Tentative agreement reached thanks to your solidarity 

After nine months of negotiations and eight weeks on strike, your bargaining committee has reached a tentative agreement with your employer – the BC Public Service Agency (PSA). The next step is ratification: all 34,000 members of the public service will now have the opportunity to review and vote on the agreement. 

The tentative agreement makes significant progress on key issues such as wages, affordability, and respect for frontline public service workers. 

Under the agreement, employees will receive a general wage increase of 3% per year for four years, along with additional targeted pay adjustments for the lowest paid workers in the public service to address the affordability crisis. It also includes a range of non-monetary improvements and enhanced benefits, including: 

• Improved fairness around telework and a modernized contract to reflect today's workplace realities. 
• Stronger job protections, including a new process to review excluded positions and return improperly excluded ones to the bargaining unit. 
• A faster grievance tribunal process to resolve disputes more efficiently. 
• Improved vision care and counselling benefits to better support mental health and overall wellbeing. 
• Established a category of fully remote workers that have unique agreement protections. 

More details and a wage calculator will be shared with members tomorrow, and the full text will be available later this week. Member education sessions are also being planned to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision in the upcoming ratification vote. Timelines and voting details will be announced shortly.

Mediation began on Saturday October 18, and your committee worked through the week -- sometimes stretching into the early morning hours. The tentative agreement was signed off on early Sunday morning, October 26. We want to extend our sincere thanks to respected mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers for their guidance in helping both sides find common ground and bring this dispute to a fair resolution. 

From the very start of this round of bargaining, you made it clear that a fair general wage increase – one that keeps pace with inflation – was essential to being able to stay in your job and continue serving British Columbians. Through your commitment to fairness, your creativity in keeping the momentum alive, and your solidarity across the province, we stood our ground and reached an agreement your committee is proud to present for ratification. We left nothing on the table. 

We know the last eight weeks were not easy, and we know that many of you made significant sacrifices to win this fight. You walked pickets day in and day out, and you stood in solidarity with each other throughout it all. We got here because of you – and it's time to take a moment to celebrate. You were part of a historic strike at a critical time – and together, we won.

While this tentative agreement has been reached, members of the Professional Employees' Union (PEA) remain on strike. BCGEU members will respect picket lines in solidarity with the striking PEA members, who have yet to reach a fair deal with government. As long as PEA members are waiting for a fair deal, the BCGEU will stand firmly beside them. 

Throughout this job action, the BCGEU and PEA have stood shoulder to shoulder, and we're committed to seeing this through together. We're confident they can reach an agreement soon. 

For now, picket lines will stay up until you receive more information from your bargaining committee. Zone captains and picket captains will be provided with more details to ensure an orderly and coordinated stand down of picket sites across the province. You will hear more information shortly.

If you are scheduled to picket this weekend, plan to go to your picket line and check in to receive strike pay until you hear otherwise. 

Important reminder: In order to participate in the ratification process - to receive the ratification document via email, to participate in the meetings via web or phone, to receive voting information - it is critical that your union has your contact information. Please log in to the member portal and make sure we have your personal contact information-personal email, home mailing address, personal cell phone number. Click here to visit the BCGEU member portal to review and update your contact information. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it here. If you know of any of your co-workers who are not receiving these updates from our union, please ask them to update their information. 

Together, we've shown what's possible when 34,000 union members stand united for fairness. This tentative agreement is a direct result of your strength, determination, and solidarity. As we move into the ratification phase, let's carry that same energy forward - informed, engaged, and proud of what we've achieved together. 

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

PEA Reaches Return to Work Agreement – All BCGEU Picket Lines Standing Down

We're pleased to share that the Professional Employees Association (PEA) has reached a return to work agreement with the provincial government. 

With this development, all BCGEU picket lines will now come down across the province. Zone and picket captains have been provided with instructions to ensure an orderly and coordinated stand down of remaining lines. 

This marks the conclusion of an extraordinary period of solidarity and action by public service workers in British Columbia. Throughout this historic job action, BCGEU and PEA members stood shoulder to shoulder, showing the collective strength of our unions and the broader labour movement. 

As you return tomorrow, the Employer has agreed to honour existing flexible work schedules. Starting tomorrow, please return to your pre-job action schedule, including earned days off.

