Striking British Columbia public service workers have followed through on a pledge to escalate their job action as they push for a new contract, with their union saying pickets are up at another two dozen sites across the province.

The BC General Employees’ Union says the latest escalation includes pickets at five more provincial liquor stores for a total of 82.

A statement from the union says more than 16,000 of its members are now engaged in some form of job action.

It says that includes more than 14,000 workers on full or partial strike at 166 work sites, with 79 picket lines.

It comes after union members held a march and rally in Vancouver on Wednesday, following the breakdown of negotiations with the B.C. government two days earlier.

READ & WATCH: Unions converge in downtown Vanc

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