BCGEU Strike Action May Affect Distribution to Liquor & Cannabis Stores in BC

For our BC liquor and cannabis store clients, the current BCGEU province-wide strike may escalate and slow or halt distribution of products.

The BC Government Employees’ Union began strike action on September 2nd after giving 72-hour strike notice on Friday August 29th. 2,600 union members took to picket lines in Victoria, Surrey and Prince George. The union’s previous collective agreement expired on March 31. 92.7% of members voted in favour of a strike. The union is seeking a 4% wage increase in year one of the new collective agreement and 4.25% in year two.

Source: “B.C. public service staff launch picket lines after strike deadline expires”, CBC News, September 2/2025.

Strike Action Escalating

On September 4th, day 3 of the strike, additional pickets involving 90 workers went up at the Ministry of Finance offices at 900 Howe Street in Vancouver.

Source: “BCGEU Escalates Job Action as Employer Fails to Table Improved Wage Offer”, BCGEU Press Release, September 4/2025.

BCGEU and PSA reached an impasse at the bargaining table on July 17, 2025. PSA offered a 0.75% increase on April 1 and October 1, 2025, and a 1% increase on April 1 and October 1, 2026.
See “What was the union’s monetary ask? What was the employer’s monetary counteroffer?” in the BCGEU bargaining FAQ.

About Thrive Advisors

Thrive Advisors helps private BC Liquor and Cannabis Stores succeed. We offer many services including:

• Liquor store license applications and retail strategy
• Cannabis store license applications and retail strategy