Bob Mackin
More than 2,000 B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) members went on strike in Victoria, Surrey and Prince George on Sept. 2. But some of them didn’t know where to walk a picket line.
A mass-email to union members on the strike’s first day said remote workers need to find their team’s default picketing location. “If your default location is on strike, you are on strike. If you live more than 30 kilometres from your default location, you need to fill out the alternate duty form and either join a close picket line or picket online.”
BCGEU president Paul Finch, surrounded by striking members on Sept. 2 in Victoria. (BCGEU/Flickr)
As an example, the message said: “If your team and position are based out of 1810 Blanshard St.. Victoria, but your telework agreement says 900 Howe St., Vancouver – you are on strike when 1810 Blanshard St., Victoria is on strike.”
BCGEU’s strategy is to shut down key teams to apply pressure on the NDP government. “That’s why it’s so important that members on those teams aren’t working remotely if their home base is struck,” said the union message. “If you heard something different earlier, please follow this new direction.”
Union president Paul Finch did not respond for comment.
What’s on the table
The government is offering a 3.5% raise over two years, but the BCGEU wants 8.25%. The union wants stronger telework/work from home language in the contract.
The B.C. Public Service says it offers options for mobile work within an office, work from home or work from another location outside the office.
B.C. counts 452,000 unionized public sector workers. Every 1% increase in compensation costs taxpayers $419 million.
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