B.C. to negotiate public sector contracts for 400,000 workers in 2025 amid fiscal issues [Video]

The B.C. government faces a challenging situation as it heads into public sector contract talks with unions representing 400,000 workers this year, according to a business professor.

The province forecast a $9.4-billion deficit for this fiscal year in an update last month, with the B.C. NDP government promising to be “careful” in reducing the record shortfall “over time” by growing the economy rather than cutting services.

However, the forecasted figure comes as contracts for up to 400,000 unionized workers in the province, including nurses, hospital workers, post-secondary school instructors and support staff, expire this spring and fall.

Those unions, many of which supported the B.C. NDP’s election, say they hope the government recognizes the value of their labour as contract talks begin.

WATCH | Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers to bargain: Most public sector unions will be at the bargaining table with the B.C. government over the coming …