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VANCOUVER — 800 workers at Amazon's YVR2 fulfilment centre are now covered by a binding collective agreement after an independent arbitrator set its terms on Nov. 13, 2026. The agreement is the first for Amazon workers anywhere in North America and includes wage increases bringing hourly rates to $29 by the end of the agreement, enhanced severance protections of up to 18 weeks, and an additional week of vacation for workers with 10 years of service.
“Amazon told everyone a union contract would never happen, but workers proved them wrong," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "These workers stood up to one of the most powerful companies on earth and won rights in writing that Amazon cannot take away. Their courage won the day."
The B.C. Labour Relations Board certified Unifor Local 114 as the workers' union in July 2025 after finding Amazon hired extra staff to frustrate the workers' organizing drive and ran a "lengthy and pervasive anti-union campaign." On Aug. 4, 2026, the Board ordered binding arbitration, finding Amazon's conduct had affected the parties' ability to reach an agreement.
“Amazon tried to convince workers that they were too big to organize and used their power and money to deter workers while making billions in profits. They have fought every decision and tried to rewrite reality at every step but they have failed. These Amazon workers now have the binding union contract they deserve and we intend to support them and thousands more improving their lives, in BC and elsewhere.”
Other gains in the three-year agreement include a Women's Advocate, a grocery benefit for the duration of the contract, statutory holiday scheduling based on seniority, and protections ensuring employee benefits remain equivalent to or better than existing coverage.
The agreement runs until November 13, 2029. Unifor will hold information sessions for YVR2 members in the coming days to explain their new rights and how to use them.
Workers at other Amazon sites in Metro Vancouver can talk to a Unifor organizer in confidence at @email
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
