Booze deliveries from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch are set to resume to restaurants, pubs and liquor stores across the province, after the union representing warehouse workers announced an end to strike action at government warehouses.
“Following a return to the bargaining table, the BCGEU’s Public Service Bargaining Committee has stood down job action at BC Public Service worksites as a sign of good faith,” stated the BC General Employees' Union in a brief statement Tuesday morning.
"The committee returned to the bargaining table with the BC Public Service Agency (PSA) last Thursday and has made significant progress. The two sides will continue to meet throughout the week, hoping to finalize a tentative agreement.
"The union’s overtime ban has ended — effective immediately — and preparations are underway to stand down picket lines at BC Liquor Distribution Branch locations," the union concluded, adding no further comment will be made.
The strike against five key warehouses since Aug. 15 has led to supplies running out at private cold beer and wine stores, BC Liquor Stores and restaurants and pubs.
The strike impacted import products, in particular, plus all cannabis products for local retailers.
The union and government returned to negotiations last week, resuming an impasse on wages where the union seeks inflation-adjusted wages and the government is offering close to an 11% increase over three years plus $2,500 per employee.
