More pickets by B.C.’s public sector workers at liquor stores to pressure for talks

VICTORIA – The union representing public sector workers in British Columbia is putting more pressure on government finances while curbing the public’s access to alcohol. 

The B.C. General Employees’ Union says it’s expanding pickets to another 37 liquor stores around the province, shutting about a third of government-run stores. 

Pickets went up at government liquor and cannabis warehouses in Richmond, Delta and Kamloops along with 25 liquor stores earlier this week. 

It’s been four weeks since the union started job action and now almost 15,000 public service workers are taking part in some kind of job action in an attempt to pressure the government back to the bargaining table. 

B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, who has been speaking for the government in the dispute, says there is some back-channel work going on, although she has no date for possible new talks. 

Ian Tostenson, the head of B.C.’s Restaurant and Foodservices Association, says his members are being used as pawns in the dispute and they expect to see supply shortages by the end of the week. 

Bailey says she’s heard from some industry representatives who have stockpiled liquor in expectation of such job action, but she understands the importance of the industry to the province. 

“You know, margins are tight there and so I’m certainly aware of the challenges that that industry is faced with, but my role is to make sure not only that we get a fair deal for these workers, but that we get a fair deal for all British Columbians.” 

The union is asking for an 8.25 per cent wage increase over two years, saying members’ pay has not kept pace with inflation. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2025.