Lək̓ʔəŋən [LEKWUNGEN] TERRITORY / VICTORIA, B.C. — BC Green Party Leader Emily Lowan joined striking BCGEU members at today’s march to the BC Legislature, where over 10,000 public service workers filled the streets of downtown Victoria to demand fair wages tied to the cost of living. BC Green MLA Rob Botterell also attended in solidarity and later asked the NDP about the strike in Question Period.
As the BC Legislature reconvenes for the fall session, Lowan says the BC NDP government’s stalled negotiations and inaction on fair compensation for public workers reflects a troubling disconnect from everyday British Columbians.
“This morning, I stood with thousands of BCGEU workers calling for what should be common sense: wages that keep up with the cost of living,” said Emily Lowan, Leader of the BC Green Party. “The BC NDP calls itself the party of workers, but when public servants can’t afford rent or groceries, that claim rings hollow.
“These are the people who keep our province running — from wildfire responders and forest stewards to administrative staff and social service workers. Nearly 30 percent of public service workers are working a second job just to make ends meet. They deserve a government that shows up for them, not one that hides behind talking points about affordability while failing to deliver it. ”
Lowan added that the cost of living crisis is now one of the most urgent issues facing British Columbians, and fair wages for public workers are part of the solution, not the problem.
“The NDP are placing the burden of the deficit on the backs of public sector workers, while they pour billions of public money into LNG projects that will enrich Trump’s biggest backers. This strike is shining a light on the NDP’s egregious misuse of funds and hollow support for unions.” she said.
Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, echoed the call for fairness and accountability.
“The government’s failure to meet workers at the table sends the wrong message,” said Botterell. “Public workers shouldn’t have to march on the legislature to be heard. They deserve respect for their contributions and a fair settlement that keeps pace with the real cost of living.”
The BC Greens are urging the BC NDP government to reach a fair, inflation-responsive agreement with BCGEU members and to recognize that frontline workers are essential to a strong, stable province.
“If this government is serious about building an economy that works for people, it must start by valuing the people who make it work,” said Lowan.
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