The BCGEU requires a Coordinator of Facilities to work in Headquarters, effective date to be determined.

The Coordinator will function as a member of the senior staff team of the union, responsible for implementing policies of the union and overseeing various aspects of facilities administration.

The Coordinator is responsible for direct supervision of the activities of the department, including both servicing and support staff.

This position reports directly to the Director of Administration, Finance and Facilities.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the facilities management of all BCGEU and Solidarity Holdings Ltd premises. Prepare and negotiate property leases. Manage security systems of all the BCGEU leased offices and Solidarity Holdings Ltd buildings. Ensure public health and physical safety obligations are addressed. Determine the need for leasehold improvements, renovations and space planning at Headquarters and Area Offices. Budget, coordinate planning and supervise the construction of major capital projects including renovations and leasehold improvements. Liaise with contractors, designers, architects, engineers and vendors, on design, leasehold improvements and new building construction. Coordinate purchasing and inventory control of capital assets relating to furniture and equipment. Monitor the BCGEU and Solidarity Holdings Ltd. insurance policies. Responsible for departmental supervision of the Resource Centre, Conventions, Conferences and Travel administration, cabling/network, facilities and building maintenance. Prepare the BCGEU and Solidarity Holdings capital and operating budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of three years' experience in commercial property and facilities management is essential. Experience in the union movement essential. Ability to deal with union leadership; to prepare concise written reports; must deal with people effectively and have excellent organizational and problem solving skills. Must have a broad understanding of the design and space planning process from concept to completion and be conversant with municipal development and building permit requirements. Must possess a general knowledge of the CAGBC and LEED programs. Experience on LEED projects would be an asset. Experience in supervising and directing employees. Requires an ability to handle diverse responsibilities and functions.

Travel is required; therefore applicants must hold a valid B.C. Drivers licence.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 26, 2017.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca

Attention to: Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to conduct research, in the Negotiations Department for up to 12 months, or to return of incumbent. The effective date is to be determined.

DUTIES:

This staff representative will:

• analyze employer financial statements as required;
• assist negotiators (in both the area offices and the negotiations department) with costing of proposals;
• track and report on settlements in the private and public sector;
• prepare and maintain corporate profiles of our employers including changes in ownership, management teams, share price, corporate strategy;
• prepare and maintain sectoral/industrial profiles;
• analyze organizational and funding changes for public sector employers;
• other labour market research as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• post-secondary degree in economics or a related field;
• strong analytical skills;
• excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• demonstrated ability to produce corporate research and other reports.

Experience in a union or social justice organization is an asset as is an understanding of the goals and values of the labour movement.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Travel is required, therefore, applicants must hold a valid B.C. Drivers Licence.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Thursday, November 2, 2017.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca

Attention to: Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

To: All BCGEU Members in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton and Smithers (at the below listed worksites)

Hello Everyone!

Executive Vice President, James Coccola will be visiting worksites in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton and Smithers starting at 8:00 am on October 22 as outlined in the schedule below (all times are approximate):

Prince Rupert, Sunday October 22^nd, 2017:

1. 8:00 - 10:00 am Crest Motor Hotel
2. 11:15 - 11:35 am BC Liquor Store

Old Hazelton, Monday October 23^rd, 2017:

1. 10:00 – 10:45 am MCFD/Service BC/Forestry

Smithers, Monday October 23^rd, 2017:

1. 1:00 – 1:45 pm Bulkley Lodge
2. 3:00 – 3:45 pm Northwest Community College Smithers Campus

Terrace, Tuesday October 24^th, 2017:

1. 1:00 – 1:45 pm Community Corrections
2. 2:00 – 2:45 pm Social Development
3. 3:00 - 3:45 pm Sheriffs
4. 4:00 – 4:45 pm McConnell Estates

Terrace, Wednesday October 25^th, 2017:

1. 8:30 – 9:15 am Service BC/Ministry of Labour
2. 10:30 – 11:15 am MCFD Sub Regional Office
3. 3:00 – 3:45 pm Northwest Community College
4. 4:00 – 4:45 pm Northern Health – Public Health on Kalum Street

 _{Local467/MoveUP}

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE (Temporary)
ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT

INTERNAL POSTING
October 17, 2017

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to work in the Advocacy Department, effective date to be determined. Term of assignment is up to 3 months or to return of incumbent.

