Government licensed professionals who work for the BC Public Service could be going on strike.
The Professional Employees Association (PEA), the union which represents the Government Licensed Professionals (GLP), said in a statement that a 72-hour strike notice would be issued at noon Wednesday. The union represents roughly 1,200 licensed professionals that include agrologists, engineers, foresters, geoscientists, pharmacists, psychologists, and veterinarians who work for the BC Public Service.
No details of the planned strike action have been released.
“These licensed professionals rebuild bridges and roads, monitor B.C.’s forests and agriculture, and provide care to the province’s most vulnerable youth,” said Melissa Moroz, labour relations officer with the PEA. “We need their expertise more than ever to help keep the province safe.”
According to the PEA, they entered bargaining with the BC Public Service Agency on April 11 and reached an impasse on May 16 due to what they say were wage proposals which failed to address the rising cost of living. The PEA voted 92 per cent in favour of striking in June.
The union says rising inflation and higher wages in the private sector have made it increasingly challenging to keep professionals in the BC Public Service.
“It’s time for the B.C. government to invest in the workers who provide the services that the province relies on,” said Moroz. “These licensed professionals are taking job action because they want to see the cost of living addressed at the bargaining table.”
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