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." 

-30- 

For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:  
Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289

Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

Dear Public Service members, 

We wanted to provide you with a quick update on ongoing developments. This morning, we met informally at the request of the government with George Heyman, Special Advisor to BC Minister of Finance, and a representative from the Premier's Office, as our goal remains to keep lines of communication open and to ensure your voices are heard at every opportunity. No bargaining took place, and they did not extend an offer to bargain or signal any willingness to return to the negotiating table.

As always, we remain ready and willing to find common ground at the bargaining table.

While we remain committed to dialogue, it's important to be clear that the Finance Minister has not been honest in her public assessment of the situation. If the government were genuinely interested in reaching a fair deal, we would already be at the bargaining table working toward one.

This is a moment of truth for the NDP. Do they stand with workers, or will they continue to delay and deflect while communities suffer? Every day they wait, the public loses confidence in their commitment to sustainable public services.

We will continue to keep you informed as things develop. Thank you, as always, for your solidarity and support.

And here's a special message from our president, Paul Finch:

YouTube - Paul Finch: Public Service Job Action Week 7 Update

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP

Dear members,

We wanted to provide you with a quick update on ongoing developments. This morning, we met informally at the request of the government with George Heyman, Special Advisor to BC Minister of Finance, and a representative from the Premier's Office, as our goal remains to keep lines of communication open and to ensure your voices are heard at every opportunity. No bargaining took place, and they did not extend an offer to bargain or signal any willingness to return to the negotiating table.

As always, we remain ready and willing to find common ground at the bargaining table.

While we remain committed to dialogue, it's important to be clear that the Finance Minister has not been honest in her public assessment of the situation. If the government were genuinely interested in reaching a fair deal, we would already be at the bargaining table working toward one.

This is a moment of truth for the NDP. Do they stand with workers, or will they continue to delay and deflect while communities suffer? Every day they wait, the public loses confidence in their commitment to sustainable public services.

We will continue to keep you informed as things develop. Thank you, as always, for your solidarity and support.
 
And here's a special message from our president, Paul Finch:

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 Advisory 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 15, 2025 

BCGEU to join PEA at major job action announcement

VICTORIA – BCGEU President Paul Finch will join Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the Professional Employees Association (PEA), and BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) President Sussanne Skidmore for a press conference on Thursday, October 16, to announce a major escalation of job action by the PEA. 

The PEA returned to the bargaining table yesterday to discuss the provincial government's latest wage proposal-3.5 percent over two years-but talks broke down quickly after the government failed to present a revised or improved monetary offer. 

The PEA and the BCGEU are united in calling on the B.C. government to respect and fairly compensate public service workers whose work keeps B.C. running.  

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 
Time:10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location:525 and 545 Superior Street, Victoria, B.C.
Format:Press conference with media availability 
Who:

• • Paul Finch, President, BCGEU 
  • Melissa Moroz, Executive Director, PEA 
  • Sussanne Skidmore, President, BCFED  

This is now the seventh week of job action by public service workers represented by both the BCGEU and the PEA, with over 1,000 PEA members and nearly 25,000 BCGEU members on picket lines across the province. The BCGEU continues to uphold all essential service requirements but warns that government inaction is deepening the impact on communities across the province. A full list of striking BCGEU worksites is available here. 

The BCGEU's Public Service Bargaining Committee remains ready to return to the table as soon as government presents a fair, revised wage offer. It has now been two and a half weeks since talks broke down. 

– 30 – 

Media Contact:  
BCGEU Communications 
Nadja Komnenic | [email protected] | 604-442-2289

Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service
Photos: BCGEU members on strike 

UWU/MoveUP

Strike notice served at all remaining provincial correctional facilities

Our union served 72-hour strike notice for all remaining provincial correctional facilities listed below. The notice took effect at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10. At which time, the overtime ban was no longer in effect. 

Facilities affected:

• Alouette Correctional Centre for Women – 24800 Alouette Road, Maple Ridge, B.C.
• Ford Mountain Correctional Centre – 57657 Chilliwack Lake Road, Chilliwack, B.C. V4Z 1A7
• Fraser Regional Correctional Centre – 13777 256th Street, Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 0L7
• Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre – 2250 W. Trans Canada Highway, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 5M9
• Nanaimo Correctional Centre – 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N3
• North Fraser Pretrial Centre – 1451 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam, B.C. V3C 1S2
• Okanagan Correctional Centre – 200 Enterprise Way, Oliver, B.C. V0H 1T2
• Prince George Regional Correctional Centre – 795 Highway 16 East, Prince George, B.C. V2L 5J9
• Burnaby Youth Custody Services Centre – 7900 Fraser Park Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5H1

What this means for members:
As of last Friday at 4:00 p.m., managers are now deployed in accordance with the Essential Services Order for up to 60 hours per week.

