NEWS & UPDATES
Public Service Main and Component Bargaining Proposals for the 19th Public Se...
Preparations for the 19th Public Service negotiations are already commencing. Therefore, we are calling for locals to meet and prepare draft proposals and resolutions for submission to their respective components. They are to be forwarded to the Component Executives in order for proposals and resolutions to be vetted and allocated to either the Public Service Main or Component tables. The deadl...
Convention 2021 wrap-up – a new executive and a new name. - BCGEU
Our union’s 2021 Constitution Convention has come to a close. Over the course of convention, members passed resolutions determining the direction of our union over the next three years and elected our union’s executive officers for the same period. Be on the lookout for a more thorough wrap up of convention in the next issue of The Provincial magazine.
ElectionsCongratulations to our new BCGEU ...
September 17, 2021
Members at Whitecliff - REMINDER: OVERTIME BAN TOMORROW - BCGEU
Reminder to all BCGEU members that we will be engaging in job action TOMORROW, Saturday September 18, 2021.
This means that no members will accept or work overtime, except in cases of emergency. This includes any overtime you were already scheduled to work.
If you are directed to work overtime because it is an emergency, report this direction to the bargaining committee immediately and the reas...
September 17, 2021
All BCGEU Members at LifeLabs - Employer Walks Away in Mediation - BCGEU
In a disappointing move yesterday, in mediation, the Employer walked away from the bargaining table. Your Bargaining Committee had just tabled another counter proposal in great effort to reach a settlement. However, the Mediator returned a message from the Employer that they wouldn't accept it and furthermore: "they were done."
We reported earlier that we have successfully bargained some good...
September 16, 2021
All HSPBA members - Applications now open - BCGEU
Applications are now being accepted for funding to support BCGEU members who work under the Health Science Professionals Collective Agreement (HSPBA) and who are pursuing professional development. The continuing funding was negotiated in the 2019 – 2022 collective agreement, with a $400,000 contribution to the fund each year. Under the funding program, eligible expenses are the cost of tuition,...
September 15, 2021
Whitecliff - Essential Services levels determined; Strike notice served to Re...
On Monday we concluded essential service mediation with Revera. This afternoon we filed notice to commence job action on Saturday, September 18 at 4:00pm.
After voting 98% in favour of job action in June, your employer did everything they could to try to run the clock down on our strike mandate. Ultimately, with the help of the Labour Relations Board and a mediator, we were able to force your e...
September 15, 2021
Staff Representative (Temporary) - Negotiations Department - BCGEU
STAFF REPRESENTATIVE (Temporary)NEGOTIATIONS DEPARTMENT
INTERNAL POSTINGSeptember 15, 2021
The B.C. General Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to work in the Negotiations Department for up to 14 months or return of incumbent. The effective date to be determined.
DUTIES:
Negotiations: Working with bargaining units and bargaining councils to develop collective agreement p...
September 14, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health-care workers - BCGEU
Today the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) indicated that an order would be issued mandating that vaccination by October 26 is a condition of employment for those working in acute and community care across the province. All health care facilities in the province will be subject to this requirement, including Home Support. We have asked for clarification on the scope of the order given the breadt...
September 13, 2021
Staff Representative - Nanaimo Area Office (2 Positions) - BCGEU
STAFF REPRESENTATIVE NANAIMO AREA OFFICE(2 Positions)
INTERNAL POSTINGSeptember 13, 2021
The B.C. General Employees' Union requires a staff representative to work in the Nanaimo Area Office, effective date to be determined.
DUTIES:
Assist officers, stewards and membership in the day-to-day administration of their union by attending membership meetings; assisting in union elections, preparing...
September 10, 2021
Salvation Army Habour light ARC - Results of Strike Vote - BCGEU
Congratulations! Members have united and overwhelmingly voted in favour of job action. 84% of members who voted, said yes to job action!Next Steps:We will not be giving notice of strike action to your employer yet. Your bargaining committee is ready to go to mediation and use the strong mandate you've given us to try to get a better deal before we engage in any job action. We will be meeting wi...
