B.C. Public Service Workers Plan Mass Rally in Vancouver After Talks Collapse

The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) is preparing for one of its largest demonstrations yet as its contract dispute with the province drags on.

The union, which represents 34,000 public sector workers, says thousands are expected to march Wednesday from the Vancouver Art Gallery to the Convention Centre, joined by members of other unions in solidarity. About 15,000 BCGEU members are already involved in some form of job action, from overtime bans to pickets at government offices, liquor stores, and distribution warehouses.

The rally follows the collapse of talks with the province earlier this week. Union president Paul Finch said the government invited negotiators back to the table but presented only a marginally improved offer. “There’s no point in calling us back if you are not going to present something materially different,” he told workers in Victoria, calling the meeting a “cheap stunt.”

The BCGEU has asked for 8.25% in wage increases over two years, but offered a compromise of 4% per year. Finch said the province countered with just 5% spread over two years, only slightly higher than its previous proposal.

Finance Minister Brenda Bailey disputed Finch’s account, saying the latest offer was indeed different, though she stressed B.C. faces a “very constrained fiscal environment” with a record $11.6-billion deficit. “We want an agreement that is fair to workers and to the public purse, but not at any cost,” she said.

With negotiations at a standstill, the strike—now in its fifth week—is escalating. The union says Wednesday’s rally is meant to send a clear message: “Workers are united, determined, and not backing down.”