October 14,2025
RED FM News Desk
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he understands residents’ frustration as the public service workers’ strike enters its seventh week, but he’s grateful for their patience.
Eby said the government is working hard to present a fair offer to members of the BC General Employees’ Union and hopes to return to the bargaining table as soon as possible.
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, who represents the government in the negotiations, said in a video statement over the weekend that the province cannot accept an agreement that would make delivering public services financially unsustainable.
Around 25,000 unionized workers across 20 ministries, Crown corporations, and government agencies are currently off the job.
Eby added that once the strike ends, supply disruptions affecting restaurants, as well as liquor and cannabis retailers, will be resolved quickly. Paul Finch, president of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), says there’s been no sign from the provincial government that it plans to return to negotiations with a fair proposal.
Finch said the union will allow the effects of the strike to be felt for now but remains hopeful the government will come forward with a reasonable offer.
Earlier, the union said it had countered the government’s proposal of a five per cent wage increase over two years with its own request for an eight per cent raise over the same period.
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