Metro Vancouver outside workers begin full strike after 17 months without contract

Approximately 700 Metro Vancouver outside workers have begun a full strike after working for the past 17 months without a collective agreement.

According to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union, workers launched the job action after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Union president Jesse Medeiros said management has continued to ignore concerns raised by frontline employees who provide essential services across the region.

The union said its key demands include improved worker safety measures, limits on contracting out work to private companies, and stronger efforts to recruit and retain new employees. Essential-service workers will remain on the job during the strike, ensuring critical services continue to operate.

Metro Vancouver management said in a statement that it remains prepared to resume negotiations with the assistance of a mediator. Management said it has offered wage increases of more than 10 per cent over three years as part of its latest proposal.

The union, however, alleges management is attaching conditions to renewed negotiations that it is unwilling to accept. A union-led demonstration is planned Monday outside Metro Vancouver's headquarters in Burnaby. Following the protest, union members are expected to assess next steps and determine how long the strike action will continue.