B.C. Public Service Workers Enter Mediation After 7 Weeks on Strike
After seven weeks of picketing across the province, 34,000 striking public service workers represented by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) have agreed to enter mediation with the provincial government.
BCGEU president Paul Finch said the union remains committed to finding a resolution but emphasized that job action will continue during mediation.
“We’re committed to exploring every option to achieve a fair and respectful agreement for our members,” Finch said Friday.
The decision follows a government request on Thursday. Mediation will be led by well-known mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers.
“Mediation represents a next step toward resolving this dispute in a way that respects the vital work our members do every day,” Finch added.
The union’s wage proposal calls for a 4% annual increase over two years. Any tentative deal emerging from mediation will be non-binding and subject to a membership vote.
Roughly 25,000 members have been actively striking since September 2, affecting government offices, liquor distribution centres, and Service B.C. locations. Restaurants, bars, and small businesses have faced supply delays and service slowdowns.
“The strike is having an impact on the public, businesses and employees,” the province said in a statement. “Government is committed to reaching a fair agreement that works for everyone.”
The Professional Employees Association, which represents engineers, geoscientists, and mining inspectors, also joined picket lines this week, although essential operations remain staffed.
Both sides say mediation will begin as soon as possible, marking the first significant step toward ending the public-service strike that has disrupted key provincial services for nearly two months.
