There is growing anxiety among Vancouver city workers, with local unions warning hundreds of full-time jobs could be cut if the city’s proposed 2026 budget is approved later this month.
Unions argue the move is tied to efforts to accommodate Mayor Ken Sim’s “Zero Means Zero” property tax freeze, which was approved by Sim’s ABC party last month and forms a key part of the draft budget.
In an email sent to members this week, CUPE officials say they have been told approximately 400 full-time positions may be eliminated, with about two-thirds expected to be unionized roles.
Also read:
Michael Robinson has worked in Vancouver’s Parks operations for more than 20 years and serves as a business agent with CUPE Local 1004.
He says the situation has left employees uncertain about what could be coming.
“There’s definitely a feeling of apprehension and anxiety amongst the membership because of the unknowns. We haven’t been told what the ramifications of these cuts would be, as in exactly what positions are being looked at.”
Robinson believes the potential reductions in staffing would inevitably affect everyday public services that taxpayers rely on.
“Everything from community centres, childcare, streets, maintenance, garbage collection — this would be broadly felt by everybody in Vancouver.”
In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, CUPE Local 15 acting president Santino Scardillo emphasized the concern is not limited to any one classification of employee.
“There is no such thing as job cuts that don’t impact front-line services. There cannot be almost 300 unionized positions cut without consequences,” Scardillo said.
Council will receive the draft 2026 budget next Wednesday, and a final vote is scheduled for later in November.
1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the City of Vancouver for comment.