Talks between the B.C. government and its public service union broke down Monday, the first time the union and province returned to the bargaining table since July.
BCGEU members waited nearly three hours Monday for government negotiators to arrive, only to receive an offer union leaders say “wasn’t materially different” from the previous one.
“We came to the table ready to negotiate but the government presented an offer that was barely different from their last one,” said BCGEU president and chair of the public service bargaining committee, Paul Finch in a release.
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“Our members are facing a real affordability crisis, and the government’s response continues to fall far short. Until the government is prepared to engage in real negotiations, job action will escalate.
“Maybe this was a mistake,” Finch added. “Talks are off until the government comes back with a real offer.”
The union has been escalating its strike action over the past four weeks, with up to 15,000 workers taking part in everything from picketing to overtime bans.
About a third of the province’s liquor stores are behind picket lines along with the liquor and cannabis distribution branch warehouses in Richmond, Delta and Kamloops.
The union has been asking for an 8.25 per cent wage increase over two years. It is reported that the province came to the table offering a two per cent increase in the first year with another two per cent increase the following year.
Finch emphasized the union will continue escalating and staying strong. A rally is planned for Wednesday in Vancouver.