BC General Employees’ Union Strike adds BC Wildfire Service to picket lines

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  Workers from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) have joined the province-wide strike involving BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) members.

According to a press release on Wednesday, October 22nd, the BCGEU have announced all BCWS workers represented by the union have joined the picket lines, effective immediately.

The strike, which began with government employees, has escalated to now include other industries – including ServiceBC, FrontCounter BC, Liquor and Cannabis stores and more – started just after the Labour Day holiday.

In total, the BCGEU says some 25,000 employees are from 550 worksites across B.C.

The union and provincial government, who have yet to come to terms on a wage increase, announced non-binding mediation last week which began on Saturday, October 18th.

Overseen by labour mediation veterans Vincent L. Ready and Amanda Rogers, both members of the Arbitrators Association of British Columbia.

Judy Fox-McGuire, component six vice-president and part of BCGEU’s public service bargaining committee, said the news regarding mediation was “comforting” for members who want a fair deal in an interview with Energeticcity.ca last Friday, October 17th.

“[I am] comfortable with it as a solution. It is non-binding mediation, which means that you know our members are going to ultimately vote on it,” said Fox-McGuire at the time. “That gives me comfort.”

The union has asked for an 8.25 per cent wage increase over two years, while the province has offered 4.4 per cent over the same time frame.

The provincial government said in a statement on Friday the labour stoppage “ is having an impact on the public, businesses and employees, and the government is committed to reaching a fair agreement that works for everyone,” before stating it would not comment further.

A full list of worksites and government departments affected by the BCGEU strike is available on the BCGEU’s website.