The labor union representing outdoor workers at the 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 have been operating without a contract for the past 19 months.
Earlier this summer, the union conducted a one-day strike to highlight the ongoing contract dispute with Metro Vancouver, the regional government composed of 21 municipalities. Following unsuccessful attempts with rotating strikes and overtime bans to address the issue, the GVRDEU has decided to escalate job action.
According to union spokesperson Bill Tieleman, workers will cease garbage collection and trail maintenance, potentially affecting emergency access for park users in need of assistance. However, a Metro Vancouver spokesperson refuted 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 doubts about the ability of a limited group of essential workers to maintain the same service levels as the 100 workers who are participating in the strike. Around 100 unionized park workers will be withdrawn from their duties, leaving only 15 workers to manage 25 regional parks as part of essential services agreements with Metro Vancouver.
Given the reduced workforce, Tieleman advised hikers and park visitors to consider alternative parks outside of Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction for the weekend. Notably, the regional district oversees popular parks and trails such as Pacific Spirit Park near the University of B.C., Grouse Mountain Regional Park in North Vancouver, and Belcarra Regional Park.
Tieleman mentioned that while a mediator appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board is facilitating negotiations, no further talks have been scheduled. The union’s primary concerns include workplace safety, staff retention, and the outsourcing of work, which they feel are not adequately addressed by management.
Metro Vancouver assured that its regional park programs and reservations will proceed as planned this weekend, emphasizing their commitment to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement through negotiation. The regional district affirmed its readiness for additional mediated bargaining sessions to work towards a resolution.
