The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU) and Metro Vancouver have come to an agreement to resolve their ongoing bargaining dispute by appointing an arbitrator, effectively putting an end to job action by outside workers.
The union announced that all job actions would halt as of 1 p.m. on Wednesday following the selection of former B.C. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kelleher as the arbitrator.
Justice Kelleher will be responsible for tackling the remaining issues between the two parties that have not been resolved through negotiations and labor disputes.
Jesse Mederios, president of the GVRDEU, expressed optimism about the appointment, stating, “Our union is pleased that former Justice Kelleher has agreed to mediate this arbitration process and we eagerly anticipate presenting our case on the unresolved matters to him.”
The union highlighted that significant concerns still linger in the dispute, such as proposed enhancements to health and safety protocols, cessation of outsourcing work currently done by union members, and initiatives to enhance the recruitment and retention of skilled employees.
Representing Metro Vancouver’s outside workers, the GVRDEU anticipates that the outcome of the arbitration will establish the final terms of a new collective agreement.
Metro Vancouver conveyed its satisfaction with Justice Kelleher’s acceptance of the role in a statement, emphasizing their commitment to swiftly progressing through the arbitration process to solidify a new collective agreement.
