One of the largest unions in British Columbia says talks with the government have broken down.
A statement from BC’s General Employees Union (BCGEU) said negotiations with the Public Services Agency, which negotiates on behalf of the province, collapsed on Monday.
“To say we are disappointed is an understatement. Despite our best efforts to bridge the gap, the government has refused to come up with a proposal that meets the key demand to protect the cost of living of our members,” Stephanie Smith said. , president of BCGEU.
Nearly 95 percent of union members employed in the public service industry, including prison officials, administrative staff and government employees, voted in favor of the strike last month.
They cited soaring inflation and the need for wage protection based on the cost of living as key factors.
The BCGEU statement said initial discussions with the government were positive, but talks came to a standstill when the province refused to counter the union’s latest wage proposal.
Smith said the government’s offer equates to a pay cut.
In a statement, the province said it believes both sides will overcome the blockade.
“Negotiation is a dynamic process and we all recognize that this round includes even more challenges than usual,” an email read on Tuesday. “We believe the parties are committed to reaching negotiated agreements that work for everyone at the table.”
The statement said that the BCGEU is now planning strategic and targeted labor actions and finalizing essential services with the assistance of the Labor Relations Board.
This year, more than 180 collective agreements covering nearly 400,000 workers are to be renewed in BC. The strike vote gives the union a mandate to strike if wage demands are not met.