Picket lines up at Metro Vancouver wastewater plants
Posted October 16, 2023 8:24 am.
Last Updated October 16, 2023 7:02 pm.
More than 600 workers at all five Metro Vancouver sewage treatment plants are on strike as of Monday morning.
Picket lines went up around 5:30 a.m.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union says members are taking action after being without a new contract for almost two years.
“We are hopeful that the MVRD Board Members advise its Commissioner, Jerry Dobrovolny, to recognize the urgency of this situation and return to the bargaining table in good faith to reach an agreement that respects the contributions of our members,” the union said.
Picket lines are now up at Annacis Island, Iona Island, Lions Gate, Lulu Island, and Northwest Langley wastewater treatment plants.
In a statement to CityNews, Metro Vancouver General Manager of External Affairs Sandra Jansen says the escalation of job action is “unfortunate.”
“However, there will be no disruption to the essential services that we provide to nearly 2.8 million residents every day,” Jansen assured.
“Metro Vancouver is committed to reaching a fair and reasonable collective agreement. We value our staff and local taxpayers who must pay for any deal we reach.”
Jansen says the regional district is also looking to “create more union jobs” and reduce the amount it contracts work out, “with no impact to existing staff.”
“By mutual agreement, we’re prepared to provide more flexible work hours,” she continued. “Our wage offer of an 11.5 per cent increase over three years and a one-time lump sum of 4.5% based on 2022 wages, plus other improvements to allowances and benefits, is fair and reasonable and it is aligned with other negotiated settlements in the region.”
The regional district says negotiations with mediated efforts are set to resume on Wednesday.
