British Columbia·VideoLabour arbitrator Jitesh Mistry explains what mediation looks like and who’s involved. Labour arbitrator Jitesh Mistry breaks down what mediation looks like and who’s involvedCBC News · Posted: Oct 20, 2025 4:12 PM EDT | Last Updated: October 20The BCGEU and province are now in mediation. What does that mean? The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and province have entered into mediation in an attempt to end a weeks-long strike. Labour arbitrator and mediator Jitesh Mistry explains what mediation entails.The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and the provincial government have entered into mediation, in an attempt to resolve a labour dispute that has resulted in thousands of government workers walking picket lines over the last seven weeks. Mediation happens whenever two parties can’t agree on something, and a neutral third party is introduced to facilitate more constructive conversations. Labour arbitrator and mediator Jitesh Mistry, who is not involved in these negotiations, said mediators don’t impose their views on the parties, but instead help both sides come to an agreement. “It’s about persuading people that they can live with this, but it’s also about getting past people’s egos,” he told CBC’s The Early Edition. Premier David Eby has said he’s hopeful for a fast resolution. As with any labour dispute, it’s unclear how long mediation may take. Its results will also be non-binding, meaning any tentative agreement will need to be decided on by a vote by union members.
Mediation between the BCGEU and province has begun. What does that mean?
