BCGEU pauses job action amid negotiations

The BC General Employees’ Union has announced it’s standing down on its job action as a “sign of good faith” as its members and the province return to the bargaining table.

The union says “significant progress” has been made since the committee once again met with the BC Public Service Agency last week.

The BCGEU says its overtime ban has ended “effective immediately” and that preparations are underway to remove picket lines at BC Liquor Distribution Branch locations.

The union and the employer will continue to meet throughout the week, with the aim of finalizing a tentative agreement.

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This development means products can can now be distributed to cannabis and liquor stores.

The ongoing strike has left many shelves bare at liquor and cannabis stores across B.C., with some businesses also reporting financial losses as a result of the job action.

“This dispute is between the BCGEU and government, but it’s hurting us,” Jeff Guignard, executive director of BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees, said Monday.

“We’re only two weeks into this strike, and already businesses are starting to lay off workers and look at shutting their doors. They’re worried about the future of their businesses and the people they employ. This must stop before it gets worse.”

Some cannabis stores have also said they’ve been forced to lay off staff and close due to a lack of product.

The BCGEU issued its 72-hour strike notice on Aug. 12.

Members have been working without a collective agreement since April 1. Negotiations began in February, though the union has said “bargaining reached an impasse on April 6.”

“Our members have been crystal clear since day one that their priority this round of bargaining was cost of living protection for their wages,” BCGEU President Stephanie Smith said in an earlier statement.

Ninety-five-per-cent of union members voted in favour of strike action in June.