FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2025 

BCGEU escalates job action: Nearly 900 more public service workers join picket lines  

BURNABY, B.C. – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) has escalated its province-wide public service strike again today, with nearly 900 additional workers from 22 worksites joining the job action. This escalation includes over 20 more BC Liquor Stores and BC Cannabis Stores as well as frontline staff from the Ministry of Environment and Parks; Children & Family Development; Energy and Climate Solutions; and Water, Land and Resource Stewardship whose work is critical to our communities and our economy. 

A full list of striking worksites is available here. 
 

More than 17,000 public service workers are now taking job action across B.C. As the strike enters its sixth week on Monday, job action will continue to intensify until the provincial government comes back to the bargaining table with a fair wage offer. The government's latest proposal still falls below inflation and fails to close the wage gap that has left public service workers falling further behind.  

"Our members are showing incredible strength and resolve," said Paul Finch, BCGEU president and chair of the public service bargaining committee. "Every day this government delays, pressure on public services grows. Public service workers deserve wages that keep up with the cost of living. The government must return to the table now with a serious offer-or job action will escalate further. We are not backing down."  

Today's escalation follows Wednesday's massive downtown Vancouver rally, where more than 2,000 union members and supporters filled the streets demanding a fair contract and real investment in the public services British Columbians rely on. The rally sent a clear message: workers are united, the labour movement is mobilized, and the urgency for a fair settlement is greater than ever.  

Talks between the government and BCGEU broke down again on Monday, September 29^th, after the government returned with no meaningful improvement to their previous offer. BCGEU is seeking 4 per cent per year general wage increase for all public service workers under the contract, while the government's offer was only 2 per cent per year over two years as the general wage increase. The government is publicly stating they offered a 5 per cent increase over two years, but this is not an increase to general wages. That 5 per cent figure bundles in market adjustments and other unrelated items, which not all members would receive.  

The BCGEU remains committed to achieving an agreement that addresses wage erosion, ensures cost-of-living protection, and delivers long-overdue respect and fairness for public service workers. Until government takes bargaining seriously, strike action will continue to grow. 
 

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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

The employer has left us no choice but to escalate job action today, with 24 new worksites and 1,200 workers across government and the LDB now on picket lines across the province. Our message is clear: we will keep fighting for the deal that addresses the affordability crisis that members face, and we won't back down. Job action will continue to escalate until government returns to the table with a fair deal. 

The following worksites are now struck. Members at struck sites without a picket line are asked to join their closest picket line which can be found here, or a picket as indicated below.  

NEW Struck Public Service Worksites: 

NEW Struck LDB Worksites: 

With over 2,000 people taking to the streets to push for a fair deal that addresses long-standing issues of wage erosion, cost-of-living increases, and basic respect for public sector workers, yesterday's rally in Vancouver 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 (don't forget to check out the stories and posts too!). 

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY:1,200 more workers added to escalation of BCGEU public service strike  

BURNABY, B.C. – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) has escalated strike action again with 24 more worksites representing over 1,200 members now on picket lines. 

This escalation includes five additional BC Liquor Stores (for a total of 82 now on strike) and affects multiple ministries. See a list of all striking worksites here: https://www.bcgeu.ca/picket_lines_and_job_action_listings 

More than 16,000 members of the public service are now engaged in job action across the province; over 14,000 members are on strike at 166 fully or partially struck worksites and there are 79 picket lines. 

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

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