We've been hearing reports from the frontlines that some of your managers are asking you to remove your VOTE YES buttons and Teams backgrounds. Please know that displaying union insignia, including BCGEU branded swag, such as buttons, office accessories and digital materials, is a protected right in our collective agreement, as per Clause 2.8, which reads in part:

(a) A union member shall have the right to wear or display the recognized insignia of the Union. 

(b) The recognized insignia of the Union shall include the designation "bcgeu". This designation shall, at the employee's option, be placed on stenography typed by a member of the Union. This designation shall be placed below the signatory initials on typewritten correspondence. 

Defend your collective rights so that we don't lose them. If a manager asks you or your coworkers to remove your BCGEU Vote YES buttons, Vote YES Teams background and other union insignia, please follow these steps: 

1. Refer your manager to Clause 2.8 of the collective agreement.
2. If they insist that you remove your button and/or your Teams Background, follow their instruction, but log the conversation (noting date and time with a brief description of what happened) 
3. If they claim that your solidarity action goes against the employer's Code of Conduct, please include what they said in your log. 
4. Speak with a steward to pursue a grievance. 
5. Remember: The more of us who wear our union-pride, the harder it will be for the employer to single anyone out. 

Solidarity actions are meant to catch the employer's attention: they're a foghorn, signaling our readiness to act. Management's unreasonable reaction to the buttons and backgrounds is just proof that our action is working, and it lays bare the employer's insecurities. 

Keep up the incredible work, protect your rights and normalize the call for inflation-fighting wages. 
 

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

Our Strike Authorization Vote opens next Monday - August 11.

Your bargaining committee is unanimously recommending a YES vote to authorize a strike. Can we count on you to vote "YES" as soon as you receive your ballot?

Vote "YES"

A strong strike mandate will show the employer that members are united and ready to fight for a fair deal that includes: 

• Wages that address the affordability crisis 

• Fair telework language 

• Limits on non-union management 

• A classification system that properly values our work 

This isn't a vote to walk out tomorrow. It's a vote to show we're serious and to give us the power to take job action if that's what's necessary to get a deal.

In fact, a strong "YES" mandate is the best way to avoid a strike. It puts pressure on the employer to return to the table with a real offer.

Watch this video featuring bargaining chair Paul Finch and BCGEU activists about why it's important to vote "yes":

Don't wait – vote early

The strike vote runs until August 29, but casting your ballot early makes a big difference. 

A dedicated team of worksite contacts will be reaching out to members who haven't voted yet-because the more members who vote, the stronger the signal we send to the employer. By voting early, you help them focus their efforts on reaching others and building our collective power. 

Voting credentials will be sent to members' personal emails on the morning of August 11. Our FAQ has been updated with more information about how to vote and what to do if you don't receive your voting credentials. 

Prepare for what's next

We know that the possibility of job action raises many questions, from how essential services work, to how it could impact your finances. That's why we've updated our FAQ to address your most common questions, and prepared a financial planning resource to prepare yourself and your family in the case of a strike.

We have also scheduled three, 1-hour online workshops through the Credit Counselling Society on Preparing for Temporarily Reduced Income which will take place on Friday August 8th, Monday August 11th, and Tuesday August 12th at 6:00 p.m. PST. Join us on Zoom here or find a local phone number to call in here. 

We will continue to keep you informed. Please respond to this email with your questions. 

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

📽️ Video Update: Bargaining, Impasse & Next Steps

In a new video message, Paul Finch, BCGEU President and Chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee, provides important updates following the recent declaration of impasse in negotiations.

Paul outlines key information about the upcoming strike authorization vote, which opens on August 11 and closes on August 29. He emphasizes how critical it is that all members have the information they need to make an informed decision when casting their ballots.

"Your bargaining committee is recommending, unanimously, to deliver a mandate that allows us to show the employer that this union and our membership are firmly united behind your needs in getting an agreement that addresses the concerns that you've brought forward."

Following the vote, your bargaining committee will assess whether your employer is prepared to return to the table with a willingness to meaningfully move on both their proposals and those brought forward by our union.

👉 Watch the full video update here

Check out our new FAQs for detailed information about the strike vote and more.

🧾 New: A-Z of Bargaining Terms

Did you know that over one-third of public service members have worked in the public service for less than five years? If you're new to the bargaining process, you're not alone.

To help make things clearer, we've created a simple, easy-to-use glossary of key terms used in public service bargaining.

Explore the glossary here – BCGEU Bargaining 2025: BC Public Service

Still Have Questions? Join Tomorrow's Info Session

If you missed last night's telephone info session or this morning's Zoom webinar info session, don't worry-there is still another Zoom webinar coming up tomorrow where you can get your questions answered:

• Thursday, July 31 – 12:00–1:30 p.m. 💻
  Join here and submit your questions in advance

Component-specific info sessions are also being planned. More details to come.


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

Understanding the process: Your key questions answered

Many BCGEU members in the BC Public Service are new to the collective bargaining process and may be preparing to participate in a strike authorization vote for the first time. We know you have questions-and we're here to help. 

