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. 

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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

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

Media Release 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 17, 2025 

VANCOUVER – The BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) announced today that its Public Service Bargaining Committee has agreed to enter non-binding mediation with the Government of British Columbia, with respected mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers facilitating the process.

The decision follows a request from government late Thursday afternoon and comes after seven weeks of province-wide strike action by more than 25,000 public service workers.

"Public service workers have been steadfast and united in their call for a fair deal," said BCGEU President Paul Finch. "Their solidarity and determination have brought government back to the table. Mediation represents a next step toward resolving this dispute in a way that respects the vital work our members do every day."

The parties expect mediation to begin as soon as possible. While mediation proceeds, BCGEU members will maintain picket lines across the province to demonstrate continued resolve.

As the process is non-binding, any tentative agreement reached through mediation will be presented to BCGEU members for a vote before it is finalized.

"Public service is at the heart of who these members are, and they do not take the decision to strike lightly, but they cannot afford to keep falling behind financially. More than half of BCGEU public service workers have considered leaving their jobs because of affordability concerns. Our goal remains clear as we enter mediation," said Finch. "We're committed to exploring every option to achieve a fair and respectful agreement for our members."

The BCGEU will continue to provide updates as mediation progresses.

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. 
• A recent Leger poll performed in September 2025 found that 81 per cent of British Columbians support wage increases at or above inflation for public service workers.
• 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. 

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:  

Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289

Media backgrounder, photos and videos from the strike for media use:

https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

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." 

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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