B.C. public-sector union reaches tentative deal after strikes, overtime ban

VANCOUVER – A union representing thousands of British Columbia government workers has reached a tentative agreement.

B.C. Government and Service Employees Union president Darryl Walker says that as part of the deal, the government agreed not to sell Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses or privatize the service.

In July, the BCGEU waged a one-day strike at three branch facilities around the province.

It also implemented an overtime ban to back contract demands.

The union was seeking a 3.5-per-cent wage hike in the first year and a cost of living increase in the second, while the provincial government offered two per cent and 1.5 per cent over a two-year pact.

Details about any wage hike have not yet been released, but Premier Christy Clark has said public-sector employees have been treated fairly and taxpayers have been protected.