Our patience is running out. 

We've been clear with government: we're ready to negotiate as soon as they bring an improved wage offer. But instead of coming to the table, they're stalling-hurting workers, small businesses, and families across B.C. 

To break the deadlock, we need to turn up the pressure on individual NDP MLAs in their own ridings. The NDP's majority is razor thin, and many MLAs won their seats by slim margins. If we can show them that a prolonged strike could cost them votes, it could convince them to put pressure on the Finance Minister to bring a fair deal. 

The first step is to get thousands of signatures on an open letter. The letter was written by striking members and now we're asking public service members to add their names. If we can get thousands of signatures, we'll hand deliver it to MLA offices across the province starting next week at public actions in front of local media.

For this plan to work we need thousands of signatures by Sunday evening. Will you add your name today? 

Note: Please sign even if you don't live in an NDP riding. We will be delivering signatures from across the province to the Premier. 

Behind closed doors, some NDP MLAs are already uneasy about the Finance Minister's handling of the strike. Others are in tight races where losing just a few votes could cost them their seat. And with the NDP's razor-thin majority, if even a few MLAs start to question the government's out-of-touch approach, they'll have no choice but to change course. 

The open letter is just the first step. We'll also be rolling out hard-hitting ads in key ridings, and leveraging local media to highlight the inaction of this NDP government. But to get this plan off the ground, we need your signature on the open letter before Sunday.

Click here to add your name – and then forward the letter to all your co-workers to make sure they sign too. 

The BC NDP campaigned on a promise to stand up for workers. It's time to demand that our NDP MLAs live up to those promises. 

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee 

Paul Finch, President and Committee Chair
Maria Middlemiss, Treasurer
Dean Purdy, Component 1 Vice-President
Kusam Doal, Component 5 Vice-President
Judy Fox-McGuire, Component 6 Vice-President
Mona Dykes, Component 6 Second Representative
DJ Pohl, Component 12 Vice-President
Faith Johnston, Component 12 Second Representative
Sebastian Kallos, Component 20 Vice-President 
Linsay Buss, Lead Negotiator
Larisa Mills, Staff Representative 
Sumiko Marshall, Support Staff 

UWU/MoveUP

Dear public service members,

As we close our seventh week on strike, we have an update for you regarding mediation. After receiving a call from government yesterday requesting that the Public Service Bargaining Committee enter non-binding mediation, we can confirm that mediation will begin today at noon, and we expect it to continue through the weekend.

Government only called for mediation after seven weeks of escalating job action. That's proof that your solidarity and resolve are working. I hope you can take a moment to celebrate the role you've played in getting us here. Each of you, whether walking the picket line, participating in virtual picket duties, or diligently working as picket or building captains or on other important strike duties are what got us here.

This isn't over yet. Strength on the lines equals strength at the table. 

We're encouraged that government has finally taken this step. But to make sure government comes to mediation ready to make a real, fair offer, we can't let up our pressure now.
 
Picket lines will remain up during mediation to demonstrate our collective strength and keep pressure on government, and escalation will continue until we reach a tentative agreement. Staying strong and visible at this critical moment will ensure government understands that mediation must lead to progress – and not another delay.  
We will continue to keep you informed with updates on mediation, and any tentative agreement will be brought to you for a vote before it is finalized. 
 
For now, take pride in what we've achieved together, and stay strong. Our grit, commitment, and solidarity are what got us here, and they're what will carry us across the finish line to a fair deal. 

Almost 10,000 people have signed a powerful open letter written by striking workers.
Thursday night, we published a letter to MLAs written by striking workers, and we were not ready for the response. Overnight, 10,000 members signed the letter, one of the strongest responses we've ever seen. Getting as many signatures as possible on this letter is one critical way to keep up pressure for a fair deal. Can you take a minute to add your name now?

➡️ Click here to sign the open letter from striking workers now

Spotlighting our Members: Fund the Frontlines

Our member-run Instagram account, Fund the Frontlines, shares the stories of the public service workers who keep our communities running. Now, we're excited to launch Humans of BCGEU, a new feature highlighting the people behind the work - their commitment, care, and everyday experiences. 

