SURREY — The British Columbia government has unveiled details of its offer to striking public service workers, as the B.C. General Employees’ Union announced the expansion of pickets to government sites across the province.

The Finance Ministry says in a statement the government is proposing a 4.5 per cent compensation increase over two years, made up of both general wage increases and cost-of-living allowances.

It says the union wants 15.75 per cent, while BCGEU President Paul Finch has previously said it was seeking a 4 per cent wage increase in the first year and 4.25 per cent in the second year, plus unspecified allowances.

The ministry says the BCGEU's 8.25 per cent wage request "only tells part of the story" and it estimates the full cost of the union's proposals at more than $200

See Full Page