The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) says members working in the B.C. Public Service will begin job action Tuesday, marking the first stage of a strike after contract talks with the province broke down earlier this summer.

The union confirmed on Labour Day Monday that picket lines will go up Sept. 2 at several government offices, including the Jack Davis Building in Victoria, where BCGEU President Paul Finch will address workers and media at 10 a.m.

Pickets will also be in place in Prince George and Surrey between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The BCGEU represents more than 34,000 public service employees in various jobs like those working for the provincial government, community social services and provincial correctional facilities.

Members voted 92.7 per cent in favour of striking on Friday. Negotiations with the B.C. Public Service Agency began in January but collapsed in mid-July, prompting the union to issue 72-hour strike notice on Aug. 29.

At the time, Finch said the result reflected the “seriousness of the affordability crisis” workers are facing.

“Government’s current offer doesn’t meet the urgency of this crisis, and this emphatic strike vote result reflects workers’ deep concern over the lack of progress at the bargaining table,” Finch said in a statement.

The union has been seeking a four per cent wage increase in the first year, 4.25 per cent int he second year, plus cost-of-living adjustments.

While strike action begins Tuesday, not all BCGEU members will be off the job at once. Picket lines are expected to be targeted at high-visibility government locations.

Essential services, such as those related to public health and safety, will continue to operate.

The Professional Employees Association (PEA), which also represents government staff, has pledged solidarity with the BCGEU and signaled its own readiness to walk out if needed.

Melissa Moroz, executive director of the PEA, said last week that “their fight is our fight, and we are united as workers in the public service.”

It’s not yet clear how long the job action could last or how disruptive it will be to government services. Finch has said the goal remains to bring the government back to the table with a revised wage offer.

With files from The Canadian Press.