BC’s public service strike just got bigger— all government run liquor stores, cannabis shops, and Service BC offices across the province have closed as thousands more workers join the picket lines.
As a result, nearly 25,000 frontline workers are now on strike bringing the total of 431 worksites throughout BC are affected by picket lines and temporary shutdowns.
The union stated that services will stay disrupted until the provincial government comes back to negotiate a fair wage offer.
“We don’t take this escalation lightly, and we know that disruptions to services are difficult for the public—we regret the impact this is having on communities,” said BCGEU President Paul Finch.
“But after months of patience, our members have been left with no alternative. The government has a choice: they can sit down and bargain with us—or they can continue to let this disruption escalate. We’re ready to talk. We’ve been ready. The ball is in their court.”
The latest closures occurred only two days after over 10,000 union members and supporters gathered on the lawn of the BC Legislature in Victoria.
This rally was one of the largest labour demonstrations in decades and happened at the same time as the start of the fall legislative session.
According to the union, this fight is not just about wages.
“Our members showed up in force in Victoria to remind the government that behind every public service is a worker who deserves respect and a fair contract,” Finch said. “This is not just about wages—this is about investing in the services people across this province depend on.”
Negotiations between the BCGEU and the provincial government have been stalled for more than a week. Until talks resume, the union says strike action—and closures—will continue to grow.
A full list of affected locations is available on the BCGEU website.
