NEWS & UPDATES
December 22, 2017
Professional Reliance Review Will Protect Workers - BCGEU
The BC government has initiated a review of the professional reliance model in the natural resource sector. Many BCGEU members' day-to-day is shaped by this regulatory model.
The professional reliance model effectively lets the "fox guard the henhouse," leading – in some cases - to the mismanagement of our resources and harm to the environment. Combined with deep staff and funding cuts to respo...
December 21, 2017
Island Crisis Care Society Ratification Results - BCGEU
On behalf of the Bargaining Committee, I am pleased to advise that members voted unanimously in favour of the Tentative Agreement reached between the parties on December 4, 2017. I have received information from the Employer that the new rates of pay negotiated will commence on December 24, 2017. They have further advised me that they aim to have the retroactive monies paid out on the last cheq...
December 20, 2017
BCGEU members land $20 million contract to refit B.C. ferry - BCGEU
BC Government & Service Employees' Union workers employed at Esquimalt Drydock Company will begin work on a B.C. Ferries contract worth $20 million to refit the Northern Sea Wolf. The 17-year-old vessel will accommodate approximately 3,500 passengers and 1,200 vehicles each year on a route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola.
Members at Esquimalt Drydock have extensive experience in ship rep...
December 19, 2017
Thanking and Recognizing the Public Servants who Keep our Communities Safe ...
This year's fire season is far behind us and while recent winter storms have made many in the province forget about this summer's devastation, many communities are still working to rebuild what was lost in the fire.
As we see the devastation that fires are currently causing across California and as we look back at the lessons learned over the summer, the BCGEU would like to thank and recognize...
December 15, 2017
BCGEU calls for reinvestment in seniors’ services as Seniors Advocate release...
On Thursday, December 14, 2017, the B.C. Seniors Advocate released the annual Monitoring Seniors' Services report. Their findings present further evidence that the B.C. government has to reverse the policies of austerity implemented under the BC Liberals. B.C.'s seniors need significant reinvestment in community services and affordable housing to undo the resulting increase in poverty now faced...
December 15, 2017
Compliance and Enforcement in B.C. Forests - BCGEU
With the B.C. Government's review of professional reliance across many industries underway, the BCGEU has released a short paper about compliance and enforcement in B.C.’s forests. Check it out below and be sure to share it with your networks.
December 11, 2017
BC Human Rights Commission - BCGEU
Today the report, A Human Rights Commission for the 21st Century: British Columbians talk about Human Rights was released detailing 25 recommendations to government as they re-establish the BC Human Rights Commission (dismantled in 2002 by the previous Liberal government).
The report recommends to B.C.'s Attorney General that the new commission be built on four important pillars in order to cre...
December 11, 2017
BCGEU disappointed by decision to complete Site C dam, urges government to em...
The BCGEU is disappointed by the provincial government's decision today to complete the Site C dam despite findings by the BC Utilities Commission that question the economic viability of the project.
In 2015 the union took a position against the construction of the dam citing economic and environmental concerns as well infringement on First Nations' rights. This decision demonstrates the work s...
December 08, 2017
Ratification Meeting for members at Island Crisis Care Society - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with the Employer. Highlights of this agreement include wage increases for each year of the agreement, with a 2% increase retroactive to April 1, 2017, Personal Wellness days, agreement to reinvest any cuts to MSP premiums into better benefits for the members and more. There will be a Ratification Meetin...
December 07, 2017
BCGEU remembers Leonard George - BCGEU
It is with tremendous sadness to learn of the passing of Tsleil-Waututh leader, Leonard George.
Leonard, served as Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh nation, was an iconic leader and teacher to thousands of people across British Columbia. In his special way, he was able to build bridges between communities and encouraged everyone to work together as one. His knowledge and wisdom drew many to his side ...
December 07, 2017
Statement on Fair Wages Commission - BCGEU
Today, December 7, is the final day to provide submissions to B.C.'s Fair Wages Commission. The BCGEU would like to mark this date by calling for the immediate implementation of a $15 per hour minimum wage for all workers in our province.
The BCGEU is a tireless advocate for fair wages for all workers. Daily, BCGEU members providing health and social services confront the consequences of low wa...
December 07, 2017
Watch Minister Eby's Address To C1 Conference Conference - BCGEU
Union activists from across the province gathered in Surrey BC this week to discuss important issues for Component 1 members.We reviewed grievance arbitration, short term illness and injury plan (STIIP) and long term disability (LTD) issues, gangs and threats, pensions and more. We also were updated on the progress of sheriff retention and recruitment efforts. Attorney General David Eby sent a ...
December 07, 2017
Watch Minister Farnworth's Address To C1 Conference - BCGEU
Union activists from across the province gathered in Surrey BC this week to discuss important issues for Component 1 members.We reviewed grievance arbitration, short term illness and injury plan (STIIP) and long term disability (LTD) issues, gangs and threats, pensions and more. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth sent a video message of support to the conference, ...
December 06, 2017
BCGEU Remembers Maureen Headley - BCGEU
I am saddened today to inform BCGEU members and staff that long-time former employee Maureen Headley passed away on Monday December 4 after a long fight with cancer.
Maureen worked at the BCGEU for over 12 years. She served BCGEU members as an organizer, as the assistant director of Membership Records, and as both assistant director and later as director of the Collective Bargaining & Arbit...
December 05, 2017
New funding to address violence against women and children in B.C. - BCGEU
On December 1, 2017 the provincial government announced it will invest $5 million in one-time grants to community organizations across B.C. to better address violence against women and children. The funding is targeted to address waitlists and provide counselling, outreach, and crisis supports that are much needed around the province. This is welcome news for those working on the front line in...
December 05, 2017
BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch the right choice to manage cannabis - BCGEU
December 5, 2017 BC's Liquor Distribution Branch the right choice to manage cannabis The B.C. government's decision to make the Liquor Distribution Branch responsible for the distribution of non-medical cannabis is the right choice for British Columbia, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union said today. "We applaud the BC government's decision to warehouse and distribute cannabis...
December 05, 2017
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - BCGEU
December 6:
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6th is a dark day in our country’s history. It marks the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre in Montreal, in which 14 women were singled out for their gender and killed.
The 14 women slain in this horrific act of misogyny and gender-based violence were Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, N...
December 05, 2017
BCGEU welcomes wildfire review - BCGEU
BCGEU welcomes wildfire review The BC Government and Service Employees' Union welcomes the BC government's announcement of an independent review of wildfire and flood response today. "Our members, who provide on-the-ground emergency fire and flood response across the province, are happy to hear that the government has initiated a review of the catastrophic natural events of the past year,"...
December 01, 2017
Ministry resources new Overdose Emergency Response Centre, more staff to step...
Victoria – Today the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announced an escalation of their emergency response to the overdose crisis. To deal with the deepening crisis across the province, the government is setting up a centralized Overdose Emergency Response Centre to coordinate a response to the overdose crisis that spans the province.
“Seeing the government move forward with creating new...
November 30, 2017
Membership Meeting & Strike Vote - Salvation Army Ocean Crest Ministries – Ca...
Members recently voted 54% against the tentative agreement. As a result of this failed ratification the next step will be to conduct a strike vote. The bargaining committee will be holding a membership meeting and strike vote on January 30, 2018. Voting will take place at the meeting only. Members are encouraged to attend this very important meeting and participate in the strike vote.
More deta...
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