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2w ago

B.C. Public Service Union to Hold Mid-August Strike Vote After Negotiations Collapse

The union rejected the government’s 1.5%/2% wage offer over inflation concerns to press for work-from-home protections.

A striking BCGEU member is seen in this undated file photo.
Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance, gives a pre-budget media availability that took place after a private meeting with members of B.C.'s Trade and Economic Security Task Force, at the Victoria Conference Centre in VICTORIA, B.C. March 3, 2025.

Overview

  • The BCGEU said talks broke down over wages, explicit telework rules and modernizing its job evaluation plan after months of bargaining.
  • Government officials offered a 1.5% raise in year one and 2% in year two, a proposal the union deemed insufficient against rising living costs.
  • Union leaders warned that stagnant pay threatens frontline services by risking the loss of skilled workers such as wildland firefighters earning $28 per hour.
  • A strike authorization vote among 34,000 public servants is set to begin in mid-August to secure a stronger mandate at the bargaining table.
  • Finance Minister Brenda Bailey affirmed the government respects the union’s prerogative to hold a vote and remains hopeful talks will resume soon.