Urgent Update: BCGEU and Government Returning to the Bargaining Table

Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,

By now you have likely seen the news that both the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and government have agreed to return to the bargaining table.

While we welcome this positive development, we remain frustrated that BCGEU strike action is continuing at vital Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) warehouses. As an act of good faith, we have called on the BCGEU to stand down and end its strike action while the parties are negotiating. 

Click here to read the press release from the BCGEU. 

Both parties have agreed to a media blackout while negotiations proceed. We will provide further updates as soon as they are available. 

Survey

While this is a step in the right direction, the strike action is continuing to cause serious financial harm to our industry. To help us quantify the impact this strike is having on your businesses and our industry, please fill out this survey. Your participation is critical to showing government and the public the true costs of the BCGEU’s strike. 

Take the Survey Now

Resources

We know that many businesses are facing the tough reality of reducing operating hours or temporarily closing down due to a lack of inventory. Our partners at go2HR have put together this FAQ about temporary layoffs.

Click here for more information on employer responsibilities for Employment Insurance (EI) and here for information on supplementing EI benefits. If you are temporarily laying off employees, ensure to use Code A (shortage of work) on their Record of Employment (ROE). Click here for more information. 

ABLE BC members are also encouraged to reach out to the go2HR Consultant in their region for assistance and guidance when laying off employees. 

Click here to read our BCGEU strike FAQs.

Click here to download stock out signage.

Click here for a list of local producers to order from.

Ann Brydle