The bargaining committee representing more than 33,000 public sector workers in BC issued a 72-hour strike notice Friday afternoon after an impasse in negotiations with the province.
The British Columbia General Employees Union says the industrial action could begin as early as 2:46 p.m. Monday.
Almost 95 per cent of union members who work directly for the provincial government, including forest firefighters, social workers, sheriffs and corrections officers and employees of BC’s liquor and cannabis stores and warehouses, voted to in favor of the strike on June 22.
Stephanie Smith, president of BCGEU and chair of the union’s public service bargaining committee, said the top priority for members is wage protection amid high inflation.
“We’re not asking for anything unusual here,” he said.
“The minimum wage is now linked to inflation rates, as it always should have been. And that is something that is being offered to politicians of all classes in Victoria… Our members are simply asking for the same protections salaries offered to deputies”.
The last collective agreement between the bargaining unit and the Public Service Agency, which negotiates on behalf of the province, expired on April 1. Negotiations began on 8 February and reached an impasse on 6 April.
The union and the government’s bargaining arm, the Public Service Agency, met again in July, but talks collapsed.
The two sides met earlier this week.
“Exploratory discussions were held and the bargaining committee unanimously decided that a return to the table would not be fruitful at this time,” the union said in a statement.
In a statement, the Public Service Agency said it understands that workers are concerned about the effects of inflation and that it is committed to reaching a fair agreement.
Smith said industrial action can take a number of forms, such as a ban on overtime or work-by-rule action, where workers do exactly what’s in their job description, or service pickets not essential
The Public Service Agency said that while it was unclear how the union might go on strike, critical services would still be available. Prior to the industrial action, the Labor Relations Board established essential service levels, ensuring critical services continued.
Smith said a lot can happen before Monday afternoon.
“Seventy-two hours is a long time,” Smith said. “We always hope that the fact that we have issued the strike notice may force the employer to invite us back.”