Based on coverage from Global News, The Star, Castanet, Times Colonist, and Times Colonist.
One of B.C.’s largest unions wants the province to ease pressure on workers facing high gas prices by letting more public employees work from home full-time, at least temporarily.
As discussions around remote work gain momentum, the provincial government's recent decision to increase income taxes to address a substantial debt may further complicate the financial landscape for workers facing rising fuel costs, as detailed in the BC Budget 2026 coverage.
The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) says fuel costs have jumped sharply in recent weeks amid the war in Iran, and commuting is getting harder to justify when many jobs can be done remotely. Union president Paul Finch said higher gas prices are putting an “undue burden” on workers, and that work-from-home options could also cut emissions and traffic.
BCGEU calls for full-time remote work
BCGEU represents more than 95,000 members across B.C., including nearly 35,000 public service workers. The union is asking the province to allow provincially regulated employees to work from home full-time “where possible” as a way to conserve fuel and lower out-of-pocket commuting costs.
Finch framed it as a practical move with multiple benefits: less pain at the pump for workers, fewer cars on the road, and lower emissions. The union’s ask is focused on flexibility for roles that can realistically be done remotely, rather than a blanket rule for every public sector job.
Gas prices in B.C. climb fast
The union’s request comes as drivers across the province are seeing a big jump at the pumps.
According to GasBuddy.com figures cited in reports, B.C.’s average gas price rose from around $1.30 a litre at the end of February to roughly $1.73 a litre this week. In parts of the province, it has been even higher: Greater Victoria hit $2.07 a litre on Monday. Metro Vancouver was also hovering around $2 a litre.
BCGEU links the spike to the Iran war and says there’s “no relief in sight,” arguing that cutting commute-related fuel use is one of the few immediate levers governments can pull.
Relief sought for workers who must drive
BCGEU isn’t only talking about office workers on laptops. The union is also pushing the B.C. government to explore temporary relief for employees who have to travel extensively for their jobs and do not have realistic public transit options.
It points to roles like home support and community outreach work, where driving is often part of the job, and where higher fuel bills can hit especially hard. The union says the province should look at options to reduce that burden if gas prices stay elevated.
What B.C. government says about flexibility
Early reports said the province didn’t immediately respond. Later reporting included an email statement from a spokesperson for the B.C. Ministry of Finance, saying the BC Public Service already has a “well-defined approach to flexible work.”
The province says employees can work remotely “up to full time” on a voluntary basis when it’s operationally feasible and mutually agreed to by the worker and employer. As of January, the government says about 70 per cent of public service workers have telework agreements in place.
The province also says individual ministries can decide how far they go with flexible arrangements depending on their operational needs, with service levels as the priority.
How B.C. compares with other provinces
The union’s push lands in the middle of a broader Canadian tug-of-war over return-to-office rules. Some provinces, including Manitoba, British Columbia and New Brunswick, have kept more flexible hybrid approaches for government workers, while others have moved to full-time office requirements.
Ontario provincial government employees are expected to be in the office five days a week as of Jan. 5. Alberta’s public service returned to full-time, in-office work in February, with the Alberta government citing collaboration, accountability and service delivery.
BCGEU is also aligning itself with a similar call from the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), which has urged governments to follow International Energy Agency recommendations aimed at reducing demand for oil and gas.
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