BCGEU and the B.C. government reach a four-year tentative deal after an eight-week strike that disrupted key services across the province.
Tentative Agreement After Eight Weeks of Strikes
The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) announced early Sunday that it has reached a tentative four-year deal with the provincial government, potentially ending an eight-week public-sector strike. The agreement follows mediated negotiations that concluded around 7 a.m. PT. BCGEU President Paul Finch said the union is “incredibly happy” with the outcome, calling it a hard-fought victory for working people across British Columbia.
Background to the Labour Dispute
More than 25,000 BCGEU members and 1,600 Professional Employees Association (PEA) members began strike actions on September 2, after their previous contract expired March 31. The unions sought improved wages and conditions amid rising living costs. Government offices, liquor stores, and distribution centres were picketed, affecting liquor and cannabis supplies as well as student loans, correctional services, and other programs.
Terms of the Tentative Deal
The agreement includes a three per cent general wage increase per year for four years, along with targeted pay hikes for lower-income workers and improved provisions for remote work. The BCGEU said the deal marks “significant progress” on affordability and workplace modernization. The proposal must now be ratified by the union’s 34,000 public-service members through a vote expected in the coming weeks.
Government’s Position During Negotiations
The province entered talks under pressure from a projected $11.6 billion deficit, seeking a settlement “fair to all British Columbians,” according to Finance Minister Brenda Bailey. Negotiations broke down several times before mediation was initiated on October 17, led by veteran labour mediator Vince Ready and co-mediator Amanda Rogers. Bailey welcomed the tentative deal, emphasizing respect for the ratification process.
Reactions from Labour Experts
David Hannah, a professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business, said the deal offers “predictability” for both sides. “The government gains stability before the next election, and the union secures a solid wage framework,” he said. Analysts expect the BCGEU deal will set the pattern for upcoming agreements with other B.C. public-sector unions.
PEA Suspends Picket Lines and Resumes Bargaining
The Professional Employees Association, representing government-licensed professionals such as engineers, pharmacists, and lawyers, announced Sunday it would suspend picket lines and return to bargaining. The union said it made progress on several priorities, and that BCGEU terms will guide future discussions. PEA Executive Director Melissa Moroz said resuming talks “creates space to finalize a fair and balanced agreement.”
Next Steps Toward Ratification
The BCGEU said voting information will be shared with members next week, followed by a ratification vote the week after. A simple majority will confirm the deal. In the meantime, the BCGEU and PEA will remove picket lines, and workers are expected to return to their jobs on Monday, marking the first step toward restoring full public-service operations across British Columbia.
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