The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is expanding strikes to include all B.C. Liquor and cannabis retail stores
All of the outlets will be forced to close as of Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Workers from the BCGEU and the Professional Employees' Association are striking for higher pay in the next collective bargaining agreement, which will be backdated to the start of last April. Job action began on Sept. 2, and has escalated since.
So far, the government has offered a raise of four per cent over two years, while the unions are seeking eight.
The government has also offered an extra one per cent in additional allowances and altered wage classifications for low-wage workers.
Combined, the two unions represent more than 35,000 workers. Those on strike range from B.C. Liquor store workers to government lawyers. Several thousand rallied at the legislature on Monday. More than 23,000 workers from both unions are on strike. Roughly 5,000 workers are considered essential and cannot participate in the strike.
This latest escalation involves all remaining liquor and cannabis store employees — many were already on strike — as well as all Service B.C. workers.
BCGEU President Paul Finch called for the government to return to the negotiating table.
“We don’t take this escalation lightly, and we know that disruptions to services are difficult for the public — we regret the impact this is having on communities,” Finch said in a news release. “But after months of patience, our members have been left with no alternative.
The government's latest offer was made on Sept. 29, but it only revised the wage increase up by 0.5 per cent — to four per cent — and was swiftly rejected by the BCGEU.
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said earlier this week she felt this offer was "reasonable," reiterating on Wednesday that the government wants to return to negotiations.
"I understand that this is having an impact on businesses and people, and that's why it's so important that we get back to the bargaining table," she said. "Government has an offer on the table that keeps workers whole with inflation."
Bailey said people in B.C. have access to local beer and wine in the meantime, via private liquor stores.
With liquor stores and distribution warehouses shuttered, the government will lose revenue, but also save on payroll costs.
"There are savings, but there are also costs," Bailey said.
While no official bargaining is underway, Bailey said some "back channel" conversations are happening.
Restaurants Canada released a statement on Wednesday calling for the sides to agree to allow restaurants and bars to buy alcohol from private liquor stores to avoid running out of inventory. With distribution centres and public stores closed, restaurants will not be able to restock.
Mark von Schellwitz, Restaurants Canada vice-president for western Canada, said this threatens the viability of the food service industry in B.C., which employs 183,000 people.
"With 41 per cent of restaurants operating at a loss or just breaking even, taking away their ability to serve alcohol, while consumers can still purchase it for home consumption, may push some to the brink of closure," he said.
