The union representing outdoor workers for Metro Vancouver has initiated job action after failing to secure a collective agreement following a strike vote conducted in the spring.
Details of the Job Action
In a statement released Sunday afternoon, Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU) president Jesse Medeiros announced that union members will immediately withdraw from all acting roles and will not accept overtime or standby work. This action comes after official 72-hour strike notice was issued on Thursday.
Medeiros emphasized that the union's members play a critical role in water and sewer operations throughout Metro Vancouver and are involved in key infrastructure projects across the region. He stated that the employer will feel an immediate impact from this first stage of job action.
Unaddressed Issues
According to Medeiros, Metro Vancouver management has failed to address non-wage related concerns, including worker safety, protections against contracting out, and support for recruitment and retention. He expressed anger that Metro Vancouver management has insisted on the union accepting the employer's last position as a precondition to resume talks.
Medeiros also criticized Metro senior managers for massive cost overruns on the North Shore wastewater treatment plant, which will cost taxpayers up to $700 per home annually for 30 years, while increasing their own compensation by 69% over the past five years. He described the management's track record as terrible and said forcing members to take job action is another sign of that.
Scope of Action
The job action does not apply to workers identified under an existing essential services order. Medeiros clarified that any non-essential services workers acting in another capacity for Metro will return to their posted roles immediately and will not perform overtime or standby work until further notice. Metro Vancouver has been notified of these measures.
The union executive advised members not to initiate any unsanctioned job action.
Metro Vancouver's Response
A Metro Vancouver spokesperson, Jennifer Saltman, stated in March that the regional authority is committed to reaching a fair and reasonable collective agreement amid a very difficult economic climate. She expressed intent to ratify an agreement that supports union members and is affordable for taxpayers, with no disruptions to essential services expected.
The GVRDEU represents over 600 members and 150 contract workers.
