Key points regarding work stoppage in public services within British Columbia:

The BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is maintaining its job action, causing disruptions at various facilities across British Columbia, after negotiations for a new contract with the government broke down in July. The strike notice issued by the union expired on Tuesday, but neither the union nor the government has confirmed that talks are back on.

The job action, which began this week, has affected workers in sectors such as wildland firefighting, administrative roles, prisons, courts, liquor and cannabis retail and distribution, and technical and scientific roles. Essential services, however, are not affected, according to the government.

The union is seeking improved wages to address an affordability crisis, with the BCGEU president, Paul Finch, stating that a 4% wage increase in the first year, 4.25% in the second year, and a cost-of-living allowance are necessary for a new contract.

The government, operating under the so-called balanced measures mandate, recently offered the BCGEU a wage increase of 4% per year over a three-year period. However, the BCGEU is reportedly "very disappointed" about a recent deal reached by union negotiators for hospital and other workers, which resulted in a 3.5% increase over two years.

The government has been attempting to communicate with the union to get it back to the negotiating table, but Paul Finch, the BCGEU president, says it's unacceptable for talks to resume without an improved wage offer.

On Tuesday, about 2,000 workers joined picket lines at various locations, including government offices and the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, Prince George, and Surrey. The job action at an ICBC facility in Surrey has caused disruptions.

This report was first published on September 3, 2025. The situation remains ongoing, with both the union and the government continuing to negotiate a resolution to the wage dispute.