A labor dispute involving unionized outside workers in Metro Vancouver could impact the dredging of Burrard Inlet to accommodate larger vessels. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union has confirmed that its members are on strike, with picket lines set up at two water main projects in Vancouver and North Vancouver. Completion of these projects is crucial before dredging can commence under the Second Narrows Ironworkers Memorial Bridge in September.
The dredging aims to enable oil tankers with larger capacities to navigate through the waterway, a plan endorsed by the federal government. The Metro Vancouver Regional District has expressed concern that continued picketing may disrupt project timelines and is open to further mediated bargaining to reach a resolution.
The ongoing contract dispute between outside workers and the regional district, spanning 19 months, has resulted in various job actions, including picketing and strikes in non-essential roles. Union president Jesse Medeiros emphasized that while the union does not intend to halt major projects, negotiations with Metro Vancouver have not yielded a satisfactory agreement.
Until a new contract is negotiated and ratified, the union plans to escalate job actions, potentially impacting projects like the Burrard Inlet dredging. Metro Vancouver is collaborating with contractors and utilizing exempt staff to minimize any potential project delays.
Following mediated negotiations that concluded on July 22, the district has proposed a 10% wage increase over three years, aligning with recent settlements, including with the Teamsters union. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority acknowledged the job action but stated it is premature to assess any effects on the ongoing Second Narrows dredging works.
