September 2, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The union representing thousands of British Columbia public service workers has announced that industrial action has begun, with picket lines being set up in three cities today.
The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) confirmed that picket lines have been established at multiple locations in Victoria, as well as in Surrey (Metro Vancouver) and Prince George in the northern Interior.
Striking BCGEU members gathered at the Jack Davis Building in Victoria, which houses provincial government offices, waving union flags as the song “Eye of the Tiger” played in the background. Most of the picket locations are at provincial government offices and the Royal BC Museum.
Union president Paul Finch had issued a 72-hour strike notice on Friday, and that deadline expired just after midnight last night.
The BCGEU has approximately 34,000 members in various sectors, including public services, healthcare, education, government liquor stores, prisons, courts, and public administration. However, the government has stated that essential services will not be affected.
The government has declined to disclose the details of its offer to the union. However, Finch stated on Friday that when negotiations with the BC Public Service Agency broke down in July, the union was seeking a 4% general wage increase in the first year and a 4.25% increase in the second year, along with an unspecified cost-of-living adjustment.
The strike vote, which closed on Friday, saw a strong majority of 92.7% of members vote in favor of job action if necessary.
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