Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2025

Thousands Join BCGEU in Major Union March and Rally in Downtown Vancouver Amid Escalating Public Service Strike

Vancouver, B.C. – In a powerful show of unity and resolve, thousands of union members marched through downtown Vancouver today in support of the more than 16,000 striking public service workers represented by the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU). The mass demonstration marked one month since job action began across B.C. and underscored growing frustration with the provincial government's refusal to reach a fair settlement.

Representatives from major unions – including the Professional Employees Association (PEA), BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF), BC Nurses' Union (BCNU), United Steelworkers (USW), MoveUP, and others – joined BCGEU President Paul Finch at a public rally to denounce the government's lack of meaningful progress at the bargaining table.

The show of solidarity comes just days after renewed negotiations between BCGEU and the provincial government collapsed on their first day, deepening tensions in what is now one of the largest public sector job actions in recent B.C. history.

Today, BCGEU continued to escalate its strike action, with members walking off the job at 25 additional worksites. This brings the total to 167 impacted sites in the province.

"Today's rally is a powerful reminder that when working people stand together, we are a force to be reckoned with," said BCGEU President Paul Finch. "Our members are the backbone of public services in this province- and now they're rising to demand the respect and fairness they've earned. We will not back down. We will not be divided. And we will not stop until we win a deal that reflects the true value of public service."

Despite mounting pressure and widespread disruption, the union remains committed to negotiating a fair deal that addresses long-standing issues of wage erosion, cost-of-living increases, and basic respect for public sector workers.

The provincial government returned to the bargaining table this week with an offer of just 2% per year over two years-totaling only 4%. The government's offer remains below inflation, and it does nothing to close the wage gap faced by public service workers. The average wage in B.C. has increased by 40% since 2016, while public service wages have risen by just 27% during the same period. The BCGEU is on strike to close that 13.4-point gap and keep up with the cost of living. Nearly 30% of public service workers now rely on a second job to make ends meet.

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:

Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289

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

UWU/MoveUP

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2025

Unions stand united in major march and rally to be held in Downtown Vancouver

VANCOUVER, B.C. – On Wednesday, October 1, members of the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU), joined by other unions from across the province, will take to the streets of downtown Vancouver in a major show of solidarity and strength. Only a few days after negotiations broke down once again, BCGEU is calling on the B.C. government to deliver a fair contract and return to the negotiation table with a credible wage offer. 

Thousands of striking workers and supporters are expected to participate in a mass march and rally, beginning at the Vancouver Art Gallery and culminating in a powerful rally at Jack Poole Plaza. 

This event comes during a significant escalation in BCGEU's ongoing job action and sends a clear message: workers are united, determined, and not backing down. 

Event Details: 

WHEN AND WHERE:

• 12:00 p.m. – March departs from the Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC 

• 1:00 p.m. – Rally begins at Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC 

WHO: 

• Striking BCGEU members from across the Lower Mainland 

• Union leaders and representatives 

• Allied labour organizations and supporters 

• Community members standing in solidarity 

VISUALS:

• Major march and rally of thousands of union members 

• Colorful signs, banners, flags and musical performances 

• Union leader speakers including BCGEU President Paul Finch 

WHY:

• The BCGEU is escalating its campaign for a fair contract amid an ongoing labour dispute with the B.C. government. Workers are calling for real wage increases that reflect rising costs of living and the essential services they provide. 

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

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

UWU/MoveUP

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2025
 

Talks break down on first day of resumed bargaining as B.C. government fails to deliver meaningful wage offer 

VICTORIA, B.C.– The BCGEU returned to the bargaining table with the provincial government today for the first time since negotiations broke down in July. Unfortunately, talks have once again collapsed.

Despite indicating that they would come forward with an improved wage proposal, the B.C. government failed to deliver a meaningful offer.
 

"We came to the table ready to negotiate but the government presented an offer that was barely different from their last one,"said BCGEU President and chair of the public service bargaining committee, Paul Finch. "Our members are facing a real affordability crisis, and the government's response continues to fall far short. Until the government is prepared to engage in real negotiations, job action will escalate."

After four weeks of job action involving more than 15,000 public service workers across British Columbia, the provincial government returned to the bargaining table with an offer of just 2% per year over two years-totaling only 4%. BCGEU countered with an offer of 4% each year over two years, for a total of 8%.

