By CKPG Today

Labour relations

Labour update at the Regional District

Nov 6, 2025 | 3:34 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Update: The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George says it has not locked out its unionized staff.

In response to CUPE 1699 who said on Thursday that its workers would be locked out by the Regional District beginning Friday, November 7, the Regional District said in a statement Thursday night that CUPE members will withdraw their services beginning Friday, November 7.

Here’s a statement the Regional District released Thursday evening at 6:38 p.m.:

“This full strike is an escalation of job action that started on October 18 and over the last 20 days, CUPE 1699 has continually withdrawn services. At the start of today (Nov.6), CUPE 1699 gave notice that their members will no longer travel outside the City of Prince George. Directly delivering services to residents in the electoral areas outside of Prince George is a primary responsibility of Regional District employees. When a CUPE 1699 member refuses to perform the core duties of their position, they cannot be at work and be paid by taxpayers. To be clear, the Regional District did not lock out CUPE 1699 members, CUPE 1699 has fully withdrawn their services and is on strike.”

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During this full strike by CUPE 1699 essential services and services designated under a BC Labour Relations Board Essential Services Order are not impacted:

• Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill will be open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm
• Valemount Regional Transfer Station will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm
• Mackenzie Select Waste Landfill and Regional Transfer Station will be open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9 am to 5pm

Transfer stations operated by contractors and the 155 George Street office building will also remain open. CUPE 1699 operated transfer stations and recreation centres will be closed.

Earlier: The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has locked out its workers.

CUPE local 1699 says as a result of the lockout, all services provided by unionized workers will be stopped Friday morning, except those deemed essential.

CUPE 1699 has participated in limited job action since October 18 following the breakdown of contract talks in August with wages the main sticking point.

CUPE says there’s a real gap in leadership at the Regional District, adding that many workers have already left the district or are actively looking for other jobs because the district continues to demonstrate a lack of respect to its employees.

CKPG News has reached out to the Regional District for comment on this story but they’ve yet to respond.