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3mo ago

Mediator Finds Amazon Caused Breakdown of First-Contract Talks at Delta Warehouse

The mediator recommended binding mediation-arbitration or an imposed agreement, handing the B.C. Labour Relations Board the choice of how to settle terms for roughly 800 workers.

Workers are seen outside Amazon's YVR2 fulfillment centre, in Delta, B.C., in July, 2025. An independent mediator has found that the company withheld its wage proposal while negotiating a new collective agreement for hundreds of warehouse workers.
A Canadian flag flies outside Amazon's YVR2 fulfillment centre, in Delta, B.C., on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Overview

  • An independent mediator concluded that Amazon’s conduct materially caused the bargaining impasse by withholding its wage proposal until April and taking uncompromising positions on key issues.
  • The report says Amazon insisted the union permanently waive any right to challenge productivity and pace standards, a demand the mediator found removed meaningful bargaining over working conditions.
  • The mediator recommended binding mediation-arbitration or an imposed first collective agreement because the parties could not reach a deal at the table.
  • A prior B.C. Labour Relations Board ruling in February that Amazon excluded unionized Delta workers from scheduled pay increases strengthens the legal basis for the board to impose terms or appoint an arbitrator.
  • If an arbitrator sets a contract, it could fix wages and rights now in dispute — Unifor sought 4%, 3.5% and 3.5% raises over three years while Amazon offered 2.5%, 2% and 0% — and directly affect pay, schedules and the ability to challenge workplace standards for the 800-odd YVR2 employees.