VicPD confirmed they are looking into a report of irritant use during a labor dispute outside the Royal BC Museum on Belleville Street Tuesday evening.
On September 16th, around 7:26 p.m., police received reports of a possible irritant released near the 600-block of Belleville Street, where striking museum workers represented by the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) were picketing.
Several individuals reported coughing, burning eyes, and other symptoms that matched exposure to a substance similar to bear spray.
Patrol officers talked with multiple people at the scene, including security staff. The investigation has been passed to VicPD’s General Investigation Section, which is reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses.
Social media posts called the incident disturbing. A Reddit user claimed that workers on the picket line began suffering respiratory issues while a group nearby laughed and filmed the situation.
Some staff reportedly had panic attacks.
The BCGEU confirmed that this incident occurred as its members began the third week of job action.
Union leaders mentioned that the Royal BC Museum is one of the targets in a growing strike across the province, which now features 19 picket lines from Victoria to Fort St. John.
On Wednesday, the union broadened its strike action to two more locations, including the Ministry of Citizens’ Services office on Markham Street in Victoria.
Overall, more than 8,500 members are now involved in strikes or overtime bans as the union pushes for a new collective agreement.
BCGEU president Paul Finch stated that members are asking for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.
“Investing in public service workers is essential to sustaining the services British Columbians rely on and to keeping our economy strong,” Finch said.
The government’s current wage offer is 3.5% over two years. The union argues that this does not keep up with inflation.
Police are still looking for witnesses to Tuesday night’s incident. They encourage anyone with information or video from the area to come forward.
