The BC General Employees’ Union strike has entered its third week, with job action now expanding to impact workers in the province’s vital mining sector. Beginning Tuesday, government employees responsible for supporting mineral and mining operations will be joining the strike.
Melissa Moroz from the Professional Employees Association emphasized that key personnel such as engineers, geoscientists, agrologists, and foresters who oversee mine permitting, safety enforcement, and environmental compliance will be on strike.
Workers from the Mineral Development and Mineral Titles offices in Vancouver and the Southeast Mines Office in Cranbrook will be participating in picket lines starting Tuesday.
Union President Paul Finch highlighted the importance of environmental regulations for projects like the ones under consideration in B.C., emphasizing that the civil service plays a crucial role in the province’s economic activities.
The union aims for a collective agreement to end the strike and resume negotiations, expressing concerns about delays in mine operations due to the strike actions.
Additionally, the union has extended overtime bans to correctional and sheriff services, building on existing bans at Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses.
The BCGEU is urging the government to return to the bargaining table to address members’ demands for an 8.25% wage increase over two years, citing rising cost-of-living pressures and other issues.
Amidst news of a record-high deficit for the province, the union remains steadfast in its position, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the ongoing labor dispute.