Picket lines were established on Wednesday outside all remaining liquor and cannabis stores operated by the British Columbia government as public service employees increase their union job action. The escalation, led by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), now involves all Service B.C. workers, totaling close to 25,000 participants.
In a statement, union president Paul Finch expressed regret for the impact of the picketing on local communities, emphasizing that members are taking the escalation seriously but feel they have no choice but to push for negotiations with the province.
With 34,000 members in the bargaining unit, including essential workers, private liquor and cannabis stores in B.C. remain open. However, these stores are supplied by government distribution warehouses currently affected by picket lines.
Service B.C. offers residents various services such as driver’s licensing, income and disability assistance, hunting and fishing licenses, identification verification, payment of B.C. traffic tickets, student loans, and court fines.
The ongoing labor dispute has led to 431 provincial government work sites being impacted by picket lines. Union members demonstrated outside the B.C. Legislature at the start of the government’s fall session, advocating for better compensation.
B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, representing the government in the dispute, highlighted the need to strike a fair deal within the state’s financial limitations.
While seeking an agreement that addresses the rising living costs and inflation, Finch emphasized that the union’s goal extends beyond wages to ensuring essential services for people across the province.
Restaurants Canada is urging the province to permit bars and restaurants to purchase liquor from private stores due to the disruption caused by picket lines affecting government distribution systems.
Despite the impact on businesses, Bailey emphasized the importance of returning to negotiations rather than focusing on alternative solutions like allowing hospitality businesses to source liquor from private stores.
Health Minister Josie Osborne reassured that the strike is not anticipated to hinder the distribution of flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the fall season.