Staff at BC’s jails have now joined the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike, which is closing out its fifth week.
In a statement on Friday, the BCGEU said all remaining staff at adult correctional facilities across BC are now on strike.
That brings the total number of public service workers taking job action to nearly 25,000 across more than 470 worksites.
Paul Finch, BCGEU President, said talks have stalled not because of the union's unwillingness to negotiate but due to what he claims as the government’s lack of urgency and meaningful engagement.
“Public service is at the heart of who we are, and we do not take the decision to escalate this strike lightly,” said Finch.
“The path to resolution lies with the government.”
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The number of ministries and services also rose to 20. That includes the BC Pension Corporation, Citizens’ Services, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE), Office of the Premier and more. A full list is at the bottom of this story.
In addition, all BC liquor and cannabis stores across the province are also on strike.
When the remaining liquor and cannabis stores joined job action, Restaurants Canada called on both parties to come to an agreement so bars and restaurants wouldn’t suffer.
Finch echoed his calls for the provincial government to come back to negotiations with real proposals.
“British Columbians deserve a public service that is properly resourced and respected — and our members deserve nothing less than a fair deal,” he said.
It's been one week since talks between the union and province broke down and the union is calling on the government to “take bargaining seriously.”
The union is asking for 4% in year one and 4% in year two.
The province is proposing 3.5% across both years.
The BCGEU’s public service unit consists of over 34,000 members including 2,000 BC Wildfire Service workers, 2,350 correctional officers and sheriffs 4,850 liquor and cannabis retail and distribution staff, 3,600 Ministry of Children and Family Development workers, and over 14,000 administrative professionals working in ministries and departments across the provincial government.
BC Pension Corporation
Citizens' Services (including Service BC)
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE)
Education and Child Care
Employment Standards Branch
Energy and Climate Solutions
Finance
Forest Practices Board
Housing and Municipal Affairs
Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
Infrastructure
Jobs and Economic Growth
Liquor Distribution Branch (including all BC Liquor and BC Cannabis stores, the LDB warehouses and headquarters)
Mining and Critical Minerals
Office of the Premier
Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Royal B.C. Museum
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
