Thursday September 11, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham released a statement this evening saying that provincial meat inspectors are being classified as essential workers.
This helps maintain food supply and industries that use meat (such as restaurants) maintain regularity during the BC General Workers Union (BCGEU) workers strike.
“Abattoirs play a critical role in supporting farmers and ranchers throughout BC,” said Popham in her statement was was sent out around 7:45 pm this evening.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to successfully work with the BCGEU to have provincial meat inspectors classified as essential workers during this round of job action,” said Popham.
“I am grateful for the BCGEU’s collaboration and willingness to work with us to safeguard human health, support animal welfare and support the farmers and producers of this province,” said Minister Popham.
The BCGEU workers job action began September 2. This week picket lines were escalated to 4,000 workers across BC.
The union wants a wage increase for their approximately 34,000 BC Government public sector members while the province is dealing with a stretched-thin budget during tough economic times.
===== RELATED:
Over 4,000 BCGEU workers on picket lines Sept 9 (September 8, 2025)
NEWS SECITONS: JOBS & EMPLOYMENT | FOOD SECURITY