Striking British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) members gathered in Centennial Square around 11 a.m. Monday, and made their way to the lawn of the BC Legislative Assembly, where elected officials will met for the first day of the fall session.
Approximately 10,000 B.C. public service unionized workers moved down Blanshard Street with picketers from various government buildings who joinied the march along its route.
Watch below:
According a release from the BCGEU, President Paul Finch will led the march with members of the Public Service Bargaining Committee and other labour leaders.
CCTV (temporary closed circuit television) was deployed during the demonstration.
“VicPD recognizes everyone’s right to freedom of expression and lawful assembly, and to demonstrate in public spaces as protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, participants are reminded that it is inherently unsafe to march on open streets, and that they do so at their own risk,” states the department.
In a show of solidarity, various union leaders spoke at the rally at the legislature.
Brent Bludon, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees said the province should come back to the bargaining table.
“I’d encourage the premier to put away his bag of tricks and bring out his bag of values,” he added.
The union said 22,000 of its 34,000 workers are now involved in job action across the province.
-With files from Liz Brown
READ MORE: VicPD issues advisory ahead of BCGEU demonstration at Legislature Monday