BCGEU issues strike notice

The union representing about 33,000 staff in the BC Public Service Agency has issued a 72-hour strike notice to the government employer.

BC General Employees Union president Stephanie Smith says members — who include firefighters, correctional officers, administration staff and workers at BC Liquor and Cannabis stores — have been clear throughout the latest round of bargaining that their priority is cost-of-living protections for their wages.

Nearly 95 per cent of impacted the BCGEU members voted in favour of a strike in June, as inflation soared past eight per cent.

Job action could begin as soon as 2:46 p.m. on Monday, though the union’s news release on Friday says it will not reveal what form the action will take.