Protesters disband at the ICBC office, but the BCGEU promises escalation of the strike action

The British Columbia General Employees' Union (BCGEU) strike, now in its fourth day, has primarily affected government operations, as the union and the provincial government continue negotiations over wage increases.

The BCGEU, with approximately 34,000 members in the bargaining unit, is asking for a raise of 8.25% over two years, while the province is offering 3.5% over the same period. This disparity in demands has created a stalemate in the negotiations.

Picket lines at Surrey's ICBC office have been a common sight, but they are coming down as the ICBC's Guildford location in Surrey is set to resume services this Saturday, following disruption due to the strike. However, so far, the government hasn't returned with an improved wage offer.

The BCGEU's current strike is affecting negotiations with numerous large public sector unions, including teachers and nurses. The union has been targeting government buildings in Victoria, Surrey, Prince George, and the Royal BC Museum during the strike, but has deliberately held off on wider work stoppages for strategic reasons.

The memory is still fresh of the BCGEU's 2022 strike which saw workers picket Liquor and Cannabis Distribution Branch warehouses, causing significant public disruption. The union has been tight-lipped about its future actions, keeping its cards close to the vest.

B.C. Premier David Eby stated that government employees did well in the last round of negotiations, but they cannot keep up with or exceed inflation this time around. The province is seeking to keep labor costs down due to a $7.3-billion deficit and the ongoing fallout of the trade war with the U.S.

Labour lawyers Danny Bernstein and Barry Eidlin have suggested that the road could get rougher if the two sides remain far apart. Bernstein stated that legislating workers back to work is an extreme outcome and is unlikely early in the strike. Eidlin echoed similar sentiments, expressing concerns about the potential for increasing disruption if the impasse continues.

The BCGEU appears to be settling in for the long haul, which could lead to further disruptions in government services. The union's strategic approach to the strike, focusing on key government buildings, has been effective in putting pressure on the government to reconsider its wage offer.

As the negotiations continue, both sides are under pressure to find a resolution that is fair to all parties involved, while minimizing disruption to the public. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future wage negotiations within the public sector.