Unionized Metro Van workers begin job action

Some unionized workers for the regional district of Metro Vancouver began job action shortly after they were in legal strike position Monday.

The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union says its members initiated action at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and ƛ̓éxətəm (tla-hut-um) Regional Park (Formerly known as Colony Farm Regional Park), shortly after 1:20 p.m.

Workers are not wearing Metro Vancouver uniforms and instead have opted for shirts that read “NO CONCESSIONS” for the rest of their shifts.

The GVRDEU says, “while this is a significant development in our ongoing negotiations, we want to clarify that there will not be an active picket line today.”

The union, which represents about 670 members, previously told CityNews that major sticking points were pay and improvements to extended health-care plans. It had voted in favour of strike action on Sept. 11.

Members work in a range of departments in the regional district, including watershed management, water distribution, water treatment and disinfection, wastewater collection and treatment, affordable housing, regional parks, and air quality monitoring.

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“We understand the importance of our members’ jobs and the impact on the community, and we are committed to taking measured actions that prioritize both our members’ interests and the broader community,” the GVRDEU said Monday. “Going forward, GVRDEU will initiate various job actions. We believe this approach will allow us to exert the necessary pressure on Metro Vancouver.”

Job action is expected to escalate Tuesday, though it’s unclear where exactly and what form the disruptions will take.

Metro Vancouver told CityNews on Sunday that the prospect of job action was unfortunate but that it was committed to reaching a fair agreement.

“We believe our wage offer of an 11.5 per cent increase over three years and a one-time lump sum of $2,350, plus other improvements to allowances and benefits, is fair and reasonable and aligned with other negotiated settlements in the region,” the regional district said.

“We are seeking a series of cost and procedural efficiencies that we believe benefit both the employer and employees, while maintaining value for taxpayers.”

The district added that there would be no disruptions to essential services.

-With files from Chad Harris