BCGEU talks resume as other unions line up
Contract talks between the BC government and the province’s largest public sector union have resumed, as members of other unions queue to demand wage increases and better benefits.
The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) said talks with Public Service Agency negotiators resumed today, although neither the union nor the government side have provided details.
The BCGEU set up pickets outside liquor distribution warehouses last week and began banning overtime this week in an effort to pressure the province to return to the negotiating table.
The BC Teachers’ Federation is also in talks with the government for a deal, while the Hospital Employees’ Union has suspended negotiations and the BC Nurses’ Union prepares for possible negotiations in the fall.
The BCGEU has said the jobs campaign will continue until further notice, but the Public Service Agency insists that the overtime ban has not had any negative impact so far.
The hospitality industry has expressed concern that workers in restaurants and cannabis shops will lose their jobs if negotiations with the 33,000-member union continue after a 95 percent strike in June.
Finance Minister Selina Robinson said after the BCGEU was re-invited to the negotiating table, she hoped a fair deal could be reached in line with the government’s budget plan.
