All remaining British Columbia-run liquor and cannabis stores have closed as public service workers initiate a significant picketing action. The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) is leading this escalation, which also includes Service B.C. workers, impacting nearly 25,000 union members.
B.C. Picketing Action Details
On Wednesday, picket lines were established at all government liquor and cannabis outlets. Paul Finch, the BCGEU president, expressed regret over the disruption but emphasized the union’s need for negotiations. He stated, “The government has a choice: they can sit down and bargain with us — or they can continue to let this disruption escalate.”
- 25,000 members involved in job action
- 34,000 total members in the bargaining unit
- 431 provincial government work sites affected
Impact on Local Businesses
While the private liquor and cannabis stores remain operational, they are unable to receive supplies from government warehouses due to the strike. Many bars and restaurants are facing stock shortages and are legally prohibited from purchasing inventory from private stores. Mark von Schellwitz from Restaurants Canada highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s now getting to a critical point.”
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey acknowledged the challenges posed by the strike but maintained that the government’s focus is on returning to negotiations. Health Minister Josie Osborne assured that essential health services, including flu and COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, would not be interrupted.
Service B.C. Functions
Service B.C. handles critical services such as:
- Driver’s licensing
- Income and disability assistance
- Hunting and fishing licenses
- Identification verification
- Payments for B.C. traffic tickets
- Student loans and court fines
The Urgency for Negotiation
During the ongoing labor dispute, BCGEU emphasizes that the goal is not solely about wages, but also about investing in essential services. The negotiations focus on addressing rising living costs and inflation for workers.
The situation remains fluid, highlighting the need for a resolution to restore normal operations in both the public sector and local businesses affected by ongoing labor disruptions in British Columbia.
