The union representing Metro Vancouver outside workers says it has withdrawn members from liquid-waste operations in Burnaby, B.C., after a sewage spill that it says put workers at risk last week. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union says the spill into Vancouver Harbour from July 26 to 29 contributed in the decision to renew job action, after talks with the regional district on a new collective agreement broke down The withdrawal does not include designated essential workers. Metro Vancouver spokeswoman Amanda McCuaig confirms that a “combined sewage overflow” took place due to heavy rainfall and a pump malfunction, although she says the mix of rain and wastewater released near Crab Park in Vancouver did not elevate E. coli levels. McCuaig says there’s no reason such an overflow would increased health or safety risks, and there has been no impact on essential services for Metro Vancouver residents. She says the district remains “available to return to the bargaining table” to reach a fair deal with the union, which represents about 750 outside workers who have been without an agreement for 19 months. “Our latest offer includes a wage increase of more than 10 per cent over three years, which is consistent with other recently negotiated agreements in the region,” McCuaig says. Union president Jesse Medeiros says the spill was not noticed until workers saw it on-site and contacted the union to start an investigation. “Our members are angry that Metro Vancouver acts like its situation-normal when it’s clear they are unable to maintain the basic sewage treatment operations that the public expects and is paying for,” he says in a statement. “It’s time for Metro Vancouver’s elected board of mayors and councillors to demand management get back to bargaining and reach a fair collective agreement.” Medeiros says outstanding issues include the contracting out of union members’ work, health and safety, and staff retention. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2026.
