NEWS & UPDATES
May 17, 2018
Local 1001 Members at Mainroad - Collective Agreement Ratification - BCGEU
We are pleased to announce that your Collective Agreement, which takes effect on September 19, 2019, has been ratified. This ratification ensures that successorship will be included in the next maintenance contract.
In Solidarity,
Angela MahlmannRepresentative - Negotiations
Download 1001 Mainroad NoB - May 17 2018.pdfUWU/MoveUP
May 17, 2018
Coquitlam casino still behind pickets - BCGEU
After five days of job action, a labour dispute at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam does not appear to be ending anytime soon.
Great Canadian Gaming Corp. said in a statement Monday that it has been granted an order by the B.C. Labour Relations Board prohibiting striking workers from blocking entry to the property.
Read more...
UWU/MoveUP
May 17, 2018
GATEWAY CASINOS NEGOTIATIONS REACH AN IMPASSE - BCGEU
Talks between Gateway Casinos and members of the BC Government and Service Employees Union have broken off. On Tuesday morning, over a hundred employees of Gateway Casinos from Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and Kamloops rallied in Kelowna to push for higher wages. Read more... UWU/MoveUP
May 17, 2018
CASINO WORKERS RALLY IN KELOWNA - BCGEU
Employees of Gateway Casinos from Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and Kamloops gathered in Kelowna Tuesday morning to push for higher wages.
Negotiations between the company and the bargaining committee began back in January, but stopped abruptly in March, prompting Tuesday’s demonstration.
Read more...
UWU/MoveUP
May 17, 2018
Casino workers nearing strike? - BCGEU
A vocal group of employees from four of the Okanagan's largest casinos rallied in Kelowna this morning as their union headed back to the bargaining table. Approximately 1,400 employees of Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited (which operates Playtime Casino in Kelowna, Lake City Casino in Vernon, and Cascades Casinos in Penticton and Kamloops) are pressuring the company to pay them a living...
May 17, 2018
Casino workers press for wage hike - BCGEU
Gateway Casino workers will be rallying Tuesday for higher wages. Members of the BC Government and Service Employees' Union working at Gateway Casinos and Entertainment in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops are calling on their employer to improve wages, benefits and working conditions as contract negotiations resume Tuesday. Read more... UWU/MoveUP
May 14, 2018
Gateway casino workers to rally for industry-standard wages as they resume ne...
KELOWNA, B.C., May 14, 2018 – Members of the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) working at Gateway Casinos & Entertainment (Gateway) in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Kamloops will hold a rally and deliver a petition to their employer calling for improved wages, benefits and working conditions as contract negotiations resume tomorrow.
Contract negotiations broke off on Mar...
May 14, 2018
Ratification Vote for Prince George PRT Growing Services Members - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to report we have reached a tentative agreement and we are recommending that members vote "YES" to accept it.
A copy of all the proposed changes can be found in the Comprehensive Report. This report includes a simple explanation following each change to make the report easier to understand.
All members are encouraged to vote and ballots will be available a...
May 11, 2018
Local 1005 Members at VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd. – Service Area 14 - Update...
We are pleased to advise you that the collective agreement has been ratified by the membership.
This agreement takes effect July 1, 2019.
Thanks to the Bargaining Committee for their hard work.
In solidarity
Fred StreetBargaining Committee Chairperson
Dave ThomsonBargaining Committee Member
Ken BarrBargaining Committee Member
Rory SmithVice President, Operational Services
Fateh BornStaff Neg...
May 11, 2018
Hard Rock Casino workers strike for fairness - BCGEU
Strike kicks off with rally at Hard Rock
(Coquitlam, May 11, 2018) - Members of the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) working at Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam are walking off the job Friday morning, in their escalating efforts to get fair wages, benefits and respect at work.
Hundreds of workers and supporters will gather for a rally in front of the casino at 2073 Hartley Ave,...
May 10, 2018
BCGEU and BC Government exchange bargaining proposals - BCGEU
UPDATE #2:
The first week of public service bargaining wrapped up in Victoria after the BCGEU exchanged bargaining packages with the employer. Component agreement bargaining took place from April 23 – 27. Component agreements cover occupational terms and conditions. Issues unresolved at component bargaining tables were tabled at the main public service table, by agreement with the employer.
...
May 10, 2018
Who Decides for BC? - BCGEU
It's time to bring environmental decision-making back to the public interest.A Natural Resource Officer, tasked with stewarding our forests, without the tools needed to address forest practices until it is too late. An ecologist with serious concerns that an industry-paid biologist's plans will compromise the proper functioning of a stream's ecosystem, and no forum to stop it. These are just tw...
