Mediator: Amazon Hindered YVR2 Contract Talks

An independent mediator has determined that Amazon was responsible for the failure of first-contract negotiations at the YVR2 fulfillment centre, Amazon's sole unionized facility in British Columbia. The mediator's report, filed with the B.C. Labour Relations Board on June 1, 2026, recommends binding mediation-arbitration to resolve the dispute. This marks a significant development following previous Labour Board findings against Amazon at YVR2.

The mediator, Mark J. Brown, identified two primary failures by Amazon that led to the bargaining impasse. Firstly, Amazon insisted on the union permanently waiving its right to challenge work intensity standards, a demand the company stated it would "never" retract. Secondly, Amazon withheld its wage proposal until April 2026, despite repeated requests from the mediator. Brown deemed both actions unreasonable and found they materially caused the bargaining deadlock.

This finding supports the union's claims that Amazon obstructed the bargaining process. Unifor National President Lana Payne stated that Amazon has "blocked these workers at every turn." The YVR2 facility has seen previous Labour Board interventions, including a remedial certification in July 2025 due to Amazon's conduct during the organizing drive and an earlier finding that Amazon unlawfully withheld a wage increase from workers. The Labour Board will now decide the next steps for bargaining.