The labor union representing outdoor workers at the Metro Vancouver Regional District has announced that workers will be off duty this weekend, impacting services in 25 regional parks. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU) comprises approximately 750 workers responsible for various regional services like wastewater management, air quality monitoring, and park maintenance. These workers have been working 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 governing body of 21 municipalities in the region. Following unsuccessful attempts with rotating strikes and overtime bans to address the issue, the GVRDEU has decided to escalate their job action.
According to union spokesperson Bill Tieleman, workers will cease garbage collection and trail maintenance, potentially impacting emergency services’ access in case of park users needing assistance. However, Metro Vancouver officials have refuted the union’s claims, stating that essential services like garbage collection, park patrol, bylaw enforcement, and ensuring safe park access will continue unaffected.
Tieleman expressed doubts about the ability of a limited number of essential workers to maintain the same level of service as the striking workers. Approximately 100 unionized park employees are expected to be withdrawn from their duties, leaving only 15 workers to manage 25 regional parks as part of essential services agreements.
Tieleman advised hikers and park visitors to consider alternative parks not under Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction during the weekend. Major parks and trails managed by the regional district include Pacific Spirit Park, Grouse Mountain Regional Park, and Belcarra Regional Park.
Regarding negotiations, Tieleman mentioned that a mediator appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board is facilitating discussions, although no further negotiation dates have been scheduled. The union’s key concerns revolve around workplace safety, employee retention, and outsourcing of work, which they feel are not being adequately addressed by management.
Metro Vancouver issued a statement affirming that all programs and reservations at regional parks will proceed as planned over the weekend. The regional government emphasized its commitment to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table without seeking concessions and expressed willingness to engage in further mediated bargaining sessions to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution.
