The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and the provincial government have agreed to enter non-binding mediation.
The request came from the government, late Thursday afternoon, as the strike reached its seventh week of province-wide strike action by more than 25,000 public service workers.
Including 460 members in the Cariboo. 298 in Williams Lake, 96 in Quesnel, and 66 in 100 Mile House.
“Public service workers have been steadfast and united in their call for a fair deal,” BCGEU President Paul Finch said in a statement.
“Their solidarity and determination have brought the government back to the table. Mediation represents a next step toward resolving this dispute in a way that respects the vital work our members do every day.”
Both parties expect mediation to commence as soon as possible, with mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers facilitating the process.
The BCGEU said in its statement that its members will maintain picket lines across the province while mediation proceeds.
The BCGEU is negotiating for a 4 per cent general wage increase per year for two years. The B.C. government’s current offer remains for a 2 per cent increase per year for two years.
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