BCGEU strikers picketed outside of resource centres in Vancouver Wednesday.
Image Credit: SOURCE/BCGEU
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
August 13, 2022 - 8:31 AM
A union representing firefighters, correctional staff and administrative workers has issued a strike notice to its government employer.
A 72-hour strike noticed was issued by the BCGEU yesterday, Aug. 12 to the to the Public Service Agency for a strike to commence on Monday afternoon. This notice covers the 33,000 members of the public service's bargaining unit who work for the provincial government.
"Earlier this week, the PSA invited the union back to the bargaining table. Exploratory discussions were held, and the bargaining committee unanimously decided a return to the table would not be fruitful at this time," according to a statement from the BCGEU, which represents employees in health care, community social services, education, highways maintenance, casinos, credit unions, municipalities, regional districts and other employers.
Negotiations between the parties reached an impasse in early April primarily due to a significant gap in wage proposals, according to the union. The union has demanded a five percent wage increase, in line with inflation, while the B.C. Government offered a 1.5% increase in the first year and a two percent increase in 2023 and 2024.
In total, almost 400,000 public sector workers have agreements that will, or already have, expire this year, including those employed by the B.C. Wildfire Service and in the public health-care sector.
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