News
October 22, 2025
Remote strike: How B.C. government workers take the picket online
For about 1,000 BCGEU workers, striking means planning strategy and communications on video calls.
**Remote Strike: How B.C. Government Workers Take the Picket Online**
The picket line looks a little different these days for roughly 1,000 members of the British Columbia General Employees' Union (BCGEU). Instead of marching outside government buildings with signs, these workers are taking their strike to the digital realm, leveraging video calls and online communication to coordinate strategy and amplify their message.
With negotiations stalled and frustration mounting, these BCGEU members, who work in various government roles that allow for remote work, have opted for a modern approach to industrial action. They're using video conferencing platforms to hold meetings, plan their next moves, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This allows for continuous communication and rapid decision-making, crucial elements in any effective strike.
The shift to an online picket line reflects the changing nature of work and the increasing prevalence of remote employment. The BCGEU recognizes that traditional methods of striking may not be as effective when a significant portion of their membership works from home. By embracing digital tools, they are able to maintain solidarity and participation without physically gathering in one location.
Beyond internal coordination, these striking workers are also using online platforms to communicate their demands to the public. Social media campaigns, online petitions, and targeted email blasts are all part of the strategy to raise awareness about the issues at stake and pressure the government to return to the bargaining table with a fair offer.
This innovative approach to striking presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows for greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling workers with mobility issues or caregiving responsibilities to participate more easily. It also expands the reach of their message, potentially engaging a wider audience than traditional picketing.
However, maintaining engagement and preventing burnout can be difficult in a virtual environment. The BCGEU is working to ensure that its members feel connected and supported, even when they are not physically together. Regular online check-ins, virtual social events, and dedicated communication channels are all being used to foster a sense of community and maintain morale during this challenging time.
The success of this remote strike could set a precedent for future labor actions, demonstrating the potential of digital tools to empower workers and adapt to the evolving landscape of employment. It remains to be seen how this innovative approach will impact the negotiations with the B.C. government, but one thing is clear: the BCGEU is determined to make its voice heard, both online and off.
The picket line looks a little different these days for roughly 1,000 members of the British Columbia General Employees' Union (BCGEU). Instead of marching outside government buildings with signs, these workers are taking their strike to the digital realm, leveraging video calls and online communication to coordinate strategy and amplify their message.
With negotiations stalled and frustration mounting, these BCGEU members, who work in various government roles that allow for remote work, have opted for a modern approach to industrial action. They're using video conferencing platforms to hold meetings, plan their next moves, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This allows for continuous communication and rapid decision-making, crucial elements in any effective strike.
The shift to an online picket line reflects the changing nature of work and the increasing prevalence of remote employment. The BCGEU recognizes that traditional methods of striking may not be as effective when a significant portion of their membership works from home. By embracing digital tools, they are able to maintain solidarity and participation without physically gathering in one location.
Beyond internal coordination, these striking workers are also using online platforms to communicate their demands to the public. Social media campaigns, online petitions, and targeted email blasts are all part of the strategy to raise awareness about the issues at stake and pressure the government to return to the bargaining table with a fair offer.
This innovative approach to striking presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows for greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling workers with mobility issues or caregiving responsibilities to participate more easily. It also expands the reach of their message, potentially engaging a wider audience than traditional picketing.
However, maintaining engagement and preventing burnout can be difficult in a virtual environment. The BCGEU is working to ensure that its members feel connected and supported, even when they are not physically together. Regular online check-ins, virtual social events, and dedicated communication channels are all being used to foster a sense of community and maintain morale during this challenging time.
The success of this remote strike could set a precedent for future labor actions, demonstrating the potential of digital tools to empower workers and adapt to the evolving landscape of employment. It remains to be seen how this innovative approach will impact the negotiations with the B.C. government, but one thing is clear: the BCGEU is determined to make its voice heard, both online and off.
Category:
Politics