Strike Pay and T4s

We have recently received questions from members asking about when they will be receiving a T4 for their strike pay. 

Strike pay is not considered taxable incomeby the Canada Revenue Agency and therefore it does not need to be reported as income on your tax return. That means you will not be issued a T4 for strike pay.

We know that many members are still new to working in the public service, and last fall's strike may have been your first time participating in job action. It's completely understandable to have questions about how strike pay works and how it may impact your taxes. 

Thank you again for your solidarity and support during our historic strike.

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

What you need to know about ongoing "efficiency reviews" and workforce changes

Over the past year, the employer has been carrying out what it calls "expenditure management and efficiency reviews" across the BC Public Service. These reviews have real impacts for workers, including hiring freezes, restructuring, and changes to how work is organized. 

Earlier today, Shannon Salter, Head of the BC Public Service, sent an email to public service workers outlining the employer's approach. In that message, the employer indicated it will: 

• Maintain a pause on hiring, with limited exceptions for positions deemed "critical" 
• Rely on attrition to manage staffing levels 
• Promote lateral movement and redeployment 
• Consider early retirement incentives where appropriate 

The employer characterized the province's financial situation as "challenging" and made clear that these measures are not temporary. Instead, the employer has framed this approach as a long-term shift-explicitly describing it as the "new normal." 

What does this mean for members? 

Your union is actively monitoring these developments and maintaining ongoing dialogue with the Public Service Agency (PSA) regarding workforce changes and their potential impacts on members. 

In the meantime, your union will continue to demand transparency from the employer and ensure that all workforce changes comply with your collective agreement.  

We know uncertainty is stressful. Your union remains committed to defending your rights, to advocate vigorously on behalf of members and will keep you informed every step of the way. 

Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available. 

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

Last year, you and your co-workers were part of one of the most significant strikes in our union's history, with more than 25,000 members on picket lines. 

It's been decades since our union launched a strike on this scale, and with that came powerful successes and real challenges. There's a lot to learn both from what worked and from what didn't. 

To help gather those lessons, more than 4,000 members completed a detailed survey, sharing thoughtful and valuable reflections. Thank you. 

The results are in, and here's one of the most significant findings: the strike increased trust in our union, and deepened members' connection to each other.

Digging deeper into your survey responses, some clear successes stood out – like the effective use of rallies and remarkably smooth systems for picket shift check-in and electronic strike pay. You also pointed out areas for improvement, including making virtual picketing more accessible, adapting strategy and communications to the realities of remote work, and more clearly showing members how their actions fit into the overall strategy. 

Click here to read the detailed survey results. 

This feedback is incredibly valuable. It provides a roadmap for improving systems and strategies in future disputes and offers insight into how to keep building strength and solidarity across our union. The Provincial Executive will be reviewing the survey results alongside staff reports and making recommendations to build on the lessons learned, so we're even better prepared the next time we need to stand together. 

Thanks again to everyone who shared such insightful and valuable feedback to help strengthen the union and shape how we move forward, together. 

In solidarity, 

Paul Finch 

UWU/MoveUP

Update on Retroactive Pay

We have heard from an increasing number of members who have not yet received their retroactive pay. We share your frustration and want to provide a clear update. 

Your bargaining committee has repeatedly raised this issue with the employer – the Public Service Agency (PSA) – and has sought concrete timelines for when outstanding retroactive payments will be completed. To date, the response we have received is that processing is "ongoing," without any firm commitment or satisfactory explanation for the delays. 

We will continue to hold the employer accountable, including through the filing of a policy grievance, which successfully resolved similar delays in the past. We will keep members informed of next steps, and we thank everyone who has reached out with their concerns. 

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

November 13, 2025

BURNABY, B.C. – BCGEU members of the public service have voted in favour of ratifying the tentative agreement reached between the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the provincial government's Public Service Agency (PSA). Of all public service members, 79% took part in the vote, and 89.3% of those who voted supported (ratified) the tentative agreement. This marks the official end of a historic eight-week strike by public service workers.

