Metro Vancouver outside workers at regional parks walk off the job indefinitely

Metro Vancouver outside workers at regional parks walk off the job indefinitely

No collective agreement for 18 months, regional district says it's committed to reaching a pact

Over 100 workers walked off the job at Metro Vancouver regional parks on Sunday, with the union saying members are frustrated over lack of movement in talks with the regional district.

The escalated job action comes after unsuccessful talks under labour relations board mediation following a full, one-day strike on June 15.

"We’ve been 18 months without a collective agreement; there’s been no progress made at the bargaining table," said Bill Tieleman, a spokesperson for Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees Union (GVRDEU).

The duties of workers who left their jobs Sunday include cleaning parks, collecting garbage, making repairs, maintaining trails and providing immediate first aid to parkgoers.

Metro Vancouver outside workers who look after regional parks walk off the job indefinitely

A day earlier, the union initially announced that workers would be limiting their hours to between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT. But Tieleman said a decision was made late Saturday night for workers to walk out indefinitely.

He said union members are "very frustrated with management."

A 'skeletal presence' of workers at parks

The regional district runs 25 parks, including Grouse Mountain and Capilano parks in North Vancouver, Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, Iona Beach in Richmond and Belcarra.

The union says it represents about 700 workers, including staff who maintain regional parks, watersheds, water and sewer infrastructure, and construction sites.

Metro Vancouver could add dozens of new overnight campsites as demand grows

During the current job action, 15 workers deemed essential by the Labour Relations Board will continue working, but won't be taking any overtime.

"It will be a skeletal presence" at the parks, said Tieleman.

Jillian Glover, who's with Metro Vancouver, said the regional district is committed to reaching an agreement.

"We value the services that they provide to our residents every day and we're prepared to return to mediated negotiations as soon as possible."

The union and the region have a scheduled mediation session with the labour board on Saturday. Tieleman referred to it as "tentative."

Tieleman says their primary concerns include health and safety on the job, the contracting out of union work, and retention and recruitment of skilled workers as primary concerns for the workers.

Glover said regional parks remain open to the public, and facility reservations and essential services are being maintained.

"We encourage people to continue enjoying our regional parks."

Metro Vancouver outside workers' union agrees to mediated talks after 1-day strike action

Tieleman said workers won't picket at the parks.

"We're not trying to impede the public. We just want to warn the public that the services that they usually would expect at these parks would probably not be there."

Tieleman said that if contract progress isn't made, a full-scale, indefinite strike is possible.

The Ministry of Labour said in a statement to CBC mediation services are available if required.

"Both parties are encouraged to return to the table and work with diligence and urgency to achieve a settlement," it said.

Michelle Gomez is a writer and reporter at CBC Vancouver. You can contact her at michelle.gomez@cbc.ca.