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PEA returns to bargaining with government
The Professional Employees Association (PEA), representing Government Licensed Professionals who work for the B.C. public service, will take down picket lines across the province on Monday, October 27 as the union prepares to resume negotiations with the B.C. government.
The same general wage increases as well as other key proposals that were agreed to by the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) have been extended to the PEA.
After eight weeks of the historic job action, the largest escalation in the PEA’s 51-year history, the union will take down picket lines and return to the bargaining table to negotiate the remainder of the outstanding terms in order to reach a full tentative agreement.
“We are suspending picket lines to allow bargaining to resume after making progress today on a number of the union’s key priorities” said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA and lead negotiator.
The PEA’s strike action involved more than 1,600 licensed professionals across the province, including agrologists, engineers, foresters, geoscientists, lawyers, pharmacists, veterinarians, and other highly trained experts. Their work is critical to ensuring the safety, sustainability, and effectiveness of public services and infrastructure throughout the province.
“Our members have shown incredible resolve,” said Moroz. “By standing together for the value of their work and the services they provide to British Columbians, they have strengthened the collective voice of public service professionals across the province. We are deeply grateful to the unions and allies who joined us on the picket lines and stood in solidarity with our members.”
“The solidarity shown between the BCGEU and PEA has been extraordinary,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU President. “Our members stood shoulder to shoulder for fairness, respect, and equity across the public service. This shared determination has strengthened the entire labour movement and shown that when workers unite, we can achieve meaningful progress for everyone.”
The PEA entered bargaining with the Public Service Agency on May 27, but talks broke down after the government failed to address the union’s key issues, including wages, reimbursement of required licensing fees, and a commitment to reducing reliance on external contractors.
On August 29, members voted in favour of a strike, issued 72-hour notice and began picketing alongside the BCGEU on September 2.
e-KNOW file photo
