Labour Day: Pause, reflect, take action

Labour Day is a day to celebrate and a time to re-commit ourselves to the goals we have set as an organization.

Whether you are a local executive member, a steward or an activist in your workplace, Labour Day is a chance for members, their families, colleagues and friends to come together and enjoy the different events taking place around the province and celebrate labour's contribution to B.C.'s economy

Given what many of our members have gone through, there's a need to set aside some time to consider our course of action for the fall and beyond.

Our members who work with the provincial government have faced layoffs, especially in the Ministry of Citizens' Service and the Ministry of Forests and Range, which have been hit particularly hard.

The cuts have clearly had an impact. Members who work for the provincial government have let their employer know how they feel. The annual "Workplace Environment Survey" shows a significant drop in employee satisfaction. For example, the measurement of the provincial government's "vision, mission and goals" is down eight points over last year (a ranking of 64 last year).

Bargaining wasn't easy. While we have reached agreements with the provincial government and in the health sector, we know that the zero and zero mandate wasn't what we wanted. And, as I write, our members in community social services are still dealing with an employer who doesn't seem to take negotiations seriously.

On top of all of this, we have a government that is in serious political trouble over their decisions on the HST, child protection, seniors care, and other issues.

We need to use Labour Day to kick off an active agenda for the fall. Our two conferences this Fall, the Regional Conference in Prince George and the Women's Conference in the Fraser Valley, will give us an opportunity to discuss our course of action. Our main job will focus on membership outreach. I want the union to reach out to our members all around the province so we can listen and talk about the issues that are important to us. Whether it's bargaining, job security, cuts in services to seniors, or health and safety I want to hear from you. I feel strongly that members need to see their union representatives in the workplace. We have to continue recruiting stewards and health and safety representatives in all our worksites..

It's a tall order, but I believe it can be done.

Labour Day can be the kick-off to an ambitious plan to continue strengthening our union.

Take some time on Labour Day to pause and reflect and renew your commitment to your fellow workers and what we can accomplish together.

Click here for Labour Day events around the province.