National

B.C. government workers step up job action by targeting mining sector

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Sep, 2025 09:36 AM

British Columbia's public service workers are escalating job action aimed at slowing work in the mining sector just as the province moves to fast-track several projects.

The BC General Employees' Union and Professionals Employees Association say staff in mineral and mines offices in Vancouver and Cranbrook will join picket lines.

Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined last week the importance of natural resource projects for Canada — including the expansion of the Red Chris copper and gold mine in northwestern B.C. — but Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU, says such projects can't go ahead without public service workers.

Premier David Eby had also announced 18 resource projects to fast track earlier this year, including several mines, but Finch says they're only possible because civil servants work on safety and environmental measures.

The increase in job action puts 8,500 public service workers on picket lines, with Finch saying up until now they've been trying to minimize effects on the public, but that won't continue for long.

The union is into its third week of strike action as it asks for an 8.25 per cent wage increase over two years, saying public service wages have not kept pace.

"This comes after a period over the last decade where our wages fell behind not only inflation but over 12 per cent behind the average wage in British Columbia," Finch told picketing workers in Victoria on Tuesday.

"That means today, BCGEU members in the civil service make 2.7 per cent less than the average wage in the entire province."

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/ ETHAN CAIRNS

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Trudeau noncommittal on expanding rebate beyond 'working Canadians'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not appear willing to budge on his plan to send a $250 rebate to "hardworking Canadians," despite pressure from the opposition to give the money to seniors and people who are not able to work.

Trudeau noncommittal on expanding rebate beyond 'working Canadians'

Winter storm watch issued as snow, heavy rain expected for B.C. coast

The storm is expected to start tonight and persist until Sunday. More heavy snow is expected in the inland sections of the north coast — including Stewart, which has already received 40 to 55 cm of snow this week — with up to 40 cm more expected between Saturday night and Monday.

Winter storm watch issued as snow, heavy rain expected for B.C. coast

BC Ferries CEO floats prospect that fares may rise 30% or more in 2028

The CEO of BC Ferries is warning the company may need to increase fares by 30 per cent or more in 2028, when the current fare structure expires. Nicolas Jimenez says in a written statement the corporation had forecast last year that such a price rise would be needed to keep up with operating and capital costs, but costs since then have spiked, including a 40 per cent jump in shipbuilding expenses.

BC Ferries CEO floats prospect that fares may rise 30% or more in 2028

Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says

The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark. In a notice to members posted Monday, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers called the layoffs a "scare tactic" and said it's looking into the situation.

Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says

Eliminating open-net fish farms in B.C. would cost taxpayers billions: report

The proposed federal ban on open net-pen salmon farms in British Columbia coastal waters will cost taxpayers billions and seriously impact Canada's economy, food security and Indigenous communities, says a report commissioned by the BC Salmon Farmers Association.

Eliminating open-net fish farms in B.C. would cost taxpayers billions: report

Liberal GST holiday expected to pass soon as government introduces solo bill

The Liberal government introduced a stand-alone bill to implement its proposed GST holiday Wednesday, hours after the NDP threatened it would not pass the legislation if it was linked to a $250 rebate for working Canadians. The bill would give people a two-month GST exemption on items like premade food at grocery stores, children's clothes, toys, some alcoholic beverages and other holiday season staples.