The labor union representing outdoor workers in the Metro Vancouver Regional District has announced a work stoppage this weekend, impacting services in 25 regional parks. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union, consisting of approximately 750 workers responsible for various regional services such as wastewater management, air quality monitoring, and park maintenance, has been operating without a contract for the past 19 months.
Earlier in the summer, the union held a one-day strike to highlight the ongoing contract dispute with Metro Vancouver, the governing body comprising 21 municipalities. Despite previous attempts with rotating strikes and overtime bans, the union claims that the employers have not adequately addressed the issue, leading to an escalation in job action.
According to union spokesperson Bill Tieleman, workers will cease activities such as garbage collection and trail maintenance, potentially affecting access for emergency services. 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 without disruption.
Tieleman expressed doubt about the ability of a limited number of essential workers to maintain the same level of service as the 100 workers who have walked off the job. Approximately 100 unionized park workers will be withdrawn from their duties, leaving only 15 workers to manage the 25 regional parks under essential services agreements.
In light of these developments, Tieleman advised hikers and park visitors to consider visiting parks not under Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction this weekend. The affected regional parks include popular destinations like Pacific Spirit Park, Grouse Mountain Regional Park, and Belcarra Regional Park.
Despite a mediator appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board to facilitate negotiations, no further talks have been scheduled. The union has identified three key concerns—workplace safety, retention of workers, and outsourcing of work—that have not been adequately addressed by management.
Metro Vancouver has assured the public that all programs and reservations at regional parks will proceed as scheduled this weekend, emphasizing their commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement through negotiations. The regional district stated that they are open to additional mediated bargaining dates to achieve a resolution.
