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BCGEU Could Launch Job Action Tuesday After Overwhelming Strike Mandate

The dispute centres on wage protection from rising living costs following a breakdown in talks.

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Members of the British Columbia General Employees' Union picket outside a B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch facility, in Delta, B.C., on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Members of the BCGEU have issued a 72-hour strike notice.

Overview

  • The BC General Employees' Union issued a 72-hour strike notice on Aug. 29 after 92.7% of voting members backed job action with 86.4% turnout, making walkouts possible at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
  • Roughly 34,000 provincial public service workers are covered, and the Professional Employees Association has also served notice for about 1,800 licensed professionals.
  • Key union demands include general wage increases of about 4% in year one and 4.25% in year two plus a cost-of-living adjustment, along with remote work options and contract modernization.
  • The province says essential services that protect health, safety and welfare will be maintained under existing agreements, and negotiators are expected to meet this week.
  • Hospitality and retail groups warn liquor supplies could be disrupted if pickets target Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses, referencing similar impacts during the BCGEU’s 2022 job action.