Metro Vancouver’s unionized outside workers are currently engaged in job action that could impact the dredging of Burrard Inlet to accommodate larger vessels. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union has reported that its members are on strike, with picket lines set up at two water main projects in Vancouver and North Vancouver. Completion of these projects is crucial before dredging can proceed under the Second Narrows Ironworkers Memorial Bridge in September.
The dredging initiative aims to enable oil tankers carrying larger loads to navigate through the waterway, a proposal endorsed by the federal government. However, negotiations between the outside workers and the regional district have stalled due to an ongoing contract dispute lasting 19 months. This impasse has led to various job actions, including picketing and strikes in non-essential roles.
Union president Jesse Medeiros emphasized that while the union is not seeking to impede major projects at the federal, provincial, or municipal levels, the lack of a favorable agreement with Metro Vancouver has prompted an escalation in job actions. Medeiros stated, “Until we can reach a mutual agreement on a new contract, our union will continue to escalate our actions, potentially halting projects like the Burrard Inlet dredging.”
Requests for comments from Metro Vancouver and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority regarding the situation remain unanswered.