The union representing outside employees at Metro Vancouver Regional District has announced a work stoppage this weekend, impacting services in 25 regional parks. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU), comprising approximately 750 workers responsible for various regional services like wastewater management and air quality monitoring, has been operating without a contract for 19 months.
Earlier in the summer, the union staged a one-day strike to highlight the ongoing contract dispute with Metro Vancouver, the governing body representing 21 municipalities. Following unsuccessful attempts with rotating strikes and overtime bans, the GVRDEU has decided to escalate job actions once more.
According to union spokesperson Bill Tieleman, workers will cease garbage collection and trail maintenance, potentially affecting access for emergency services in case of park user incidents. However, Metro Vancouver officials have contradicted the union’s claims, asserting that essential services like garbage collection, park patrol, bylaw enforcement, and ensuring safe park access will continue as usual.
Tieleman expressed doubts regarding the ability of a reduced workforce to deliver the same level of service as the 100 workers who have walked off the job. Approximately 100 unionized park workers will be withdrawn, leaving only 15 employees to manage 25 regional parks under essential service agreements with Metro Vancouver.
Tieleman advised hikers and park visitors to consider visiting parks outside Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction this weekend. Among the affected parks are popular destinations like Pacific Spirit Park, Grouse Mountain Regional Park, and Belcarra Regional Park.
Despite the involvement of a mediator appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board to facilitate negotiations, no further talks have been scheduled. The union’s key concerns, including workplace safety, employee retention, and work outsourcing, remain unaddressed by management.
Metro Vancouver issued a statement indicating that all programs and park reservations will proceed as planned over the weekend. The regional authority emphasized its commitment to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement through mediated bargaining sessions and clarified that it is not seeking concessions from the union.