio, President of CUPE 3155, representing the language instructors. “For decades, this program has enriched students’ lives, strengthened communities and supported cultural connections....

“Cold-blooded decision on hospital funding,” says CUPE in response to Ford government’s 2026 budget

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The real dollar hospital funding cut announced in the 2026 provincial budget will intensify the crisis in Ontario’s hospitals, which are already funded at the lowest rate in the country, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees. “The government increased hospital funding by four per cent - a real cut of two per cent when measured against the six per cent increase in costs related to an ageing and growing population. This funding shortfall compounds a two per cent cu...
Back to Newsroom