BCGEU Strike Update, LDB Service Update, Speaking Up for Industry and More! ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
October 2, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - Update on BCGEU Strike: Week 5
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LDB Service Update: Strike Continues to Impact LDB & FAQs
- ABLE BC: Media & Empowering Small Businesses with a Voice
- ABLE BC Supports Local Brands: Shipping Direct to Licensees
- BC Hospitality Foundation Spirit of Hospitality
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Update on BCGEU Strike: Week 5 |
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On September 29, the BCGEU returned to the bargaining table with the provincial government for the first time since July. Unfortunately, talks broke down on the first day, with both sides unable to reach an agreement on wages. Yesterday (October 1), hundreds of striking public sector workers marched through downtown Vancouver on Wednesday. The BCGEU says it has rejected the province’s latest wage proposal of five per cent over two years and has indicated it is prepared to escalate strike action.
As shared in our last Industry Update, the provincial government released its First Quarterly Budget Report projecting a deficit of $11.6 billion for 2025-26 - an increase of $665 million from the original forecast. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey emphasized the government’s approach of “being focused with spending, making smart reductions where possible, and being strategic with investments to drive economic growth and foster innovation."
You can revisit our full summary of the report here and find the government’s First Quarterly Report here. BCLIQUOR Store Closures
The strike continues to disrupt operations at BCLIQUOR Stores across the province. For the latest list of which stores are open and closed, please click this link to the BCLiquor Store website.
We recognize the strain this situation places on your businesses and will continue to advocate strongly on your behalf.
United Industry Voice
If your establishment is impacted by the BEGEU strikes, ABLE BC has prepared collective messaging for MLAs. Please reach out directly to Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca) |
Important LDB Service Update: Strike Action Continues to Impact LDB and FAQs |
LDB Wholesale Operations has shared the following update with us: We recognize that the continued BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike action impacting the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) distribution centres and Head Office is temporarily affecting services to customers, vendors, and industry partners. To help keep you informed, we’ve updated the LDB Wholesale Operations website and Frequently Asked Questions with the latest information on the continued service disruptions.
As outlined in the October 1 update, the following services remain affected by the BCGEU strike action: -
Distribution centres in Delta (DDC) and Kamloops (KDC) are unable to receive, assemble, or ship orders.
- Wholesale Customer Care Centres in Vancouver and Victoria are unable to support wholesale customers.
- Web Store is unavailable.
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Vendor supply chain services and several Head Office functions continue to be impacted.
We encourage you to review the full update and refer to the FAQs for the most current information.
Important notices will continue to be posted on the LDB Wholesale Operations website. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. |
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People Working Well
The CMHA BC and go2HR have created a resource for tourism and hospitality employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
| Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter Sign up for our Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for cannabis retailers. Click here to read past cannabis newsletters. |
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ABLE BC
Member Portal
The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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ABLE BC: Media & Empowering Small Businesses with a Voice |
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ABLE BC is actively advocating on your behalf during the ongoing BCGEU strike. Our team has been working with media, government, and industry partners to highlight the serious impacts of distribution centre closures on small businesses and to push for fair, timely solutions.
Over the past several weeks, ABLE BC and our members have spoken with multiple news outlets, ensuring your concerns are front and centre in the public conversation, including: -
Global News: Uncertainty looms as talks set to resume between BCGEU and the province this week.
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City News: Liquor store employees join BCGEU picket lines.
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CBC BC: 60% of this B.C. cannabis store's supply chain cut off by BCGEU strike.
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Global News: BCGEU strike could lead to liquor supply shortages
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Global News: Strike expands to cannabis and liquor warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: Restaurants brace for 'widespread shortages' as BCGEU strike expands to liquor distribution warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: 'It's a mess for everybody': B.C. cannabis retailers on edge as strike hits warehouses.
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Vancouver Sun: B.C. public-sector workers expand strike to liquor, cannabis warehouses
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AM 1150: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
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MyNelsonNow: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
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Castanet: Vernon cannabis retailer calls for union to stop picketing distribution warehouse
Additionally, Bo comments:
"It's important people understand what's at risk here for small businesses and the dedicated community behind them. Our industry is caught in the middle of this labour dispute, so empowering small businesses with a voice is something ABLE BC and our advocacy partners are proud to support." For Media Requests & Collective Messaging: please reach out to Bo at bo@ablebc.ca. |
ABLE BC Supports Local Brands: Shipping Direct to Licensees
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ABLE BC is actively collaborating with our industry partners to compile existing lists of breweries, distilleries, and cannabis producers that are able to ship directly to licensees. Our aim is to help members navigate supply options during these times more easily and ensure that support for local brands in your communities are highlighted as well.
