The union representing more than 34,000 BC public service workers have voted in favour of going on strike.
The BC General Employees’ Union (BGEU) said 86% of eligible members voted in favour of job action, which could begin as early as Tuesday morning.
Voting began on Aug. 11 and ended on Friday resulting in over 92% of eligible members supporting a strike.
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"Frontline workers in the public service are facing an affordability crisis that must be addressed in this round of negotiations," said bargaining chair and BCGEU president Paul Finch.
"Government's current offer doesn't meet the urgency of this crisis, and this emphatic strike vote result reflects workers' deep concern over the lack of progress at the bargaining table. Their message to government is clear: we are united and ready to act to secure a fair contract that keeps BC's public services strong."
Members of the BCGEU who work for the BC Public Service include wildland firefighters, social workers, correctional officers and sheriffs, conservation officers as well as liquor and cannabis retail and distribution staff.
Members of the Professional Employees Association (PEA) who also work for the BC Public Service also announced they will be issuing a 72-hour strike notice Friday afternoon.
The PEA is a union that represents over 1,800 Government Licensed Professionals (GLP), which includes engineers, foresters, geoscientists and psychologists.
"It's time for the BC Government to invest in the public service," said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA and lead negotiator for the union.
“We can't keep losing experts like engineers and youth psychologists, who provide critical services to the province.”
Negotiations with the BC Public Service Agency began on January 22, 2025.
According to a news release, workers are seeking competitive wages that address the affordability crisis, fair access to telework, a modernized contract that more fairly values their work, and a limit on non-union managers.