Want to be featured or share your story? Submit through our form or email us at [email protected]. Your voice matters, let's put our members front and centre!

Stay strong, united, and keep it up. It's working.

In solidarity, 
Your Public Service Bargaining Committee: 

UWU/MoveUP

Media Release 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 16, 2025 

BCGEU escalates job action across the province 

BURNABY, B.C. – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is once again ramping up job action across the province as the provincial government continues to refuse to return to the bargaining table with a fair wage offer for public service workers. 

As the Professional Employees' Association (PEA) pulls all remaining members, the BCGEU has announced that starting this morning, more than 370 additional members have joined picket lines-bringing the total to nearly 25,000 taking job action and over 470 picket lines across the province. 

"BCGEU members are united, well-prepared, and unwavering in their resolve," said Paul Finch, BCGEU President and chair of the public service bargaining committee. "The government has the power to end this strike today-by coming back to the table with a fair offer that respects the workers who keep this province running. The ball is in government's court. It's time for this government to decide whether they will stand with workers, or will they continue to delay and deflect while communities suffer." 

Key Facts 

• On September 29, government returned to the bargaining table-but its offer was virtually unchanged from the one members overwhelmingly rejected before job action began. 
• The BCGEU is seeking a 4% general wage increase per year for two years-a fair proposal that keeps up with rising costs and reflects the value of public service work. 
• Government's current offer remains at 2% per year for two years, well below inflation and out of step with the cost of living. 
• Since 2016, overall wages in B.C. have risen 40.6%, while public service wages have increased just 27.2%-a 13.4-point gap. 
• Without fair pay, government risks losing the skilled, dedicated workers who deliver vital public services-from wildfire crews and social workers to sheriffs, court clerks, and frontline administrative professionals. 

"Our bargaining committee remains ready and willing to find common ground," added Finch. "But until the government comes to the table with a real solution and a deal that our members will want to ratify, we'll keep standing strong. If the government were genuinely interested in reaching a fair deal, we would already be at the bargaining table working toward one." 

-30- 

For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:  
Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289

Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

Dear Public Service members, 

We wanted to provide you with a quick update on ongoing developments. This morning, we met informally at the request of the government with George Heyman, Special Advisor to BC Minister of Finance, and a representative from the Premier's Office, as our goal remains to keep lines of communication open and to ensure your voices are heard at every opportunity. No bargaining took place, and they did not extend an offer to bargain or signal any willingness to return to the negotiating table.

As always, we remain ready and willing to find common ground at the bargaining table.

While we remain committed to dialogue, it's important to be clear that the Finance Minister has not been honest in her public assessment of the situation. If the government were genuinely interested in reaching a fair deal, we would already be at the bargaining table working toward one.

This is a moment of truth for the NDP. Do they stand with workers, or will they continue to delay and deflect while communities suffer? Every day they wait, the public loses confidence in their commitment to sustainable public services.

We will continue to keep you informed as things develop. Thank you, as always, for your solidarity and support.

And here's a special message from our president, Paul Finch:

YouTube - Paul Finch: Public Service Job Action Week 7 Update

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP

Dear members,

We wanted to provide you with a quick update on ongoing developments. This morning, we met informally at the request of the government with George Heyman, Special Advisor to BC Minister of Finance, and a representative from the Premier's Office, as our goal remains to keep lines of communication open and to ensure your voices are heard at every opportunity. No bargaining took place, and they did not extend an offer to bargain or signal any willingness to return to the negotiating table.

As always, we remain ready and willing to find common ground at the bargaining table.

While we remain committed to dialogue, it's important to be clear that the Finance Minister has not been honest in her public assessment of the situation. If the government were genuinely interested in reaching a fair deal, we would already be at the bargaining table working toward one.

This is a moment of truth for the NDP. Do they stand with workers, or will they continue to delay and deflect while communities suffer? Every day they wait, the public loses confidence in their commitment to sustainable public services.

We will continue to keep you informed as things develop. Thank you, as always, for your solidarity and support.
 
