British Columbia’s hospitality industry continues to sound the alarm about the potential repercussions if a resolution isn’t reached soon on the BCGEU strike.
A recent survey found that 78% of BC bars and restaurants are worried about their survival as the strike continues to block BC Liquor stores and warehouses.
That isn’t the only concerning number from the survey conducted by members of Restaurants Canada and other hospitality associations impacted by the ongoing strike.
It found that 67% of restaurant operators have seen a “moderate to severe decline” in sales, 29% have had to cut staff hours, 6% have laid off staff and 41% expect to cut hours or lay off staff if the strike continues.
Restaurants Canada continues to urge the Government of BC and BCGEU to reach an agreement as the strike is now well into its seventh week after beginning on Sept. 2.
“The BC government should also immediately allow restaurants and bars to purchase liquor directly from private liquor stores and third-party warehouses as the strike has caused a critical backlog of orders,” a Restaurants Canada statement says.
“If the BC government can’t find a solution, it needs to consider back to work legislation as this labour dispute has reached untenable proportions.”
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BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees, the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association, the BC Craft Brewers Guild, the Import Vintners & Spirits Association, and Wine Growers British Columbia also participated in the damning survey.
The six-association coalition estimates that the strike has already cost the industry over $250 million in liquor sales. In addition, over a quarter of businesses have more than $100,000 in inventory trapped in warehouses and unable to reach consumers.
Together, these associations represent about 10,000 businesses and 200,000 workers in BC, and a joint statement from the coalition says the province’s hospitality industry “is not a bargaining chip.”
“We’re being punished by a labour dispute that has nothing to do with us, and that we have no ability to end. Our industry and the thousands who depend on it need an extraordinary plan now,” the joint statement explains.
“Small businesses are already cutting staff hours. Inventory is trapped. When this strike ends, the LBD will not be able to process the backlog, which will be devastating for both consumers and businesses during the holiday season.”
It adds: “Without immediate temporary concessions, doors will close and jobs will be lost permanently.”
The most recent development in the BCGEU strike offers a glimmer of hope, as the union and government have agreed to enter non-binding mediation.
While there is no timeline on this, the union says it would begin as soon as possible.
Non-binding mediation means that any tentative agreement that results from this process would need to be decided on through a vote by union members.
