Multiple unions keeping a close eye on BCGEU negotiations

Thousands of striking public sector workers were back on the picket line Wednesday, with no indication the parties are heading back to the bargaining table.

More than 2,000 government workers remained on the picket line Wednesday, representing a fraction of the tens of thousands of BC General Employees’ Union members with a mandate to strike amid a labour dispute.

According to the head of the union, wages are a key sticking point in the stalled negotiations

“Everyone knows that the cost of living has gone up,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU president, Wednesday.

And more workers may well hit the picket lines. The BCGEU represents workers ranging from government administrators to wildfire fighters to liquor store staff.

“We’re not going to reveal our strike strategy,” Finch said. “But what we will say is that this will definitely expand and escalate if government doesn’t come to the table with a fair offer.”

On Wednesday, there were pickets lines at nine locations across B.C., with some impacts to the public.

In Surrey, workers picketed at an ICBC driver licensing office, where appointments were cancelled and people walking in were turned away.

Outside the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, many tourists were asked by workers to come back when the strike is over.

Asked how long workers may strike, Finch said, “as long as it takes.”

This job action could be the first of many this fall, with multiple public sector union contracts expired.

“In some senses, this is the tip of the labour iceberg, if you will,” said Stewart Prest, a political scientist at UBC.

The BCGEU wants 8.25 per cent pay increases over the next two years. The province has countered with 3.5 per cent.

What happens in their negotiations could have an impact on negotiations with B.C.’s teachers and nurses this fall.

The president of the BC Teachers’ Federation said wages will be front and centre when the union heads to the bargaining table.

“A fair wage for all teachers across the province,” Carole Gordon said, describing what teachers are pushing for.

Meanwhile, the head of the BC Nurses Union said her members have been preparing to head to the table for months.

B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said the province is in a “limited fiscal position.”

“The impacts of the U.S. trade war are being felt across Canada, and we must make decisions based on what’s best for all British Columbians,” Bailey said in a statement.