StellerVista Credit Union acknowledges that the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1-405 has issued strike notice for our Castlegar and Slocan Park branches. While we respect the union’s legal right to take job action, we firmly believe that the best resolution can only be achieved through good faith negotiations aimed at reaching a fair and sustainable collective agreement.

Our goal in these negotiations is clear: to modernize our collective agreements to ensure StellerVista can remain a strong, competitive, and locally-based financial institution in today’s rapidly evolving financial services landscape. The merger of Heritage and East Kootenay Community Credit Unions was one such necessary strategic action, driven by our commitment to maintaining a viable, sustainable presence in our small communities well into the future. Aligning our organization with current market practices and industry standards is essential because outdated systems and contracts no longer meet the realities and challenges of today’s financial environment. For the sake of the continuing viability of the Credit Union, we need competitive terms throughout the Collective Agreement.

“We are working hard to build a strong, sustainable credit union that can continue to serve our local communities for generations to come. Modernizing our operations and employment practices is not optional — it is necessary to stay competitive and resilient in today’s financial landscape. We deeply value our employees and are committed to achieving a fair agreement, while securing a healthy future for our credit union and its members,” says StellerVista CEO, Jody Burk. 

Our proposals focus on maintaining the existing strong compensation structure, which is already notably higher than comparable industries in our region.

We are addressing critical updates to employment practices. Legacy conditions and systems, established decades ago, are simply no longer viable in the current environment. These updates will ensure we have the operational flexibility that will allow us to continue to meet the banking needs of our members. Such modernization is essential—not just to compete effectively but to continue providing stable employment and exceptional service to our nearly 20,000 members.

StellerVista does not believe that bargaining through the media will advance the Union and the  Company in reaching a negotiated Collective Agreement.  We applied for the service of a mediator through the Labour Relations Board and, although the Union chose to opt out of mediation and take a strike vote instead, we have dates in May scheduled to meet with them with the help of a Mediator. We regret that the union has chosen a path of public confrontation rather than meaningful negotiation.

Nevertheless, we remain open and willing to resume negotiations, with the clear objective of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

Board Chair, Lynnette Wray stated, “StellerVista’s Board stands firmly behind the need to modernize and strengthen our credit union to meet the realities of today’s marketplace. We are committed to fairness, to supporting our employees, and to ensuring that StellerVista remains a vital, local presence for years to come. We remain hopeful that a respectful and productive resolution can be reached at the bargaining table.”

StellerVista remains committed to our employees, our members, and the communities we serve. We urge USW Local 1-405 to return to the bargaining table and engage constructively in reaching an agreement that secures a sustainable future for our employees, our members, and our credit union.

We sincerely thank our members for their ongoing patience, trust, and understanding during this challenging time.

For more information, please contact:

Jeff Fero

Director of Marketing, StellerVista Credit Union

1.866.960.6666

[email protected]