Attention GVRDEU Members 

We met on March 11 and 12, and again on April 2 and 9 at the BC Labour Relations Board (BC LRB) to complete Essential Service Designation (ESD) levels. While the process is nearing completion, there are still several outstanding essential service levels that we are addressing with our legal counsel at the BC LRB. The BC LRB has appointed Vice-Chair Paul Todd to address those outstanding issues.

To help move the ESD process forward, the Union served strike notice to the Employer on Friday, April 9, at 2:04 p.m. However, no possible strike or lockout by either party can occur until the essential services order is finalized. Should the Union feel the need to strike, we will issue new notice after there is an essential services order in place.

Within 90 minutes of the strike notice being served, the Employer advised the Union of its intention to file a complaint alleging bad faith bargaining by the Union. We strongly disagree with this allegation, and our counsel will respond to the complaint at the BC LRB in due course, should the Employer proceed with it.

Earlier today, we met with the Employer to continue collective bargaining following our meeting on April 8, during which the parties’ exchanged proposals toward a potential settlement. Key non‑monetary items, such as language addressing worker safety, protection against contracting out bargaining‑unit work, and measures to support recruitment and retention, were notably absent from the Employer’s proposal.

Shortly after receiving the Union’s counter‑proposal, the Employer stated that it believed the parties were at impasse. The Union still is seeking to schedule additional bargaining dates, and the members of the Union’s bargaining committee remain available and ready to meet when the Employer is prepared to return to the table.

With respect to the recent emails sent by the Employer to Union members regarding collective bargaining, we do not believe a response is necessary at this time, as all relevant and accurate information is contained in the Union’s previous updates to members.

In summary, there are currently no new bargaining dates scheduled, and it is up to the Employer to determine when it is willing to resume negotiations.

In the meantime, the ESD process and the Employer’s unfair labour practice complaint will continue through the BC LRB. Rest assured, we have retained experienced legal counsel and are confident that the complaint will be dismissed.

In Solidarity,

GVRDEU Bargaining Committee