Picket lines were established on Wednesday outside all remaining government-run liquor and cannabis stores in British Columbia as public service workers increase union job actions. The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) expanded the strike to include all Service B.C. workers, bringing the total number of participating members to nearly 25,000.
BCGEU President Paul Finch expressed regret over the impact of the picketing on local communities, emphasizing that the union is taking the escalation seriously but feels it has no choice but to push for negotiations with the province. Finch stated that the government must decide whether to engage in bargaining or allow the disruption to worsen.
The bargaining unit comprises 34,000 members, including essential workers. While private liquor and cannabis stores in the province remain operational, they rely on government distribution warehouses that are also affected by the picket lines.
Service B.C. offers various services to residents, such as driver’s licensing, income assistance, hunting licenses, and traffic ticket payments. As of Wednesday, a total of 431 provincial government sites are impacted by the ongoing labor dispute.
Union members gathered outside the B.C. Legislature on Monday to demand higher compensation during the government’s fall session. B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, representing the government in the dispute, highlighted the challenge of reaching a fair deal within fiscal constraints.
Finch emphasized that the union’s goals extend beyond wages to address rising living costs and inflation while ensuring essential services across the province receive adequate investment.
The hospitality industry, facing supply disruptions due to the strike, is urging the province to allow bars and restaurants to purchase liquor from private stores. Restaurants Canada stressed the critical impact on businesses, with potential cuts to operating hours and staff hours.
In response, Bailey emphasized the government’s focus on returning to negotiations and described their offer as reasonable. Health Minister Josie Osborne reassured that the strike is not expected to affect the distribution of flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the fall.