In the coming days, the BCGEU will provide more information to help members understand the terms of the tentative agreement and prepare for the ratification vote. Please watch your email and the BCGEU website for updates. 

Your commitment, unity, and determination have made a real difference, not only in achieving fair agreements, but in demonstrating that when workers stand together, we can move governments and win meaningful change. Thank you again for your extraordinary efforts throughout this historic job action. 

In solidarity, 

BCGEU 

UWU/MoveUP

As you may know, your union is pursuing legal action against the employer at the Labour Relations Board (LRB) for violations of the Employment Standards Act and your collective agreement regarding payment of statutory pay for those who were eligible. Our LRB legal action includes anyone who should have been paid stat pay based on the Employment Standards Act and your collective agreement but didn't receive it from ER. This includes members who worked 100% essential services at a struck site who did not receive stat pay from the employer.

As we have a plan to address this for all PSA members who were impacted, it is not necessary for you to file individual grievances at this time. The LRB complaint covers all affected members, and we will update you once we have achieved a resolution. 

As we pursue this situation legally, your union is ensuring member are not left behind in the meantime. Where the employer has failed to pay stat pay, we are issuing strike pay in its place for eligible members. Here's what action we've taken so far: 

• October 10: A first round of payments issued for September 30 stat for members who completed at least six picket shifts in the last 15 workdays (the same criteria the LRB uses for employer stat pay); 

• October 17: A second round of payments was issued for members who completed at least one picket shift before September 30. 

• October 24: A third round of payment will be issued for LDB warehouse members whose overnight shifts on October 1 started on September 30. 

• October 24: For anyone who picketed at least one shift before October 13, payments for the October 13 stat holiday will be issued October 24 and should appear in your bank account by Tuesday, October 28 (if you're signed up for EFT/direct deposit). 

If you didn't get paid for the September 30 stat or are not paid for the Oct 13 stat by Tuesday October 28, and believe you are eligible, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Check in with your picket captain 

• Confirm if your picket shifts are recorded in the Attendance app for the stat day(s). 

• If a shift was missed or recorded incorrectly, your captain can fix it. 

• Once this has been corrected by the picket captain, you will be paid in the next payment cycle.

• If you didn't picket before the stat, and want to be eligible for union stat pay, you'll need to work one picketing shift now. Work with your picket captain to schedule this shift and have them record it on the day of the stat that you didn't get paid for.

Step 2: Contact your area office or the HUB 

If Step 1 doesn't resolve the issue, your area office or the HUB can follow up to make sure it's corrected. 

We know this has been confusing, and we appreciate your patience as we work to make sure every member is treated fairly. The union will keep fighting to ensure your rights - and your pay - are protected. 

In solidarity, 
Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP

To: All BCGEU Area 01 Members

Re: Picket Pay cheque pick up, BCGEU Victoria Area Office 

Due to flooding at the Victoria Area office, there will be minimal access to the building until the restoration process is complete. As of 1 p.m. today, the BCGEU Victoria Area Office 2994 Douglas Street entrance will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Monday to Friday.

Picket Pay cheque pick up:
For members who need to pick up cheques from the Victoria Area office:

• Members must schedule an appointment to collect their cheques.
• To book your time: Please call ahead to make arrangements – phone: 250-388-9948.
• Appointments available: Starting Monday, Oct. 27, 2025.

 
Parking at the area office: 
There are two spots at the front of the building, 2994 Douglas Street, for cheque pickup. However, due to the high number of members picking up cheques, these spots may not be available.

The parking lot at the rear of the building, 588 Burnside Road East, is open and members can park there for cheque pickup, however, if you park there, you will have to walk around the block to the front of the building to the entrance at 2994 Douglas Street.

Strike Supplies:

Please submit your request before 2 p.m. each day for any supplies needed for the picket line. Supplies will be ready for pick up after 12 p.m. (noon) the following business day.

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

Mediation Update: Day 6

As mediation enters its sixth day, discussions continue and progress remains steady. While we have nothing substantial to report since yesterday, both parties are still at the table, and your bargaining committee remains focused on achieving results.

There are still key issues where the parties remain apart, but the mediators are working hard to help bridge those gaps. The process is complex and time-consuming, and your bargaining committee is exploring every possible avenue to reach a fair and respectful agreement that meets the priorities that members have identified.

