B.C.'s public service strike is entering its third week, and the two unions involved are escalating job action to target the mining sector.
This escalation more than doubles the number of striking workers from roughly 4,000 in week two to 8,500 on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
“Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement last week may promise new natural resource projects, but those projects cannot move forward without the skilled public service workers who make B.C.’s resource economy possible,” said Paul Finch, president of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU), in a press release.
The BCGEU represents approximately 34,000 core public service workers, including wildfire fighters and correctional officers. It is engaged in limited job action alongside the Professional Employees' Association, which represents around 1,800 government workers in roles such as foresters and engineers.
All PEA workers from within the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals will now be on strike.
“From the smallest gravel pit to the province’s largest operations, these workers are the ones ensuring mines meet the highest safety standards," said Melissa Moroz, PEA executive director, in a news release. "They issue permits, enforce compliance, and oversee health and safety in an industry that can’t function without strong oversight."
The BCGEU has also implemented overtime bans for all members in correctional and sheriff services.
The unions are seeking a four-per-cent raise this year, followed by another 4.25-per-cent next year. The government has offered 3.5 per cent over two years.
Many of the province's unionized public sector workers are considered "essential," so not all of them can walk off the job.
The Ministry of Finance, which oversees negotiations, told Black Press Media via email that the essential service rules apply to staff at the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals who are engaged in enforcing health and safety regulations or minimizing risks in the mining sector. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said the strike will impact permitting.
“We respect the rights of all workers to bargain collectively and engage in strike action, but there is no question that this action will impact our continued progress on improving permitting timelines," she said in a written statement. "The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals is actively working to do what [it] can [to] minimize disruptions to projects currently under review."
Bailey added that in a time of increasing deficit and economic threats from U.S. tariffs, advancing mining projects is "critical" for B.C.'s economy.
The United Steelworkers, which represents workers in B.C.'s mining sector, weighed in, pledging solidarity with the public sector unions.
“Mining projects in this province help drive our economy, but they cannot proceed without the public service workers who approve permits and enforce safety and environmental standards,” said Scott Lunny, United Steelworkers union (USW) Director for Western Canada, in a news release.
