In 2016, your employer implemented a policy that prohibited wildfire members from wearing crew patches. 

Since then, at every worksite that your treasurer Paul Finch and I have visited, we have heard how much the 30-year tradition of crew patches means to you.

Crew patches not only build team spirit and show pride of place, they also help clearly identify members of different crews fighting the fires alongside each other. Most patches are designed by crew members, including some designed by Indigenous crew members using Indigenous imagery.

Our initial solution resulted in a grievance that has just reached resolution. We are happy to tell you that you will once again be able to wear your crew patches. 

In the coming weeks and months, per the terms of the settlement, your union will work with the employer to roll out crew patches and stickers by March 2020, including resurrecting historical patches on ball caps and stickers that can be worn on helmets. 

It was a long road to reach this resolution, and we made it by sticking together. I can't wait to see wildfire members proudly wearing their patches again in 2020.

In solidarity,

Stephanie Smith
BCGEU president

UWU/MoveUP