And here's a special message from our president, Paul Finch:

In solidarity,

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee:

Paul Finch, President and Committee Chair 
Maria Middlemiss, Treasurer 
Dean Purdy, Component 1 Vice-President 
Kusam Doal, Component 5 Vice-President 
Judy Fox-McGuire, Component 6 Vice-President 
Mona Dykes, Component 6 Second Representative 
DJ Pohl, Component 12 Vice-President 
Faith Johnston, Component 12 Second Representative 
Sebastian Kallos, Component 20 Vice-President 
Linsay Buss, Lead Negotiator
Larisa Mills, Staff Representative 
Sumiko Marshall, Support Staff 

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 15, 2025 

BCGEU to join PEA at major job action announcement

VICTORIA – BCGEU President Paul Finch will join Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the Professional Employees Association (PEA), and BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) President Sussanne Skidmore for a press conference on Thursday, October 16, to announce a major escalation of job action by the PEA. 

The PEA returned to the bargaining table yesterday to discuss the provincial government's latest wage proposal-3.5 percent over two years-but talks broke down quickly after the government failed to present a revised or improved monetary offer. 

The PEA and the BCGEU are united in calling on the B.C. government to respect and fairly compensate public service workers whose work keeps B.C. running.  

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 
Time:10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location:525 and 545 Superior Street, Victoria, B.C.
Format:Press conference with media availability 
Who:

• • Paul Finch, President, BCGEU 
  • Melissa Moroz, Executive Director, PEA 
  • Sussanne Skidmore, President, BCFED  

This is now the seventh week of job action by public service workers represented by both the BCGEU and the PEA, with over 1,000 PEA members and nearly 25,000 BCGEU members on picket lines across the province. The BCGEU continues to uphold all essential service requirements but warns that government inaction is deepening the impact on communities across the province. A full list of striking BCGEU worksites is available here. 

The BCGEU's Public Service Bargaining Committee remains ready to return to the table as soon as government presents a fair, revised wage offer. It has now been two and a half weeks since talks broke down. 

– 30 – 

Media Contact:  
BCGEU Communications 
Nadja Komnenic | [email protected] | 604-442-2289

Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service
Photos: BCGEU members on strike 

UWU/MoveUP

Dear BCGEU,

The government has failed to come to the bargaining table with a fair deal, and as a result, members of the public service have been on strike for weeks. This isn't what any of us wanted, and it's especially disappointing coming from a government who promised to prioritize workers' rights.

With government failing to return our calls, it feels like the BCNDP is turning their backs on workers - the very people who helped get them elected. We need to remind them that many members of the BCGEU give votes, dollars, and volunteer time helped put them in office. 

To do that, we want to connect with BCGEU members who have supported the BCNDP in the past. If you've ever voted, donated, volunteered, served on a riding association, attended a BCNDP convention, worked as a campaign staffer, or contributed to the BCNDP in some other way, we want to hear from you.

I've supported the BCNDP in the past

I haven't supported the BCNDP

The BCNDP was elected based on their history of standing up for workers and the labour movement. While the BCGEU is not affiliated with the BCNDP, we know our membership has meaningfully supported the party in the past because the NDP claimed to be a party that supports working people. Public service workers aren't getting that support.

Last week, we held a once in a generation rally with over 10,000 members and supporters at the legislature telling the government to get back to the bargaining table. We're planning next steps to keep the momentum going, and we value your assistance in helping us make those plans. 

Let's keep the pressure on. 

In solidarity, 

Paul Finch 
President

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2025

BCGEU Escalates Strike Action to Include All Remaining Staff at Adult Correctional Facilities Province-wide  

BURNABY, B.C. – As the sixth week of job action comes to a close, the British Columbia General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is escalating job action once again. Today, all remaining staff at adult correctional facilities across the province are on strike, bringing the total number of public service workers taking job action to nearly 25,000, across more than 470 worksites. 

"Public service is at the heart of who we are, and we do not take the decision to escalate this strike lightly," said Paul Finch, BCGEU President. "The path to resolution lies with the government. Talks have stalled not because of our unwillingness to negotiate, but due to their lack of urgency and meaningful engagement." 

