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BCGEU government workers hold one-day strike action

“We’ve not taken the decision to strike lightly. Our last strike in direct government was more than 20 years ago.”- Darryl Walker, BCGEU President on the one-day strike.

Vancouver (06 Sept. 2012) - Over 25,000 members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) who work directly for the B.C. government across the province took strike action on September 5 to send a message to government negotiators.

BCGEU/NUPGE members in 153 communities and at more than 700 government worksites across the province participated in the day-long strike.

“We are looking for a fair and reasonable agreement, but the government is not listening. We have no choice but to send a clear message to government: there can be no more falling behind for all government workers.” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker. “We’ve not taken the decision to strike lightly. Our last strike in direct government was more than 20 years ago.”

Since 2010, B.C. government workers have suffered a real wage cut of five per cent. The government’s last offer, which has been withdrawn, would see pay cheques fall further behind inflation.

“Through the summer, the union organized three rotating strikes across the province. The government didn’t listen. That’s why we’re on the picket line again,” Walker said.

Essential service levels are guaranteed so the health, safety and welfare of British Columbians will not be impacted by the job action.

Members of the Professional Employees Association (PEA) and Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union (COPE) Local 378 were also on the picket lines The PEA represents over 1,200 licensed professionals employed directly in B.C.'s public service. COPE 378 represents about 4,600 workers at the Insurance Corporation of B.C., a crown corporation.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE