Government workers have hit the picket lines in B.C. Tuesday (Sept. 2).
Lining Victoria's Blanshard and Douglas streets, the Professional Employees Association (PEA) members walked out to push the province to increase wages and commit to reducing its "reliance" on external contractors, among other demands, according to the 51-year-old labour union.
This comes after talks that began May 27 between the PEA and the province “broke down after the government failed to address the union’s key issues.”
PEA members voted to strike Aug. 29, issuing a 72-hour notice.
Other specialized government experts are picketing in Surrey and Prince George today, alongside B.C. General Employees Union members, who are also on strike.
“These professionals do not take the decision to strike lightly,” Melissa Moroz, the executive director of the PEA, said in a news release. “But when the B.C. government refuses to pay fair wages and continues to contract out the same work at a higher cost, they are sending a clear message about the priorities of this province.
"Contracting out doesn’t save money; it costs more. Instead of investing in a stable public service, the government is paying a premium for external contractors. It’s not just unfair to workers, it’s fiscally irresponsible.”
The PEA says no essential services will be disrupted as a result of the strike.
More to come...