DUTIES: The successful applicant will work as part of a team providing a wide range of advocacy services to the union and its members. Duties will include, but may not be limited to, representing the union and its members at formal arbitration hearings, at the Labour Relations Board, and other adjudicative tribunals.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have demonstrated abilities to analyze and identify grievance file issues, conduct merit assessments and either informally resolve outstanding issues and/or prepare and present a case at formal arbitration; deal with senior management and their counsel; prepare concise oral and written submissions; work effectively with union officers and stewards; handle a large volume of correspondence and speak effectively in public; demonstrated ability in problem solving and dispute resolution; an understanding of the goals and values of the labour movement; demonstrated ability to develop activists' skills and to maintain effective working relationships with activists.

Experience and training in the specific area of responsibility is preferred, in particular, experience in preparation and presentation of cases referred to full arbitration.

Salary and benefits are offered under a collective agreement. The BCGEU is committed to employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities, are encouraged to apply for this position. Travel is required, therefore, applicants must hold a valid B.C. Driver's Licence.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Tuesday, October 24, 2017.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca, attention to:

Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland.

Yesterday, the BCGEU entered our submission to the B.C. Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services yesterday, outlining the union's priorities for the upcoming provincial budget for 2018/19.

This budget marks an important moment. It will take the next steps toward a fiscal plan for the province that truly puts families and communities first.

"We support the new government in its readiness to honour and renew this tradition of public leadership. We offer practical suggestions for strengthening the vital public programs and services upon which its success depends," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.

We asked the committee to adopt the following recommendations and advocate for their incorporation into the upcoming budget:

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive affordable housing strategy.

2. Begin implementation of universal, affordable, $10 a Day Child Care.

3. Invest in community-based health and its workforce.

4. Restore funding to the justice system, especially for court services, corrections, and legal aid.

5. Make a significant reinvestment in natural resource management, environmental protection and climate action.

6. Restore funding for postsecondary education.

We also asked the government to explore these options to access additional revenue, and restore fairness to B.C.'s tax and revenue system:

1. Further increase personal income tax rates for society's top earners.

2. Restore B.C.'s corporate income tax rate to 13.5 per cent.

3. Implement new housing-related tax measures.

4. Eliminate costly and inefficient oil and gas subsidies.

5. Strengthen revenue opportunities for the Liquor Distribution Branch.

6. Invest in the proactive enforcement of employment standards rules.

7. Increase operational funding for BC Parks.

"B.C.'s future depends on the government's budget decisions. Immediate action to expand government revenues and to implement tax fairness, invest in vital public services, and promote equality, sustainability and diversification will fulfill the long-term vision for good jobs, healthy families, strong communities and a greater economy for B.C., said Smith.

You can read our submission here…

Local 467/MoveUP

COORDINATOR (Temporary)
RESEARCH & INTERACTIVE (R&I) SERVICES

 INTERNAL POSTING
October 13, 2017

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a temporary coordinator for its Research & Interactive (R&I) Services for up to 12 months or to return of incumbent. Effective date to be determined.

