Particle.news
Download on the App Store

B.C. Public-Sector Strike Expands to 26,000 Workers, Shutting Government Liquor and Cannabis Stores

Negotiations are stalled with the province holding to a two-year raise of up to 5% that unions dispute.

Overview

  • Roughly 1,000 Professional Employees Association members, including engineers, foresters and geoscientists, joined BCGEU picket lines across multiple ministries.
  • All Service BC locations are struck, disrupting drivers licensing, income and disability assistance, student loans and other front-counter services.
  • Government-run liquor and cannabis stores and distribution warehouses are behind pickets, with restaurants reporting dwindling supply and some events cancelling.
  • The province says its revised offer provides up to a 5% wage increase over two years, which unions argue is not a general raise, as essential service levels are maintained by law.
  • More than 20 ministries and Crown agencies are affected across roughly 475 worksites, including Finance, Citizens’ Services, the Liquor Distribution Branch, the Royal BC Museum and the BC Pension Corporation.