Metro Vancouver workers halt job action for binding arbitration

Metro Vancouver outside workers have halted job action following an agreement to enter binding arbitration to resolve a long-standing labour dispute. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union announced that former British Columbia Supreme Court judge Stephen Kelleher will preside over the proceedings.

Kelleher is described by the union as a veteran labour relations expert who previously chaired the BC Labour Relations Board. The two parties have been without a contract for approximately 20 months. The ongoing dispute has involved picketing at regional parks, water treatment facilities, and Metro Vancouver headquarters since May.

Key issues to be addressed through arbitration include health and safety improvements, the contracting out of unionized work, and the recruitment and retention of skilled labour.