To support you in understanding the process, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Visit the FAQs section of the Public Service Bargaining Information Hub to learn more about: 

• The upcoming strike authorization vote
• How essential services work 
• Details on upcoming information sessions 
• And much more 

We'll continue to update the FAQs regularly, so check back often to stay informed. 

In case you missed it: Bargaining update on CKNW

Yesterday, bargaining chair Paul Finch joined CKNW 730's Simi Sara to discuss key issues at the bargaining table: from the affordability crisis facing members to the growing imbalance between management and frontline staff -and why it matters. 

He also shared what's ahead as over 34,000 public service members prepare for a strike authorization vote beginning August 11. 

Missed the interview? Catch the full conversation here. 

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

Impasse: how we got here and what's next

As communicated last Friday, negotiations between your bargaining committee and the provincial government's Public Service Agency (PSA) reached an impasse on July 18, 2025. Watch the press conference here. 

We reached impasse because, despite six months of negotiations and our continued efforts to reach a fair agreement, a significant gap remains. Our employer has not demonstrated that they are taking your priorities seriously nor are they engaging meaningfully with the proposals we've brought forward on your behalf. 

That's why we are now seeking a strike mandate from you. 

This email outlines next steps and the proposals your committee has made to the employer based directly on the priorities you've consistently identified.

What's next

STRIKE AUTHORIZATION VOTE PREPARATIONS 

As per the bargaining process, hitting impasse means your committee is asking all members working for the BC Public Service to authorize escalating action to force settlement or mediation. In this case, this includes taking a strike authorization vote. A positive strike authorization vote does not automatically mean a strike will happen. But it is a powerful tool in negotiating the agreement we all need.

Our strike authorization vote will run online August 11-29, 2025. More details will be provided soon.

We are beginning the strike authorization vote in a few weeks to allow sufficient time for members to understand the issues and how to participate, to provide your updated personal contact information, and to avoid holding the vote over the August long weekend. 

INFORMATION SESSIONS

To ensure you have all the info you need to make an informed decision for next month's strike authorization vote, your bargaining committee will host a series of information sessions by telephone or Zoom in the coming weeks. Join a public service bargaining information session:

• • Tuesday, July 29 – 7:00–8:30 p.m. 📞 Telephone Town Hall 
    We'll call you at the start of the event-make sure your phone number is current by updating it in the BCGEU Member Portal.
    You will have the opportunity to ask questions live. 

• • Wednesday, July 30 – 8:00–9:30 a.m. 💻 Zoom Webinar - Join here and submit your questions in advance here.
    
    
  • Thursday, July 31 – 12:00–1:30 p.m. 💻 Zoom Webinar – Join here and submit your questions in advance here. 

Additional sessions will also be offered by components and will be communicated shortly.  

BCGEU proposals on members' priorities

Over the past few weeks, your committee tabled many proposals to our employer, including the following: 

General Wage Increase (GWI): 

• April 1, 2025 – 4 per cent 

• April 1, 2026 – 4.25 per cent or Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)* whichever is greater 

*As measured by BC Consumer Price Index (CPI) All Items 12-month average, period from March 2025 to February 2026 

Other wages:

• New Grid Step 6 at 2 per cent above Step 5 as of April 1, 2025 

• Various targeted occupational adjustments, including moving Grid 9s to a higher classification – designed to lift wages for members at the lower end of the pay grid and in occupations where B.C.'s public service wages have fallen behind other jurisdictions 

Non-monetary: 

• Telework provisions to contest arbitrary or discriminatory application of telework 

• Removal of the broken and outdated "job evaluation plan" (PSJEP) and inclusion into base pay of all existing bonuses and temporary market adjustments 

• An improved process to review and limit excluded positions, restore a reasonable ratio of excluded-to-union positions, and protect union jobs

Benefits: 

• Increase to vision care 

• Increase to counselling 

• Health Spending Account 
  
  

From the outset, members like you have made it clear: competitive wages that address our affordability crisis, fair access to telework, a modernized contract with a classification system that more fairly values our work, and a limit on non-union managers are essential to achieving a deal in this round of bargaining.

Provide your contact info

It is critical that our union has your up-to-date personal contact information to ensure you are kept informed and prepared. Please log in to the BCGEU Member Portal and click "Manage Contact Info" to confirm your personal email address and phone number are up to date. Encourage your co-workers to do the same if they haven't done so already. 

Keep an eye on your inbox as we will be answering frequently asked questions shortly.
 

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

UWU/MoveUP

Bargaining update: Impasse reached with employer; prepare for strike vote

Negotiations between your bargaining committee and the provincial government's Public Service Agency (PSA) have reached an impasse. Despite our ongoing efforts, and six months of bargaining, a significant gap remains. We have not seen meaningful progress in wage proposals, a classification system that properly values our work, fair telework, or language to bring the ratio of excluded managers to frontline workers back to a more reasonable level.  

What's happened 

On June 17, the employer tabled their initial wage offer which did not adequately address the priorities you have consistently identified. The week of June 23, your committee tabled a counteroffer - a comprehensive wage proposal for a two-year agreement. This proposal is focused on achieving competitive wages for all members, lifting wages for members at the lower end of the pay scale, and on incorporating targeted occupational adjustments and bonuses into base salaries to provide lasting improvements. 