Craft Brewers: browse over 200 BC Craft Brewers Guild members and sort by city/community. If a brewery has distribution, they can distribute directly to all LRS stores and all licensees in the province. All products made on-site can be delivered to all license holders. Craft Distillers: browse Craft Distiller's Guild of BC members that can ship direct to BC licensees and LRS stores. BC Wines: List coming soon!
Craft Cannabis: browse BC Cannabis Alliance members that can ship directly to private cannabis stores in BC. Additionally, cannabis retailers can check out the bcdd.ca/directory link to see other direct delivery eligible cannabis products (Note: you need to sign-up and then get verified before you can have full access).
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BC Hospitality Foundation Spirit of Hospitality |
ABLE BC's Charity of Choice, the BC Hospitality Foundation puts on The Spirit of Hospitality Lottery each year. It's back - and it's bigger than ever! This year it’s an all-Canadian lottery to raise $65,000 in support of hospitality workers.
What’s in store? - 3 Early Bird Draws kicking off September 29
- 14 Grand Prizes up for grabs, including unforgettable experiences such as a Rocky Mountaineer rail tour and a Big White ski vacation
Tickets start at just $5, but don’t wait - sales close on October 30, with the final draw on October 31.
Secure your tickets today and get in on your chance to win incredible Canadian experiences—all while supporting a great cause.
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Cannabis Corner: StratCann's Growing Relationships in Kelowna |
StratCann is bringing its Growing Relationships event to Kelowna on Monday, October 6!
This B2B gathering is designed exclusively for licensed cannabis retailers - connect with multiple producers in one place, discover new products for your store, and take part in timely discussions on BC’s retail landscape.
As an ABLE BC member, you’ll receive a special discount on tickets - If you’re interested in attending, please check your email inboxes for the promo code for ABLE BC Cannabis Members.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet growers, share ideas, and strengthen your industry connections!
Learn more and register here. We hope to see you there! |
go2HR on Tap: New Training - Food & Beverage + Risk Management |
go2hR has launched two new training programs to support workforce development in BC’s restaurant and hospitality sector: - Food & Beverage Service Training - All Modules
- Line Cook Training - All Modules
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Developed by Emerit and based on the National Occupational Standards for food and beverage service and banquet service, these courses provide comprehensive, industry-recognized training for both front-of-house and back-of-house roles.
For employers looking to strengthen safety practices, a focused F&B Risk Management module is also available as a cost-effective refresher. A valuable new tool to help build skilled, confident teams in BC’s dining industry.
Check out the new training programs. |
Supporting Your Business and Team Through the Liquor Strike As the BC Liquor Agency strike causes supply disruptions, we know private stores are facing difficult decisions about their staff. To navigate this uncertainty while protecting your business and your employees, consider these compliant options: -
Managing Shifts - Cancelling shifts can reduce costs. Please remember that if an employee comes to work only to have their shift canceled, they are entitled to a minimum of 2 hours of pay.
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Considering Layoffs - If shortages continue, a temporary layoff can be a necessary step. This allows your team to collect EI benefits, providing them with crucial financial support. This process depends on clear communication and thorough documentation.
Get clarity now. Book a call with our team to make confident, compliant staffing decisions and lead your team through this disruption.
You can also reach Pierre Bourbonnais directly at (604) 283-3503 or pierre@superhrcanada.com. |
Out and About with ABLE BC |
Despite the recent strike disruptions, ABLE BC remains committed to advocating for our small businesses sectors and connected to our industry communities to push priorities forward. Top Left: ABLE BC at City of Port Coquitlam's Hospitality Group, identifying challenges
Top Right: Bo connecting with Darryl Lamb (Brand Manager of Legacy Liquor), on policy advocacy
Bottom Left: Bo with John Clerides (Owner of Marquis Wine Cellars), after some media work
Bottom Right: Bo visiting Nanaimo's Carlos O'Bryan's Neighbourhood Pub, for an industry event |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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