Several major B.C. institutions could follow in BCGEU’s striking footsteps
As the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike intensifies, another union says it may follow suit if necessary.
In a statement issued on Monday, Members of MoveUP, the union that represents over 8,500 public workers at ICBC, BC Hydro, BC Transit, and Capilano University, said they were ready “to follow in the footsteps of the BCGEU and PEA [Professional Employees Association] members who are currently on strike unless the B.C. government presents a meaningful wage package that addresses the affordability crisis that public sector workers face in British Columbia.”
MoveUP added that its members have been supporting striking members from those unions by respecting picket lines at common worksites.
The union’s collective bargaining process is currently in early stages, and its public sector units have various timelines.
However, in a previous release, MoveUP’s president, Anne Toth, hinted at possible action from the union in the future.
“Our union is poised to commence public sector bargaining at ICBC, BC Hydro, BC Transit and Capilano University,” she said in a Sept. 3 statement addressed to B.C. Premier David Eby and Finance Minister Brenda Bailey.
“Our members are also prepared to take the same action as the BCGEU and PEA members unless these critical concerns raised by their members – your employees – can be appropriately addressed,” she added.
BCGEU announced on Monday that it will escalate its job action on Sept. 9, with new picket lines being set up across the province.
“This represents an increase to 22 sites and over 4,000 workers on the picket lines in total,” said the union in a statement.
The BCGEU represents more than 34,000 provincial public service workers across B.C.
Their jobs range from wildfire response and child protection to corrections, court support, and liquor and cannabis distribution.
Members are calling for wages that keep pace with inflation, as well as updates to their contract to address recruitment and retention challenges in the public service.
The union also wants fairer access to remote work, a modernized classification system, and limits on the growth of management positions.
The Professional Employees Association (PEA), which represents about 1,800 licensed professionals, including engineers and psychologists, has also joined the strike.
Both unions filed 72-hour strike notices on Aug. 29.
With files from Bhagyshree Chaterjee