September 10, 2021
Lifelabs - Mediation Focuses on Essential Services - BCGEU
The Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, Sept 8th was a great success and we were able to connect with over 600 of you. Thank you for participating! Your Bargaining Committee will be returning to mediation with the Employer on Monday, September 13th. We are also in the process of negotiating essential service levels in the event of job action, including picket lines.See attached Job Action FAQ: HERE...
September 10, 2021
BCGEU provides submission to BC Gov’t to help build a long-term economic plan...
BCGEU provides submission to BC Gov't to help build a long-term economic plan for B.C.
This past June, the B.C. government requested input from business, labour, Indigenous and other stakeholders for the development of our province's long-term, post-pandemic economic plan.
Your union represented the voices of our 82,000 members in the consultative process, which involved Ravi Kahlon, Minister o...
September 09, 2021
Health Facilities Subsector & Health Science Professionals - Vaccination Requ...
Further to this bulletin sent to members under Health Science Professionals (HSPBA) and this bulletin sent to members under Health Facilities Subsector (FBA) please be advised of the following:
By order of the Provincial Health Officer, proof of vaccination will be required to access indoor organized gatherings including conferences, meetings and workshops. This means that, in order to attend t...
September 07, 2021
All BCGEU Members at LifeLabs - Town Hall Membership Meeting – URGENT BARGAIN...
There is a special meeting scheduled for tomorrow night to give you important information regarding potential job action and essential services. Here's the details:
When: Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Dial-in number: 877-229-8493
Pin: PLEASE SEE EMAIL
Please Note: If you have a number on file with the Union, we will call you at that number, starting at 7:...
September 02, 2021
LifeLabs - Mediation gets Underway - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee met with the employer and LRB mediator, Dave Schaub, on August 31st, in an effort to move closer together on the outstanding issues. We still hope to reach settlement, but we need a decent wage increase and the employer has not offered anything substantive at this time.
The employer requested additional time, on the 2nd day of mediation, to review costing. We are disap...
September 02, 2021
HCN-Revera Lessee (Sunwood) - Bargaining Bulletin #1: Negotiations Underway -...
On August 26, 2021, your bargaining committee for Sunwood began negotiations with the Employer for your first collective agreement.The bargaining session scheduled for August 27, 2021 had to be postponed by your committee due to unforeseen circumstances.The parties are looking to schedule additional bargaining dates for as soon as possible--likely early October. We will share the specific dates...
September 02, 2021
Solidarity in Post-Secondary Labour Movement - BCGEU
Solidarity in Post-Secondary Labour Movement
(British Columbia, September 2, 2021) – With last week's ever-changing landscape in COVID-related announcements affecting BC's post-secondary sector we saw what's possible amidst chaos. Union leaders jumped to action to represent their members in a variety of ways and one of those ways was that we, the undersigned unions, came together as a collectiv...
August 30, 2021
B.C. government liquor and cannabis workers rally for essential pay outside e...
B.C. government liquor and cannabis workers rally for essential pay outside employer's head office, September 1
BURNABY, COAST SALISH TERRITORIES – After five months without response from the Minister of Finance, B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) members working for the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) will rally outside the BCLDB's head office to call for their employer's support in r...
August 26, 2021
BCGEU welcomes the return of provincial mask mandate, calls for employers to ...
BCGEU welcomes the return of provincial mask mandate, calls for employers to ensure safe worksitesBURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) are pleased by the reissuing of a provincial mask mandate for indoor, public spaces, and calling it an important layer of protection for front-line workers."Vaccines are an amazing tool in stopping the s...
August 25, 2021
HCN – Revera Lessee (Whitecliff) - Employer Finally Agrees to Negotiate Essen...