May 10, 2018
PRT Growing Services- Armstrong and Vernon Ratification Vote - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to report we have reached a tentative agreement and we are recommending that members vote "YES" to accept it.
A copy of all the proposed changes can be found in the Comprehensive Report. This report includes a simple explanation following each change to make the report easier to understand.
A meeting of all PRT workers, both Union and non-Union, at Armstro...
May 09, 2018
Local 1001 members at Mainroad - Bargaining Notice - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative settlement.
Details will be provided, and voting on the new Collective Agreement will occur at the following Ratification meetings:
May 15th Langford yard: 8:00 am 10:00 am
May 16th Duncan yard: 8:00 am 10:...
May 08, 2018
Public service bargaining commences in Victoria - BCGEU
UPDATE #1
Bargaining representatives from the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the B.C. Government Public Service Agency (BC PSA) are meeting today in Victoria to exchange bargaining proposals and begin four weeks of negotiations to achieve a new collective agreement.
"We're pleased to begin the bargaining process early," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "It gives...
May 07, 2018
PRT Growing Services (Campbell River) Ratification Vote - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to report we have reached a tentative agreement and we are recommending that members vote "YES" to accept it.
A copy of all the proposed changes can be found in the Comprehensive Report. This report includes a simple explanation following each change to make the report easier to understand.All members at the Campbell River nursery are encouraged to vote and ...
May 07, 2018
It's time to reinvest in the services that support British Columbians - BCGEU
BURNABY – Today, and in the weeks ahead, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) will begin negotiating new contracts for more than 53,000 members in the public service, health sectors and community social services.
"We're ready," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Beginning negotiations today gives us the time we need to address long-standing issues we've been raising wit...
May 07, 2018
BCGEU observes North American Occupational Safety and Health Week - BCGEU
The BC Government and Service Employees' Union joins occupational health and safety advocates and governments across the continent in observing North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH), which is observed from May 6-12 and will be commemorated in events across North America.
NAOSH Week was first launched in 1997, after the government of Canada, United States and Mexico signed a...
May 02, 2018
Local 1006 - Members of Interior Roads Ltd. in Service Area 17 (Williams Lake...
Ratification Meeting and Vote
We have negotiated a revised tentative collective agreement with your Employer. This is for a new collective agreement that will take effect on the expiry of your existing collective agreement (July 1, 2019).
The ratification meetings and vote will occur next week as follows:
• May 9th 3:00 PM at Anaheim IRL yard (this will include members from Tatla Lake)
• M...
April 30, 2018
Provincial Magazine – Spring 2018 - BCGEU
The digital version of the Spring 2018 issue of The Provincial is available to download online. In this issue:
BC Budget 2018
BC Cannabis retail program
Public Service Pension Plan changes
Community Social Services bargaining
Affordable BC campaign
Organizing news
Events and more…
Download the Spring 2018 issue (PDF)
UWU/MoveUP
April 27, 2018
Local 1005 VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd. – Service Area 14 - Bargaining Update...
Union and Employer Return To the Bargaining Table
The Union and the Employer will be meeting in Vancouver to continue bargaining on Thursday, May 3rd.
Government has confirmed that the new deadline to ratify a deal in order to include successorship in the Request For Proposals is May 10, 2018.
In solidarity
Fateh BornStaff Negotiator
Download PDF of notice here
UWU/MoveUP
April 26, 2018
JPW Steward Nominations - Second Call - BCGEU
Nominations are open for shop stewards at your worksite.
BCGEU shop stewards are the front line workers' representatives in the workplace and are the best conduit of communication between members and the union office. Stewards provide a vital role in keeping the union office informed about members' concerns.
If you are interested or know of anyone who might be interested, please arrange to comp...
April 26, 2018
New conservation officers provide greater protection for B.C. environment - B...
The swearing in of new conservation officers on the steps of the B.C. legislature demonstrates a commitment by the B.C. government to increase protection for our natural environment, the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) said today.
"The B.C. government's commitment to hire new conservation officers is good news that will ensure higher levels of compliance and enforcement with ...
April 25, 2018
Message from BCGEU vice president of administrative services component Maria ...
The best laid plans … often go awry. We administrative professionals are great organizers and planners, aren't we? That's why, as your vice president for administrative services at the BCGEU, Administrative Services Day is never far from my mind. This is the day we recognize the valuable and vital service we in the BCGEU's Administrative Services Component provide to British Columbians and thei...
April 24, 2018
BCGEU’s telephone town hall on Public Service Pension Plan changes - BCGEU
On Tuesday, April 10th we hosted a telephone town hall from the Victoria Area Office to talk with members about the changes to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) that were implemented April 1, 2018. We were joined in the VAO by representatives from the BC Pension Corporation and the Pension Secretariat. This bulletin summarizes some of the key points that came up during the town hall and pr...
