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The union representing over 600 outside workers at the Metro Vancouver Regional District issued a 72-hour strike notice Thursday, saying it has reached an impasse with the employer.
In a statement, the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU) said its members would be in a legal position to strike as of 3:36 p.m. PT on Sunday.
GVRDEU workers are defined as “outside employees” and operate Metro Vancouver’s five wastewater treatment plants, monitor air quality and build infrastructure, among other roles.
In a statement, GVRDEU President Jesse Madeiros said Metro Vancouver’s last offer to the union did not offer adequate worker safety or protection against contracting out of services.
Workers with the GVRDEU are seen during previous strike action in October 2023. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
“Our members are saddened that their union must resort to potential job action to secure a fair collective agreement that addresses worker safety and supports the recruitment and retention of critical public service workers,” he said.
Metro Vancouver is the regional government that provides and co-ordinates services for 21 municipalities across the Lower Mainland.
According to the statement, the GVRDEU’s members voted 97.8 per cent in favour of strike action in March.
The GVRDEU said that the last negotiations with Metro Vancouver took place on April 13, and no further talks were scheduled.
In the union’s statement, Madeiros urged the elected politicians that make up Metro Vancouver’s board to tell senior management to return to the bargaining table.
In 2023, hundreds of workers with the union picketed wastewater treatment plants as part of strike action.
CBC News has reached out to the Metro Vancouver Regional District for comment.