Public service workers in British Columbia have expanded their job action in pursuit of a new contract, as union members continue to picket at more locations throughout the province.
The BC General Employees’ Union reported an increase in picket sites, with an additional 24 locations affected, including five provincial liquor stores, bringing the total to 82. Over 16,000 union members are now participating in various forms of job action.
The union disclosed that over 14,000 workers are on either full or partial strike at 166 different work sites, with a total of 79 picket lines established. This escalation follows a recent march and rally in Vancouver following unsuccessful negotiations with the B.C. government.
BCGEU president Paul Finch emphasized that the strike fund is robust, underlining the union’s resolve to secure a favorable offer from the province before returning to the bargaining table. The union is dissatisfied with the government’s proposed five-per-cent wage increase over two years, considering it to be insufficient.
Premier David Eby highlighted the challenge of balancing the crucial work of public servants with B.C.’s fiscal reality during this period of negotiations.