Striking Metro Vancouver workers withdrew from five wastewater treatment plants run by the regional district on Monday, May 25, 2026. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union (GVRDEU) officially filed a 72-hour strike notice with the BC Labour Relations Board on May 22, 2026, leading to the walkout.
The affected facilities include the Annacis Island, Lulu Island, Iona Island, Northwest Langley, and Lions Gate wastewater treatment plants. The union represents about 800 workers who operate and maintain these plants, which serve over 2.5 million residents in the region.
Metro Vancouver has implemented contingency plans to ensure continued operation of the plants during the strike, but the union warns that without a deal, service disruptions could occur. The key issues in the dispute include wages, benefits, and working conditions, with the union seeking a contract that reflects the essential nature of their work.
Negotiations between Metro Vancouver and the GVRDEU are ongoing, with both sides expressing a desire to reach a resolution. The strike comes as the region prepares for the summer months, when wastewater treatment demand typically increases.
