As long, sunny days shorten and cooler weather begins , Labour Day offers us time to reflect on the summer that is drawing to a close. For those of us in the labour movement it’s also a time to reflect on the state of working people in our union community.

Looking back on the last year, it’s amazing to see the progress BCGEU members have made since last year’s celebrations. 

We’ve grown tremendously. Over 1,800 workers voted to join our union, bringing our membership to over 70,000!

We’ve stood up for what we believe in. Members in highways, corrections, retail liquor stores, and home support have stood up and spoken to community members, media, and municipal councils about issues important to our communities and our jobs.

We’ve developed our skills in the workplace. New initiatives to allow stewards to better communicate with their co-workers, coupled with education fairs and enhanced steward trainings, have empowered more and more of you to step up and become leaders at work. 

Seeing our growth and speaking with so many of you in my travels makes me so excited for the future of our union. It’s inspiring to see the many ways in which you are stepping up at your workplaces and in your communities.

Labour Day isn’t just for celebrating our strength as a union, it’s also for celebrating the importance of the work that each and every BCGEU member does.

Your union represents workers in almost every sector you can imagine.  Today, let's all remember that your work is an important part B.C.’s economy and this is a day for you.

I hope that you have a chance to spend time with friends or family today and join BCGEU members across the province in recognizing the importance of our work striving for dignity and respect for all workers in B.C.

- Stephanie Smith, BCGEU president

Click here for a list of Labour Day events in British Columbia