We remain optimistic that the government's request for mediation reflects a genuine commitment to finding solutions – even as talks move at a measured pace. We will continue to keep you updated every step of the way.

In solidarity,

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee 

UWU/MoveUP

Mediation enters day five

Today marks the fifth day of a prolonged mediation. While progress has slowed, discussions continue and your bargaining committee remains motivated and fully committed to securing a tentative agreement that addresses the affordability challenges public service workers are facing and recognizes the vital work you do every day. There's still significant work ahead, but we remain hopeful that a fair deal is within reach. 

Your bargaining committee will continue to keep you informed as mediation unfolds. A reminder that, because this is non-binding mediation, any tentative agreement reached will be shared with all members for review and a vote before it is finalized. 

This is a pivotal moment. By staying strong, visible, and united on the picket lines, we send a clear message: mediation must lead to real progress. That's why escalation has continued this week, and why members in wildfire and forestry are joining the lines today.

Thank you for your continued strength, solidarity, and determination throughout this historic strike. Strong, fair collective agreements aren't won at the bargaining table alone - they're won through the power and unity of members like you. Together, we'll hold the line and secure a deal that we know members will want to ratify. 

In solidarity,

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee: 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 22, 2025


BCGEU job action escalates with all of BC Wildfire, Forests joining the strike 

BURNABY, B.C. – Amid an ongoing prolonged mediation with the government, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) announced that the ongoing job action escalated this morning, with all remaining members from BC Wildfire and the Ministry of Forests joining the strike, bringing the total to over 25,000 taking job action and over 550 worksites on strike across the province.

The now prolonged mediation began following government's request on October 16 to enter non-binding mediation. Talks began at noon on Saturday, October 18, and have continued throughout the weekend and into this week. Respected mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers are facilitating discussions aimed at resolving this labour dispute as it enters its eighth week.

Essential services were proactively negotiated and remain in place to ensure public safety and wellbeing are protected. 

See the list of ministries/services fully on strike here. 

-30- 

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

UWU/MoveUP

Mediation continues into day four 

Your bargaining committee has been in mediation with respected mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers since Saturday, and talks will continue today. We've put all outstanding key issues before the mediators and made it clear why each must be addressed. From the start, members have been united about their expectations in this round of bargaining.

Over the past four days, we've made progress - reaching agreement with the employer on several important issues - and discussions are ongoing. Your committee is prepared to keep working through the night to secure the fair deal that public service workers deserve. 

While mediation doesn't guarantee a deal, it's a meaningful step forward toward achieving a fair and respectful contract for public service workers. We remain steadfast in pursuing every path to a settlement that fully recognizes the vital contributions of B.C.'s 34,000 public service workers who keep our communities running every day. 

Mediation is a positive development, but it's your solidarity and determination that continue to drive every bit of progress at the table. Government is back at the table because members made their message impossible to ignore: public service workers deserve a fair deal. 

It's important that we don't let up the pressure until we know whether government is serious about making a fair deal. That's why our picket lines remain up, and why we're continuing to collect signatures on our open letter to MLAs. This letter is the first step in our plan to ramp up pressure on MLAs if needed – and we need as many signatures as possible behind it. Nearly 13,000 members have already signed. Click here to add your name. 

We'll continue to keep you informed as mediation progresses. 

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

Bargaining update: Mediation continues

Dear BCGEU, 

Following the government's request last Thursday to enter non-binding mediation, talks began at noon on Saturday and have continued throughout the weekend. Respected mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers are facilitating discussions aimed at resolving this labour dispute as it enters its eighth week. 

For more information on what mediation is, click here. 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee came to mediation prepared to work hard and determined to reach a fair deal that members like you will want to ratify. We remain cautiously optimistic that the government's decision to request mediation signals a shift toward more productive dialogue. 

As shared on Friday, picket lines will remain up during mediation to demonstrate our collective strength and maintain pressure on government. Escalation will continue until we reach a tentative agreement that respects the value of your work and meets the needs of members. It's important to note that this progress is a direct result of your determination and unwavering solidarity on the picket lines over the last seven weeks. Strength on the lines equals strength at the table. 

We hope to have more to share soon. Your bargaining committee will continue to keep you informed as mediation progresses. 

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