Metro Vancouver Outside Workers to Launch Full-Scale Strike Monday

More than 700 outside workers at Metro Vancouver are set to launch a full-scale strike on Monday, June 15, escalating a labor dispute that has persisted for 17 months without a contract.

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Our members are angry and frustrated that after 17 months without a contract, Metro Vancouver management continue to ignore the concerns of the frontline workers who deliver important services across the region.

The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU) announced the job action, stating that picket lines will be established at regional parks, watersheds, and water and wastewater treatment facilities. Only essential services will be maintained.

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Management will not return to bargaining without the union agreeing to preconditions we’ve previously rejected and that’s capitulation, not negotiation.

Jesse Medeiros, president of the GVRDEU, expressed the members' anger and frustration, accusing Metro Vancouver management of ignoring their concerns. "Management will not return to bargaining without the union agreeing to preconditions we’ve previously rejected and that’s capitulation, not negotiation," Medeiros stated.

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Metro Vancouver remains willing to return to the table with the assistance of a mediator.

Metro Vancouver, in response, affirmed its respect for the right to lawful job action and its commitment to a fair agreement. The district indicated it has proposed 10 additional dates for mediation talks, viewing it as a crucial step to facilitate progress after nearly a year of bargaining. Their latest offer includes a wage increase of over 10 percent across three years, which they claim aligns with recent regional agreements.

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We have put forward 10 additional dates to resume talks, beyond the five previously declined by the union. While the union has characterized mediation as a precondition, we do not. We see it as an important and practical step, after almost a year of bargaining, to help both parties make progress and reach an agreement.