Cowichan Valley Citizen workers hope to avoid strike

Duncan, B.C. (July 23, 2026)— Editorial, circulation and advertising workers at the Cowichan Valley Citizen say they remain committed to reaching a negotiated collective agreement but warn that they may have little choice but to take strike action after months of bargaining with Black Press.

Represented by the Victoria-Vancouver Island Newspaper Guild (VVING), CWA Canada Local 30233, employees have met with the employer seven times since bargaining began in March. During that time, the union has revised its proposals five times in an effort to reach common ground in renewing the collective agreement which expired two years ago. Despite those efforts, Black Press has maintained a wage proposal totalling just 2% over four years for editorial and circulation.

The primary dispute is over improving wages for circulation and advertising sales employees, some of whom earn less than a living wage. The union also says there are other unresolved issues, including its concern that, before bargaining began, the employer reduced benefits coverage without consulting the union, contrary to the collective agreement.

On May 15, VVING members voted unanimously in favour of strike action if necessary.

“Our members don’t want to be on a picket line—they want to be serving their community,” said VVING President Karen Sparks. “In good faith, they’re asking for wages that allow them to live in the communities they serve. We are willing to adjust our demands, but the company needs to adjust too. We understand they have cost pressures but they haven’t shown us they’re willing to work with us to address the cost of living.”

Since the strike vote, the parties have met twice more, but the employer has not changed its position. The employer has also declined to participate in mediation.

Workers say the dispute reflects a broader challenge facing community newspapers across Canada. Like many local newspapers, the Cowichan Valley Citizen plays an essential role in informing Valley residents about localgovernment, schools, businesses, sports, and community events.

“The Cowichan Valley Citizen is one of the few news organizations dedicated to covering local issues that matter to people in the Valley,” Sparks said. “When companies prioritize cutting costs over investing in the people who make local news coverage possible, the entire community loses.”

Black Press, which is managed by a U.S.-based company, Carpenter Media Group, and jointly owned with Canadian investors, operates newspapers throughout British Columbia and Western Canada. Workers say they areconcerned that the company’s approach places increasing financial pressure on employees while weakening the long-term sustainability of local journalism.

“We’re proud of the work we do,” Sparks said. “We don’t want a strike. We want to keep publishing the stories thatconnect our communities and hold local institutions accountable. But our members also deserve to earn enough to support themselves.”

The union hopes Black Press will return to the bargaining table with a meaningful mandate to negotiate and avoid a labour dispute.

VVING and Black Press are scheduled to meet again for bargaining on July 28.

“There’s still time to reach a fair agreement without disrupting the community’s newspaper, and that’s the outcome we’re working toward,” Sparks said.

Media Contact:

Karen Sparks President

Victoria-Vancouver Island Newspaper Guild (VVING) EMAIL: vving@vving.ca