**Contract Talks Between BC Government and Public Service Union Break Down**
VICTORIA – Contract negotiations between the British Columbia government and the union representing public service workers in the province have broken off shortly after they began.
Paul Finch, president of the BC General Employees Union, says government negotiators arrived three hours late and offered no material improvement over previous contract proposals. Finch expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the union will escalate its job action sharply after the government showed disrespect by presenting an offer that was little changed.
The talks had resumed today following four weeks of ongoing job action. Despite the negotiations, picket lines remain active at various locations, including about a third of provincial liquor stores, liquor and cannabis distribution warehouses, and government offices across the province.
Currently, the union reports that around 15,000 of its 34,000 members involved in the contract are participating in some form of job action. These actions range from an overtime ban to active picketing.
The union is seeking wage increases totaling 8.25 percent over two years. Meanwhile, the government has stated it is aiming to reach a fair deal for both taxpayers and public workers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 29, 2025.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/2025/09/29/cp-newsalert-talks-break-off-between-b-c-government-and-public-service-union