VICTORIA — The president of a union representing British Columbia’s public service workers says he is “deeply disturbed” by violence aimed at its members on the picket line, including an incident where members were assaulted with bear spray.

Paul Finch says in a statement that the attack that occurred outside the Royal BC Museum comes “in addition to reports of yelling, spitting, racialized and homophobic verbal assaults.”

He says any violence against the peacefully striking BC General Employees’ Union workers is unacceptable.

Victoria police confirmed they are investigating a report of what they called an “irritant deployment” on Belleville Street on Tuesday around 7:30 p.m.

The department says in a news release that a group of people reported feeling respiratory distress, which suggests “exposure to a substance similar to bear spray.”

It says officers have spoken with people who were present at the time, including security personnel, and investigators are reviewing video footage from the area.

The union is into its third week of strike action as it asks for an 8.25 per cent wage increase over two years, saying public service wages have not kept pace.

A total of 8,500 public service workers are on picket lines, with Finch saying earlier this week that up until now they’ve been trying to minimize effects on the public, but that won’t continue for long.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2025.