The position reports to the Director, Research & Interactive (R&I) Services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Strategic planning: with staff, develop annual departmental strategic plans aligned with organizational priorities established by senior leadership;
• Project coordination: coordinate the assignment of R&I Services work, as well as requests from the director's, president's and treasurer's offices, BCGEU components, provincial executive committees, and other departments;  oversee and approve work produced by staff;
• Committee and coalition work: assist staff to most effectively use their participation on union committees and community coalitions in the service of our membership;
• Staff supervision: provide guidance, direction and supervision to staff; monitor operational requirements and workload; with staff, identify opportunities for training and development;
• Budget administration: with director, develop R&I annual operational budget proposals; oversee project budgets and expenses;
• External committees: represent the BCGEU on committees established under the public service and other collective agreements, in meetings with government and opposition, and on union central committees or working groups, as assigned;
• BCGEU committees and components: provide administrative support to BCGEU provincial executive or ad hoc committees and/or components, as assigned;
• Other duties: may be assigned other duties to support departmental or broader union objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• skills and experience in project planning and coordination, budget administration and staff supervision;
• extensive knowledge of the full spectrum of mainstream and digital communications and campaigns;
• knowledge of activist-research, cultural critique, and community-based participatory research;
• familiarity with educational program delivery, including curriculum development and popular education;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• experience as a union staff representative or organizer is an asset;
• an understanding of the goals and values of the labour movement.

Travel is required, therefore, applicants must hold a valid B.C. driver's licence.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm on October 20, 2017.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca
Attention to: Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

Download the PDF file of the 2017 Fall issue of The Provincial magazine. In this issue:

• Electing workplace stewards
• Dangerous work at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
• BCGEU’s sound financial management
• Mental health first aid
• and more...

Show support for youth in and from foster care, group homes, and other types of government care in B.C.

Rally: B.C. Legislature
Tuesday October 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

19 years ago, the province of BC declared October Community Living Month. The BCGEU is proud to represent thousands of members across the province who have dedicated their careers to helping those who are not able, or need the assistance of others, to bring a level of independence and quality of life that benefits not only those with developmental disabilities, but also the communities that we live in.

Through volunteer programs, day programs, employment programs, home care and more, our members are there to ensure that every day begins and ends with the support they need to enjoy life in the way that most take for granted.

This month we honour our members who work each day in Community Living, we celebrate those with developmental disabilities who do not let their challenges hold them back and bring value to all our communities. 

October 4th is a day where we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy. We must take the time to give thanks to the families who are our reason for demanding continued action.

The BCGEU believes that the October 4th Sisters In Spirit Vigils are a movement for social change. The number of SIS Vigils has grown from 11 in 2006 to an impressive 216 vigils in 2014.

Family members, Indigenous community members, and concerned citizens gather for a vigil every October 4th to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. 

Vigils will be taking place in many communities around the province. These gatherings serve to raise awareness and to provide support to families who have lost a loved one. 

For a full list of events taking place in British Columbia, visit the Native Women's Association of Canada website:

https://www.nwac.ca/policy-areas/violence-prevention-and-safety/sisters-in-spirit/october-4th-vigils/  

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union President Stephanie Smith and other union members will be in Fort St. John Tuesday to help open the BCGEU's new building on 100th Ave.

Smith will officially open the new BCGEU area office on the corner of 100th Ave and 102nd Street late Tuesday afternoon. The two-storey, 6,300-square-foot building was built by unionized workers, and was designed to be one of the most modern and sustainable buildings in all of Fort St. John.

Read more...

Fort Saint John --- President Stephanie Smith and the rest of the Provincial Executive members will be in Fort St. John to visit with local B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) members at their workplaces.

"Showing up and talking with members in their community about the issues that affect them is one of the best ways to understand how the union can be a positive force in peoples' lives" said Stephanie Smith.

"Being available to meet face to face is part of our commitment to northern communities. In Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, the BCGEU is here for working people. It's why we decided to put that commitment into action, and invest in building a new union area office in Fort St. John."

Later in the week, President Stephanie Smith will officially open the new $5 million B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union area office on the corner of 100th Ave and 102nd Street.

This two-storey, 6,300-square-foot building was built by unionized workers and was designed to be one of the most modern and sustainable buildings in all of Fort St. John. Members and their community will be able to use the new space and its meeting rooms, lounge, as well as ample parking with block heater outlets. 

There will be an official event on October 3^rd at 6 PM that is open to BCGEU members and their friends and family, as well as media. BCGEU President Stephanie Smith and Mayor Lori Ackerman will be in attendance to make a few brief remarks and meet with guests.

