The labor dispute involving 34,000 striking public sector workers in the province of British Columbia will now move into mediation as announced by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) president, Paul Finch. The decision to enter mediation came after a request from the government, with the aim of reaching a fair and respectful agreement for union members. Mediation will commence promptly while workers continue picketing across the province.
The mediation process will be non-binding, requiring any potential agreement to be voted on by union members. The BCGEU is advocating for a four percent wage increase per year for a two-year period. Since the strike began on September 2, approximately 25,000 out of the 34,000 members in the bargaining unit have actively participated in picketing at government offices and service sites.
The ongoing strike has impacted various sectors, particularly restaurants and bars, due to the shutdown of the provincial liquor distribution network. As disagreements persist over wage increases for a new two-year contract, the union has seen a rise in the number of members joining the strike, nearing a “near-full walkout.”
Despite pickets at all Service B.C. locations, essential services will continue with potential delays. Additionally, the Professional Employees Association reported that engineers, geoscientists, and mining inspectors have joined the picket lines, with some essential members remaining active.
In response, the province acknowledged the strike’s impact on the public, businesses, and employees, expressing commitment to achieving a fair resolution. Mediation has commenced with mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers to address the ongoing dispute that led to the public-service strike.
Premier David Eby expressed optimism for a swift resolution during an interview with CBC’s Rosemary Barton. He emphasized the need for productive conversations during the mediation process and hoped for a prompt conclusion to the strike.