Vancouver school board support staff vote 96.9% in favour of possible strike
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 963, representing 900 VSB employees, can serve 72-hour strike notice. Negotiations with management have stalled over job de-skilling demands.
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Vancouver School Board support staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if negotiations do not improve. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 963, representing 900 VSB employees including building engineers, custodians, food service workers, supervision aides, and trade-qualified maintenance engineers, voted 96.9% in favour over two days this past weekend.
The union can serve 72-hour strike notice at any time. Negotiations between the union and VSB management have stalled, with the core dispute centring on management demands to de-skill some member positions — a move that angered union members enough to produce the strong vote.
"Our members have rarely gone on strike at Vancouver schools; we are committed to keeping students warm, safe, dry, and fed, but the demands of VSB management are unfair and unnecessary," said Tim De Vivo, union manager. "At a time when the entire world is urgently seeking more skilled workers, VSB is trying to de-skill the jobs of some of our members, and that's not on."
VSB has not yet responded to the strike vote. The specific timeline for further negotiations or strike action beyond the 72-hour notice provision remains unclear.
What specific positions does the VSB want to de-skill, and what qualifications would be removed?
What are the full demands from both union and management in the new collective agreement?
If a strike occurs, how would schools maintain operations for students who depend on custodial, food service, and engineering staff?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many Vancouver School Board employees does the union represent?
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 963 represents 900 VSB employees, including building engineers, custodians, food service workers, supervision aides, and trade-qualified maintenance engineers.
What percentage voted in favour of potential strike action?
96.9% of union members voted in favour of strike action over two days in the past weekend.
What is the main dispute between the union and VSB management?
Management is demanding de-skilling of some member positions, a move the union says is unfair and unnecessary.
How much notice can the union give before striking?
The union can serve 72-hour strike notice at any time.
