Letters Oct. 22: Strike mediation; First Nations negotiations – Times Colonist

Oct 22, 2025

News that the B.C. government and the union have agreed to mediation in an attempt to resolve the strike is positive news. But mediation is not arbitration and any outcome is not binding on either party.

While the citizenry is wearying of this labour dispute, most of us would agree that public service union members deserve a fair settlement to compensate for the purchasing power they have lost in recent years due to inflation.

That said, the unions have to realize, too, that this province is essentially bankrupt. Too generous pay awards will fuel inflation and add to our already unaffordable deficit. Let’s hope that both sides add a little water to their wine and come up with a solution acceptable to all, and sooner rather than later.