The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) announced today that it has joined with its national affiliate, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) to pledge a $100,000 donation to the Red Cross to help with wildfire relief efforts in British Columbia. 

"We are pleased to contribute to the relief effort for B.C. residents affected by wildfires," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "BCGEU members and their families live in the affected communities and we share a responsibility to provide humanitarian services for all British Columbians impacted by this natural disaster.

"BCGEU members are on the front lines with other emergency service workers, fighting to protect British Columbians' personal safety, homes and livelihoods. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to them and all people affected by the wildfires."

"The labour movement has a long history of stepping up to help Canadians in times of need," says NUPGE president Larry Brown. "Our affiliates provide necessary public services to affected residents and we proudly make this donation to the Red Cross on behalf of all our members."

During the B.C. wildfire crisis, the BCGEU will continue to communicate with its membership about other support services, including: accessing union services during area office closures and the union's policy on emergency relief for loss of home."

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia, representing over 72,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the public and private sectors. BCGEU members provide vital public services including wildfire protection, provincial emergency support and a wide range of public health and environmental services to British Columbians.

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For more information, contact

Chris Bradshaw at: 778-746-7483 or 604-369-8411

Bronwen Barnett at: 604-473-5424

Local 467/MoveUP