Frequently Asked Questions About BCGEU Strikes

BCGEU strike pay for the 2022 action was $100 per day for members who completed their assigned picket duty, typically four hours on the line. Payments are processed weekly, usually within 7-10 days after completing your picket shifts. You must sign in and out with your picket captain to verify attendance. The $100 daily rate is taxable income, and the union issues T4 slips at year-end. Strike pay comes from the union's strike fund, which is built through member dues specifically for this purpose. If you have financial hardship, speak with your local treasurer about emergency assistance programs that may provide additional support beyond standard strike pay.

No, employers cannot terminate your employment for participating in a legal strike authorized by the union. The Labour Relations Code protects workers engaging in lawful labor disputes, and firing striking workers constitutes an unfair labor practice. However, you must follow all legal requirements and union protocols during the strike. Actions like violence, property damage, or blocking access to workplaces can result in discipline or termination because these exceed legal strike activity. After a strike ends and a new contract is ratified, you return to your position with full seniority and benefits intact. Some employers attempt intimidation tactics, but the union vigorously defends members against any retaliation for strike participation.

Benefits coverage during strikes depends on the specific provisions in your collective agreement and the type of benefit. Medical and dental coverage typically continues during short strikes because premiums are usually paid monthly or quarterly in advance. Extended health benefits, prescription coverage, and similar protections generally remain active. However, during longer strikes, benefit continuation becomes a negotiation point. Life insurance and disability coverage may have different rules. Pension contributions pause during strikes since you're not receiving regular wages, but your pension service typically isn't affected for strikes under 30 days. The union provides detailed benefits information at the start of any strike, and you should contact the benefits administrator if you need to use coverage during the work stoppage.

You're required to complete assigned picket duty to receive strike pay and fulfill your obligations as a union member in good standing. Typical requirements during the 2022 strike were four hours per day, though some locals organized this as longer shifts fewer times per week. Your picket captain creates schedules that accommodate members' personal circumstances, including childcare, medical appointments, and other responsibilities. If you have legitimate reasons preventing picket participation, communicate with your local executive. Some members with disabilities or health conditions receive modified duties like phone banking or administrative support. Refusing picket duty without valid reasons can affect your strike pay eligibility and potentially your standing within the union.

Yes, members can seek temporary employment during a strike to supplement strike pay, and many did so during the 2022 action. However, you must still fulfill your picket line obligations and be available to return immediately when the strike ends. Temporary work cannot interfere with your ability to walk assigned shifts. Some members drove for ride-sharing services, did freelance work, or took short-term positions. You should inform temporary employers that you're on strike and will need to leave when the dispute resolves. The union cannot prevent you from working elsewhere, but you remain responsible for picket duties. Any income from temporary work doesn't affect your strike pay eligibility as long as you complete required picket hours.

You have the right to peacefully communicate with people crossing picket lines, informing them about the labor dispute and asking for their support. However, you cannot physically prevent anyone from entering the workplace, threaten them, or engage in intimidating behavior. This includes managers, replacement workers, delivery drivers, and members of the public. Some unions have negotiated agreements where certain suppliers honor picket lines voluntarily, but this isn't universal. If someone chooses to cross, you must let them pass while maintaining your presence and messaging. Violating these rules can result in court injunctions against the union, fines, and potential criminal charges. The union provides specific training on appropriate picket line conduct to protect both individual members and the collective bargaining position.

BCGEU strikes have historically been relatively short compared to private sector labor disputes. The 2022 strike lasted seven days before a tentative agreement was reached. The previous major strike in 2001 lasted just two days. However, strike duration depends entirely on how quickly the parties can reach acceptable terms. The union doesn't set predetermined strike lengths; job action continues until either a deal is reached or the membership votes to accept an offer. Some strikes in other unions have lasted weeks or months, so members should prepare financially for extended action. The union's bargaining committee provides regular updates about negotiation progress, and members ultimately vote on whether to accept proposed settlements or continue striking.

The British Columbia government has the legal authority to pass back-to-work legislation ending strikes in essential public services, though this power is used sparingly due to political and legal considerations. If such legislation passes, union members must return to work immediately or face significant penalties. The legislation typically imposes binding arbitration to settle outstanding contract issues, removing the dispute from direct negotiation. Back-to-work laws are controversial and often challenged in court as violations of collective bargaining rights. The 2022 BCGEU strike ended through negotiated settlement before any legislation was introduced. The union monitors political developments closely during strikes and advises members immediately if legislative action becomes likely. For information on labor legislation frameworks, see BC Legislature.