BC public sector professionals' union votes 92% in favour of a strike

VICTORIA, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - The Government Licensed Professionals (GLP) chapter of the Professional Employees Association (PEA) has voted 92% in favour of a strike. This clear message from the licensed professionals who work for the BC public service indicates they believe strongly in a valued and sustainable professional public service and a fair and reasonable settlement.

The PEA will be returning to the bargaining table with the employer on May 28 and 29. "Our hope is that we can achieve a settlement without having to take any form of job action," said Scott McCannell, Executive Director of the PEA. "Our goal is to finalize an agreement without impacting the public, but reaching an agreement will, first of all, require Government moving away from their concessionary agenda" said McCannell.

"We want to ensure that the BC public service has a sustainable number of licensed professionals to manage BC's resources. Our members are seeking to maintain professional values and end a move to de-professionalize the public service, as well as renewal of recruitment and retention allowances and compensation that keeps up with inflation," said McCannell. "Our members are committed to providing service to the public and would clearly prefer not to have to take job action. These public servants, among other important functions, contribute to managing BC's natural resources and overseeing the safety of BC's public infrastructure including highways and bridges," said McCannell.

About the Professional Employees Association

The PEA is a labour union for professional employees. The PEA represents nine different chapters from across BC. The GLP represents over 1200 licensed professionals in BC's public service, including: Mines Inspectors, Forest Research Scientists, Bridge and Geotechnical Engineers, Psychologists, Pharmacists, Wildlife Veterinarians, Petroleum Geologists, Agrologists and Foresters. Find out more about the PEA at pea.org

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