
Dear BCGEU,
I'm reaching out regarding the announcement of a temporary hiring freeze for external positions in the BC Public Service.
Following the announcement, we have been engaging with the PSA to better understand the implications for BCGEU members. Key questions include whether existing vacancies will be filled, how auxiliaries might be affected, and if there are any changes to contracting out. We are also raising these concerns publicly, including through recent media coverage in the Globe and Mail.
This hiring freeze does not change our direction as we approach bargaining in January. We are focused on ensuring that any workforce planning decisions are based on accurate data and reflect the needs of the public service and the communities it serves.
We have heard lots of spin over the past few months and it's important to set the record straight on a few things:
- Staffing levels in B.C.: B.C.'s ratio of public service employees to residents has only recently caught up to the national average at 1 public service employee per 141 residents, after trailing behind for years. As many of you know, the public service remains chronically understaffed in many areas.
- Growth of excluded management: Since 2010, the number of excluded management positions has grown by 51.9%, outpacing the growth of the BCGEU bargaining unit which only grew by 23.7%.
These insights and other research that our union has embarked on will guide our advocacy to ensure workforce planning decisions are made with a full understanding of the BC Public Service's relative efficiency and effectiveness.
Our union is committed to defending the interests of our members on all fronts, every step of the way.
In solidarity,
Paul Finch
Bargaining Committee Chair
BCGEU President
UWU/MoveUP
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