This page has general information about the current job action between the BC Government and the BCGEU and PEA.
What are essential services?
Learn more about essential services.
What services are considered essential in this dispute?
Essential services are set out in the global order, 2025 BCLRB 170, and the attached Schedules, which are not usually available to the public.
Where can I find a copy of the schedules referenced in the decision?
The Board generally doesn’t publish the schedules to essential services orders as they often contain confidential business and personal information.
If you would like more information, you may wish to contact the Union or Employer.
How did the Board decide what services to deem as essential?
The Board issues orders setting out what services are essential based either on the parties’ agreement or, where they can’t agree, on the evidence and arguments presented to it by the parties to the dispute. A party to the dispute can apply to the Board to amend the order. If you wish to raise concerns about the current essential services order, those concerns should be directed to the Union and Employer.
I am not a public service worker, but my work location is behind a picket line. What can I do?
Where multiple businesses operate out of a shared location, the Code says the Board “must” restrict or regulate picketing to limit its impact to the struck employer. More information about “common site picketing” is available here.
If you are a worker and your place of work is behind a picket line, talk to your employer. If you represent a business, consider getting legal advice about your options.
Can I attend hearings in this matter?
Members of the public can generally attend hearings. Hearings are posted on the Board’s hearing schedule. If a hearing is scheduled to proceed virtually, use our Contact Us webform to request the hearing link. Note that only the parties to the application can take part in a hearing. Members of the public can't speak or take part in a hearing. unless they have been granted standing.
The Board’s hearing schedule also lists meetings that are not open to the public. Unless they have been granted standing, members of the public can't attend or take part in informal meetings, mediations, or settlement conferences.
How can I get updates from the Board?
If a new or amended order is made, it will be available on our Decisions page.