Metro Vancouver workers renew job action after sewage overflow

The union representing Metro Vancouver outside workers says it has withdrawn members from liquid-waste operations in Burnaby after a sewage overflow it says put workers at risk.

The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union said the July 26 to 29 release into Vancouver Harbour contributed to its decision to renew job action after bargaining on a collective agreement broke down. Designated essential workers remain on the job.

Metro Vancouver spokesperson Amanda McCuaig said heavy rain and a pump malfunction caused a combined sewage overflow near Crab Park in Vancouver. She said the released mix of rainwater and wastewater did not increase E. coli levels, did not create additional health or safety risks and has not affected essential services.

Union president Jesse Medeiros said workers noticed the spill on site and alerted the union, which began an investigation. He said concerns at the bargaining table include contracting out, health and safety, and staff retention.

Metro Vancouver says it remains available to resume negotiations. The regional district’s latest offer includes wage increases of more than 10 per cent over three years; the union represents about 750 outside workers who have been without a new agreement for 19 months.