Photo: PEA
BC government licensed public service professionals have voted 92% in favor of a strike after reaching a bargaining deadlock, the Professional Employees Association (PEA) said on June 22.
The PEA represents more than 1,200 licensed professionals such as agrologists, engineers, foresters, geoscientists, pharmacists, psychologists and veterinarians working in 11 ministries.
The union said the salary proposals did not address the rising cost of living. He said not being competitive could lead to problems with hiring and retaining staff.
“Our members are the scientific experts they trust to keep the province safe and deserve salaries that reflect the critical work they do,” PEA spokeswoman Melissa Moroz said in a statement.
“The outcome of this strike vote shows that these professionals are willing to take steps to support their demands for reasonable compensation,” he said. “They are not willing to accept a pay cut.”
The union represents workers with oversight of forestry, mining, fossil fuels, infrastructure, forests and farms.
They have also been called as part of the government’s response to responses to forest fires and floods.
“With climate change and emergencies an ever-present reality, now is the time for the province to invest in public service professionals,” Moroz said.
Meanwhile, the BC General Employees Union said Wednesday that nearly 95% of its 33,000 public service members have approved a strike vote.
“I couldn’t be happier with such a strong result,” said Stephanie Smith, chair of the BCGEU and chair of the union’s bargaining committee. “But it was the beginning: the five weeks of intensive organization, emerging polling stations and the collection of ballots by mail – which really forced the public service agency to change its tone.”
The BCGEU says that when the strike vote ended, the employer invited them to return to the negotiating table. Negotiations will resume on Monday.
Members of the unit who conducted the BCGEU strike vote include forest firefighters, social workers, sheriffs and correctional officers, administrative staff, BC Liquor and Cannabis store and warehouse employees, as well as agents. of conservation, employees doing field and laboratory work in the kingdom. environmental monitoring, and more.