British Columbia Public Workers Expand Strike to Key Distribution Centers

Public sector workers in British Columbia are intensifying their strike efforts as liquor and cannabis distribution warehouses join the picket lines. The BC General Employees’ Union announced that employees at the Liquor Distribution Branch’s headquarters in Burnaby, along with warehouses in Delta, Richmond, and Kamloops, are now part of the ongoing job action. This expansion brings the total number of active picket lines across the province to 28.

The strike, which has entered its fourth week, now involves more than 10,000 workers. In addition to the strike, the union has implemented overtime bans and is prepared to escalate its actions until the provincial government agrees to return to negotiations. The union’s demands include wage increases that reflect inflation and rising living costs. Meanwhile, the government aims to reach an agreement that is fair to both workers and the public.

Union president Paul Finch expressed the frustration of public service workers in a recent statement. He emphasized that the strike targeting liquor and cannabis distribution operations is a last resort, aimed at pressuring the government to engage in negotiations. “Up to now, we’ve focused job action on government operations, while minimizing disruptions for the public,” Finch noted. “But with government refusing to come back to the table, we’re left with no choice.”

Finch criticized the government’s current wage offer, stating that it effectively signals to British Columbians that they should expect cuts to essential services. “Public service workers cannot keep falling further behind,” he said.

Earlier this month, the union began its actions against liquor distribution by implementing an overtime ban. Additionally, last week, workers in the mining sector were also added to the picket lines, coinciding with the provincial government’s efforts to expedite several projects.

As negotiations remain stalled, the situation continues to evolve, and the impact of the strike is likely to be felt across various sectors within British Columbia. This article was originally published by The Canadian Press on September 22, 2025.