The British Columbia General Employees’ Union is set to kick off a strike as some of its public service members will take to the picket lines starting Tuesday. Last week, the union issued a 72-hour notice prior to the strike.
In a recent news release, the union announced that President Paul Finch will be standing in solidarity with the striking workers on a picket line in Victoria.
The decision to strike came after negotiations between the union and the agency hit a roadblock in July. During a press conference on Friday, Finch revealed that an overwhelming 92.7 percent of members voted in favor of potential job action.
The union is pushing for a four-percent wage increase in the first year and 4.25 percent in the second year, along with adjustments for the cost of living.
While specific details on the members participating in the strike were not disclosed, the union confirmed that picket lines will also be present in Prince George and Surrey.
The BCGEU emphasized that 93 percent of its members supported taking job action in the vote.
The standoff stems from disputes over wages, remote work policies, and the necessity to update the existing contract, according to Finch.
He emphasized the importance of fair wages for working individuals, stressing the need for sustainable income. The union called on the government to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table.
The union had proposed a two-year deal in July, outlining wage increases for lower-paid members. However, the government’s counteroffer included a 1.5 percent raise in the first year and 2 percent in the second, which was rejected by the union.
In response to the looming strike, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Transit, Mike Farnworth, assured that essential health and safety services will remain unaffected.
The BCGEU represents approximately 34,000 members across various sectors, including social services, healthcare, education, government liquor stores, corrections, legal systems, and public administration.