Members of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) employed by the B.C. Public Service announced Nov. 13 they have ratified an agreement reached in mediation on Oct. 26.

The agreement represents approximately 36,000 people working in occupations that provide core government services, such as social workers, employment-assistance workers, biologists, court clerks, sheriffs and correctional officers in public safety, as well as the unionized members of the Liquor Distribution Branch, the B.C. Pension Corporation, Destination B.C. and the Royal B.C. Museum.

Highlights of some terms and conditions reached through the mediation process include targeted market and classification adjustments for low-wage and hard-to-recruit occupations, as well as creation of dedicated remote positions.

The four-year term and annual three per cent general wage increases included in the BCGEU main agreement will also apply across the broader provincial public-sector negotiations as part of the 2025 Balanced Measures Mandate.

As is the case with the framework agreement reached with the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA), the BCGEU main agreement in the public service includes additional increases over and above what will be made available to the rest of the public sector as part of the 2025 Balanced Measures Mandate.

BCGEU President Paul Finch said this agreement would not be possible without the tenacity and solidarity of members who stood together for weeks on end to demand a fair deal.

“The focus of this victory is the unwavering determination shown by BCGEU and PEA members as they stood on the lines and did what it took to achieve these gains,” said Finch. “For eight difficult weeks, they stood firm—fighting for a strong public service that makes our province work. This deal proves that workers standing together is how real progress is made.”

“This agreement is what is needed to help keep experienced public service workers in their jobs,” he said. “It helps ensure they’re able to continue to provide the critical services that British Columbians rely on every day.”

The BCGEU maintained essential services and tried to focus job action on government operations in the initial weeks of the strike to minimize disruption to the public. Finch thanked British Columbians for their patience and support throughout the dispute.

“Throughout the strike, public service workers were eager to return to their jobs serving the public. They did not take this job action lightly. We know this strike has had an impact on the public, and our commitment was always to strengthen public services. We are grateful for the support of the public as we navigated this difficult strike together.”

“The solidarity shown by BCGEU and PEA members was undeniable, and this contract is the direct result of their commitment,” Finch stated. “This victory sets a new standard for what workers can achieve when they stand shoulder-to-shoulder. It ensures that public service remains a strong and viable career in B.C.”

There are more than 593,000 people working across the provincial public sector, including the core B.C. Public Service, Crown corporations, health, community social services, K-12 public education, post-secondary institutions and research universities.

Of those people, approximately 452,000 are unionized employees paid under collective agreements or professionals paid through negotiated compensation agreements.

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