Grouse Grind, regional parks hit by picket lines Monday
Union members walk off the job over stalled contract talks. Park rangers and maintenance workers are among those stopping work.
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The Grouse Grind will be off-limits Monday morning as union members picket the popular hiking trail and two other regional parks.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union started the job action at 6 a.m., pulling Park Rangers and maintenance staff who keep the trails in shape. "Our union members keep the Grouse Grind in top condition for those who hike this popular trail, and we are asking users to take a day off from the Grind and the Park," said GVRDEU president Jesse Medeiros.
Deas Island Regional Park in Delta and Derby Reach Regional Park in Langley are also targeted by picketers. The union hasn't had a contract in 17 months, with no new bargaining scheduled.
Members' main complaints centre on health and safety, contracting work, and recruitment and retention. Medeiros says the strike could escalate further.
Anyone planning to hike the Grind on Monday should plan an alternative route or wait until the action concludes.