Workers at VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 liquor distribution centre drew attention to an otherwise unremarkable warehouse on Government Street Tuesday.
Picketing along Government Street, they wore signs reading BCGEU on strike.
The purpose of the one-day strike was in part to oppose the provincial governmentB次元官网网址檚 proposal to privatize distribution of alcohol.
While the 18 workers at the Victoria plant would be protected, the B.C. Government and Service EmployeesB次元官网网址� Union opposes the sale of this public asset.
Liquor distribution is a major source of revenue for the province, said Paul Finch, BCGEU vice-president. Additionally, he argued the cost of the service would rise if it were privatized.
The governmentB次元官网网址檚 request for proposals for a new service delivery model closed June 29. It aims to announce the winning proponent in March 2013.
B次元官网网址淭he purpose of the competitive RFP process is to seek a private-sector service provider that can operate a liquor distribution system that is more efficient than the current one,B次元官网网址� reads a statement on the Liquor Distribution Branch website.
It continues, B次元官网网址淥ur expectation is that the cost of liquor distribution will be lower. British Columbians will pay about the same amount for liquor after liquor distribution is privatized, because the province will continue to control pricing.B次元官网网址�
The strike, which took place in all three liquor distribution warehouses in B.C., was also held in response to contract negotiations, which have been ongoing for six months.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e just looking for a fair deal,B次元官网网址� Finch said.
The union does not support an offer by the government for raises of two per cent, and 1.5 per cent, respectively, over the next two years, he said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e seen our membersB次元官网网址� wages deteriorate for three years due to (a wage freeze and) inflation.B次元官网网址�
Asked whether it was dangerous to demand higher salaries at a time when the government is looking to privatize a public service, Finch said B次元官网网址渁bsolutely not.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淚 think historically, the public in B.C. has supported the public-sector unions when weB次元官网网址檝e asked for reasonable increases to keep up with inflation.B次元官网网址�
Finance Minister Kevin Falcon responded to the unionB次元官网网址檚 strike vote by suggesting the wage offer could be withdrawn. The government describes its current negotiating mandate as B次元官网网址渃o-operative gains,B次元官网网址� where pay increases must be financed by cost reductions in work arrangement.
B次元官网网址�&苍产蝉辫;with files from Tom Fletcher
rholmen@vicnews.com
