3.24°C Vancouver

Sep 4, 2025 3:45 PM - The Canadian Press

Union escalates B.C. public service job action, saying no improved offer in sight

Share On
union-escalates-b-c-public-service-job-action-saying-no-improved-offer-in-sight
The BC General Employees' Union says pickets are being expanded today to include the Ministry of Finance office in downtown Vancouver.(Photo- The Canadian Press)

The union representing thousands of British Columbia public service workers says it is escalating job action in the dispute.

The BC General Employees' Union says pickets are being expanded today to include the Ministry of Finance office in downtown Vancouver.

It's the third day of job action by the union after a strike deadline expired on Tuesday morning.

The union is seeking improved wages and says there's no indication the provincial government's Public Service Agency is willing to get back to negotiations with an improved offer.

The BCGEU, which represents about 34,000 public service workers, says more than 2,600 members joined pickets in Victoria, Surrey and Prince George in the first phase of job action.

The government has said it wants to get back to talks but has not described what has been offered to the union, which says negotiations collapsed in July.

Latest news

joly-argues-canada-fell-short-on-industrial-gains-from-f-35-deal
CanadaNov 18, 2025

Joly argues Canada fell short on industrial gains from F-35 deal

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said on Parliament Hill that Canada has not secured adequate economic returns from its contract to purchase U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets. According to her, the government needs “more jobs created out of the F-35 contract.” Her remarks came as Swedish defence company Saab weighs establishing production in Canada to build its Gripen fighter jets — a proposal that could generate up to 10,000 Canadian jobs, Joly said. She added that Ottawa will carefully examine the offer. Canada has committed to buying 16 F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin as part of
man-dies-after-downtown-vancouver-stabbing-as-police-probe-citys-26th-homicide-of-the-year
BCNov 18, 2025

Man dies after downtown Vancouver stabbing as police probe city’s 26th homicide of the year

Vancouver police are investigating a fatal stabbing in the downtown core after a man was attacked near Granville and Helmcken streets Monday afternoon. Officers say they were called to the area around 3:15 p.m., where the victim was found with serious injuries. The man was taken to hospital but did not survive. Police have not released his identity, and no information on possible suspects or a motive has been made public. The killing marks Vancouver’s 26th homicide of the year, a figure that continues to draw concern in communities across the Lower Mainland where public safety has become a r
eci-seeks-explanation-from-punjab-police-chief-over-firs-linked-to-tarn-taran-bypoll
IndiaNov 18, 2025

ECI seeks explanation from Punjab police chief over FIRs linked to Tarn Taran bypoll

The Election Commission of India has directed Punjab’s Director General of Police to appear before the poll authority on November 25 after a series of police cases were filed against workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal during the Tarn Taran by-election campaign. Officials say the order was issued after the commission reviewed a detailed report submitted by the state police on November 13, one day before results were announced. According to information provided to the commission, nine FIRs were registered in separate police districts over the course of the campaign. The cases were lodged in Ta
abbotsford-police-probe-early-morning-shooting-tied-to-ongoing-extortion-investigation
BCNov 18, 2025

Abbotsford police probe early morning shooting tied to ongoing extortion investigation

Abbotsford police are examining an overnight shooting they believe is connected to a continuing extortion case affecting residents in the Fraser Valley. Officers were called to the 2500 block of Janzen Street shortly before 4 a.m. after reports of gunfire in a residential neighbourhood. Police say two vehicles parked in a driveway were hit by several rounds, but no one inside the home was injured. Investigators believe the property was intentionally targeted, reflecting a pattern seen in recent extortion-related incidents reported in parts of the Lower Mainland. Local police and community advo
report-warns-canada-risks-losing-skilled-newcomers-as-early-departures-persist
CanadaNov 18, 2025

Report warns Canada risks losing skilled newcomers as early departures persist

A new analysis from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship suggests Canada continues to face long-term challenges retaining the newcomers it admits each year. The study reports that roughly one in five immigrants leaves the country within 25 years of arrival, with most departures occurring during the first five years. The findings echo concerns raised in recent years by settlement agencies and provincial governments that have been working to improve support for newcomers. The annual “Leaky Bucket” report indicates that departures are most common among highly educated immigrants, including

Related News