Members seeking higher wage increases
More than 27,000 British Columbia government workers are taking strike action Sept. 5 in 153 communities and 1,785 worksites across the province.
The members of the B.C. Government and Services Union (BCGEU), the Professional Employees Association and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) are striking for one day in response to government wage cuts.
“Through the summer, the BCGEU organized three rotating strikes across the province. The government didn’t listen. That’s why we’re on the picket line again,” said BCGEU president Darryl Walker in a press release.
The BCGEU is seeking a two-year wage increase, with 3.5 per cent in the first year and a cost-of-living increase in the second. The government’s offer of a 3.5 per cent increase over two years is not enough, says Walker.
“We are looking for a fair and reasonable agreement, but the government is not listening,” Walker added. “We have no choice but to send a clear message to government: there can be no more falling behind for all government workers.”We’ve not taken the decision to strike lightly.”
