BCGEU and PEA strike action launched in several cities across B.C.
A segment of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) members working for the B.C. Public Service, as well as the Professional Employees Association (PEA), began job action today, with picket lines set up at several locations across the province.
The move comes after more than 34,000 members of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) voted in favour of job action on Friday, Aug. 29, with union members voting 92.7 per cent in support of a strike mandate.
PEA’s more than 1,800 members also held a strike vote on Friday, joining BCGEU in issuing a 72-hour strike notice which would begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Picket lines are currently in place at sites in Prince George, Surrey, and across Victoria.
Professional Employees Association
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BCGEU said job action was launched because workers are facing an affordability crisis that has led to retention and recruitment problems.
“Public service workers fight fires, staff emergency lines, and care for our most vulnerable. But these workers are facing an affordability crisis,” said BCGEU President Paul Finch in a release.
“These same people who are struggling to make ends meet have voted overwhelmingly to strike. They are declaring that the government’s last offer is unacceptable and they are willing to fight for the deal that they need.”
Picket lines are currently in place in Prince George at a Child and Family Services office at 1011 4th Ave. and in Surrey at an ICBC Driver Licensing Building at 10470 152nd St.
Striking union members are also picketing a number of locations in Victoria, including the Jack Davis building and the Royal B.C. Museum.
Professional Employees Association
The BCGEU and PEA both filed 72-hour strike notices on Friday, Aug. 29, meaning a walkout would begin as early as Tuesday, Sept. 2.
BCGEU is calling for wage increases, fairer access to telework, a modernized classification system, and limits on the growth of excluded management positions. Its members deliver frontline services across the province, from wildfire response and corrections to child protection and liquor and cannabis distribution.
PEA’s key issues include wages, reimbursement of required licensing fees, and a commitment to reducing reliance on external contractors. The union represents more than 1,800 licensed professionals who work across B.C., including engineers, foresters, geoscientists, psychologists, and other specialized experts.
“These professionals do not take the decision to strike lightly,” said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA and lead negotiator, in a statement. “But when the B.C. government refuses to pay fair wages and continues to contract out the same work at a higher cost, they are sending a clear message about the priorities of this province.
“Contracting out doesn’t save money; it costs more. Instead of investing in a stable public service, the government is paying a premium for external contractors. It’s not just unfair to workers, it’s fiscally irresponsible.”
Professional Employees Association
A Leger poll released in August shows strong support for workers.
Nearly three-quarters of British Columbians agree a pay raise is reasonable given inflation, and 60 per cent worry affordability issues are driving frontline workers away.
Twice as many respondents said they would side with workers over the government in a strike.
Daily Hive has also reached out to the B.C. Public Service Agency (PSA), the B.C. Wildfire Service and the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch for comment.