BCGEU President Paul Finch says this agreement would not be possible without the tenacity and solidarity of members who stood together for weeks on end to demand a fair deal.

"The focus of this victory is the unwavering determination shown by BCGEU and PEA members as they stood on the lines and did what it took to achieve these gains," said Finch. "For eight difficult weeks, they stood firm-fighting for a strong public service that makes our province work. This deal proves that workers standing together is how real progress is made."

This agreement represents meaningful movement toward closing the gap between public sector wages and the rising cost of living and 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:

• Proper classification and evaluation of job duties to ensure that members are fairly compensated for the work they do, with the formation of a joint committee to develop a new, relevant and fair system of classification evaluation to replace the existing Public Service Job Evaluation Plan (PSJEP).
• 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.

"This agreement is what is needed to help keep experienced public service workers in their jobs," Finch said. "It helps ensure they're able to continue to provide the critical services that British Columbians rely on every day."

The BCGEU maintained essential services and tried to focus job action on government operations in the initial weeks of the strike to minimize disruption to the public. Finch thanked British Columbians for their patience and support throughout the dispute.

"Throughout the strike, public service workers were eager to return to their jobs serving the public. They did not take this job action lightly. We know this strike has had an impact on the public, and our commitment was always to strengthen public services. We are grateful for the support of the public as we navigated this difficult strike together."

"The solidarity shown by BCGEU and PEA members was undeniable, and this contract is the direct result of their commitment," Finch stated. "This victory sets a new standard for what workers can achieve when they stand shoulder-to-shoulder. It ensures that public service remains a strong and viable career in B.C."

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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

Dear members of the public service,


We are pleased to share that BCGEU members have voted in favour of ratifying the tentative agreement reached with the provincial government. This vote marks the conclusion of a long and challenging round of bargaining, one defined by your strength, unity, and unwavering commitment to fairness. 

Of all public service members, 79% took part in the vote, and 89.3% of those who voted supported (ratified) the tentative agreement.

This achievement would not have been possible without your participation in the democratic union process and your dedication to one another. Every picket shift, every show of solidarity, and every voice raised for respect and fair treatment made this outcome possible. You showed the same commitment and creativity on the picket lines, in your communities, and online as you do in your work for the BC Public Service and it had a major impact on the success of our strike. 

We know the past weeks have demanded real sacrifice from members across the province. Your determination on the picket lines and your resolve at the bargaining table sent a powerful message: public service workers deserve to be heard, respected, and valued for the vital work you do every day. 

This agreement is a direct result of that collective strength. It reflects what can be accomplished when members stand together and stay united. 

The work of the Public Service Bargaining Committee continues after ratification, ensuring that the commitments made in this agreement are implemented effectively and that members' voices continue to guide the path forward. 

On behalf of the entire bargaining committee and union leadership, thank you for your solidarity, your patience, and your trust. Together, we've shown what we can achieve when we work together. 

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP

Component Agreements Now Available Online

Good afternoon public service members,

We're pleased to share that all Component Agreements from this round of bargaining are now available on our website.

Members can now review the full text of their component-specific language, including updated provisions, clarified language, and improvements secured through bargaining.

• • Access to the individual components agreements are on the ratification page here 

• • Highlights of the main public service tentative agreement are available here.
    
    

Online townhalls and webinars are being held by our bargaining committee in advance of voting to help members understand the agreement. If you have any questions, we hope you can join us for one of the upcoming component specific webinars and virtual townhalls.

For all public service BCGEU members

• Monday, November 3 at 7:00 pm PT: Zoom webinar (access here)
• Tuesday, November 4 at 9:00 am PT: Zoom webinar (access here)
  
  

For public service BCGEU members by component

• Component 12 – Tuesday, November 4 at 12:00 pm PT (access here)
• Component 5 – Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00 pm PT (access here)
• Component 20 – Wednesday, November 5 at 9:00 am PT (access here)
• Component 6 – Wednesday, November 5 at 12:00 pm PT (access here)
• Component 1 – Thursday, November 6 at 9:00 am PT (access here)
  
  

Thank you again for your solidarity and strength throughout this round of bargaining.

