Union representing 34,000 public sector workers in B.C. issues 72-hour strike notice

The B.C. Superior general Employees' unification (BCGEU) has issued a 72-hour walk out mark for thomas more than 34,000 public sector workers.

Of the 86 per cent of members who participated in the strike vote, the union said 92.7 per cent voted in favour of job action. 

It said job action could start as early as Tuesday morning — the day after Labour Day. However, the union did not provide further details about what that job action might look like. 

The thousands of public service workers that could be on strike next week include wildland firefighters, social workers, correctional officers and sheriffs, administrative professionals, conservation officers, court workers and scientists, among others.

As the cost of living remains high throughout B.C., the union said it's fighting for better wages and remote work options. 

BCGEU president Paul Finch said the government's latest offer doesn't adequately address the affordability crisis plaguing the province. 

"Wages need to reflect the real cost of living," union member and B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch worker Shannon Butt said in a news release. "Right now, my biggest fear is losing my current rental agreement and being forced into market rates I simply can't afford."

The union is also pushing for fewer non-union managers so that resources can be put toward workers.

"Government has been hiring excluded managers at twice the rate of front-line workers, which means more bureaucracy, fewer people serving the public, and workers forced to do more with less," Finch said in the union's news release. 

Negotiations with the provincial government "broke down" mid-July, the union said.

A group of more than 1,800 members of the GLP (Government Licensed Professionals) have also served strike notice, according to the Professional Employees Association, the union that represents them. 

This includes engineers, foresters, geoscientists and psychologists, as well as other specialized professionals. 

The association said it has been in negotiations with the province since late May.  It, too, is looking for increased wages, but is also after professional fee coverage and "appropriate" compensation for emergency work.

"Until the government makes fair compensation a priority, vacancies will remain unfilled, and more professionals will leave," association executive director Melissa Moroz said in a news release. 

The province held a news conference on Friday afternoon, but Transportation Minister and House Leader Mike Farnworth wasn't answering reporters' questions on the province's offer. 

"Negotiations take place at the bargaining table," Farnworth responded.

He said the B.C. Labour Relations Board will determine essential service levels for roles that involve public safety,  such as firefighters or sheriffs.

Farnworth said negotiators will meet again next week. 

Journalist

Courtney Dickson is an award-winning journalist based in Vancouver, B.C.

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