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The union chose to conduct strike action at these work sites to back demands for a fair and reasonable agreement with the B.C. Government and to support BCGEU/NUPGE members’ wage proposal.
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Vancouver (9 Aug. 2012) - More than 100 BC Government and General Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) members conducted job action on August 7, 2012 in a one day strike at four locations:
- Campbell River: Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, 50 members.
- Surrey: Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, 40 members.
- 100 Mile House: Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, 60 members. 300 South Caribou Highway.
- Kelowna: Ministry of Labour, Agriculture, Health, Environment 30 members. 1690 Powick Rd.
The union chose to conduct strike action at these work sites to back demands for a fair and reasonable agreement with the B.C. Government and to support BCGEU/NUPGE members’ wage proposal. The 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.
BCGEU/NUPGE is asking for a wage increase of 3.5 per cent in the first year and a cost of living allowance in the second year.
The government had offered two per cent, after a three-month delay, in year one and 1.5 per cent in year two. It has informed the BCGEU that this offer is no longer on the table.
The union has also made several revenue generating proposals to the government. They estimate that a proposal for Sunday liquor store openings province-wide would generate up to $100-million in annual revenue.
The union has also proposed the B.C. Government use sheriffs for traffic safety and enforcement, a move they believe will generate about $180-million annually in reduced expenditures and additional revenue. The government has rejected both proposals.
BCGEU/NUPGE assures the public that this and any future job action against the government will pose no risk to the health, safety or welfare of British Columbians.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE