Dear Members,

We are writing to provide an important update regarding negotiations with Metro Vancouver.

As many of you know, the GVRDEU has been advocating for a fair and timely resolution to the outstanding issues in negotiations. Metro Vancouver previously declined the Union’s request to proceed to binding interest arbitration and indicated that it wished to continue mediation. However, the Employer did not provide a revised offer in response to the Union’s July 22 counterproposal and instead sought authorization from the Minister of Labour to conduct a last offer vote, which the Minister declined.

When it became clear that the Employer was unwilling to negotiate meaningfully on key member priorities and that the parties had reached an impasse, the Union maintained that binding interest arbitration was the most appropriate path forward to resolve the dispute fairly. Binding interest arbitration allows an impartial third-party arbitrator to hear submissions from both the Union and the Employer and apply the replication principle to determine what agreement the parties likely would have reached through normal negotiations, without regard to stubborn bargaining positions.

We are pleased to advise that late yesterday, Metro Vancouver has now agreed to the GVRDEU’s request to proceed to binding interest arbitration.

The parties are currently working together to select a mutually acceptable arbitrator so that this process can begin as soon as possible. While the timeline for arbitration will depend on the arbitrator’s availability and scheduling, the Union is committed to moving this process forward as efficiently as possible and ensuring that members’ interests are strongly represented throughout.

The GVRDEU will continue its ban on overtime work, standby after-hours work, and acting role work until both sides agree on an arbitrator and the arbitrator accepts the appointment to resolve the dispute.

We recognize that bargaining has been a lengthy and, at times, frustrating process. We thank the membership for their continued patience, solidarity, and support. Your unity has been instrumental in reaching this stage, and we will continue to keep you informed as further information becomes available.