Coinciding with the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), over 1,800 government workers in the BC Public Service went on strike and have only now reached a tentative agreement.
These government licensed professionals are represented by the Professional Employees Association (PEA), who were fighting at the bargaining table to get them better pay and conditions from BC’s Public Service Agency (PSA).
The newly reached tentative agreement comes ten months after bargaining began with the PSA, during which time these workers engaged in the historic eight-week strike alongside the BCGEU.
“Our members showed extraordinary resolve during this round of bargaining,” said Melissa Moroz, PEA executive director and lead negotiator.
“For eight weeks we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the BCGEU, demanding a fair deal from the BC Government. This agreement shows what’s possible when we unite in solidarity.”
BCGEU members ratified their collective agreement on November 13th, 2025. PEA members had to wait an additional four months for their tentative agreement with PSA.
If this tentative agreement is ratified by PEA members, they will receive a general wage increase of 3% per year over the next four years, and an agreement in place until March 31st, 2029.
The union also gained important rights for their workers, including employment security, enhanced health and wellness benefits, improvements to overtime compensation and key terms for government lawyers who became part of the PEA in 2023.
“It’s been a long road to get here,” said Moroz.
“There were months of negotiations after the picket lines came down, but we didn’t walk those picket lines to settle for less. Our members were united across professions because they know the value of their work and how important it is to the people of British Columbia. This is a deal they can be proud of.”
Next steps to resolving this agreement will see union members vote on ratification.
