NEWS & UPDATES
May 17, 2018
Local 402 Well-Being (CVSV) - Bargaining Update - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee has been engaged in negotiations with Employer representatives this week and can report that your Committee has presented proposals based upon membership input. Your Committee has worked diligently and has made progress on several issues, mostly of a housekeeping nature to this point. Monetary issues are still being discussed.
The Employer has asked for more time to re...
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 16, 2018
Local 412 Members at Bulkley Valley Lodge - Steward Elections - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Tuesday May 15th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area1...
May 16, 2018
Local 401 Members at Alexander Mackie (West Comm Srs Low Cost Housing) - Rati...
This is to advise that the ballots have now been counted and the tentative agreement has been rejected with 89% of the votes rejecting the tentative agreement and 11% of the votes accepting.
The committee hopes to meet the employer as soon as possible. Your committee will be in touch with any updates.
In solidarity
Your Bargaining Committee
Debra GrovesLeah CavanaughMichelle StewartKim Sh...
May 15, 2018
All Local 403 Members at Forensic Psychiatric Hospital- BCGEU Worksite Visit ...
In response to the recent serious assault on workers at Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, the BCGEU will be conducting a worksite visit on Thursday, May 17th. Come see us at the BCGEU Tent, which will be set up in the southend of the hospital parking lot.
If you are a worker who has questions about your Safety, Occupational Health and Safety regulations, collective agreement rights, or other issue...
May 15, 2018
Remember Your Right To Refuse Unsafe Work - BCGEU
The BCGEU OHS department would like to remind our members of their right to refuse unsafe work.
Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
All workers in our province are entitled to exercise their four basic rights when it comes to Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace. BCGEU members all need to be aware of their rights when performing the tasks and duties of their occupation. Knowing these rights...
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
Local 412 Members at Seven Sisters - Steward Elections - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 14, 2018
Local 412 Members at Terrace Public Health - Steward Elections - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 14, 2018
Local 412 Members at Smithers Public Health and Smithers Mental Health - Ste...
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 14, 2018
Local 412 Members at Queen Charlotte Medical Clinic - Steward Electoins - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 14, 2018
Local 412 Members at Queen Charlotte Mental Health - Steward Elections - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 14, 2018
Local 412 Members at Masset General Hospital - Steward Elections - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 14, 2018
Local 412 Members at Kitimat Public Health - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 11, 2018
Local 412 Members at Houston Health Center Stewards Elections - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
May 11, 2018
Local 412 Members at Burns Lake Mental Health - Steward Elections - BCGEU
Please be advised that Component 4 – Health Services, is holding Steward Elections for members. A Nomination Form is attached.
Nominations will be open from Friday May 11th, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 at midnight.
Fax your nomination form to the Terrace Area Office at 1.800.946.0259, or drop it off at the BCGEU Northwest area office located at 102-4710 Lazelle Ave, Terrace BC or email it to area12...
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 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
Celebrating Nursing Week: May 7 – 13! - BCGEU
BCGEU is proud to celebrate and acknowledge National Nursing Week 2018. Nursing Week is a time to recognize the year-round commitment of these caring frontline health care providers.
"I don't know anyone whose life has not been touched by a nurse," said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU president. "Nurses are critical to the health and wellbeing of the patients they care for and the loved ones of those p...
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 03, 2018
Local 401 Call for Nominations - Member at Large - BCGEU
Nominations are now open for the following positions on the local executive:
Member at Large (2 positions)
Young Worker (29 years of age or younger)
The term is three years. Information on the responsibilities and activities of each office is available from your area office.
The deadline for nominations is: Friday, June 1, 2018
If there is an election for a position, candidates may submit one...
May 01, 2018
Recognizing Speech and Hearing Awareness Month - BCGEU
May is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month in Canada. In addition to promoting public awareness about hearing health and barriers to communication, Speech and Hearing Awareness Month aims to increase awareness about the important work of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
According to Speech-Language & Audiology Canada, roughly five per cent of children in Canada have noticeable ...
April 30, 2018
Local 404 Members at Rosemary Heights Seniors Village - Membership Meeting - ...
Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to announce a special meeting:
Date: Tuesday, May 1stTime: 1:00 to 3:00 pmWhere: Lunchroom, Rosemary Heights Senior's Village
We are currently preparing proposals to start bargaining with the employer on May 16th. We have reviewed all the surveys and many members are enquiring about retirement savings and pension plans. Therefore, we have invited a special g...
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 30, 2018
Elections for Creekside Landing Ltd. Bargaining Committee - BCGEU
The BCGEU is holding elections for the following positions of the Bargaining Committee. Bargaining Committee Chairperson: Erika Yuill Sheree Dodds Bargaining Committee Member: Elfie MacMeekin Sheree Dodds Tamara Nicholls Jessie Bartlett Shane Stoddart Ballots are available from your stewards and contacts at the worksite (excluding those who are candidates). You may also vote at the BCG...
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 26, 2018
Local 404 Members at Auburn Seniors Village - Karen Henke acclaimed to Bargai...
Congratulations go out to Karen Henke on her acclamation as the newest member of the Auburn Seniors Village BCGEU bargaining committee. Karen will join Raymond Matte, and BCGEU staff negotiator Chad McQuarrie when talks begin with your employer. Congratulations Karen!
With your committee now firmly established, work will soon begin preparing the committee for upcoming bargaining. It's hard work...
April 26, 2018
Overdose prevention site expanding - BCGEU
Faced with an increasing demand for harm reduction services, northern B.C.'s only overdose prevention site is in the midst of a significant renovation and expansion. The site has seen close to 6,000 visits between December 2016 and March 31, 2018. The demand has exceeded the site's capacity; the overdose prevention site, has largely consisted of a single stall beside the front reception area of...
April 25, 2018
Local 404 Members at Willow Manor - Bargaining Update - BCGEU
Your Bargaining Committee has met with the Employer (Chartwell) on five separate days to negotiate a new Collective Agreement. You told us that the issues that are important to you include wages that are in line with other residential care facilities, vacation improvements, leaves of absence, and employer paid doctors' notes.
We have been unable to move the Employer from their position, and we...
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
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 19, 2018
Bargaining Committee Election Results - Well Being Senior's Services (CVSV) L...
The Election deadline was April 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., in regards to receiving all ballots from our membership. A balloting committee was used to determine the election results for you as your stewards were all nominees in this election process. The results of this election has determined your Bargaining Committee. Please join us in congratulating your Bargaining Committee: Phil LeVescontre
...
April 17, 2018
WORKING TO CARE? Join us for an eldercare workshop in Vancouver - BCGEU
You are invited to a workshop and forum for eldercare workers and their advocates to come together to discuss the many issues and challenges for workers in the eldercare sector.
The event will take place Thursday, April 19, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Room 1420, Segal Building (SFU), 500 Granville St. Vancouver.
The event is free of charge and open to all, and there will be a light buffet.
The registra...
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 16, 2018
Dorchester Retirement Residence Bargaining Update - BCGEU
Date: April 16, 2018 To: All BCGEU Members at Dorchester Retirement Residence Re: Bargaining Update Your bargaining committee and the Employer were back in mediation on April 10th and 11th. We can report that there are signs of progress, and we are scheduled to meet again on May 23rd. To help ensure you receive a copy of bargaining updates, please provide a personal email address to the BCGEU ...
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...