Independent mediator finds Amazon responsible for first-contract bargaining breakdown at unionized BC fulfillment centre, recommends binding mediation-arbitration

An independent mediator filed a report with the B.C. Labour Relations Board finding that Amazon was responsible for the bargaining impasse at YVR2, its only unionized fulfillment centre in British Columbia. The mediator identified two key failures: Amazon demanded the union permanently waive any right to challenge work pace requirements and stated it would "never" move from that position; and Amazon withheld its wage proposal until April 2026 despite the mediator requesting it on more than one occasion.

The mediator's report is a recommendation to the Board's Associate Chair, not a final order. The B.C. Labour Relations Board will now determine how bargaining moves forward.

This report follows prior Labour Board findings at YVR2: in July 2025, the Board issued a remedial certification after finding Amazon's conduct was intended to prevent workers from unionizing; earlier this year, the Board found Amazon had unlawfully withheld a wage increase from YVR2 workers.