Some B.C. Public Sector Workers to Begin Job Action Tuesday, Union Confirms

The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) says some of its 34,000 public sector members will begin job action on Tuesday after talks with the province broke down over wages and working conditions.

Union president Paul Finch confirmed the action but declined to identify which groups of workers would walk off the job, urging the public to respect picket lines. “If you see a picket line, do not cross that picket line, and of course, your support throughout this is appreciated,” he said.

The BCGEU represents a wide range of workers, including wildland firefighters, social workers, correctional officers, sheriffs, administrative staff, conservation officers, court workers and scientists. Finch said members are struggling with affordability pressures, noting that BCGEU wages average 2.7 per cent below provincial earnings, and more than one in five members work multiple jobs to make ends meet. “Half of them report they’re living paycheque to paycheque,” he said.

Negotiations with the province stalled in July, and while the union has expressed willingness to return to the table, Finch says the government has not offered a revised wage mandate. Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside said she would not comment on specifics but emphasized the government supports workers’ right to strike, describing public employees as vital to the province’s services.

Assistant professor Justin Wiltshire of the University of Victoria said the province is in a difficult position, warning that across-the-board wage increases may be financially unfeasible given rapid public sector growth. While a prolonged strike may yield limited gains, he said a shorter one could prompt “marginal concessions.”

Finch stressed that disruptions to essential services will not occur without the required 72-hour notice, but warned that government must “read the room” about the cost-of-living crisis facing workers.