B.C. Government announces pension agreement for BCWS crews

VICTORIA, B.C. — The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and the B.C. Government announced on Monday an agreement-in-principle to provide early pensions to BC Wildfire service (BCWS) workers. 

While eligibility is still being determined, a majority of BCWS workers would qualify for the pensions. 

“Today’s announcement marks a major victory for our members who have fought tirelessly for a pension and compensation package that allows them to build sustainable careers,” said BCGEU President Paul Finch.

The changes will reportedly give BCWS crew members retirement provisions like people in other public-safety focused careers, such as ambulance paramedics and corrections workers. 

“This is a priority for the BC Wildfire Service. I’m very happy to see it come about,” said Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston.

Workers will be able to receive their earliest pensions up to five years earlier than regular members of the Public Service Pension Plan.

“We owe a deep dept of gratitude to the selfless firefighters whose brave and heroic efforts have got us through some of the most devastating wildfire seasons on record,” said Premier David Eby.

The B.C. Government and BCGEU hope to finalize the deal by next year with the changes taking effect in 2026. 

In the 2024 wildfire season, approximately 1,300 wildland firefighting jobs were employed by BCWS. 

The service has also increased its permanent full time staff by 55 per cent since 2022. 

This year, the province is also investing $154 million in operating funding and $21 million in capital funding over a three year period to support additional wildfire response, recovery and infrastructure resources.