BCGEU issues strike notice

The union representing about 33,000 staff in the BC Public Service Agency has issued a 72-hour strike notice to the government employer.

BC General Employees Union president Stephanie Smith says members — who include firefighters, correctional officers, administration staff and workers at BC Liquor and Cannabis stores — have been clear throughout the latest round of bargaining that their priority is cost-of-living protections for their wages.

Nearly 95 per cent of impacted the BCGEU members voted in favour of a strike in June, as inflation soared past eight per cent.

Job action could begin as soon as 2:46 p.m. on Monday, though the union’s news release on Friday says it will not reveal what form the action will take.

“After months of negotiation our union has achieved an interim Essential Service Order from the BC Labour Relations Board,” Smith stated in a news release.

“This order was the final piece of the puzzle we needed to action the strike mandate that you gave us in June. If you are able to participate in job action according to this order, your union will contact you,” Smith said to members.