Metro Vancouver Workers’ Strike Could Delay Burrard Inlet Dredging Project

Noah Chen

8/19/20262 min read

Job action by unionized Metro Vancouver outside workers could delay plans to dredge part of Burrard Inlet to allow larger vessels to pass through the waterway.

The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union says its members are off the job and have established picket lines at two water main projects in Vancouver and North Vancouver.

According to the union, both projects need to be completed before dredging can begin beneath the Second Narrows Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, with that work currently planned for September.

The dredging project is intended to allow oil tankers carrying larger loads to travel through Burrard Inlet and is supported by the federal government.

Prolonged Picketing Could Affect Schedule

Metro Vancouver Regional District acknowledged that project timelines could be affected if picketing continues for an extended period.

The regional district said it is working with contractors and using exempt staff in an effort to minimize potential delays.

It also said it remains available for further mediated bargaining in hopes of reaching an agreement with the union.

Outside workers and Metro Vancouver have been without a contract for 19 months.

The labour dispute has already resulted in several forms of job action, including picketing and strikes involving non-essential positions.

Union Warns Job Action Could Escalate

Union president Jesse Medeiros said workers are not seeking to halt major government infrastructure projects but have been unable to reach a new agreement with Metro Vancouver.

“The union is not interested in stopping major federal, provincial or municipal projects,” Medeiros said.

However, he warned that job action would continue to escalate if a settlement is not reached.

“Until we negotiate and ratify a new contract, this union will escalate job action, including shutting down projects like Burrard Inlet dredging,” he said.

Wage Dispute Remains Unresolved

Mediated bargaining between Metro Vancouver and the union concluded on July 22 without a new agreement.

The regional district says it has proposed a 10 per cent wage increase over three years.

Metro Vancouver says the offer is comparable to other recent labour agreements, including one reached with its Teamsters union.

The union and regional district have not yet reached a deal to end the dispute.

Port Authority Says It Is Too Early to Assess Impact

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said it is aware of the labour action but cautioned that the potential effect on the dredging project remains unclear.

A port authority spokesperson said the Second Narrows dredging work is still in the pre-construction stage.

She said it is “too early to speculate on any potential impacts” to the project.

For now, Metro Vancouver says it will continue attempting to limit disruptions while remaining open to further negotiations with the union.

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