Penticton BCGEU workers faced menacing behaviour at their picket line on Friday morning as the ongoing strike continues to escalate.
According to a BCGEU worker on site, a man in an RV parked directly next to the union tent on Industrial Avenue and left his exhaust running for roughly 30 minutes. Workers approached the driver, asking him to turn off the engine to avoid exposure to the fumes. The man did not respond constructively.
In addition, the driver held a bright yellow posterboard sign that read: “YOU LAZY C*NT,” creating a tense atmosphere for the picketers.
Frances*, a BCGEU worker, described the incident as stressful but confirmed that no one was physically harmed and the situation did not escalate further. RCMP were called to the scene to ensure safety.
“He didn’t break the law, but he certainly put himself in a position where he could have,” Frances said, highlighting the threatening nature of the encounter.
The BCGEU strike has now entered its sixth week, with more than 15,000 workers on picket lines across the province. The union is demanding a four per cent annual wage increase over two years.
Despite the hostile encounter in Penticton, union officials emphasize that their focus remains on achieving fair wages and safe working conditions for members. Workers continue to hold peaceful pickets while advocating for their demands.
Organizers say public support and community awareness remain critical as negotiations continue. The union is urging respect and safety for all participants on the picket lines.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by striking workers when tensions run high, especially in visible public settings. Authorities remind both protesters and bystanders to remain calm and report any threatening behaviour.
Penticton picketers said they remain committed to peaceful protest, focusing on educating the public about their wage and working condition concerns while avoiding confrontation wherever possible.