Course listings and registration for the Canadian Labour Congress Winter School (January 14 to February 16, 2018) at Harrison Hot Springs is now available.

Active union members are encouraged to apply online. Applications will be forwarded to your component executive to determine who will attend the school. 

Registration cut off is November 3^rd for all courses.

Please click here to register: http://web.bcgeu.ca/go.php4?f=2018_CLC_Winter_School

Download PDF of 2018 courses and descriptions

On September 8, as a follow up to the report Collective Wisdom: Challenges and Opportunities in B.C's Women's Services the BCGEU was invited by the federal Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef to participate in a roundtable discussion as part of the federal government's commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV). At the Roundtable were approximately 30 representatives for women's services organizations that address GBV in their work such as transition houses, shelters, centres for female survivors of sexual and domestic violence, sex workers advocacy groups, health services and more. 

Minister Monsef heard about the work of the 10,000 BCGEU members and the 1500 members who see first-hand how women's services in BC is in crisis and how it's failing as the social safety net meant to protect women and provide support services and crisis intervention and are expected to do more with less. This crisis has resulted in the denial of services for women who desperately need them due to the multiple issues they face from the lack of safe housing, child care, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, involvement with child protection, and inability to find employment with a living wage. These additional challenges make it nearly impossible to provide the support needed.

Through conversations with the Minister and, following the meeting, her policy advisor, we made it clear that based on BCGEU members' experience the current situation is not acceptable and that the only way to meet the needs of women accessing services at their most vulnerable moments, is to increase funding now – not tomorrow. 

You can find more information about the report and the conference held by members in women's services by clicking here.

Local 467/MoveUP

RICHMOND – B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) members at River Rock Casino Resort voted by 81 per cent to ratify a four-year collective agreement today after more than a year of negotiations with Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

"I am so proud of the outstanding resolve and determination of workers at the River Rock Casino to negotiate such a strong first agreement," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "The agreement will bring vast improvements to working conditions and makes impressive strides in job security, pensions, benefits, and a much stronger wage grid."

The nearly 1,000 members at River Rock will receive an average 19 per cent wage increase making them among the best paid casino workers in the province. Extended health and dental care, parental and adoption leave, and fair vacation entitlements are also among the benefits.

River Rock Casino Resort, owned by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, is one of the most profitable casinos in B.C., yet when compared to other unionized casinos in the province, workers at River Rock generally earned far less in wages.

"Today's result is another example of the important role unions play in fighting for workers' rights in today's economy and family-supporting jobs," says Smith. "Many River Rock workers are first-generation Canadians and this agreement also provides them with more security as they lay down roots in their communities."

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with more than 73,000 members across all sectors of the economy, including over 3,800 workers in casinos.

For more information please contact Bronwen Barnett, BCGEU Communications, 604-719-4713.

Join and support the spirit of 'Namwayut - We are all one.

On September 24, 2017, BCGEU members will joining in the 2017 Walk for Reconciliation in Vancouver! 

The BCGEU is proud to sponsor the walk once again this year and support a positive movement to build better relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. 

Walk for Reconciliation:

Sunday, September 24th | 9:30am

650 Cambie St.

Vancouver, BC

https://goo.gl/maps/afAqRv3zn7T2

The Walk follows a 2km route from Cambie St. and Georgia St. to Strathcona Park. 

BCGEU members will rally at the corner of Cambie and Georgia, look for the yellow BCGEU flags

Reconciliation Expo

Sunday, September 24th | 10:30am - 3:00pm

Strathcona Park

857 Malkin Ave.,

Vancouver, BC

https://goo.gl/maps/RK2VhWAX1zv 

Gather at Strathcona Park for the Reconciliation Expo, featuring a series of Indigenous and multi-cultural performances and a keynote speech.

More information on this event can be found here: http://reconciliationcanada.ca/walk-for-reconciliation-2017/

The BCGEU RV will be touring through the above noted locations. Below you will find dates, locations and times. We hope you can join us!

