Pickets go up at waste-energy plant in Burnaby, B.C.
Burnaby, B.C. - Workers at Metro Vancouver's waste-to-energy plant have initiated a strike, according to the union representing them. Unifor Local 433 announced the action after Veolia, the plant's employer, reportedly demanded contract concessions from the employees. The union claims about 40 steam engineers and skilled trades workers have begun picketing the Burnaby facility, which Veolia operates and maintains.
The plant processes approximately 25% of the region's solid waste, generating enough electricity to power 16,000 homes. Veolia's website states the facility's operating costs remain largely fixed due to the company's municipal waste contract for the next four years. However, the union disputes this, arguing that workers should not be forced to concede on their contract.
Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle expressed similar sentiments in a statement, asserting that the workers do not believe they should be negotiating contract concessions.
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