Home »
BCGEU accepts offer to return to bargaining table
The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has agreed to return to the bargaining table but the current two-week long job action will stay in place, meaning liquor store shelves will continue to be depleted of stock.
“Late last night the Public Service Agency (PSA) invited the BCGEU’s Public Service Bargaining Committee back to the table to resume talks. The bargaining committee has accepted that invitation. Bargaining is expected to resume soon, but logistics are still being confirmed,” BCGEU stated in a brief media release.
“This is a significant development, and it is the direct result of the pressure BCGEU members have applied, which includes the current job action and shows solidarity from BCGEU members and allies.
“In order to maintain that pressure, the union’s current job action will remain in effect until further notice,” the union said.
BCGEU is trying to secure higher wages and acknowledgement of heavy workloads from the government.
The BCGEU represents more than 33,000 workers in B.C. About 95 per cent of union members voted in favour of striking in June.
Picketing began August 15 at four BC Liquor distribution centres in Delta, Kamloops, Richmond and Victoria, meaning many types of alcohol could not get distributed to liquor stores across the province, resulting in a three-bottle limit being passed along to customers.
The move has paralyzed the restaurant and bar industries still reeling from pandemic impacts.
BCGEU concluded the media release noting: “parties have agreed to a media and member communications blackout so no further comment will be made.”
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW