Media Release: PEA declares impasse with BC government and calls for a strike vote
August 6, 2025 (Victoria) – The Professional Employees Association (PEA) has declared impasse in negotiations with the Public Service Agency (PSA) and will proceed with a strike vote for its 1,800 Government Licensed Professionals (GLP). These professionals, including engineers, foresters, geoscientists, psychologists, and other specialized experts, uphold the critical public services and infrastructure of the province.
Bargaining began on May 27, 2025, but quickly stalled as the PSA failed to address key issues raised by members, including fair wages, professional fee coverage, protections against contracting out, and appropriate compensation for emergency work.
“The government talks about standing strong for BC but when it comes to investing in the very professionals who make that possible, they refuse to pay fair wages,” said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA and lead negotiator. “If the province wants to deliver on their promises, they need to start by valuing the people who uphold the public service.”
Government Licensed Professionals are behind the policies, infrastructure, and services that touch every corner of British Columbia. They are the engineers who ensure bridges and dams are structurally sound, the geoscientists who assess landslides and flood risks, and the psychologists who support vulnerable children and families. They guide land use, protect water and forests, regulate natural resource projects, and uphold public safety.
“We’re taking a strike vote because the government’s wage offer doesn’t even keep up with inflation,” said Moroz. “When wages fall behind what’s left is a public service that is stretched thin and unable to meet the growing demands of our province.”
The PEA will hold meetings with members ahead of the strike vote, which will take place over three weeks, beginning August 11 and closing at noon on August 29, 2025. The GLP collective agreement expired March 31, 2025.
For more information on Government Licensed Professionals: www.pea.org/bcexperts
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.
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Media Contact: Jordana Whetter, Communications Director
jwhetter@pea.org 250-385-8791 ext. 210