"We've been transparent from the start. Our proposal is modest, reasonable, and in line with what's needed to ensure public service workers don't keep falling behind," said Finch. "We remain committed to negotiating a fair deal, but the employer must stop lowballing and start addressing the economic realities our members face every day."

The average wage in B.C. has increased by 40% since 2016, while public service wages have risen by just 27% during the same period. The BCGEU is on strike to close that 13.4-point gap and keep up with the cost of living. Nearly 30% of public service workers now rely on a second job to make ends meet. 

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:

Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289
Backgrounder:https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2025

President to provide update after the first day of bargaining resumes

VICTORIA, B.C. – Media are invited to attend a press event at 2975 Jutland Road, Victoria, where BCGEU President and chair of the public service bargaining committee, Paul Finch,will join the picket line and provide an update as BCGEU returned to the bargaining table with the provincial government today for the first time since negotiations broke down in July.

Event Details:

• WHEN: Monday, September 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. PDT
• WHERE: 2975 Jutland Road, Victoria, BC
• VISUALS: B.C public service workers with picket signs and flags. Chanting and remarks from BCGEU Paul Finch.

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:

Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289 
 
Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

✊ In case you didn't see last night's email: Because of the pressure we've maintained on the picket lines, the government has asked us to return to the bargaining table. Negotiations will resume on Monday (Sept. 29). Picket lines remain up, and today's escalations will continue – because direct action works. It's how we pressured the government to return to the table, and it's how we're going to achieve the gains we set out to win.

Calling all Public Service members currently not on strike!

Let's come together in solidarity with our striking coworkers - and get ready in case your site goes out to support your bargaining team when they get back to the table on Monday. Join us to make powerful, creative, and pro-worker signs for the picket lines. Whether you're a sharpie wiz, a slogan genius, or just ready to show up - we need you there. All supplies will be provided.

Let's support the front lines and prepare to join them. 

🗓 Date: Monday, Sept. 29

🕒 Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm 

📍Location: Most area offices + BCGEU headquarters (Victoria area office is not participating)

🍕Food: Pizza will be provided 

📌Sign up: Sign up at this link so we know how many to expect.  

The public service sign-making party is a chance to: 

• Show solidarity with those taking action on behalf of us all

• Take signs back to your coworkers and get your worksite ready to strike 

• Connect with your public service coworkers and contribute in a meaningful way 

• Boost morale on the picket line with fresh solidarity signs for the front lines 

• Get creative with powerful, pro-worker slogans, colors, and designs 

Whether you're full of great solidarity slogans or just want to lend a hand, we'd love to see you there.

✊ Bring your solidarity, your creativity, and your voice!

Please sign up at this link and we'll see you soon!

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2025

Unions stand united in support of the BCGEU as the provincial government finally returns to the negotiation table

VICTORIA, B.C. – Amid an escalating strike of more than 15,000 public service members, senior leaders from several major unions joined the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) on Friday morning in Victoria to show solidarity. Representatives from the Professional Employees Association (PEA), the Hospital Employees' Union (HEU), the Health Sciences Association (HSA), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) and others stood together with the BCGEU, as the provincial government has finally agreed to return to the negotiation table with a revised offer.

BCGEU will return to the bargaining table with government on Monday, September 29^th.

The BCGEU's strike action increased today, with workers walking off the job at 17 additional BC Liquor Stores across the province, as well as at the Ministry of Attorney General. Today's action brings the total number of Liquor Stores on strike to 77 and over 15,000 members of the public service engaged in job action across the province.

Along with BCGEU's strike action, many of these unions are currently engaged in bargaining with the provincial government. By presenting a united front, the unions are sending a powerful message that they are prepared to stand together and do what it takes to secure fair collective agreements.

"This is what solidarity looks like," said Paul Finch, BCGEU President and chair of the public service bargaining committee. "When unions come together, we demonstrate our collective power and remind government that public sector workers are serious, committed, and united in their demand for fairness."

Union leaders from across the labour movement echoed that call: 

• Melissa Moroz, Executive Director, PEA:"PEA and BCGEU members work side by side in communities across B.C., and our struggles at the bargaining table are connected. When we stand together in solidarity, we show the government that public service workers are united, and that we are fighting for a fair deal for all workers who deliver the services British Columbians rely on."
  
  
• Lynn Bueckert, HEU spokesperson for the Facilities Bargaining Association: "Public services are the backbone of our communities, and they make life better for everyone in this province. But strong public services depend on the people who deliver them. The 67,500 health care workers in the Facilities Bargaining Association stand shoulder-to-shoulder with public service workers in their fight for a better future."
  
