When BCIT student Tyler Coburn went to the Student Aid B.C. portal to login this week, he was shocked to see red lettering informing him that due to a labour dispute, he has no access to services.

Students are just the latest group to feel the pinch of B.C.’s public service strike, even as the B.C. General Employees Union promises a “significant escalation” after negotiations with the B.C. government on Monday to end the strike, now entering its fifth week, broke down almost immediately.

Students cannot apply, upload documents or receive any aid, said Coburn, a 28-year-old in BCIT’s radio and broadcasting program.

“Student Aid B.C.’s systems are shut down and all payments are frozen,” said Coburn. For students, that means there could be disruptions to their student loan and grant fundin

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