The union for Metro Vancouver’s outside workers has filed a 72-hour strike notice with the province’s labour relations board. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union represents workers servicing sewers, regional parks, ecological reserves, infrastructure and other areas, including housing. The union says issues including safety, contracting out, as well as recruitment and retention are among the key areas of contention, with 97.8 per cent of members in March authorizing strike action if needed. The GVRDEU is also expressing frustration with what it calls “ongoing administrative disasters,” referencing the major cost overruns at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant. “The monetary issues are still there,” union spokesperson Bill Tieleman told CTV News late Thursday night. “They’re not resolved. But there’s big issues around the non-monetary issues right now.” Tieleman suggested regional parks are the areas that may be most visible in the event job action escalates. “Job action could potentially impact parks in Metro Vancouver where employees are responsible for those parks,” Tieleman said. “There are essential service designations for other important tasks, but there would be an impact if, unfortunately, the members have to walk out.” The union says the sides last held talks on April 13 with no further talks scheduled. A Metro Vancouver spokesperson said Friday the agency is committed to reaching a fair deal with its workers and has offered a wage increase in line with similar agreements in the region. “Regardless of job action, there will be no disruption to essential services like drinking water, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to listening to employees, addressing concerns, and continuously strengthening how we protect our workforce every day.” The spokesperson said regional parks will remain open in the event of a strike, but park services and events may be affected.
