Looming June BCGEU Strike Might Cause Supply-Chain Disruptions at Government & Private Liquor Stores

BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) may find itself in the middle of a logistical nightmare later in June. In April, BCGEU announced that new contract negotiations for its 33,000 members had broken down. The union’s contract with the BC government expired on April 1, 2022, and union and government negotiators are miles apart on wage increases.

The offer BCGEU brought to the bargaining table included an increase of 5% or an inflation increase, whichever is higher in 2022 and 2023. BCGEU President, Stephanie Smith, says the government’s wage offer doesn’t meet the union’s concerns about cost of living.

Smith says “It’s a fair demand and we know government can afford it but the employer tabled two wage proposals that didn’t even get halfway there. This vote is a chance for our members to tell their employer what they think of those offers.”

The strike vote will be conducted over five weeks beginning on May 16, culminating in a vote count scheduled for June 22/2022.

Will a BCGEU Strike Cause Supply Chain Disruptions at LDB?

Because BCLDB warehouse workers are BCGEU members and all public and private liquor stores (LRS licensees) depend on LDB for product delivery, there is a possibility of disruptions. However, Alliance of Beverage Licensees BC (ABLE BC) believes that disruptions will be minimized, saying “We can assure you that government is invested in protecting the integrity of the supply chain and will take measures to ensure there are no disruptions or negative effects on your businesses.”

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Rebecca Hardin, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors CEO and lead liquor licensing consultant is in business to help your BC private liquor store succeed. From startup assistance and LRS licensing to ongoing LRS operations management, the Thrive team always rolls up their sleeves to get the job done right, the first time.