Monday September 18, 2017 – Prince Rupert:

· Liquor Distribution Branch (Liquor Store) Parking Lot

BBQ Lunch – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, all members and families welcome

· Northwest Community College Campus

Refreshments – 3:00 pm, come join us on your coffee break!

Tuesday September 19, 2017 - Terrace:

· Nechako Northcoast Construction

Coffee and Donuts – 6:00 am

· Forests, Lands and Natural Resources

Coffee and Donuts – 10:00 am to 10:30 am

· Liquor Distribution Branch (Liquor Store) Parking Lot

BBQ Lunch – 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, all members and families welcome

· Courthouse/Health Unit Parking Lot

Refreshments – 3:00 pm, come join us on your coffee break!

Wednesday September 20, 2017 – Kitimat:

· BC Parks (Highway 37 across from Lakelse Lake Picnic Site)

Coffee and Donuts – 9:30 am, come join us on your coffee break!

· Haisla Nation Council

Lunch - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, join us for lunch!

· Kitimat General Hospital

Coffee and Donuts – 2:30 pm, come and join us on your coffee break!

· City Centre Mall

BBQ for all members and their families – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Thursday September 21, 2017 – Hazelton and Smithers:

· Northwest Community College - Hazelton

Coffee and Donuts – 10:00 am, join us on your coffee break!

· Ministry of Children and Family Development – Hazelton

BBQ Lunch – 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, join us for lunch!

· Government Buildings – Smithers

Refreshments – 3:00 pm, join us on your coffee break!

· Bulkley Lodge – Smithers

BBQ for all members and their families – 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Friday September 22, 2017 – Houston, Francois Lake and Burns Lake:

· Lakes District Maintenance – Houston

Coffee and Donuts – 6:00 am, join us for coffee!

· Houston Health Unit/Northwest Community College – Houston

Coffee and Donuts - 9:30 am to 10:00 am

· Waterbridge Equipment – Francois Lake

Lunch – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, join us for lunch!

· Lakeview Mall Parking Lot – Burns Lake

BBQ for all members and their families – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Local 467/MoveUP

Vancouver— Today the Seniors’ Advocate of B.C. published the results of a comprehensive study on the state of care homes in BC. The report shows in no uncertain terms what many families, seniors, and care workers have been raising with government for some time now: basic standards in care homes are not being met.

“I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must be for everyone involved to know there are people out there suffering. Without adequate resources or staffing to support them, seniors are feeling isolated and trapped in what is supposed to be their own home” said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President. “When so many seniors are reporting not experiencing adequate levels of basic of personal hygiene, human interaction, and freedom it means there are serious concerns for their quality of life.”

This study reinforces the call by care workers for increased staffing so that basic standards of care can be met. That is the first recommendation made by Seniors’ Advocate Isobel Mackenzie in her report. It is important to acknowledge that simply increasing training cannot solve the core issue. Instead the government must address the staffing ratios between full time staff and residents in care homes which currently does not allow for adequate care to be provided to all. 

B.C. seniors and their families have identified significant lapses in emotional support, and isolation as key areas for improvement. Important quality of life aspects such as decent meals, social activities, and meaningful social interactions are left wanting or simply non-existent. While we know that workers are struggling trying to meet standards and the needs of residents, at the current staffing levels it is not possible to achieve any of the report’s eight recommendations.

“For the report’s eight recommendations to be implemented, the government needs to commit significant resources to bringing in more workers to improve the quality of life for seniors. Last year the government promised to hire 1,500 new health workers as part of a half a billion-dollar investment in seniors’ care,” recalled Smith. “We look forward to meeting with the government to make sure that the significant investment negotiated with Ottawa by the previous government will go into addressing these issues”

BCGEU members working in the sector have been advocating for better standards of care for quite some time through their Seniors Deserve Better Campaign. They have been petitioning government, and raising awareness of this issue.

The BCGEU represents over 73,000 workers in British Columbia, including over 16,000 workers in various health sectors.

Local 467/MoveUP