Media Release: Engineers from the Ministry of Transportation are now on strike as the PEA escalates job action 

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September 23, 2025 (Victoria) – Engineers from the Ministry of Transportation in the BC Public Service are now on strike, escalating job action by the Government Licensed Professionals represented by the Professional Employees Association (PEA).  

These engineers are responsible for both the day-to-day operation of BC’s highway network and the delivery of major infrastructure projects. On the operations side, they manage and maintain the province’s highways and bridges, ensuring safe and efficient travel and keeping emergency routes open during floods and wildfires. On the project side, they plan, design, and oversee major initiatives such as the Kicking Horse Canyon upgrades in the Kootenays and the construction of new infrastructure like the Pattullo Bridge in the Lower Mainland. In both roles, they ensure public dollars are spent wisely through expert oversight of construction contracts. 

“British Columbians expect safe roads, reliable bridges, and responsible spending of public dollars,” said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA and lead negotiator. “That can only happen with qualified professionals on the job. It’s time for the government to make fair compensation a priority so these experts can get back to work.” 

The importance of these professionals was made clear during the devastating floods and landslides of 2021 when engineers were on the front lines assessing damage, designing replacement bridges, and helping to reopen the Coquihalla Highway in record time. 

“The Coquihalla was rebuilt so quickly because of the expertise of these public service engineers,” said Moroz. “They also opened safe temporary routes on other damaged highways, reconnecting the West Coast to the rest of Canada and keeping essential goods moving.” 

Despite their proven value, these engineers face serious recruitment and retention challenges. Vacancies often remain unfilled for years, while those who stay are overworked and paid less than their counterparts performing the same roles for local governments or in the private sector. 

“Years of uncompetitive wages have created constant turnover and left too many unfilled vacancies,” said Trevor Demerse, a professional engineer now on strike in Victoria. “That means slower reviews, more delays, and higher costs for the communities and businesses that depend on us.” 

“These engineers are the backbone of BC’s transportation network,” said Moroz. “Our message to the BC government is simple. You cannot build the future without professionals in the public service, and we will stand on these picket lines until a fair deal is reached.” 

The strike continues in coordination with the BCGEU, with picket lines at ministries across the province. Both unions have ensured that essential services are maintained. 

New picket lines have gone up at the following locations for PEA members: 

  • Burnaby: 4940 Canada Way 
  • Coquitlam: 1500 Woolridge Street 
  • Cranbrook: 205 Industrial Road G 
  • Kamloops: 1801 Princeton-Kamloops Highway 
  • Penticton: 102 Industrial Place 
  • Vancouver: 605 Robson Street 
  • Victoria: 1515 Blanshard Street 
  • Victoria: 3400 Davidson Street 
  • Victoria 940 Blanshard Street 

Picket lines remain for PEA members at: 

  • Fort St. John: 10003 110th Ave  
  • Kamloops: 441 and 447 Columbia Street 
  • Nanaimo: 2080 and 2100 Labieux Road 
  • Nelson: 566 Stanley/333 Victoria  
  • Prince George: 1011 4th Ave 
  • Smithers: 3726 Alfred Ave 
  • Surrey: 10470 152nd Street 
  • Vancouver: 900 Howe Street 
  • Victoria: 1810 Blanshard Street 
  • Williams Lake: 640 Borland Street  

The PEA entered bargaining with the Public Service Agency on May 27, 2025, but talks broke down after the government failed to address the union’s key issues, including wages, reimbursement of required licensing fees, and a commitment to reducing reliance on external contractors. On August 29, members voted in favour of a strike, issued 72-hour notice and began picketing alongside the BCGEU on September 2, 2025. 

About the PEA 
Established in 1974 to represent Government Licensed Professionals in the BC Public Service, the Professional Employees Association (PEA) is a labour union in British Columbia representing professionals across the public service, education, legal, union, and health care sectors. For more information on Government Licensed Professionals: www.pea.org/bcexperts  

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Media Contact: Jordana Whetter, Communications Director
jwhetter@pea.org 250.516.5552 

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