Following our communication last week, the Ministry of Justice agreed to consult with the BCGEU about budget shortages, which have led to the decision to reduce their corporate services division by 21 positions and offer reassignments to other ministries.

Members have contacted the BCGEU about this scheme with questions about their rights under the collective agreement. The meeting, which was attended by senior BCGEU, Ministry of Justice and Public Service Agency representatives, allowed for a full discussion of Justice Ministry workforce adjustment plans and their approach to this particular initiative.

Based on this discussion, it’s clear the ministry is attempting - through voluntary initiatives - to avoid the need for Article 13 notices to be issued. The BCGEU advised the ministry that we’re supportive of voluntary initiatives contemplated under the collective agreement in order to minimize further workforce adjustment actions. Over the past decade, we’ve worked hard to mitigate budget impacts on members through the work of ministry joint committees and the Joint Workforce Adjustment Committee – JWASC.

From our discussions, the ministry has confirmed to the BCGEU:

·      All reassignments will be voluntary;

·      Reassignments will only be made within the employee’s geographic area and current classification;

·      All temporary market adjustments will be maintained;

·      Expressing an interest or deciding against an expression of interest in reassignment will not result in negative consequences for the employee;

·      Initial opportunities for reassignment will be into the Ministry of Finance;

·      If more than one qualified employee is interested in a position, seniority will be considered;

·      The ministry will share information with the BCGEU and provide an opportunity to speak with employees before any reassignments are finalized.

The ministry has also agreed to consult with the BCGEU about this initiative as it unfolds.

The BCGEU is pleased the Ministry of Justice has agreed to consult with us and appreciates their willingness to minimize involuntary workforce adjustment impacts on members. In light of this and with the commitments made, we believe members should give consideration to voluntary reassignment opportunities if they fit their individual circumstances and career plans. We will continue to update you as events unfold.

In solidarity
Lori Joaquin, Administrative Services Component
Russell Katzer, MA 29 Committee member – Justice
Dean Purdy, MA29 Committee member – Justice
Michael Eso, Staff Representative