Hospitality coalition presents call for emergency measures amid BCGEU strike

Members of B. C. ’s hospitality and beverage sectors are calling for emergency measures from the provincial government due to the adverse effects of a strike by the BC General Employees’ Union. The coalition estimates losses of $10. 5 million daily, with 44% of respondents in a recent survey contemplating layoffs.

Jeff Guignard of Wine Growers of British Columbia stated, “While our businesses are being impacted by this strike, we have no ability to end it. ” Premier David Eby acknowledged the challenges for both the restaurant industry and the public in accessing government services. He expressed confidence that supply issues would be resolved once the strike concludes. However, Ian Tostenson, president of the B. C.

Restaurant and Foodservices Association, warned of potential backlogs in orders, recalling that a prior two-and-a-half-week strike took three months to resolve. The ongoing strike has lasted for 45 days, impacting around 25,000 union members across various ministries. As the winter holiday season approaches, industry leaders express increasing concern for the future of their businesses.