ICBC details service changes as BCGEU strike widens; liquor and cannabis stores remain closed

Members of the British Columbia General Employees' Union picket outside an ICBC driver licensing office, in Surrey, B.C., Sept. 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS

The B.C. General Employees’ Union strike is now affecting ICBC customers — with some driver licensing services shifting locations as the labour dispute enters its sixth week.

ICBC says job action at ServiceBC locations is impacting certain driver licensing services provided at those sites. Road tests normally conducted at ServiceBC offices are being relocated to nearby ICBC claim centres where possible, and affected customers are being notified directly.

“Road test services normally offered at all other ServiceBC locations are continuing at these locations, supported by common site orders,” wrote ICBC.

Currently, other driver licensing services available at the counter, such as knowledge testing and driver licence renewals, are not available at any ServiceBC locations.

“Customers can visit their nearest ICBC driver licensing office or driver licensing agent for these services,” wrote the corporation. ICBC emphasized it is not cancelling any appointments, and that location changes will not result in longer waits.

The corporation also clarified that ServiceBC offices do not offer walk-in service for road tests.

The insurer thanked customers for their patience and said it’s focused on ensuring people can access the services they need with minimal disruption.

Customers can find the latest information and impacted locations on ICBC’s website.

Liquor and cannabis stores locked up across B.C.

At the same time, the strike has triggered the full closure of every government-run liquor and cannabis store in B.C., as well as the provincial liquor distribution warehouses that supply restaurants, pubs and bars.

“In a typical strike, all of our members would have been all out right from the beginning, and you would have seen all these services, including liquor and cannabis distribution, shut down right from the beginning. We didn’t do that,” said BCGEU President Paul Finch.

Finch said the union held off on a full shutdown to give the province time to reach a deal, but added that patience has run out.

‘Days away from not being able to sell any liquor’

The closures are being felt acutely in the hospitality sector.

“It’s getting critical where we’re getting members saying, ‘look, we’re literally days away from not being able to sell any liquor,’ and without liquor on our menu, we’re not a viable operation,” said Mark von Schellwitz, Western Canada vice-president for Restaurants Canada.

Some restaurants had turned to private importers or U.S. stock to fill the gap, but von Schellwitz said even that supply is nearly gone.

“But even that product is now selling out, and there’s just no ability for them to access liquor products,” he added.

Union says it’s ready to talk — if government improves its offer

Finch said members are frustrated that negotiations haven’t advanced since job action began.

“The problem is not with the union. We’re willing to get back to the table when government’s willing to come with a real offer,” he said.

But Finance Minister Brenda Bailey maintains that the province has put forward a fair proposal.

“Government has an offer on the table that keeps workers full with inflation and helps the workers that are making the lowest wage, and we’re looking forward to getting back to the table,” Bailey said.

Thousands impacted, no timeline for resolution

With more picket lines now up outside Service BC locations, ICBC branches and liquor distribution centres, the union’s job action is disrupting day-to-day services relied on by thousands of British Columbians.

Both sides say they want to return to bargaining — but so far, there’s no sign of when talks might resume.

With files from CTV Vancouver’s Lisa Steacy and St. John Alexander