Media Release: Government Licensed Professionals enter day 11 on the picket lines with escalated job action across the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals

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September 16, 2025 (Victoria) – Government Licensed Professionals, represented by the Professional Employees Association, have escalated their job action with all workers from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals now on strike. These government engineers, geoscientists, agrologists and foresters oversee mine permitting, enforce safety regulations, and ensure environmental compliance, work that is critical to the safe extraction of the province’s natural resources. 

“The provincial and federal governments are calling for the critical minerals industry to create more jobs and drive economic growth, and we agree this industry has enormous potential for BC’s future,” said Melissa Moroz, PEA Executive Director and lead negotiator. “But that growth must go hand in hand with investing in the professionals who make the government’s promises on mining and critical minerals possible.” 

“From the smallest gravel pit to the province’s largest operations, these workers are the ones ensuring mines meet the highest safety standards. They issue permits, enforce compliance, and oversee health and safety in an industry that can’t function without strong oversight. Their roles are critical in protecting workers, communities, and the environment.” 

The expertise of these professionals extends beyond day-to-day safety. They provide oversight on tailings dams, lands, and water—areas where failure could mean devastating consequences for British Columbians. They are responsible for making sure mining operations follow through on permits and comply with provincial regulations, ensuring that the government can deliver on its promises of faster, safer approvals. 

“Our members in the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals want to help build our natural resource economy,” said Melissa Moroz. “But without fair wages, the province risks losing the very people who make this industry possible. It’s time for the government to come back to the bargaining table so these workers can keep BC’s mines safe, compliant, and strong for the future.”   

Picket lines remain 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 
  • Victoria: 1810 Blanshard 
  • 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. 

Media Availability
Melissa Moroz, PEA Executive Director will be available to media at the Victoria picket location (Jack Davis Building, 1820 Blanshard) on September 16 at 10:00 a.m. PDT. There are no media spokespeople at any of the other picket lines. Recent photos of PEA members on the picket lines can be do downloaded HERE. 

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: Jeff Andrus
jeffa@strategies360.ca 604.700.7187

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