All BC Liquor and Cannabis Stores have been shut down as public service workers’ strike intensified on Wednesday. The BC General Employees’ Union disclosed that the job action now encompasses employees from various ministries, including the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Citizens’ Services, which includes all Service BC workers.
The picket lines initially saw workers from 25 BC Liquor Stores in late September. Over time, more stores joined the movement, leading to the closure of all 234 locations. BCGEU President, Paul Finch, expressed regret over the disruptions caused to the public but emphasized that the union’s actions were a result of the provincial government’s stance.
Following failed negotiations last week, where higher wages were a key point of contention due to rising living costs, both parties remained at odds. The government, facing a significant deficit of $11.6 billion, aims to strike a balance between meeting workers’ demands and fiscal responsibilities, as noted by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey.
With the frontline workforce participating in job actions reaching around 25,000 individuals across 431 sites, the situation remains tense, awaiting further developments in negotiations.