B.C. public service strike grows: 4,000 workers picket at 22 sites across province

British Columbia’s public service strike has escalated, with the BC General Employees’ Union announcing Tuesday that more than 4,000 members are now on picket lines across 22 locations.

The new sites include government offices and facilities in Nanaimo, Kamloops, Kelowna, Cranbrook, Nelson, Fort St. John and Smithers, in addition to existing pickets in Surrey, Victoria and Vancouver. Due to heavy wildfire smoke in Prince George and Williams Lake, the union has opted for “virtual pickets” in those communities until air quality improves.

Union president Paul Finch said the expansion reflects workers’ determination to secure a fair deal, including wage increases, cost-of-living protections, and remote work options. “The current offer does not meet the needs of workers in this province,” Finch said, while declining to specify future strike targets. He confirmed liquor distribution centres are not currently part of the strategy.

The province last week detailed its offer: a 4.5 per cent compensation increase over two years, including cost-of-living allowances. Finance officials argue the union’s proposal — which they calculate as 15.75 per cent — is too costly, while the union insists the government’s math is misleading.

Premier David Eby said Monday that his government is ready to return to the bargaining table but emphasized the province’s record deficit. “We’re ensuring that we’ve got a fair deal for workers … and to recognize the fiscal times that we’re in,” Eby said.

The BCGEU represents more than 34,000 public service employees across B.C., including firefighters, social workers, sheriffs, conservation officers, correctional staff, scientists and administrative workers.