The number of fully struck ministries and services also rose to 20, as the BCGEU intensifies pressure on the provincial government to return to the bargaining table with a fair and respectful offer. 

A full list of striking worksites is available here. 

"We're calling on the provincial government to come back to the table with real proposals that reflect the essential work our members do every day," Finch added. "British Columbians deserve a public service that is properly resourced and respected - and our members deserve nothing less than a fair deal." 

With over 470 worksites affected and thousands more workers joining the strike lines, significant impacts to public services are expected in the days ahead. The BCGEU continues to maintain essential service levels where required by law but warns the government and public that further escalation is possible if the government continues to delay a fair deal. 

The BCGEU's public service bargaining committee remains ready to return to the table as soon as government is prepared to present a revised wage offer. It has been more than a week since talks broke down. Until the government takes bargaining seriously, strike action will continue to grow. 

-30-  

For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:

Nadja Komnenic:[email protected] | 604.442.2289

Backgrounder:https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

Dear BCGEU members not working in the Public Service,

A lot has happened with the public sector strike since we were in touch last week.

The employer has left us no choice but to escalate job action sharply and we've added thousands of workers to the strike in the past few days. The vast majority of public sector workers are now on strike. Over 25,000 BCGEU members are taking job action and 475 worksites are impacted.

Can you amplify the voices of striking workers by telling your MLA to fund the frontlines? It takes only a few minutes to send a message directly to your MLA. 

In addition to the escalating strikes, we organized major rallies in Vancouver and Victoria. We filled the streets and dominated the news cycle in an inspiring display of determination and solidarity. 

This week we've been very clear: we will keep fighting for a deal that addresses the affordability crisis our workers are facing. Job action will continue to escalate until the government returns to the table with a fair deal. We won't back down. 

Report back on the Vancouver Rally

Last week, over 2,000 people took to the streets to push for a fair deal to addresses long-standing issues of wage erosion, cost-of-living increases, and basic respect for public sector workers. The Vancouver rally was a beautiful demonstration of worker power and solidarity. If you missed it, you can watch the livestream on our YouTube Channel, Facebook and Instagram

Report back from the Victoria Rally

On Monday, more than 10,000 workers, unions, and supporters filled the streets of Victoria. It was one of the largest labour rallies in decades, and when rallies this big have happened in the past, they've been turning points for B.C.'s public services.

In Victoria, the march started at Centennial Square, and grew larger, louder, and more powerful as picket lines joined us along the route. The energy was electric and our message was clear: We are united. We are strong. And we are not backing down.

By the time we reached the Legislature, the crowd was so massive that we spilled out into the surrounding streets. Representatives from at least eight other unions, representing millions of workers across Canada, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in solidarity.

Monday was a strategic day for a massive action. It was our largest escalation of job action yet and the first day of the fall legislative session. As elected officials gathered in the legislature for opening ceremonies, thousands of us outside made sure the justified demands of workers couldn't be ignored.

There were so many people that we caused traffic jams in real life AND on the airwaves. We overloaded the cell networks and our livestreams on YouTube and Facebook couldn't keep up. Usually, too many people is a good problem to have, but we're sorry that overloaded airwaves meant many of you had trouble viewing the livestream.

To see the size of the rally check out this photo album from Monday's incredible event.

Thank you!

These rallies would not have been possible without the tireless work of volunteers who made art, assembled signs, served as march marshalls, helped with site set up, provided first aid, and made sure everyone was able to check in for their picket shift.

To every member who volunteered, marched, rallied, or cheered from afar: thank you. Your energy, solidarity, and determination are what make this movement powerful.

CBA talks have reached impasse

On Oct 3, members of the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) which includes 13,000 BCGEU members announced that negotiations with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) have broken down and have reached impasse. CBA members work in critical, community-based health services across B.C., including drug and alcohol treatment centres, adult day care, detox and emergency shelters, women's clinics, seniors' services, mental health group homes, home support, and more. Despite bargaining since March, the employer has failed to meaningfully engage on key non-monetary issues that matter most to frontline workers. 

We'll be in touch again soon with further updates.
 

In solidarity,

Paul Finch
President 

UWU/MoveUP