BCGEU escalates job action with more pickets set to go up Tuesday

B.C. public service workers were back on the picket line on Monday and say more picket lines will be set up on Tuesday.

Originally, Global News learned that the union was going to picket the warehouses of the B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Distribution Branch on Monday; however, that job action did not happen.

During the last strike by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) in 2022, picket lines outside B.C. Liquor warehouses led to a brief alcohol shortage at restaurants, bars and liquor stores.

1:24 BCGEU expected to escalate job action this week

The union says it is hoping an escalation in job action will push the province to deliver a stronger wage offer.

On Tuesday, the union plans to picket the Surrey Pretrial Centre and several government buildings throughout the province.

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B.C. Premier David Eby said the province is keen for a deal that is fair to workers and taxpayers.

“Recognizing the fiscal headwinds that the province is facing over the two terms of negotiation, this one and the previous,” he said.

“We’re ensuring that we’ve got a fair deal for workers and we hope to get back to the bargaining table to be able to hammer that out to be creative, to support those workers and to recognize the fiscal times that we’re in as a province.”

1:54 B.C. premier comments on BCGEU strike

With the exception of an ICBC office in Guildford, the public impacts of the BCGEU strike, which started last week, have been relatively muted.

The union has targeted government buildings in Victoria, Surrey and Prince George, along with the Royal BC Museum.

“It’s predominantly government operations that have been impacted by this strike,” BCGEU president Paul Finch told Global News.

The union is asking for a raise of 8.25 per cent over two years, while the province is offering 3.5 per cent over two years, and says so far the government hasn’t returned with an improved wage offer.