BCGEU members have voted 89 per cent in favour of ratifying the agreement, officially ending the strike 

November 13,2025

RED FM News Desk

The British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has voted to ratify a new agreement with the provincial government, marking the official end of an eight-week public sector strike. 

In a statement released Thursday, the union said that 79 per cent of members took part in the vote, with 89 per cent voting in favour of the deal. The agreement includes annual wage increases of three per cent over four years. 

BCGEU president Paul Finch described the agreement as a “victory” for workers who endured “eight difficult weeks” on strike to secure a deal that addressed rising living costs and other key issues. 

“Throughout the strike, public service workers were eager to return to serving the public. They did not take this job action lightly,” Finch said. “This victory sets a new standard for what workers can achieve when they stand together. It ensures that public service remains a strong and viable career in British Columbia.” 

According to the B.C. Ministry of Finance, the agreement includes adjustments for low-wage and hard-to-fill positions, as well as the creation of dedicated remote roles. “These changes will help improve and maintain stable service delivery across the province,” the ministry said in a statement. 

Finch added that the agreement is essential to retaining experienced public servants and ensuring the continued delivery of critical services to British Columbians. 

The deal also provides pay increases for the province’s lowest-paid employees, along with improved vision and mental health benefits and other non-monetary measures. Finch thanked the public for their patience and support, noting that the union had worked to minimize disruptions to public services throughout the strike. 

The strike had significantly disrupted the province’s liquor distribution system, forcing warehouse and government liquor store closures and leaving private retailers, bars, and restaurants short on stock. 

Mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers were brought in last month to assist in resolving the dispute. Picket lines came down after a tentative agreement was reached on October 26, following eight days of talks.