Lower Mainland SPCA workers in British Columbia vote 97.5% for strike action
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Digital Subscription
One year of digital access for only $1.44 a week*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
BURNABY – More than 110 animal welfare workers across the Lower Mainland have approved using strike action in their labour dispute with British Columbia’s SPCA.
CUPE 1622, which represents workers covering Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, says in a release that its members have voted 97.5 per cent in favour of strike action.
Union local president Annabelle van Rikxoort says talks have stalled after the last agreement expired in December, and nine rounds of negotiations have not yielded an agreement.
The union says wages, improved benefits and measures to address workplace burnout remain as major unresolved issues.
The union members work at animal hospitals and shelters, and as front-line staff, such as protection officers.
CUPE 1622 says it has also applied for mediation with the B.C. Labour Relations Board, and strike action would be a “last resort” to restart negotiations.
“Animal welfare workers regularly deal with neglected, injured, abused, and abandoned animals,” van Rikxoort says in the statement.
Most people never witness these difficult situations that can “take a toll” on staff, she says.
“Our members are seeking fair compensation and workplace supports that recognize these realities and help ensure experienced staff can continue providing the high quality of care animals deserve.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2026.