The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has escalated its strike action, shutting down all remaining provincial liquor and cannabis stores and adding Service B.C. workers to the picket lines. Nearly 25,000 public workers are now participating in the labour action, marking one of the largest public-sector disruptions in the province in recent years.
Union president Paul Finch said members regret the impact on communities but have “no alternative” to push the government back to negotiations.
“The government has a choice — they can sit down and bargain with us, or they can continue to let this disruption escalate,” Finch said.
While private stores remain open, they depend on provincial distribution warehouses, which are also behind picket lines. Service B.C. centres, responsible for essential public services like driver licensing, social assistance, and student loans, are also affected.
The strike now covers 431 government work sites across B.C.
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said the government is seeking a fair deal within fiscal limits, while Finch emphasized the strike is about more than wages:
“This is about investing in the services people across this province depend on.”
The hospitality sector is feeling the squeeze. Restaurants Canada has called on the government to let bars and restaurants buy alcohol from private stores as supplies dwindle. “You can’t run a bar without liquor,” said the group’s vice president, Mark von Schellwitz.
Despite the disruption, Health Minister Josie Osborne confirmed that the rollout of fall flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will continue as planned.
