SURREY – Members of MoveUP, the union that represents over 8,500 workers in the public sector at ICBC, BC Hydro, BC Transit, and Capilano University, are prepared to follow in the footsteps of the BCGEU and PEA members who are currently on strike unless the BC government presents a meaningful wage package that addresses the affordability crisis that public sector workers face in British Columbia.

“British Columbians are facing an affordability crisis, and this is a time when the BC government must recognize that we need to invest in the public service. That means not only ensuring people have access to the critical services but also that the workers who provide those essential front-line services can afford to live in the communities they serve,” said Annette Toth, president of MoveUP.

“If we don’t invest in workers and ensure they have quality working conditions, we will be spending a lot more money in the long run, whether it’s having to deal with decreased services, more workers sick or injured on the job, or backlogs and delays as workers leave the public service.”

MoveUP members have been supporting BCGEU and PEA members by respecting picket lines at common worksites, including at Surrey’s Guildford Corporate Centre which houses several ICBC offices and a Driver Licensing Office. MoveUP members have also reached out directly to BC Premier David Eby, Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, and Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside through emails and other methods.

“Our members know the BCGEU and PEA members are fighting to ensure that all public sector workers get a fair deal at the table at this round of bargaining,” added Toth. “Our members believe this government understands the value of public sector workers and understands that workers need to be make a reasonable wage to survive in this province. The government needs to return to the bargaining table with the BCGEU and PEA with a meaningful offer to live up to the faith that our members still have in them for now.”