Cowichan Newspaper Workers To Begin Limited Strike

DUNCAN, B.C. (Aug. 10, 2026) – Editorial, circulation, and sales employees represented by the Victoria-Vancouver Island Newspaper Guild (CWA Canada Local 30223) are set to begin limited strike action at the Cowichan Valley Citizen on Thursday after months of bargaining failed to produce a fair offer from Black Press.

“The company told us this was its final offer: take it or go on strike,” VVING President Karen Sparks said. “It was disappointing because we believed we were finally making progress.”

The dispute centres on health benefits that were unilaterally reduced by the employer in contravention of the collective agreement, as well as the employer’s final wage proposal, which offers 2% annual increases to editorial and circulation employees but no increase for sales staff, who have not received an increase since 2023. Black Press has also implemented changes that make it harder for sales employees to earn commission, a core part of their compensation.

“Sales staff are responsible for bringing in the advertising revenue that keeps a community newspaper operating,” Sparks said. “After more than three years without a wage increase, continuing to offer them zero is neither fair nor sustainable. When you factor in inflation, it’s a wage cut.”

The concerns extend beyond sales staff. Even with the proposed 2% increase, pay for circulation staff would continue to be well below a living wage.

The parties have met nine times since March, and the employer has not addressed the union’s concerns. The union sought mediation, but the employer declined to participate.

“Our members are committed to serving the Cowichan Valley and protecting strong local journalism,” Sparks said. “We know our readers depend on us for local print news, so we’ve begun with limited strike action because we want a fair agreement without prolonged disruption to readers, advertisers, or the community.”

“Local journalism depends on the people who produce it, deliver it, and sell it. A strong community newspaper requires treating every member of that team with dignity, respect and decency. It shouldn’t have to come to this.”

Strike action is set to begin Thursday, Aug. 13. The Union remains available to bargain.