B.C. Government Liquor and Cannabis Stores Fully Impacted by Workers’ Picket Lines
Vancouver Strikes Escalate: Liquor and Cannabis Stores Shut Down Across British Columbia
Union Job Action Intensifies as BCGEU Members Rally
Picket lines have emerged in front of all government-operated liquor and cannabis stores in British Columbia, signaling a major escalation in the union job action led by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU). This development increases the number of public service workers participating in the action to nearly 25,000, with all Service B.C. employees also joining the ranks.
BCGEU Pushes for Renewed Negotiations
Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU, expressed regret over the community impact but emphasized the necessity of the escalation to prompt the province back to the negotiating table. “The government has a choice: they can sit down and bargain with us — or they can continue to let this disruption escalate,” Finch stated. The union has 34,000 members in the bargaining unit, including some designated as essential workers.
Private Sector Liquor and Cannabis Sales Continue Amidst Strike
While private liquor and cannabis stores in B.C. remain operational, their provincial government distribution warehouses are hindered by picket lines. This restriction frustrates local pubs and restaurants, prompting industry voices to advocate for a policy change.
Calls for Policy Change from the Beverage Industry
As stock levels dwindle, the Alliance of Beverage Licensees, led by executive director Bo Chen, has urged the government to allow hospitality venues to procure liquor from private stores. Meanwhile, Service B.C. services are also impacted, covering everything from driver licensing to student loans.
Pressure Mounts as Government Work Sites Join Strike
Currently, 431 provincial government work sites are embroiled in this labor dispute. Union members have staged rallies outside the B.C. Legislature, seeking higher wages and addressing rising living costs. B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey maintained that the government aims to secure a fair agreement within its budget constraints.
Hospitality Sector Seeks Urgent Solutions
The legal supply of alcohol to bars, pubs, and restaurants is disrupted due to the strike, as government distribution is key to their operations. Restaurants Canada has urged provincial authorities to permit acquisitions from private sources. Mark von Schellwitz, the vice president for Western Canada, noted the urgent need for resolution as the industry faces reduced operating hours and workforce impacts.
The labor action has cast a shadow over multiple sectors, raising critical questions about the sustainability of current distribution laws amidst prolonged strikes. Negotiations remain central to finding a solution, with government voices emphasizing the importance of returning to the bargaining table without delay.
