Strike could be on the horizon for one of B.C’s biggest unions

One of B.C.’s biggest unions is eyeing a strike after negotiations with the government halted.

The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) is starting a B.C.-wide strike vote for its 33,000 members after negotiations with the B.C. Public Service Agency grinded to a stop.

“We’ve been clear from day one that cost of living protection for wages was the key to a deal this round,” Stephanie Smith, president of the BCGEU and chair of the union’s public service bargaining committee, said through a press release.

“We’ve been clear from day one that cost of living protection for wages was the key to a deal this round,” said @steph_smith303, president of the BCGEU and chair of the union’s public service bargaining committee. “It’s a fair demand and we know government can afford it…"

— BCGEU (@bcgeu) May 6, 2022

Smith claimed the union’s demands were fair and that the PSA responded with two offers that didn’t even match half of what the union was asking for.

“This vote is a chance for our members to tell their employer what they think of those offers,” said Smith.

Related links:

• BCGEU characterizes latest wage offer by B.C. as a cut

• Equal Pay Day in Canada pushes to close gender wage gap

Despite the prospect of a strike, Smith said she was aware the best place to get a deal done was at the bargaining table.

“We know that the best place to get a deal is at the table, and that is still our goal,” said Smith. “Experience tells us that a strong strike vote can be a very effective way to make that goal a reality.”

Up to 400,000 public sector workers in B.C. have agreements that could potentially that will, or already have, expired this year, the BCGEU said.

The BCGEU covers members in health care, community social services, education, and more.

The vote will start May 16, with a vote count currently scheduled for June 22.