The labor union representing outdoor workers at the Metro Vancouver Regional District has announced a work stoppage this weekend, affecting services in 25 regional parks. Approximately 750 employees belonging to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU), responsible for various regional services such as wastewater management, air quality monitoring, and park maintenance, have been operating without a contract for 19 months.
Earlier this summer, the union conducted a one-day strike to highlight the ongoing contract dispute with Metro Vancouver, the regional government encompassing 21 municipalities. Following unsuccessful attempts with rotating strikes and overtime bans to address the issue, the GVRDEU has decided to escalate job actions.
According to union spokesperson Bill Tieleman, the impact on regional parks will include disruptions in garbage collection and immediate first aid services. Only a limited workforce of 15 employees will be available to operate the 25 regional parks due to essential services agreements with Metro Vancouver. Tieleman suggested that park visitors should consider alternative parks not under Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction this weekend.
The union disclosed that no further negotiation sessions have been scheduled as a mediator appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board continues to assist in reaching a new agreement. The union’s primary concerns include workplace safety, employee retention issues, and the outsourcing of work by management.
Metro Vancouver released a statement assuring that all programs and park reservations will proceed as planned during the weekend, emphasizing their commitment to achieving a mutually beneficial agreement at the bargaining table. The regional government expressed readiness for further mediated bargaining sessions to facilitate a resolution.