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“We welcome the modernization of BC’s liquor laws,” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. “But there are more questions than answers in this announcement and we expect more discussion with the ministry and the Liquor Distribution Branch as these reforms unfold.”
Vancouver (13 Mar. 2014) — The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) is raising questions and concerns following the government’s announcement that they are moving forward with several proposed changes that will affect liquor sales in B.C.
Public revenue from liquor sales may be at stake due to changes
“We welcome the modernization of BC’s liquor laws,” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. “But there are more questions than answers in this announcement and we expect more discussion with the ministry and the Liquor Distribution Branch as these reforms unfold.”
Walker raises concerns about the potential loss of revenue regarding the adoption of the price-based wholesale pricing model. “Particularly in this challenging fiscal time, how will government ensure that we don’t lose valuable public revenue from liquor sales that funds important public services for all British Columbians?”
BCGEU/NUPGE to assess announcement to ensure it serves the public interest
“BCGEU/NUPGE members who work in the Liquor Distribution Branch are covered by the collective agreement for the next five years. We have every expectation that the government will honour the terms of the contract,” adds Walker.
“We know that expanded hours and Sunday openings in our public liquor stores meet consumer demand for access and choice. We would also like to see government act on these initiatives,” says Kimberlee MacGregor, Chair of BCGEU’s Retail Stores and Warehouse Component. “We will be reviewing this announcement in detail and assess how this reform will affect consumer selection, service and price.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE