Update: BCGEU Strikes - October 3, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here is the latest on the BCGEU job action as we end the 5th week of the strike: |
ABLE BC Advocacy in Action:
This morning, ABLE BC met with Minister Lana Popham |
Bargaining Status - On Monday, the provincial government returned to the bargaining table with the BCGEU. Unfortunately, talks broke down with both sides unable to reach agreement on wages. The union has rejected the province’s latest wage proposal and kept their strike actions in place.
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Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said it is “unfortunate that the union doesn’t seem willing to reach a reasonable compromise to get an agreement.” She also noted that the wage for a BCGEU employee is $6.82 an hour higher than the average salary of the average British Columbian getting paid by the hour.
- Premier David Eby emphasized that “at the end of the day, we've got to make sure that taxpayers are protected, as well as the hard-working public service, and I believe we can do that, but we need to make sure that we're sitting at the table and hammering it out."
Current Escalating Strikes ABLE BC - Advocacy in Action
This morning, ABLE BC met with Honourable Minister of Agriculture & Food, Lana Popham and seniors leaders of the BC LDB and LCRB to connect on the on-going challenges for our three sectors: hospitality, liquor, and cannabis.
The engagement proved productive and encouraging as both sides exchanged insight and understanding of the challenges in our current landscape. Both parties spoke at length about the Ministry's mandate and acknowledging the importance of a collaborative relationship to strengthen BC's economy in a responsible manner.
ABLE BC's Bo Chen shares: "While these union strikes present challenging times for small businesses in BC, the hospitality, liquor, and cannabis industries are resilient sectors that continues to embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the province." Bo continues:
"ABLE BC recognizes the difficult position all stakeholders are in and the impact endured by small businesses, but rest assured passionate industry operators and their dedicated teams are rolling up their sleeves even further to pivot and ensure that they continue to adjust accordingly to provide local economy, employment, and a service to their communities." Looking Ahead -
On Monday, October 6, the BCGEU will hold a major rally at the BC Legislature as the fall legislative session begins. The union has signalled that job action will intensify further until the government returns to the table with what it considers a fair wage offer.
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ABLE BC: Empowering Small Businesses with a Voice |
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
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Vancouver Sun: Metro Vancouver restaurants, bars keep pivoting as liquor strike continues
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 Industry Messaging:
please reach out to Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca |
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. Many currently offer direct delivery to Licensee Retail Stores (LRS) and licensees throughout the province for a selection of their products. Contact breweries directly to learn more about available products and delivery options.
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 retailer can check out the bcdd.ca/directory link to see other direct delivery eligible cananbis products (Note** you need to sign-up and then get verified before you can have full access).
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Advocate for Our Industry & Join ABLE BC Today!
In critical moments like these, ABLE BC’s advocacy is more important than ever. We are your voice at the table, fighting to protect your business and ensure government understands the urgent needs of our industry.
By joining ABLE BC, you gain more than member benefits like discounts, services, and resources. You become part of a united front that amplifies our industry’s collective strength. Together, we create impact where it matters most: with decision-makers in government.
For over 50 years, ABLE BC has secured business-friendly policy wins. But we can’t do this work without our members. As a non-profit, your membership fees directly fuel our ability to safeguard your business today and for the future.
Join ABLE BC and strengthen our industry's voice.
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