Almost five weeks after filing for an essential service order, your employer has finally agreed to meet with the union and your bargaining committee to negotiate essential service levels. Despite repeated requests from the union, the employer has dragged their feet and put off negotiations as long as they could. Once we have the essential service levels in place, your bargaining committee will ...
August 25, 2021
UPDATE: Public Service remote work and mask mandate - BCGEU
UPDATE - Remote work and mask mandateWe are pleased to report that the BC Public Service has agreed to our request -- see Monday's bulletin and letter here -- to allow employees who are working from home to continue to do so beyond the September 7 deadline without an approved telework agreement until at least October 12.Our union will continue to advocate for health and safety precautions that ...
August 24, 2021
Fleetwood Villa - Stewards - BCGEU
Please be advised that the following members have been acclaimed as stewards for Fleetwood Villa:• Ruby Driedger• Blanca Fuentes• Christine Gaundan-Nair• Imelda San PedroThese new stewards join your current steward, Tammy Edgar.Should you have any questions or concerns at your worksite, please contact the above noted stewards. If a steward is unsure of the answer to your question or concern, th...
August 23, 2021
BCGEU calls for delay of telework requirement, reinstatement of masks in publ...
In today's COVID update, the B.C. government announced that the province would not be moving to Step 4 of the provincial restart plan as anticipated on September 7, 2021. September 7 had been set as the date that members continuing to work from home would be required to have an "approved telework agreement", as per a July 20 communication from the BC Public Service:
"those who wish to continue ...
August 18, 2021
Harbour Light ARC - Update on Bargaining and Vote for Job Action - BCGEU
Since bargaining broke off on July 21, the bargaining committee has been reaching out to members to discuss the employer's final offer. The bargaining committee met on August 16 to discuss the feedback they received from members.
They heard that there were many priorities that were not addressed in the employer's offer including paid breaks (8-hour shifts), shift premiums for night shift, parki...
August 17, 2021
CSH Chartwell Willow Manor - Bargaining Update - BCGEU
This notice is to provide you with an update regarding the process for renewing our collective agreement.Your committee met with the employer for the first time to start the bargaining process.We met for 3 days, August 10, 11 & 12, exchanging and discussing non-monetary proposals. We have agreement on some proposals but there are still some outstanding.Overall, we would characterize the mee...
August 17, 2021
Cerwydden Seniors and Piccadilly Seniors Communities - Update on FOB keys - B...
On August 10 an email went to members at Cerwydden Seniors informing employees that they will have to put a $20.00 deposit down with the employer to receive a new FOB key for the entrance and exits to the buildings.
Our union firmly believes that you should not have to pay to come to work. We do not think that employees should have to finance the new FOB keys (even if it’s refundable upon retur...
August 13, 2021
HCN-Revera Lessee (Sunwood) - Pre-Bargaining Bulletin #3: Bargaining Dates Se...
Your bargaining committee for Sunwood continues preparations for negotiations with the employer for your first collective agreement.
Bargaining Dates Set
The parties have scheduled bargaining sessions for August 26 and 27, 2021, and will schedule additional dates as required.
Preparations Continue
Your bargaining committee's prep work has included:
training in the process, pitfalls and strateg...
August 12, 2021
Workplaces re-opening – get vaccinated - BCGEU
Step 4 of B.C.'s Restart plan could start as early as September 7 – though this date could vary by region. Step 4 includes a return to fully re-opened offices and workplaces. Whether your worksite is returning to full capacity or you're returning to in-person work after working from home, our union can help address any health and safety concerns that may arise. And remember: the best way to ens...
August 12, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE: BCGEU encourages vaccination, re-issuing of single-site and ma...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 12, 2021
BCGEU encourages vaccination, re-issuing of single-site and mask orders
BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Following today's provincial government announcement regarding vaccines for health care workers, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) encourages all British Columbians to get vaccinated.
"Vaccinations are an essential tool in combatting the...
BCGEU Headquarters is on the unceded and shared traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skxwú7mesh (Squamish) & Səlí̓ lwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.