There’s no end in sight to a strike involving thousands of provincial government workers in B.C.
Picketing by members of the BC General Employees’ Union that started Tuesday continues Wednesday in Prince George, Surrey, and at seven locations in Victoria.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!The union, which represents 34,000 members in fields including social services, health care, education, government liquor stores, prisons, courts and public administration, says strikes will continue “until further notice.”
On Tuesday, B.C.’s finance minister said government representatives and the union were meeting to discuss opportunities to return to the bargaining table, but the union said it was unacceptable for the province to ask it to return without offering a better wage deal.
So far, only around 2,000 union workers, particularly those in civil service, have walked off the job.
The BCGEU has said it is open to ramping up strike participation if the province doesn’t come back with an improved offer.
A 72-hour strike notice was first issued Friday after members voted more than 92 per cent in favour of job action.
Meanwhile, the Professional Employees Association also walked off the job Tuesday.
Relatively smaller, the PEA represents about 1,800 licensed professionals who work for the province, including geoscientists, engineers, and psychologists.
Despite the two concurrent job actions, impacts to the public have reportedly been minimal.
One picket line in Surrey, taking place outside government offices which also house an ICBC facility, has caused some disruptions for people looking to access driver’s licensing services.
The BC Green Party expressed its support for BCGEU Tuesday.
Interim leader Jeremy Valeriote says the province should pay its employees “fair wages” that keep up with the cost-of-living.
“If Premier Eby is serious about B.C. being Canada’s economic engine, his government should support the workers who keep the engine running,” said Valeriote.
He says higher wages strengthen B.C.’s overall economy and improve individual and collective well-being.