A union representing thousands of public service employees escalated its ongoing job actions and announced an overtime ban on Monday morning.

The Public Employees Union, or BCGEU, said the overtime ban takes effect immediately.

The overtime ban is added to the ongoing strike at wholesaling and distribution centers of the BC Liquor branch in Delta, Richmond, Kamloops, and Victoria.

Stephanie Smith, BCGEU president, said: "Public service in British Columbia has relied on overtime for our members for far too long, and addressing the systemic issues behind this reliance is part of what we are trying to achieve in this round of bargaining."

And the chair of the public service bargaining committee at the union, in a press release.

"We hope this escalation gives the government the incentive it needs to invite us back to the bargaining table and negotiate a deal that ensures strong and sustainable public services for our province and a fair deal for BCGEU members and all public sector workers."

BCGEU said workers who do overtime "can mask" systemic issues such as "staff shortages, excessive workload."

It said public service workers are under immense pressure due to "extra hours."

The union also issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 12.

It says the latest collective agreement ended in April, and negotiations began on February 8. BCGEU has already rejected an offer of nearly an 11% increase over three years, plus a $2,500 signing bonus.