Metro Vancouver union ends one-day strike, talks unclear
The GVRD Employees' Union called off full-scale strike action but signalled no confirmed agreement to return to bargaining.
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The union representing more than 700 Metro Vancouver outside workers called off a full-scale strike Monday after less than a day of action, but the path to resuming talks remains uncertain.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union ended the strike—the first complete work stoppage after weeks of rotating job action—but union spokesperson Bill Tieleman said there is no confirmed accord to return to bargaining. Metro Vancouver had stated the union agreed to mediation with the B.C. Labour Relations Board, but the union clarified no mediation dates have been set without the removal of what it calls "preconditions" from the employer.
Union president Jesse Medeiros said the one-day strike succeeded in drawing attention to the dispute. Workers covering operations in water and wastewater treatment, air quality, parks, and ecological reserves across the region continue restricted hours at 30 regional parks and greenways. The union's last contract expired in December 2024, with sticking points including safety, recruitment and retention, and contracting out.