BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites

The union representing roughly 34,000 public service workers in British Columbia said it is ramping up job action at liquor and cannabis warehouses as a strike enters its fourth week. 

The B.C. General Employees Union said Monday it has largely tried to avoid disruptions to front-line services since the strike began on Sept. 2, but the government’s refusal to negotiate has left workers no choice but to escalate job action “sharply.” 

BCGEU said the strike has expanded to warehouse and head office workers with the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), one of two government branches responsible for the wholesale distribution and retail sale of alcohol and cannabis. The union had previously announced an overtime ban at three LDB warehouses and the head office in Burnaby. 

LBD Wholesale Operations said in a notice on its website the distribution centres in Delta and Kamloops will not receive product, assemble or ship orders.  

It said Liquor Wholesale Customer Centres in Vancouver and Victoria were also closed and any orders that had not yet been prepared for shipment would be cancelled.  

LDB Cannabis Wholesale operations said any orders placed after Sept. 21 will be cancelled. 

BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC), an industry advocacy group, said it recognizes the serious disruption the escalating strike will cause for liquor and cannabis businesses.  

It points to the 2022 BCGEU strike that caused widespread supply shortages and sales losses. 

“This is disappointing,” said ABLE B.C. executive director Bo Chen in a statement. “Despite industry’s effort in communicating with the union on our shared concerns, it’s unfortunate this is the start of a path that will hurt small businesses in BC, such as local restaurants, neighbourhood pubs, tourism, private liquor and cannabis stores.” 

The BCGEU said five additional ministry worksites in Victoria and Vancouver are also on strike, adding up to more than 10,000 public service workers engaged in job action across the province.   

“Public service workers cannot keep falling further behind,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch. “Government’s low offer is essentially telling British Columbians to expect cuts to the services they depend on. We will continue escalating until government brings a fair wage mandate. The next move is theirs.”