The labor union representing outdoor workers at the Metro Vancouver Regional District announced that workers will cease operations this weekend, affecting services in 25 regional parks. Approximately 750 members of the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU), responsible for maintaining services such as wastewater management, air quality monitoring, and regional parks, have been working without a contract for 19 months.
Earlier this summer, the union staged a one-day strike to highlight the contract dispute with Metro Vancouver, the regional government comprising 21 municipalities. Following unsuccessful attempts with rotating strikes and overtime bans to address the issue, the GVRDEU stated that job actions are escalating once more.
Bill Tieleman, the union spokesperson, disclosed on Friday that there will be disruptions to services in regional parks, including halting garbage collection and immediate first aid assistance for injuries. With around 100 unionized park workers being withdrawn, only 15 workers will be available to manage the 25 regional parks as part of essential services agreements with Metro Vancouver.
Tieleman emphasized that there would be minimal staff available over the weekend, including a limited number of managers. He expressed regret that the public may be impacted but asserted that the union felt compelled to take action due to a lack of alternatives.
Encouraging hikers and park visitors to explore parks outside Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction, Tieleman highlighted that the regional district oversees popular parks and trails like Pacific Spirit Park near the University of British Columbia, Grouse Mountain Regional Park in North Vancouver, and Belcarra Regional Park.
Regarding negotiation progress, Tieleman mentioned that a mediator appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board is facilitating discussions, although no further negotiation sessions have been scheduled. The union’s primary concerns include workplace safety, employee retention, and the outsourcing of work.
In a statement, Metro Vancouver assured that all programs and reservations at its regional parks would proceed as planned over the weekend. The organization reiterated its commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement through the bargaining process without seeking concessions.
Image: The offices of the Metro Vancouver Regional District in Burnaby’s Metrotown area on May 9, 2026.