Metro Vancouver outside workers end job action as binding arbitrator appointed to resolve dispute
Former B.C. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kelleher will resolve outstanding issues on health and safety, contracting out, and worker recruitment after nearly 20 months without a contract.
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Metro Vancouver's outside workers have halted job action after both sides agreed to binding arbitration, ending months of escalating labour dispute.
Former B.C. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kelleher has been appointed as arbitrator to resolve outstanding issues between the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union (GVRDEU) and Metro Vancouver. The union announced that all job action would cease as of 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 26.
Kelleher, described as a veteran labour relations expert who chaired the BC Labour Relations Board before becoming a judge, will determine the remaining terms of a new collective agreement. "Our union is glad that former Justice Kelleher was willing to accept this interest arbitration assignment from both GVRDEU and Metro Vancouver," said Jesse Medeiros, president of the GVRDEU. "Justice Kelleher has a strong reputation for fairness and his lengthy experience will serve both parties well."
The two sides have been without a contract for about 20 months. The union has been staging job action since May, with pickets at regional parks, water treatment facilities, and Metro Vancouver headquarters affecting services like water protection, drinking water provision, sewer and infrastructure services, and park stewardship.
According to the union, several key issues remain unresolved, 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 arbitration process will determine how these disputes are resolved.
The facts
Who was appointed to resolve the Metro Vancouver labour dispute?
Former B.C. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kelleher was appointed as binding arbitrator. Kelleher is a veteran labour relations expert who previously chaired the BC Labour Relations Board before becoming a judge.
When did Metro Vancouver's outside workers end job action?
Job action ceased at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, after both sides agreed to binding arbitration.
What are the main issues being arbitrated?
The arbitration will resolve disputes over proposed improvements to health and safety measures, an end to contracting out work performed by union members, and efforts to improve recruitment and retention of skilled workers.
How long have Metro Vancouver and the union been without a contract?
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union and Metro Vancouver have been without a contract for approximately 20 months.
