Talks break down with large B.C. union

Talks between unionized members of B.C.’s public service and their employer have hit an impasse after weeks of negotiations leading up to the expiry of their contract on March 31.

The B.C. General Employees Union says negotiations on behalf of 33,000 workers have broken down as the province’s proposed wage increases don’t keep up with the cost of living under rising inflation.

The union wants a two-year deal with a five per cent wage bump, while it says the province has offered a three-year deal with a 1.75 per cent bump and a 25 cent per hour raise in the first year, followed by two per cent raises in each of the following years.

Union president Stephanie Smith says the employer also offered a one-thousand dollar signing bonus.

(The Canadian Press/Global)