VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
Vancouver school board seeks mediation in talks with IUOE Local 963
The Vancouver School Board and IUOE Local 963 have met 13 times since October 2025, including two mediation sessions. They plan to resume talks on Oct. 19. No job action is underway, and schools, facilities, programs and services continue as usual.
On Oct. 7, 2026, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) said it had applied for mediation in ongoing local collective bargaining with IUOE Local 963. The union represents some VSB support staff, including building engineers, custodians, supervision aides, and cafeteria and food services staff. The parties have been bargaining locally since October 2025 and had met 11 times at the time of the application.
The VSB said it sought mediation to advance discussions. A neutral third party can help the parties work through outstanding issues and identify common ground. Applying for mediation does not mean job action is imminent; the board described it as another opportunity to work constructively toward a renewed collective agreement.
The VSB has proposed updating some qualification requirements to better reflect work currently performed at school sites and address recruitment challenges. It said the proposed changes would not reduce pay or benefits and would maintain required safety and regulatory standards.
There is currently no job action, and schools and district operations continue as usual. The VSB said several steps under B.C. labour legislation must occur before a strike or lockout can take place. It has contingency plans and is prepared to take appropriate steps to support school and district operations if job action occurs.
Update, Oct. 8, 2026: A mediator was assigned following the VSB’s application, and mediated discussions were scheduled to begin that day. The VSB called the mediator’s appointment a constructive next step in collective bargaining.
Update, Oct. 14, 2026: With the mediator’s assistance, the VSB and union met on Thursday, Oct. 8, and Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. Since October 2025, they have met 13 times for local collective bargaining, including two mediation sessions. They have agreed to continue negotiations on Oct. 19.
The VSB said it remains committed to working constructively through local bargaining. No job action is underway, and VSB schools and facilities continue to operate as usual. There are currently no changes to scheduled programs, services or facility access.