April 23, 2018
Celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week: April 22-28 - BCGEU
Please join us this week in celebrating medical laboratory professionals!
Medical laboratory professionals are highly trained health care professionals who provide laboratory test results required for the prevention, detection and treatment of illness and disease. When physicians and other health care providers are looking for answers, they depend on laboratory test results to accurately diagn...
April 23, 2018
Family Event – Miner's Memorial in Cumberland - BCGEU
This year Miners Memorial at Cumberland is going to be a huge event for union members. It is unfortunate that we were unable to secure Miracle Beach for the annual family picnic and so in lieu of that, we are encouraging members and their families to attend the BBQ dinner and other festivities on Saturday June 23rd. Go to https://minersmemorial.ca/ to get a rundown of events. The best part is f...
April 20, 2018
MSDPR’s Acceptance of Ombudsperson’s Holding Pattern Report Is a Major Victor...
The BCGEU applauds the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's (MSDPR) willingness to accept most of the recommendations of B.C.'s Ombudsperson Jay Chalke's special report Holding Pattern: Call Wait Times for Income and Disability Assistance.
"We're pleased that the new government has acknowledged the long-standing problems surrounding the MSDPR centralized phone line and is comm...
April 20, 2018
Local 1005 Members at Highway Maintenance Ltd. – Service Area 14 - Update on ...
The Union and the Employer have continued to exchange proposals toward reaching a new agreement.
Today, the Union responded to the Employer and we are awaiting their answer.
If a new agreement is reached with the Employer, the Union will bring this to the membership for another ratification vote.
The Union was recently informed that we now have until mid-May to ratify a deal in order for succes...
April 20, 2018
BCGEU partners with SumOfUs on improving corporate responsibility through inv...
The BCGEU is leading the way in the labour movement when it comes to responsible investing. Ahead of the 2015 global oil price crash, the union divested its strike fund and general reserves from fossil fuel equities and not only preserved, but increased the value of its holdings. Now, the BCGEU has partnered with non-profit organization SumOfUs to advocate for greater corporate responsibility a...
April 19, 2018
Welcome to Your Union: A New Resource Guide for BCGEU Members
Introducing BCGEU's brand-new member guide! Welcome to Your Union is a compact yet informative guide, written for all BCGEU members, whether new to the union or not.
The guide outlines key information members need to get the most out of union membership such as educational opportunities, ways to get more involved, the role of shop stewards and the right to workplace safety.
It also describes t...
April 16, 2018
Honouring killed and injured workers on Day of Mourning – April 28 - BCGEU
In 2017, 158 workers lost their lives to workplace injury or disease. Please join us in honouring their memory on the Day of Mourning, April 28.
Many BCGEU members will be attending Day of Mourning events in communities around our province. Some members will be there to honour and remember their co-workers and family members. Many will be there to show solidarity and empathy for those who have ...
April 13, 2018
Members at PRT Growing Services - We Got a deal! - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement. Highlights of the tentative agreement include:
• Three year term, with annual increases:
o Effective January 1, 2018 - 3%;o Effective January 1, 2019 - 2.5%; ando Effective January 1, 2020 - 3%
• Retroactive to January 1, 2018
• Changes to include new classifications on the wage grid, such as Seeder Oper...
April 13, 2018
Government to Recognize PTSD & Mental Health Claims for First Responders: Cor...
The BCGEU welcomes the provincial government's announcement that first responders including Sheriffs and Correctional Officers will receive greater access to mental health support.
On Wednesday, BC Labour Minister Harry Bains announced amendments to the Workers Compensation Act. These amendments -- called a presumptive clause -- will be introduced this week and, if approved by the legislature,...
April 13, 2018
Government action for renters and tenants a welcome relief in middle of housi...
VANCOUVER –
This week the government of British Columbia announced new initiatives to strengthen protections for renters. BCGEU welcomes these long overdue changes, and applauds the government for continuing to take initiative on the housing file.
"Increasing protections for those facing eviction is an important step in making B.C. more affordable for renters," noted BCGEU president Stephanie S...
April 12, 2018
BCGEU and B.C. Government to begin bargaining new contract for members in the...
The BCGEU has accepted an offer from the B.C. Government to begin negotiations aimed at concluding a new collective agreement with members in the B.C. public service.
The existing contract between the BCGEU and the B.C. Government expires on March 31, 2019. It covers roughly 27,000 employees in the public service around the province.
"We're pleased to begin the bargaining process now," said BCG...