Unionized Metro Vancouver employees give strike notice
Posted October 1, 2023 11:20 am.
Last Updated October 1, 2023 4:21 pm.
The union that represents over 600 workers at the Regional District of Metro Vancouver says it’ll be in legal strike position by Monday afternoon.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees Union previously told CityNews the major sticking points were pay and improvements to extended health care plans. It had voted in favour of strike action on Sept. 11.
Affected workers represent 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.
Related story: Unionized Metro Vancouver employees vote in favour of strike action
Metro Vancouver told CityNews the potential job action is unfortunate, but that it is 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,” it 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 union said in September it was concerned the delay in finding a new deal has “adversely affected worker retention and recruitment for Metro Vancouver services with long-term negative consequences for the Region.”
Metro Vancouver says there will be no disruption to essential services.