  
• Sarah Kooner, President, HSA: "HSA stands in unwavering solidarity with BCGEU members as they fight for fair wages. Your struggle is our struggle - united, we raise our voices for justice and dignity for all public sector workers.
  
  
• Brent Calvert, President, Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC: "The 10,000 academic labourers represented by the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC at 18 of the universities and colleges across the province stand in solidarity with BCGEU and PEA for their right to a free and fair collective bargaining process. The government is hiding within its imposed provincial mandate system. Get back to the negotiation table and address the affordability issues the unions are negotiating on behalf of their members."

The show of solidarity highlights the shared challenges facing public sector unions across B.C. and reflects the determination of workers to achieve agreements that respect their contributions and address the affordability crisis.

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

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

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 25, 2025 

Labour stands united in calling for a fair deal for public service workers

VICTORIA, B.C. – Senior leaders from several major unions will join striking BCGEU members at Victoria's Royal BC Museum on the picket line this Friday to demonstrate solidarity as B.C.'s public service strike continues. 

Media are invited to attend at 675 Belleville Street (Royal BC Museum), Victoria. BCGEU President and chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee Paul Finch will be joined by Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the Professional Employees Association (PEA); Lynn Bueckert, Hospital Employees' Union (HEU) secretary-business manager and Facilities Bargaining Association lead negotiator; and other leadership from the. B.C.'s labour movement including the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC (FPSE), and the Health Sciences Association (HSA). Together, they stand united behind the BCGEU, underscoring the unity and strength of the labour movement during this critical round of negotiations. 

Event Details

• • WHEN: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT 
  • WHERE: 675 Belleville (Royal BC Museum), Victoria, B.C. 
  • VISUALS: B.C. public service workers with picket signs and flags walking around the entrance to the museum. Chanting and remarks from union leaders.  

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:
Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289
Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2025

Job escalation update: more BC Liquor Stores join picket lines

BURNABY, B.C. – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is escalating strike action today, with workers walking off the job today at 37 additional BC Liquor Stores across the province. 

By the numbers:

• A total of 65 BC Liquor Stores are now on strike, nearly a third of all BC Liquor Stores in the province. 
• Over 14,900 public service workers are now engaged in job action 
• 66 active picket lines are operating province-wide 

"From the beginning of this job action, public service workers have done everything possible to focus pressure on government without disrupting the public. But government's refusal to return to the bargaining table with a fair wage mandate has left us no choice but to escalate," said BCGEU President Paul Finch, who also serves as chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee.

"By withholding labour at liquor and cannabis warehouses and stores, we are reminding government that it's public service workers who generate the revenue that funds healthcare, education and other community programs. These impacts don't have to drag on-workers want a fair deal, and the sooner government comes back to negotiate, the sooner these disruptions will end." 

Spokesperson available for comment:
Paul Finch, BCGEU President and chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee 

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:
Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289
Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

Sign up for Payworks and direct deposit your picket pay!

Sign up for Payworks to make sure you're paid for any strike duties you're assigned to as quickly as possible, if you are part of the current job action or soon to be part of job action.

To do so, check your inbox for an email from [email protected] and follow the instructions. Be sure to check your spam/junk folders as well. You will be asked to confirm your identity, to create your login credentials and to set up direct deposit by providing your banking information.

If you have not received the initial email or are having problems with the link, be sure to: 

1. Confirm that your personal email address is up to date on the BCGEU Member Portal.

1. Confirm you are using the most recent Payworks email. If your registration has expired, a new Payworks email is sent out every Thursday. The link in that email expires after 7 days. Be sure to use the link from the most recent email-older links will not work. If you haven't received the Thursday email by Friday at noon, or if you're having other issues getting your account set up, please contact our strike support team at [email protected] or call 1-833-833-1647.

1. If you have accidentally deleted your Payworks email you can use the "Forgot your password?" link on the log-in page to prompt a new email from being sent.

Not signed up for direct deposit?

Watch our Payworks registration video for more information on how to sign up for direct deposit during the registration process.

For further info about Payworks, review the Public Service FAQ here.

For all other strike pay issues, please speak with your picket captain. The most common problem is shifts that were not recorded in the attendance app. Your picket captain can help you review and update your logged shifts.

UWU/MoveUP