Unionized Metro Vancouver workers begin job action

The downtown Vancouver skyline is seen in the distance beyond houses in Burnaby, B.C., July 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Members of the union for Metro Vancouver outside workers announced a ban on overtime work, standby work and acting role work on Sunday, warning that job action could escalate.

The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union—which represents workers servicing sewers, regional parks, ecological reserves, infrastructure and other areas—issued a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday.

Members previously voted 97.8 per cent in favour of job action.

The union’s president says the overtime ban will mostly impact water and sewer operations, maintenance and construction at the start.

“Our members are critical to water and sewer operations throughout Metro Vancouver and play key roles at infrastructure projects all over the region – the employer will feel an immediate impact from this first stage of job action,” Jesse Mederios said, in a news release issued Sunday.

“Our members will continue to escalate job action to put maximum pressure on management at Metro Vancouver who are blocking the union from reaching a new contract, while minimizing the effect on the public.”

The union says issues including worker safety, contracting out, as well as recruitment and retention are among the key areas of contention.

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.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Metro Vancouver promised that essential services like drinking water and solid waste management will not be disrupted, regardless of strike action.

The district said it is committed to reaching a deal and has offered a wage increase inline with similar agreements in the region.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Martin MacMahon