Arbitrator appointed to resolve Metro Vancouver labour dispute, job action ends
Posted August 26, 2026 3:40 pm.
Last Updated August 26, 2026 3:35 pm.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU) and Metro Vancouver have agreed on an arbitrator to resolve their ongoing bargaining dispute, bringing job action by outside workers to an end.
The union announced that all job action would cease as of 1 p.m. Wednesday following the appointment of former B.C. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kelleher as arbitrator.
Kelleher will be tasked with resolving the outstanding issues between the two parties that remain unsettled after bargaining and labour action.
“Our union is glad that former Justice Kelleher was willing to accept this interest arbitration assignment from both GVRDEU and Metro Vancouver and we look forward to meeting with him and making submissions on the outstanding issues that were not resolved through bargaining and job action,” said Jesse Mederios, president of the GVRDEU.
“Justice Kelleher has a strong reputation for fairness and his lengthy experience will serve both parties well.”
According to the union, several key issues remain unresolved in the dispute, including proposed improvements to health and safety measures, an end to contracting out work currently performed by union members, and efforts to improve recruitment, and retention of skilled workers.
The GVRDEU represents Metro Vancouver’s outside workers. The outcome of the arbitration process will determine the remaining terms of a new collective agreement.
Metro Vancouver said in a statement that they are pleased that Kelleher has accepted the appointment.
“Metro Vancouver is committed to moving the process forward as efficiently as possible and we look forward to reaching a resolution and finalizing a new collective agreement between the parties,” read the statement.