From the outset, members like you have made it clear: competitive wages, fair access to telework and a modernized contract are essential to achieving a deal in this round of bargaining. 

Unfortunately, despite meetings with the employer this week, the employer's latest wage offer still falls far short of what is needed, and your bargaining committee sees no viable path forward at this time. In the coming days, you will be given a detailed summary of all our proposals to the employer.  

What's next 

As per the bargaining process, hitting impasse means your committee is asking all members working for the BC Public Service to take escalating action to force settlement or mediation. In this case, this includes taking a strike vote. A positive strike vote does not automatically mean a strike will happen. But it is a powerful tool in negotiating the agreement we all need. 

In preparation for a strike vote, your bargaining committee wants to ensure you get answers to any questions you may have about how we came to impasse, job action and strike pay, the voting process, essential services and more. In the coming weeks, we will hold information sessions by telephone or Zoom for all members. More details about these info sessions will be provided shortly. 

Your committee will distribute additional information in the coming weeks, and your worksite contact will also be in touch with you to make sure you are ready to participate in the strike vote.  

Provide your contact info 

To ensure you are informed and prepared for all eventualities, it is critical that our union has your up-to-date personal contact information. Please log in to the BCGEU Member Portal and click "Manage Contact Info" to confirm your personal email address and phone number are up to date.  

New report

Today, in support of our demands, our union will be releasing a report, B.C.'s public service: An investment in public safety and a healthy economy, that demonstrates how investing in public sector workers is both necessary and economically feasible. The report will be available later this morning at https://www.bcgeu.ca/public_service.

We will also be holding a press conference at 11:00 am today, which you can watch via livestream on the BCGEU's Instagram page. 

We remain hopeful that government will reconsider its wage position and return to the bargaining table with an offer that your committee can confidently recommend for ratification. 
 

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

Updates from your committee chair

This week, your Public Service Bargaining Committee resumed negotiations with the employer in Vancouver.

In a new video update, BCGEU President and Bargaining Committee Chair Paul Finch outlines the latest developments at the table. While there has been some progress in the last week-particularly on component proposals and non-monetary items like the Rapid Grievance Tribunal-the employer has not yet responded to our monetary counteroffer.

Additionally, we have not seen any meaningful movement on key priorities identified by members, such as fair access to telework and removal of the broken and outdated Public Service Job Evaluation Plan (PSJEP).

As bargaining continues in Victoria next week, the committee's next steps will depend on how the employer responds to our monetary counteroffer. In the meantime, we are preparing for all possible outcomes-including being prepared to take a ratification vote on a tentative agreement, or if necessary, a strike vote.

Watch the video update from Paul Finch here. As always, we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

Not receiving updates?
Some of you have reached out to inform us that you know of co-workers who haven't been receiving bargaining emails. This likely means that we don't have their current contact info. Please forward this message to them and encourage them to sign up on the BCGEU member portal at https://my.bcgeu.ca/signup. When signing up they should include their Employee ID or BCGEU Member ID to avoid delays in processing.

Bargaining 101 video: What you need to know

Not sure how the bargaining process works? We've got you covered. Earlier this year, we shared our Bargaining 101 video -a quick and informative guide that walks you through the key steps of negotiating a collective agreement and what outcomes are possible.

If you haven't watched it yet, we encourage you to check it out. It's a great way to understand how your bargaining committee is navigating this process-and how we're prepared for every scenario.

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

Monetary counteroffer reflects member priorities 

Earlier this week, your bargaining committee presented a monetary counteroffer to the employer-including proposals on wages and benefits. In his opening remarks at the table with the employer, Committee Chair Paul Finch made it clear: the employer's initial wage offer falls far short of what members have identified as fair and reasonable.  

Your bargaining committee knows that in order to reach a tentative agreement that you will support – and ultimately ratify – it's critical that our monetary counteroffer reflects the real financial pressures you're facing and responds meaningfully to the affordability crisis.
 
Negotiations enter critical phase
  
Every round of negotiations reaches a critical turning point – a moment where it becomes clear if it will be possible to reach a deal at the table, or if a strike vote will be necessary to pressure the employer. With both monetary and non-monetary proposals now exchanged, we're approaching that pivotal stage. 

For more background on how the bargaining process works, click here. 

Through the most extensive member consultation in our union's history, thousands of you identified key priorities we need to see in a deal–including competitive wages that address the affordability crisis, fair access to telework, and a modernized contract.
 
Your committee is doing everything we can to achieve progress on these priorities at the bargaining table. At the same time, we're getting ready for whatever comes next. If a strike vote becomes necessary, we want to be ready-and that includes making sure you are, too.
 
A strike is always a last resort, but preparation is key to success. To help you plan ahead, we've put together a Financial Planning Guide for members with practical tips and tools to support you in any scenario. 

Inside the bargaining process: a video update from Paul Finch
 
In his latest video update, Paul Finch breaks down where negotiations stand, what it means now that both parties have exchanged monetary packages, and what to expect as talks continue next week in Vancouver. Check out the video here. 

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