The B.C. Government’s agenda for the upcoming legislative session, as outlined in today’s speech from the throne, was short on details, said Darryl Walker, president of the BCGEU.

On the issue of bargaining, the government acknowledged public servants ought to be treated fairly. The speech called for creative solutions if improvements are to be achieved in collective agreements.  However, the speech offered no specifics.

“It’s all pretty vague,” said Walker. “We want to sit down with the government to get more information. We’ve always indicated we’re ready and willing to work with the government to find innovative ways to achieve fair collective agreements for our members.”

Twenty-seven thousand public service members of the BCGEU will begin bargaining for a new contract starting in early 2012.

Walker said the BCGEU is also disappointed with the government’s agenda concerning community living, a sector that provides critical services to disabled British Columbians.

“We’ve seen how funding cuts have devastated families and clients in the last year. We’ve been calling for an infusion of money to bring up service levels. The throne speech promised us a meeting to discuss the issues. We need money for this sector,” said Walker.

The BCGEU is pleased the government intends to hire more judges to clear backlogs in the court system.  But, the union said the justice system desperately needs more money to prevent trials from being further delayed.

The BCGEU represents more than 60,000 workers in public service, health care, community social services and other occupational groups around B.C.