Stephanie Smith, President BCGEU (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BCGEU STRIKE VOTE

Kamloops residents may not see immediate impact if BCGEU begins strike

Jun 23, 2022 | 4:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — Members of the British Columbia’s General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) have voted overwhelmingly in support of striking if negotiations with their employers falls through. More than 33,000 public sector employees voted, with nearly 95 per cent in favour of strike action.

The threat of a potential strike had already started to take effect, even before the final ballots were counted this week, as negotiations are set to resume on Monday (June 27) between the two sides.

Union President Stephanie Smith noted the recent 8.1 per cent inflation hike as she addressed the importance of a livable wage.

“Even before we began bargaining, when we were going to our membership and asking what’s important to you, cost of living was top of mind. There are other issues around flexible work time, occupation health and safety. But, pretty much across the board it was about wages. We have seen since we began this bargaining process, the cost of living increasing and increasing,” said Smith.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Are the B.C. Conservatives digging their own graves?

16h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

Dec 14, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

The general employee’s union represents 85,000 public sector workers in the province. The ones currently at risk of potentially enacting a strike are directly tied to the government, such as liquor and cannabis employees, Service B.C. office workers, wildland firefighters and correctional officers to name just a few.

Smith did say even if a strike notice is issued, it doesn’t mean everybody will be out on a picket line.

“It doesn’t mean everybody walking with a picket sign on immediately. We would have to issue 72-hour strike notice and it could take the form of something like an overtime ban, for example, or work-to-rule where you do exactly what is outlined in your job description and none of those extras that working people do all the time,” added Smith.