The labor union representing outdoor workers at Metro Vancouver Regional District has announced a work stoppage this weekend, impacting services in 25 regional parks. Approximately 750 employees belonging to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU), responsible for maintaining services like wastewater management, air quality monitoring, and regional parks, have been working without a contract for the past 19 months.
Earlier in the summer, the union conducted a one-day strike to highlight the ongoing contract dispute with Metro Vancouver, the governing body comprising 21 municipalities. Following unsuccessful attempts to gain the employer’s attention through rotating strikes and overtime bans, the GVRDEU has decided to escalate job action once again.
According to union spokesperson Bill Tieleman, workers will cease garbage collection and trail maintenance activities, potentially impacting access for emergency responders in case of park user emergencies. However, a Metro Vancouver representative disputed the union’s claims, stating that essential services like garbage collection, park patrol, bylaw enforcement, and ensuring safe park access will continue as usual.
Tieleman expressed concerns about whether a small group of essential workers can maintain the same level of service as the 100 workers who are participating in the strike. He mentioned that around 100 unionized park workers will be withdrawn from their duties, leaving only 15 workers to oversee operations in 25 regional parks as part of essential services agreements with Metro Vancouver.
He advised hikers and park visitors to consider visiting parks not under Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction this weekend. The regional district manages popular parks such as Pacific Spirit Park near the University of B.C., Grouse Mountain Regional Park in North Vancouver, and Belcarra Regional Park.
Tieleman highlighted that a mediator appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board is assisting both parties in reaching a new agreement, but no further negotiation sessions have been scheduled. The union’s key concerns include workplace safety, staff retention, and the outsourcing of work.
Metro Vancouver assured that all programs and park reservations will proceed as scheduled over the weekend, emphasizing their commitment to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement through mediation.