This morning, picket lines have been established throughout BC as many union members of the BC Public Service have initiated a strike action to achieve better wages and working conditions.
The groups on strike are Government Licensed Professionals (GLP) represented by the Professional Employees Association (PEA), as well as many BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) members.
This includes over 1,800 licensed professionals, engineers, foresters, geoscientists, psychologists and other specialized experts who deliver critical public services and infrastructure that British Columbians rely on every day.
According to PEA, bargaining with the Public Service Agency began on May 27th, but talks broke down over key issues including wages, reimbursement of required licensing fees and reducing the government’s reliance on external contractors.
On August 29th, union members voted in favour of issuing a 72-hour strike notice.
“These professionals do not take the decision to strike lightly,” said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA and lead negotiator.
“But when the BC government refuses to pay fair wages and continues to contract out the same work at a higher cost, they are sending a clear message about the priorities of this province.”
Moroz added that instead of investing in a stable public service, the government is paying more for hired contractors, which she believes is unfair to workers and fiscally irresponsible.
BCGEU President Paul Finch represents many of the workers involved in this strike action as well. These workers include firefighters, emergency workers and those who care for the province’s most vulnerable.
He says that because they have not received adequate pay raises, these workers are being enveloped by the current affordability crisis.
“These same people who are struggling to make ends meet have voted overwhelmingly to strike,” said Finch.
“They are declaring that the government’s last offer is unacceptable and they are willing to fight for the deal that they need.”
What BCGEU had last proposed to the Province was a two-year deal, with a 4% wage increase in the first year and 4.25% raise in the second year.
The proposal also included wage lifts for members at the lower end of the pay scale, as well as targeted occupational adjustments and bonuses.
Finch says this proposal was designed to address the affordability crisis workers are currently facing.
Picket lines for this joint strike action were established in Victoria at 1810 Blanshard, beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7th.
