Smithers municipal workers deliver strong strike mandate

SMITHERS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Municipal workers in Smithers, represented by CUPE 1570, have voted 90 percent in favour of strike action.

“Our members are proud to provide public services in Smithers, and taking a strike vote is not a step we take lightly,” says Adrian Smith, President of CUPE 1570. “This result sends a clear message that workers want to see a different approach from the employer at the bargaining table.”

CUPE 1570 and the Town of Smithers began bargaining in November 2025. Negotiations stalled earlier this month when the parties were unable to reach agreement on two key outstanding issues: wages and proposed cuts to sick leave.

Workers are seeking a wage increase that reflects the rising cost of everyday basics like housing, groceries and gas and is in line with increases already negotiated by workers in other northern communities.

They also want to protect their existing sick leave plan. Under the current plan, CUPE 1570 members earn sick days that can be accumulated over time, allowing them to build a safety net for when they need it. The Town has proposed replacing it with a scaled-back model that includes a limited number of paid sick days and weekly indemnity coverage.

“Workers have been clear that they value the sick leave plan they have, and that they don’t want to see it changed,” says Smith. “We hope the Town will take this message seriously so we can focus on finding a path to a deal that supports the workers who deliver the services our community relies on every day.”

Before taking any strike action, essential service levels would need to be negotiated, and the union would have to issue 72-hour strike notice. Smith says that the union plans to file for mediation through the BC Labour Relations Board as a next step in an effort to try and resolve the outstanding issues and reach an agreement.

“Job action is always a last resort, and nobody wants to see a disruption to services,” says Smith. “We're hopeful that the assistance of a mediator can help us resolve the outstanding issues and reach a deal.”

CUPE Local 1570 represents approximately 65 workers who provide quality public services including maintaining roads and parks, clearing snow, supporting administrative services, and ensuring safe drinking water and sewage treatment systems in Smithers.

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