Colwood, BC — CUPE Local 374, the union representing approximately 70 unionized City of Colwood employees, voted to strike on Tuesday, June 9.
The collective agreement between the City of Colwood and CUPE 374 expired on December 31, 2024. The start of bargaining was delayed due to circumstances outside both parties’ control, and negotiations began in December 2025.
The City’s proposal includes pay increases of 10.4% over three years plus enhanced sick leave and increased benefits.
The City of Colwood maintains the lowest municipal property tax increase in the region for its residents while providing municipal services to maintain its seaside community of approximately 22,000 people, including public works and infrastructure, safety, parks, administration, health services, development and planning.
No cuts are proposed; in fact the proposal increases sick leave and adds a flexible Well-being Leave for appointments and personal well-being.
The City’s proposal does not eliminate paid medical appointments. Instead, it would provide all regular employees with flexible access to increased and expanded sick leave, including four days of Well-being Leave that could be used for personal or family well-being needs, including medical appointments. This is an approach used by many other municipalities in BC to ensure accountability for leave time.
“We deeply value our employees and the critical role they play in serving our community,” said Jason Johnson, Colwood Chief Administrative Officer. “We have worked to reach an agreement that benefits employees while remaining sustainable for residents who fund and rely on City services.”
Under the City’s proposal, Colwood employees would receive:
- Cumulative wage increases of 10.4% over three years (3.75%, 3.25%, and 3.40%)
- Enhanced sick leave: that includes equal access to a well-being leave
- Increased sick leave: 56% of employees will have six additional sick days per year and the claw-back on unused sick leave is removed
- Increased benefits: paramedical services +$250, vision care +$150, hearing aids +$500, and orthodontics +$1,000
- New and updated shift premiums
“We know residents may hear differing descriptions of the issue,” Johnson said. “The City is not proposing to take away paid medical appointments. The proposal is to provide that flexibility through enhanced sick leave and Well-being Leave, an approach used by many other municipalities.”
The City recognizes that the possibility of job action creates uncertainty for residents, businesses, and employees. An essential services plan is in place to continue vital operations and the City will provide regular service updates if strike notice is issued or service levels change.
Residents are encouraged to continue using the City’s online Action Request form to report issues. If job action occurs, requests will be reviewed by priority so urgent health, safety, and infrastructure matters can be addressed first. Lower-priority requests may take longer than usual.
“Our goal is to return to the bargaining table and resolve this fairly so our team can return to the work they do best," said Johnson. "CUPE tabled 34 proposals and the City tabled four, subsequently removing three of our proposals in an effort to reach agreement. We remain committed to respectful and constructive negotiations as we work to maintain the services residents rely on.”
Impacted services may include staffing at the Colwood Medical Clinic. The City maintains that this is an essential service for residents and are awaiting ruling from the Labour Relations Board. Reduced staffing could result in delays for the approximately 2,000 patients of the clinic, which is preparing to add two new doctors to the team.
The City’s Eats & Beats Beach Party scheduled for July 25, 2026 may also be impacted as no CUPE staff have signed up to staff that event.
The City will continue to share timely information through its website, news updates, and social media channels as bargaining progresses. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s online Action Request form where issues will be prioritized to ensure essential services are maintained.
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Media contact
Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca
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