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CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT

BRENDA BROWN

Sisters and Brothers,

It is an honor and a privilege to let my name stand for the position of Vice President, of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union.

EXPERIENCE

I grew up in a trade union family; both my parents were strong union activists. I was taught that as a member of a union, you have rights and responsibilities.

We have an obligation to participate, work collectively, and strive for a better, safer, and fairer workplace for all.

I became actively involved in the union when I was hired as a Long Term Care Aide in Prince George in 1984 and held a number of elected positions:

  • Shop steward
  • Bargaining committee member
  • Prince George Labour Council – Political Action Committee
  • President of the Local

I met my husband Apenisa, a trade union activist with the IWA, in 1987 while attending the Labour College of Canada in Ottawa. Together we have 2 children Samantha 21 and Kelesi 19. My family believes in the labour movement, its principles and values.

I have been and a member of the BCGEU since 1997 and currently work at Dunrovin Park lodge in Quesnel. I recently was appointed as the BCGEU representative to work with Government, Health Employers and other health care unions, to establish the New Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry.

As Chairperson of the largest component for the last 5 years, we faced significant challenges representing members. Component 4 had grown to over 15,000 and change was needed. I am proud to have played a key role in the creation of the new Community Health Services Component 8. With the evolution of the new component those covered under the Community Health Services agreement, now have 12 new locals across the province providing more service.

It is important as leaders to be prepared to look at better ways of representing members and always put the needs of the members first.
Elected positions in BCGEU include:

  • Shop steward - 1997
  • 1st vice local 406 - 1998
  • Chairperson local 406 – 2000 - current
  • Strike Captain - 2004
  • Bargaining Committee member- facilities sector – 2006 and 2010
  • Provincial Executive - 2003 - current
  • Bill 29 negotiations - 2008 – Facility sector
  • Component 4 Chairperson - 2006 – current

BCGEU Provincial Executive Committee appointments:

  • Component Chairs Steering Committee
  • Finance
  • Officer’s Benefits
  • Constitution and Structure
  • International Solidarity
  • Resolution
  • Women’s
  • Grievance Appeal

POLITICAL ACTION

It is important as an organization that we are not only socially aware but politically active. Sadly, we are all too familiar with the negative impacts employers and government can have on working families and their communities.

Over the years I have been involved in many campaigns to stop privatization and contracting out. The most personal was the fight to stop the privatization of seniors care in Quesnel and the real threat my members could lose their jobs.

We worked hard to stop the proposed privatization with a very effective campaign and support from our BCGEU staff, members and our community.
I have been a political activist since I was old enough to vote, and am always prepared to lobby MLAs, City Councils, Government Ministers and others to protect the services we provide and the members we represent. We need to take a strong stand against the erosion of workers’ rights, and through solidarity, we can make a difference.

EDUCATION

Education is the key to building skilled stewards and activists. It ensures we are a stronger organization moving forward. Education is a priority for activists and we must continue to improve and enhance the opportunities we offer within
the BCGEU.

Courses and conferences that have assisted me in my elected duties include:

  • 2011 – Conflict resolution
  • 2009 - Lancaster house bargaining in the broader public sector
  • 2009 - CLC Winter School - Facilitators Training
  • 2007 - Commonwealth Study Conference BCGEU Labour delegate – India
  • 2005 - NUPGE leadership
  • 2002 - CLC Winter School – Parliamentary Procedure and Public Speaking
  • 1987 - CLC Labour College of Canada 8-week residential program including: Labour Law, Economics, Sociology, Political  Science and Labour History
  • 1987 - CLC winter school – N.D.P. Campaign Organizer
  • 1986 - CLC winter school- Political Action
  • 1985 - Women in the Union – CUPE

VISION

The role of the Vice Presidents of BCGEU needs to be defined and solidified within the organization and must be relevant to the operation of the Union and to the members we represent.

Vice Presidents are an important link between our members, activists and our union leaders. They need to have a strong voice at the provincial executive level of our organization in order to work collectively on behalf of the entire membership.

To be effective, Vice Presidents must have vision and the skills to find solutions to our issues. They must be open to discussion and debate on our future and work collectively to achieve it.

Our Vice Presidents must play a key role with our partners in the Labour movement. We must work together with local Labour councils, the BC Federation of Labour and our National Union, in order to facilitate growth and sustainability of the Labour Movement in British Columbia and Canada.

As the ‘social conscience’ of our society, we must remain diligent and active in protecting not only our own members, but those in society who do not have a strong voice of their own.

With almost 30 years experience as an activist, I have acquired a broad base of knowledge. I have the skills and leadership ability to bring our members’ issues front and center and will continue to work toward improving and maintaining the best working conditions possible.

I take the responsibility of elected office seriously and value the priorities set out by the members.  I have a strong voice, and believe passionately in protecting the rights of every member.

In Solidarity,
Brenda Brown

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