May 19, 2026

Attention Members,

Late Friday afternoon on May 15, the Union received the finalized Essential Services Designation (ESD) Global Order from the BC Labour Relations Board. The order was delayed because an additional submission was needed to address disputed essential service requirements for WWTP Operators and Chargehands.

As noted earlier, neither party could begin a strike or lockout until the essential services order was finalized. Now that it has been finalized, the Union may issue strike notice if necessary, and the Employer may lock out workers if it chooses.

Next Steps

The Union’s Bargaining Committee met today to review the Global Order and discuss possible job action to bring the Employer back to the bargaining table and obtain a counterproposal. Further updates will be issued as needed.

Bargaining Impasse

Metro Vancouver maintains that bargaining can resume only if the Union concedes on our last counterproposal submitted on April 13. The Union’s position remains unchanged: we do not believe further bargaining would be meaningful under those conditions.

Unfair Labour Practice Complaint

Regarding the Employer’s unfair labour practice complaint, the Union’s counsel filed its submission on May 8. The Employer’s deadline to file its response has been extended to May 26, 2026. As stated previously, the Union strongly rejects the Employer’s allegation of bad faith bargaining.

In summary, the Union’s Bargaining Committee remains ready to meet as soon as the Employer is prepared to return to the table without preconditions.

Reach out to your Shop Stewards if you have any further questions. It is going to take all of us to win this fight!

In Solidarity,
GVRDEU Bargaining Committee