Human Rights


As Canadians we have rights to be treated fairly and with equality. These rights extend into our workplace. In our workplace we have the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination based on our gender, sex, disability, race, religion, or age.

Despite the laws that protect us such as the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Human Rights Code of British Columbia, and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; which our country helped write, we still face racism and discrimination in our workplaces and in our communities.

The BCGEU works closely with our national union (NUPGE) and the Canadian Labour Congress to eliminate discrimination in the workplace and in our society and continues to do so.


Are you a member of the BCGEU Equity Network yet?

For the past two years, BCGEU members who identify with one or more of the four equity groups have joined the BCGEU Equity Network .

The equity groups are:

  • Aboriginal
  • Workers with Disabilities (this includes any hidden disability)
  • Workers of colour
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender

Signing up to a network puts you on a confidential mailing list and you receive information, news stories and invitations to BCGEU-sponsored cultural events. The BCGEU also welcomes any interesting articles or events from your community to distribute to the network.
The email and contact list is kept confidential. Unless you agree there is no distribution of your e mail.

If you haven’t signed up yet, please click here.

This information will go directly to the aboriginal liaison-equity officer who will be producing a group summery of the self-identification information and only contacting those who include their contact information.

If you have any questions or require further information please contact Holly Page: Holly.page@bcgeu.ca. Phone (604) 291-9611 or 1-800-663-1674.
 


"My Life, My Union"

BCGEU member Kiran Kang shares her thoughts in the latest installment of the "My Life, My Union" series featured in a number of newspapers. Kang is a member of the union's provincial Women's Committee and a member of the Equity Network. Read about Kang  here.


Equity Questionnaire for BCGEU members

The BCGEU is committed to ensuring that our activities are accessible to sisters and brothers from all equity seeking groups. Please complete this survey and send it in. Click here for survey.


Human Rights Post Cards and Brochures
(in PDF format)


City of New Westminster to apologize to Chinese Canadians

The City of New Westminster will be apologizing to Chinese Canadians for past injustices.

Read the article here.

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month in Victoria

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, the BCGEU Equity and Human Rights Committee along with the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance is pleased to invite you to an afternoon of movies on Saturday, May 29.

Click here for the notice.

Campbell River holds fourth annual Walk Away from Homophobia on Monday, May 17.

Campbell River – The rainbow flag will be flying high in Campbell River on Monday May 17, as Campbell River Pride hosts its 4th Annual Walk Away from Homophobia. Read more »

Movie Events - Asian Heritage Month

To celebrate Asian Heritage Month, the BCGEU Equity + Human Rights Committee, along with the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance is pleased to invite you to a movie event in Burnaby and Victoria. Light refreshments provided.

LOWER MAINLAND MOVIE NIGHT: Read more »

March 21, 2010 - International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination

A message from Lorene Oikawa, BCGEU vice-president and chair of the Equity + Human Rights Committee Read more »

BCGEU to donate $5,000 to recognize World AIDS Day

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union is donating $5,000 to support hundreds of children orphaned by AIDS in Lesotho, in southern Africa, at an event Monday in Victoria. Read more »

Burnaby Movie Night! Celebrate Asian Heritage Month

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, the BCGEU Equity + Human Rights Committee along with the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance is pleased to invite you to a night of movies. Light refreshments provided.

Join us Thursday, May 28, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, at the Tom Kozar Education centre at the BCGEU Headquarters, 4911 Canada Way, Burnaby (1/2 block west of Norland, enter off Iris Crescent). Read more »

Victoria Movie Afternoon! Celebrate Asian Heritage Month

Saturday, May 23, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
BCGEU Victoria Area Office Auditorium
2994 Douglas Street, Victoria


In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, the BCGEU Equity + Human Rights Committee along with the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance is pleased to invite you to an afternoon of movies. Tea and refreshments provided. Read more »

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia

To all BCGEU members

A message from:
Lorene Oikawa, BCGEU Vice-President and Chair of the Equity + Human Rights Committee

Read more »