B.C. Public Service Strike Expands to All Liquor and Cannabis Stores

The ongoing public service strike in British Columbia is set to escalate as the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has announced that all B.C. Liquor and cannabis retail stores will close starting on October 8, 2023. This expansion of job action follows continuous negotiations for better pay, which have been under discussion since the beginning of April.

Strikes began on September 2, 2023, as workers from both the BCGEU and the Professional Employees’ Association called for increased wages. The unions are seeking an increase of eight per cent, while the provincial government has countered with a four per cent raise spread over two years. In addition, the government offered an extra one per cent in allowances and adjustments to wage classifications for lower-paid workers. Together, the two unions represent over 35,000 workers, including those from B.C. Liquor store employees to government lawyers.

The situation intensified earlier this week when more than 23,000 workers from both unions went on strike, with approximately 5,000 workers categorized as essential and unable to participate in the strike. The latest decision to include all remaining liquor and cannabis store employees, many of whom were already striking, reflects the growing frustration among union members.

BCGEU President Paul Finch emphasized the necessity of this escalation in a recent news release. “We don’t take this escalation lightly, and we know that disruptions to services are difficult for the public—we regret the impact this is having on communities,” he stated. Finch urged the government to return to the negotiating table, suggesting that prolonged negotiations without satisfying results left union members with no other options.

The government’s latest offer, made on September 29, was viewed as insufficient by the BCGEU, as it only adjusted the proposed wage increase by 0.5 per cent. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey expressed her belief that the offer was “reasonable” and noted the government’s desire to negotiate a fair agreement for both the workers and taxpayers.

The implications of the strike extend beyond the workers involved. Restaurants Canada issued a statement urging both parties to reach an agreement that would allow restaurants and bars to purchase alcohol from private liquor stores. The closure of distribution centres and public stores hampers the ability of these establishments to restock their inventory, potentially threatening the viability of the food service industry in British Columbia, which employs around 183,000 individuals.

Mark von Schellwitz, Vice-President for Western Canada at Restaurants Canada, pointed out that “with 41 per cent of restaurants operating at a loss or just breaking even, taking away their ability to serve alcohol, while consumers can still purchase it for home consumption, may push some to the brink of closure.”

As the strike continues to grow in scale, the pressure mounts on both the government and the unions to find a resolution that addresses the needs of the workers while considering the broader economic impact on businesses and communities across British Columbia.