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

Hi BCGEU – Here's your latest Escalation Update for Wednesday, Sept 24, which we will send whenever the strike expands.


Today, over 600 workers at 25 Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) retail stores across the province and nearly 1,000 workers at the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Forests, Jobs, Tourism and Water, Land and Resource Stewardship in Victoria have joined the strike, bringing the total member of BCGEU members taking job action to over 14,000. 


The following worksites are struck as of today: 

• 2975 Jutland Road
• 39th & Cambie (5555 Cambie, Vancouver)
• Park Royal (785 Park Royal N, West Vancouver)
• Richmond Brighouse (8100 Ackroyd Rd, Richmond)
• Fort Street (1960 Foul Bay Rd, Victoria)
• Dunbar (3453 Dunbar, Vancouver)
• UBC Market Place/Westbrook Village (3313 Shrum Lane, Vancouver) - members working from this site are picketing at Dunbar
• Arbutus (2120 Lahb Ave, Vancouver) - members working from this site are picketing at Dunbar
• Kerrisdale (2058 41st Ave W, Vancouver) - members working from this site are picketing at Dunbar
• Westwood (2748 Lougheed Hwy, Port Coquitlam)
• Peninsula Village (280 – 15355 24th Ave, Surrey)
• Ocean Park (12881 16th Ave, Surrey) - members working from this site are picketing at Peninsula Village
• Semiahmoo (1711 152 St, Surrey) - members working from this site are picketing at Peninsula Village
• Kelowna Orchard Park (1835 Dilworth Dr, Kelowna)
• Solo (4455 Skyline Dr, Burnaby)
• Caulfield (195 - 5335 Headland Dr, West Vancouver)
• Ambleside (1434 Marine Dr, West Vancouver) - members working from this site are picketing at Caulfield
• Capilano Mall (935 Marine Dr, West Vancouver) - members working from this site are picketing at Caulfield
• Westview (2601 Westview Dr, West Vancouver) - members working from this site are picketing at Caulfield
• Hillside (1644 Hillside Ave, Victoria) 
• Gorge & Tillicum (2955 Tillicum Rd, Victoria) - members working from this site are picketing at Hillside 
• Broadmead Village (370-777 Royal Oak Dr, Victoria) 
• Saanich (1087 McKenzie Ave, Victoria) - members working from this site are picketing at Broadmead Village 
• Cedar Hill (3611 Shelbourne St, Victoria) - members working from this site are picketing at Broadmead Village 
• Westshore (2945 Jacklin Rd, Victoria) 
• Kamloops Columbia Place (600-1210 Summit Dr, Kamloops) 

If you or your team's worksite, home base or headquarters is one of the addresses listed above, you are on strike. Regardless of how often you work or if you work remotely, if your or your team's worksite, home base or headquarters is included in the above list you are on strike. If you're unsure of your home base or headquarters, talk with your coworkers or check the address on your paycheque, letter of employment, telework agreement and/or physical address of your worksite. Knowing your worksite is critical to ensuring you don't unknowingly scab (i.e., work when you're actually on strike). For more information, review "How do I determine if my worksite is on strike?" in our FAQs here. 

Telephone Town Hall – This Friday! 

This Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m. the Public Service Bargaining Committee will be hosting a Telephone Town Hall with all members of the Public Service. This will be your opportunity to hear directly from the PSBC about our strike actions, our plans moving forward and to ask the PSBC any questions you may have. Joining is simple: we will be calling all members of the public service on their home phone number just after 7 p.m. to connect them live to the event. 

Fund the Frontlines March and Rally in Vancouver! 

On October 1 at noon, striking workers are leading a major march through Vancouver, ending outside the B.C. government's Cabinet Offices. We need a massive turnout to turn up the pressure on government to come back to the table with a fair deal.  

If you'd like to attend, click here to RSVP  

If you can volunteer, let us know by clicking here 

BCGEU members are demonstrating what courage and solidarity mean. 

We'll be in touch again with another update if and when there is another escalation. 

In solidarity,
Your Public Service Bargaining Committee
 

P.S. HEY VIRTUAL PICKETERS! 

Exciting news – we've added new pickets today so more members can join picket lines. Strong lines are crucial to demonstrating our solidarity and boosting morale across the union, and in-person picketing is mandatory if you are within 30 km of a picket line (unless you have an accommodation). There are now 47 pickets to join – find your closest picket location here.

Solidarity Actions

If you're not currently engaged in job action, you can help support fellow public service workers on the lines by:
• Visiting a picket line near you, click here to see the list of picket locations.
• Sending an email to your MLA calling for a fair deal for public service workers.
• Sharing BCGEU social media content on Facebook and Instagram

Strike FAQ

For questions about striking worksites, remote work and how to avoid scabbing – see the FAQ under About Job Action.

Sign up for Payworks!

To make sure you're paid for any strike duties you're assigned, take a moment to sign up for Payworks. Check your inbox for an email from [email protected] and follow the instructions. You will be asked to confirm your identity, to create login credentials and to set up direct deposit by providing your banking information. Further info about Payworks can be found here. 

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 24, 2025 

LDB stores join picket lines in ongoing public service job action

 
BURNABY, B.C. – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) escalated strike action today as over 600 workers walked off the job at 25 Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) retail stores across the province. These locations were chosen because they represent a significant source of government revenue. By withholding their labour at both warehouses and retail stores, public service workers are sending a clear message: they are essential to generating the revenue that funds the vital services British Columbians depend on every day. 

In addition to the LDB stores, nearly 1,000 workers at a multi-ministry site (Agriculture, Environment, Forests, Jobs, Tourism, Water) on Jutland Road in Victoria have joined the province-wide strike in B.C.'s public service. 
These actions build on the strength of over 14,000 public service workers already on strike, significantly escalating pressure on government to return to the bargaining table with a fair wage mandate. 

"Starting this week, public service workers have been forced to significantly escalate strike action," said Paul Finch, BCGEU President and chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee. "We recognize this escalation will impact the restaurant industry and small businesses, who are being caught in the middle of this dispute. That's why we're calling on them to join us in pressing government to return to the table. Like them, we are frustrated that government continues to stall and refuses to return to the table to negotiate." 

The union points to strong support from the public: a recent Leger poll found that 81 per cent of British Columbians support wage increases at or above inflation for public service workers. 

"These poll results confirm what we've heard on the picket lines - British Columbians stand with public service workers," added Finch. "A fair deal isn't just about workers - it's about ensuring stable public services and keeping B.C.'s economy moving. The public understands that, and now it's time for government to do the same." 

Click here to view LEGER Report on BCGEU Public Opinion Polling 

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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