BURST
After a full-scale strike on Monday, the union representing Metro Vancouver outside workers has agreed to mediation. In the meantime, it said limited job action will continue.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union issued a statement late Monday after the strike ended saying it wold work with a Labour Relations Board mediator and that the negotiations would proceed without any preconditions.
“This is a welcome first step, but not a conclusion, to 17 months without a new collective agreement and after escalating job action up to a full-scale strike on Monday,” said union president Jesse Medeiros.
“Metro Vancouver has been prepared and willing to move into mediation since January, and recently provided 10 additional bargaining dates,” said the regional district in a statement on Monday afternoon.
“Metro Vancouver looks forward to progressing negotiations with support from the Labour Relations Board. Mediation is a practical step to help both parties make meaningful progress and reach an agreement in service of the region.”
Medeiros said there is still much to work out with the employer.
“But make no mistake, this dispute is far from over and we reserve the right to return to job action once again unless Metro Vancouver is willing to negotiate a fair contract for our members that addresses their serious concerns.”
The union is calling for better health and safety, an end to contracting out and better recruitment and retention.
Medeiros said the labour board reached out to the union and Metro to offer mediation and the bargaining committee agreed on Monday evening to accept the offer. He said the key was Metro Vancouver agreeing to drop its demand that the union accept preconditions containing already rejected contract proposals before restarting negotiations.
Dates have not yet been determined, said Medeiros, who thanked the public for supporting members during nearly a month of job action.
“Our members greatly appreciate the public backing we have received and want to reassure them that we have done and will do everything possible to avoid inconveniencing Metro Vancouver residents.”
The union will continue its ban on overtime, standby work other limited job action until further notice. It represents over 700 workers providing water, air, sewer and infrastructure services at regional parks, ecological reserves and housing communities.