BCGEU begins rotating strike action Tuesday
By Nelson Daily Staff
The B.C. Government Employees Union took to the streets Tuesday with picket action in Campbell River, Surrey, 100 Mile House and Kelowna to put pressure on their employer.
“We’re striking for a fair and reasonable agreement and to support BCGEU members’ wage proposal,” the BCGEU website said.
“Our members identified wage increases as a priority. The government’s last offer would see members’ pay cheques fall further behind inflation. Members in this bargaining unit haven’t had a pay increase since 2009.”
The website said the government has offered two per cent, after a three-month delay, in year one and 1.5 per cent in year two and has informed the union this offer is no longer on the table.
“We have made several revenue generating proposals to the government. We estimate our proposal for Sunday liquor store openings province-wide will generate up to $100-million in annual revenue,” the website said.
“We also proposed the B.C. Government use sheriffs for traffic safety and enforcement, a move we believe would generate about $180-million annually in reduced expenditures and additional revenue. The government has rejected both proposals.”
No word on the website if government offices in the West Kootenay will be on the schedule.
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