Surrey liquor store staff join BCGEU’s provincewide strike, pushing for fair wages, better benefits, and modernized contracts.
Picket Lines Hit Surrey Liquor Stores
Shoppers in South Surrey may notice more than just long lines at their local liquor store—this time, it’s picket signs. On Saturday, September 24, workers from three local BC Liquor stores took their place on the picket line outside Peninsula Village’s Signature Liquor Store. Their action is part of a provincewide strike led by the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
The workers from Peninsula Village, Ocean Park, and Semiahmoo stores have joined 48 picket lines across B.C., with more than 11,900 employees either fully or partially on strike.
Why Workers Are Walking Out
The strike stems from stalled talks between the BCGEU and the BC Public Service Agency (PSA). Negotiations broke down in July, leaving many workers frustrated. When the union held a strike vote in August, an overwhelming 92.7 percent supported job action.
At the core of their demands are wage increases. Union members want a 4% raise backdated to April 1, 2022, followed by either 4.25% or a cost-of-living adjustment (whichever is higher) starting April 1, 2026. But wages aren’t the only issue on the table. Workers are also asking for:
- Expanded health and counselling benefits
- Better access to telework
- A modernized contract with updated job classifications
- Reviews of currently excluded job positions
- Stronger protections for union jobs
More Than Liquor Stores Taking Action
The strike is not limited to liquor stores. Workers at Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) Weigh Scale stations across the province are also on strike, adding to the pressure.
Meanwhile, about 2,200 BCGEU members in Corrections and Sheriff Services are taking a different approach. Instead of picketing, they’ve instituted an overtime ban, another tactic to ramp up pressure during negotiations.
What’s Next for BCGEU Members
For now, the picket lines are holding strong, and the message from workers is clear: they want fair wages, modern contracts, and stronger job protections. Unless talks resume and progress is made, Surrey residents—and the rest of B.C.—should expect picket lines to remain a regular sight outside government-run liquor stores.
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