BCGEU, BC Government Deadlocked in Wage Talks as Union Threatens Larger Protests
The BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the British Columbia government are locked in a tense negotiation, with both sides far apart on wage increases. Union head Paul Finch has slammed the government's latest offer as a 'cheap stunt', while the government has expressed willingness to reach an agreement 'at any cost'.
The stalemate continues as the union, now in its fifth week of job action, deems the government's offer of a five-per-cent increase over two years insufficient. Finch has accused the government of being three hours late for negotiations and only offering a slight increase, barely starting talks. Around 15,000 union members are involved in job action, including picketing at government offices and liquor stores.
Finch has threatened larger demonstrations, including a rally outside the B.C. legislature when lawmakers return on Oct. 6. He has also announced that talks are off until the government presents a 'real offer'. Finch countered the government's offer with a wage increase of four per cent each year for a two-year agreement. The government, represented by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, has expressed a desire to reach a deal but has not yet met the union's demands.
With no clear timeline for when negotiations might resume, both sides remain firm in their positions. The union continues to escalate job action due to what it perceives as the government's 'disrespect' during talks. The government, meanwhile, has not ruled out further discussions to reach a resolution in this ongoing dispute.
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