Finance Minister Kevin Falcon has issued the following statement:

"The B.C. Teachers Federation has mounted an illegal picket line outside several government buildings in Victoria and is encouraging unionized staff not to enter their workplaces.

"In government's view, this strike activity is illegal, and we will seek an injunction from the Labour Relations Board confirming our position today.

"We are encouraging all staff to come to work as normal. Managers are available to help staff enter the building if they feel intimidated by these disruptive tactics. However, normal pay policy applies, and staff who do not come to work will not be paid for the day.

"We are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that public service staff are not harassed or mistreated."

Contact:

Jamie Edwardson
Communications Director
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821