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BCGEU Expands Pickets on Day Three as Province Holds to Wage Framework

The union escalated after the province declined to improve its offer under a 3.5% two‑year wage framework.

Overview

  • Picket lines widened to nearly 90 workers outside the Ministry of Finance at 900 Howe Street in Vancouver on Thursday, marking the third day of job action.
  • BCGEU is seeking a 4% raise in year one and 4.25% in year two plus cost‑of‑living allowances, with leaders saying members will strike as long as necessary to secure a deal.
  • Premier David Eby cites significant fiscal headwinds and points to a Hospital Employees' Union framework with 3.5% over two years as the reference point for talks.
  • More than 2,600 members have walked picket lines in Victoria, Surrey and Prince George, with the Professional Employees Association joining actions and essential‑service agreements limiting public disruption so far.
  • Talks began in January, the contract expired March 31 and bargaining hit an impasse in July, with the union reporting no enhanced offer since then following a 92.7% strike mandate.