New Scheduling Protocol 
As part of this next phase, we have negotiated a new Scheduling Protocol Agreement that aims at ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in scheduling during this job action.

Key elements of the new Scheduling Protocol include:

Management Deployment:The Essential Services Order requires that management and excluded personnel work up to 60 hours a week. All qualified management and excluded personnel are now scheduled to work up to 60 hours per week before scheduling union members. To facilitate scheduling, managers must provide their availability to schedulers at least 24 hours in advance.

All remaining shifts, including any overtime required under the staffing levels established by the Order, will be scheduled according to normal scheduling and operational procedures.

We will share additional updates as they become available. In the meantime, please contact your picket captain, email [email protected], or call 1-833-833-1647 if you have any questions. 

Read the October 3rd bulletin here. 

In solidarity,

Judy Fox McGuire
Component 6 vice president 
Social, Information and Health 

DJ Pohl 
Component 12 vice president 
Administrative Professionals 

UWU/MoveUP

We understand that some members have received messaging from the employer stating that they are not eligible for stat pay for the September 30th stat holiday unless they worked the day before and the day after the holiday. We believe this to be in violation of the Employment Standards Act and our Collective Agreements and will be pursuing legal action.

This is unfair and an unnecessary attack on workers. That's why the BCGEU provincial executive have voted to give strike pay to all BCGEU members on strike instead.

The BCGEU will be adjusting picketing attendance for anyone who had picketed at least once before September 30th, so that you will receive strike pay for the September 30th stat holiday, if you have not already received it. There is no need for you to do anything for this to happen. 

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

P.S. Avoid Delays - Sign up for Payworks!

With Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) workers now on strike across Canada and mail delivery suspended, it's more important than ever to make sure you're signed up with Payworks whether or not you are currently on strike. Signing up will ensure you are paid for strike duties now or in the future.

To sign up check your email for an email from n[email protected]. Follow the instructions to:

• Confirm your identity
• Create login credentials
• Set up direct deposit (recommended)

For further info about Payworks, review the Public Service FAQ here.

Note: If you opt to receive your strike pay by cheque instead of direct deposit, you will need to call or email the BCGEU area office corresponding to the area where you picketed to make arrangements to receive your cheque directly rather than by mail while the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is on strike and mail delivery is suspended.

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2025

BCGEU Escalates Strike Action to Include All Remaining Staff at Adult Correctional Facilities Province-wide  

BURNABY, B.C. – As the sixth week of job action comes to a close, the British Columbia General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is escalating job action once again. Today, all remaining staff at adult correctional facilities across the province are on strike, bringing the total number of public service workers taking job action to nearly 25,000, across more than 470 worksites. 

"Public service is at the heart of who we are, and we do not take the decision to escalate this strike lightly," said Paul Finch, BCGEU President. "The path to resolution lies with the government. Talks have stalled not because of our unwillingness to negotiate, but due to their lack of urgency and meaningful engagement." 

The number of fully struck ministries and services also rose to 20, as the BCGEU intensifies pressure on the provincial government to return to the bargaining table with a fair and respectful offer. 

A full list of striking worksites is available here. 

"We're calling on the provincial government to come back to the table with real proposals that reflect the essential work our members do every day," Finch added. "British Columbians deserve a public service that is properly resourced and respected - and our members deserve nothing less than a fair deal." 

With over 470 worksites affected and thousands more workers joining the strike lines, significant impacts to public services are expected in the days ahead. The BCGEU continues to maintain essential service levels where required by law but warns the government and public that further escalation is possible if the government continues to delay a fair deal. 

The BCGEU's public service bargaining committee remains ready to return to the table as soon as government is prepared to present a revised wage offer. It has been more than a week since talks broke down. Until the government takes bargaining seriously, strike action will continue to grow. 

-30-  

For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:

Nadja Komnenic:[email protected] | 604.442.2289

Backgrounder:https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP