What a BCGEU strike could mean for B.C. | Daily Hive

BCGEU president Paul Finch speaks alongside members after the union voted 92.7 per cent in favour of strike action. (@bcgeu/X)

B.C. could see its largest public service strike since 2012 after more than 34,000 members of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) voted in favour of job action.

On Aug. 29, union members voted 92.7 per cent in support of a strike mandate.

That afternoon, the BCGEU filed a 72-hour strike notice, meaning a walkout could begin as early as Tuesday, Sept. 2.

BCGEU members working for the BC Public Service have voted 92.7% in overwhelming favour of taking job action and will issue a 72-hour strike notice this afternoon. Job action could begin as early as Tuesday morning. For media inquiries, email communications@bcgeu.ca.… pic.twitter.com/QsuhHVR5oJ

— BCGEU (@bcgeu) August 29, 2025

Talks between the union and the provincial government’s Public Service Agency began Jan. 22 but reached an impasse (a standstill where neither side is willing to budge until outside pressure forces a change) on July 18.

The previous contract expired on March 31.

What’s at stake

BCGEU members deliver frontline services across the province, from wildfire response and corrections to child protection and liquor and cannabis distribution.

A strike could disrupt courts, slow social services, and strain wildfire response.

Liquor and cannabis stores and warehouses may also face closures or supply issues.

Essential services would continue, but the union has not yet detailed the scope of job action.

The BCGEU said in the release that workers are facing an affordability crisis that has led to retention and recruitment problems.

Liquor supply could be affected if BCGEU members at distribution warehouses and retail stores walk off the job.(CDeWeger / Shutterstock)

The union is calling for wage increases, fairer access to telework, a modernized classification system, and limits on the growth of excluded management positions.

MEDIA RELEASE: Public service workers to take strike vote following impasse

“Workers are facing an affordability crisis and if wages don’t keep up with the cost of living, we lose skilled workers – at a time when we need a strong public service the most,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU… pic.twitter.com/1WSQhIDvZT

— BCGEU (@bcgeu) July 18, 2025

Paul Finch responds

Union president Paul Finch told Daily Hive the government’s current offer “falls far short” of what’s needed to stabilize the public service.

“The average BCGEU member makes 2.7 per cent less than the average British Columbian,” he said.

“Twenty-two per cent of our members report working a second or third job right now, and half say they are living paycheck to paycheck. The government’s offer, which is below inflation, effectively amounts to a pay cut.”

Finch also stressed that essential services will remain in place if a strike moves ahead.

“We’ve had a dedicated team negotiating essential service levels across the province, and the Labour Relations Board has confirmed those agreements,” he said.

“We are very confident those levels reflect what’s needed to keep British Columbians safe.”

He added the path forward rests with government, “At any time government wants to come to the table with an improved mandate that addresses the needs of workers, we’re willing to talk.”

A Leger poll released last week 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 government in a strike.

The BCGEU is the first union in B.C.’s public sector to reach an impasse with the province this bargaining round.

With almost 600,000 people employed across the public sector, the outcome of this dispute could set the tone for other negotiations still to come.

Daily Hive has also reached out to the B.C. Public Service Agency (PSA), the BC Wildfire Service and the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch for comment.

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