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP

Your Tentative Agreement: What It Means and What Comes Next

The ratification process is officially underway - and BCGEU President and Public Service Bargaining Committee Chair Paul Finch has an important video message for you. In it, he reflects on the mediation process that got us here, what this tentative agreement means for members and key highlights of the agreement, and what comes next in the process. 

Reminder: Telephone Town Hall for Public Service Members – Tonight!

Thursday, October 30, 7:00 p.m. (PT) 

All BCGEU members in the public service will receive a call on their personal phones to join the live discussion - no need to dial in. This is your chance to hear directly from your bargaining committee, ask questions, and learn more about the tentative agreement and the ratification process. 

Memorandum of Settlement

The Memorandum of Settlement (MOS) is now available here. This document outlines the full details of the tentative agreement - containing everything that your bargaining committee and your employer have agreed to. You can also read the highlights of the tentative agreement here. 

Stay Informed

Visit our new microsite: Tentative Agreement and Ratification Vote Information, where you'll find helpful resources, including: 

• A summary of the tentative agreement 
• The return to work agreement 
• Ratification vote information 
• Links to upcoming online webinars 

FAQs

We know you may have many questions, so we've created a new Ratification FAQ web page that will be regularly updated with answers and information throughout the ratification process. 

Your participation matters. Stay engaged and informed and we will continue to keep you updated every step of the way. 

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 26, 2025 

BCGEU Reaches Tentative Agreement with Provincial Government After Eight Weeks of Job Action 

BURNABY, B.C. – The BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) has reached a tentative agreement with the provincial government, bringing an end to a historic strike that involved more than 25,000 public service workers and eight weeks of job action across British Columbia. The next step is ratification: all 34,000 members of the public service will now have the opportunity to review and vote on the four-year deal. 

BCGEU President Paul Finch says the deal reflects the determination, unity, and resilience of members who stood together to demand fairness and respect. 

"This tentative agreement is the result of the incredible strength and solidarity of BCGEU and PEA members across the province," said Finch. "For eight weeks, they held the line - standing up for themselves, their families, and the public services that make life in B.C. possible. This deal shows that when workers stand together, we can make real progress." 

The agreement was reached on the eighth day of mediation with the government, led by respected mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers. 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. 

While more details will be shared directly with members in the coming days, Finch said the deal represents meaningful movement toward closing the gap between public sector's wages and the rising cost of living. 

"This agreement is a step toward fairness," Finch added. "It helps ensure that experienced public service workers can afford to stay in their jobs and continue delivering the critical services British Columbians rely on every day." 

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. BCGEU and PEA stood shoulder to shoulder with each other throughout the strike and are committed to seeing a successful resolution together. 

"The length of this job action illustrates the seriousness of the issues that PEA and BCGEU workers face," said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the Professional Employees Association (PEA). "It's why we have been united in our resolve to fight for the future of public services in this province. Our solidarity on the picket lines has shown our strength." 

Throughout the strike, the BCGEU maintained essential services and tried to focus job action on government operations in the initial weeks of the strike to minimize disruption to the public. Finch thanked British Columbians for their patience and support throughout the dispute. 

"We know this strike has had an impact, and our members never took that decision lightly," said Finch. "Their commitment was always to strengthen, not disrupt, public services. We deeply appreciate the understanding and solidarity shown by communities across the province." 

The tentative agreement will now be recommended for ratification by the BCGEU bargaining committee. Members will have the final say through a vote in the coming days. 

"Our members stood together and proved that collective action works," Finch said. "This agreement belongs to them. It's a win for fairness, for public services, and for everyone in British Columbia." 

Next Steps: 

• The BCGEU bargaining committee will recommend the agreement for ratification. 
• BCGEU members will continue to respect PEA picket lines in solidarity with the striking members. 
• Details of the agreement will be released following the completion of the ratification process. 

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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