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BCGEU Marches in Vancouver as Contract Talks Collapse Again

A wide wage gap persists—roughly 8% sought by the union over two years versus about 5% offered by a fiscally constrained province.

Overview

  • Negotiations broke off shortly after resuming, with the union saying government negotiators arrived late and offered little change, a characterization the finance minister disputes.
  • A large downtown march moved from the Vancouver Art Gallery to Jack Poole Plaza, drawing supporters from multiple unions in a show of solidarity.
  • Roughly 15,000 of 34,000 covered workers are in job action in the strike’s fifth week, with pickets at about one-third of provincial liquor stores and at key distribution warehouses.
  • The union has been seeking about 8–8.25% over two years and recently countered at 4% annually, while the province’s latest stated offer is about 5% over two years after earlier reports of 2% per year.
  • Premier David Eby called for a quick resolution and said the offer includes special consideration for lower-paid roles, as the union signals further escalation and possible demonstrations when the legislature returns Oct. 6.