B.C. union says talks with government are back on

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's largest public-sector union says it has accepted the government's invitation to resume talks following limited job action that began over a week ago.

The B.C. General Employees' Union says it is expecting to return to the bargaining table "soon" as part of its negotiations with the Public Service Agency.

"My dad took me to my first picket line when I was just a wee baby. It was nice to walk the line with him today to show our support for @bcgeu workers. The family that pickets together stick it together. Workers deserve cost of living adjustments!" - @triadonaldson #FightForCOLA pic.twitter.com/VzoxoDgQ5Q

— BCGEU (@bcgeu) August 23, 2022

The union says the resumption of contract talks, which went off the rails last spring, is the result of pressure from employees who set up pickets around liquor distribution centres last week before imposing an overtime ban this week.

It says in a release that job action will continue until further notice for the union as it fights for wage protection against inflation as well as mental health supports.

The Public Service Agency says no negative impacts of the overtime ban have been reported so far, but essential-service requirements are in place for positions involving children and families as well as mental health and corrections.

Union president Stephanie Smith has said the 33,000-member union broke off talks after an "insulting" wage offer, before nearly 95 per cent of members voted in favour of job action in June.