On August 29, 2025, the BCGEU received a strike mandate from its members who are employed directly by the BC Public Service. The BCGEU has announced that it will be exercising that mandate effective today, September 2, 2025, with picketing activity at select, identified government worksites in Victoria, Prince George and Surrey.
This picketing activity is not directed at, nor intended to impact, CSSEA members; rather it is to disrupt operations at worksites that are included in the BC Public Service table. CSSEA currently has negotiations scheduled throughout September and October; as a result, this strike activity should not impact CSSEA members’ operations. As CSSEA tables have not engaged in monetary negotiations, they have not reached impasse and any strike action would be deemed illegal under the BC Labour Relations Code.
However, some CSSEA members may share physical space with BC Public Service worksites that are, or may in the future be, behind picket lines. In these cases, agency employees may elect not to cross a picket line if access points to CSSEA member agencies are not clearly identified. If your agency shares an entrance with BC Public Service worksites such that picket lines established in its labour dispute could interfere with employee or client access to your agency, please e-mail Vangie Johnson at: vjohnson@cssea.bc.ca, copy your primary Consultant/Advocate and provide the address of your specific worksite and the address of the BC Public Service worksite that is co-located. If able, please also provide a visual property plan that accurately shows all of the entrances/exits of the entire property. The plan you provide will be used to secure an agreement or, if necessary, a BC Labour Relations Board decision restricting picketing activity at your “common site” location.
It is anticipated that this will be an orderly work stoppage; however, if that is not the case, please also advise CSSEA as per the protocol outlined above of any improper picketing activity (such as aggressive behaviour or physical interference) observed at or near your operations.
Please contact your Consultant/Advocate if you have any questions.