One of BCs largest public sector unions is preparing to hold a strike vote after contract negotiations with the provincial government hit a standstill.
The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents more than 34,000 members working in BC’s public service, announced last week it would begin preparations for a strike vote amid ongoing frustrations at the bargaining table.
Negotiations began in January and the collective agreement expired on March 31st. But the union says talks with the Public Service Agency (PSA) have now broken down over key issues such as competitive wages, access to telework, and modernizing the current contract.
“Workers are facing an affordability crisis and if wages don’t keep up with the cost of living, we lose skilled workers – that means fewer wildfire fighters defending our communities, fewer healthcare workers keeping our families healthy, and fewer administrative professionals providing access to services,” said BCGEU president and bargaining chair Paul Finch.
“The PSA’s current offer falls far short of addressing members’ needs and has only deepened frustration with their employer. Now members of the public service will decide next steps in raising their voices and pushing for the fair deal they deserve.”
The union’s latest proposal, tabled in late June, includes a two-year deal with wage increases targeted at lower-income members, as well as occupational adjustments and the incorporation of bonuses into base pay to provide lasting financial stability.
The goal, the union says, is to help workers manage the province’s high cost of living while strengthening the delivery of public services.
To support its demands, the BCGEU released a report titled BC’s public service. An investment in public safety and a healthy economy, outlining the economic case for investing in the province’s public sector workforce.
The report finds that B.C.’s public service employees are paid less on average than private sector counterparts and workers in other jurisdictions with similar costs of living. It also notes the public service remains relatively small and over-reliant on management positions over frontline roles.
“There is fiscal room to make responsible investments in the public service workforce without compromising economic stability,” Finch added. “Government has options to work with – what’s required is the political will.”
A strike vote is expected to begin by mid-August, following an outreach campaign to inform union members and mobilize support.
In response, Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said the province remains hopeful that both parties can return to the table.
“Part of that process can include a union taking a strike vote, and we respect the union’s prerogative to do that,” Bailey said in a statement. “I am hopeful the parties will return to the table soon – it’s best to keep the bargaining discussions at the table so the parties can focus on reaching a settlement.”
This isn’t the first time the BCGEU has taken job action. In 2022, the union staged a two-week strike at BC Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses, significantly disrupting liquor and cannabis sales across the province before a deal was reached.
The outcome of the upcoming strike vote could once again have wide-reaching effects, as the BCGEU’s public service bargaining unit is one of the largest in British Columbia.
