The union has been in regular meetings with the Ministry through the Joint Committees (as per Article 29 of the agreement) since letters were issued to 135 members on January 20.
Through these meetings, the Ministry has agreed to hold information sessions in a number of the affected workplaces in the near future. Details of times and locations for meetings in Victoria have been sent by the Public Service Agency. Union representatives will be present.
At these sessions, members will be able to hear about the process and the role seniority plays in determining their rights. They will be able to get answers to any questions they have around the whole process.
The first phase of the redundancy process lasts 90 days, in which all placement opportunities are voluntary for members.
President Darryl Walker attended a cross-component union meeting in Victoria last week to hear firsthand from members about their concerns and experiences during this difficult time. Walker, who is currently at the public service master bargaining table, says the stress and uncertainty for members going through the redundancy process only reaffirms the importance of improving employment security provisions in the collective agreement.
For more information: chris.kinkaid@bcgeu.ca [1]
