PEA union members, including licensed foresters and engineers, off the job in 4 communities
Members of the Professional Employees Association (PEA) who work in the British Columbia Public Service took strike action across the province on Aug. 7.
Striking workers included licensed foresters, engineers, veterinarians, agrologists and more, according to the PEA. Members were on strike in Surrey, Kelowna, 100 Mile House and Campbell River.
"We selected a targeted strike to send a strong message to the B.C. government that we are serious about bargaining a fair and reasonable collective agreement," said Al Gallupe, labour relations officer with the PEA. "This allows us to step up our negotiations with government, while creating minimal impact to the public."
PEA members working for the B.C. Public Service have never taken strike action in their 38-year history, according to the union.
"This form of action is unprecedented for our members," said Gallupe. "We are serious about getting back to the bargaining table, ending this strike and providing our members with a fair settlement.”
The main issues at the bargaining table, according to the union, are wages, loss of professionals and job security.
The PEA represents more than 1,200 licensed professionals in the public service, including mine inspectors, forest research scientists, bridge engineers and more.
