Congratulations to the 2019 BCGEU Scholarship Winners. The BCGEU is pleased to support our 2019 scholarship recipients in their continuing education.

(Winners will receive a letter in the mail with instructions on how to claim their scholarship).

2019 Scholarship Winners List

This year, applicants were asked to write an essay on one of three topics:

1. How can unions lead the way on climate change
2. How can unions lead the way on reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities?
3. How can unions lead the way on affordable housing?

You can read some of the top winning essays below:

• Griffin Becker
• Jasdeep Diogan
• Madison Hoffos
• Trish Palichuk

UWU/MoveUP

The new 18th Main Public Service Agreement and Component Agreements are in effect as of April 1, 2019. BCGEU members who work in the B.C. public service ratified these agreements last year following five weeks of negotiations.

The agreements are for three years and expire on March 31, 2022. The main agreement features many improvements, such as:

• a two per cent general wage increase in each year of the agreement;
• improvements in benefits and the addition of dual coverage;
• addresses labour market pressures in specific occupations;
• expands bullying and harassment language;
• achieves special leave for members experiencing domestic violence.

We're finishing up the editing and other housekeeping on the agreements. Download the draft version of the main agreement here.

Download PDF files of draft component agreements:

• Draft Environmental, Technical and Operational Component 20 agreement
• Draft Science, Information and Health Component 6 agreement

We will update you again when printing and distribution details are finalized.

-Your BCGEU public service bargaining committee

UWU/MoveUP

BCGEU HEADQUARTERS OFFICE

INTERNAL POSTING

July 16, 2019

POSITION: SECRETARY – ADVOCACY (Temporary)

GRADE: LEVEL 3 - MoveUP AGREEMENT

A secretary is required to perform secretarial and word processing functions for staff representatives as required in Advocacy. Term of assignment is up to 12 months.

DUTIES: 

Will include processing a variety of documents on a personal computer including reports, memoranda, forms, leaves of absence, meeting notices, legal documents and general correspondence; compiling books of authorities and exhibits under the direction of servicing staff; inputting all files onto a grievance database and updating hearing/arbitration reports; compiling quarterly statistical Advocacy reports for PE meetings; handling Component administrative duties; processing invoices from outside professionals; maintaining filing systems and daily bring forward system; responding to telephone inquiries and walk-in visitors; arranging appointments; making travel and hotel arrangements; sorting and distributing mail; other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have 2-4 years' secretarial experience; high school graduation supplemented by secretarial training; excellent keyboarding (60–70 wpm); excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills; excellent communication, spelling and grammatical skills; an aptitude for organization and detail; good telephone manner; the ability to set priorities and work within time limits; database and arbitration preparation experience an asset.

Hours of work are 32 per week, four days.

General aptitude tests will be administered to all applicants. Keyboarding tests will be administered to regular/temporary employees who are not presently working in or have not previously worked in a secretarial position.

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.

Apply in writing with resume to Sharon Penner, Human Resources Administrator, Headquarters, by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, July 23, 2019.

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

UWU/MoveUP

On behalf of 79,000 members, including over 33,000 public service workers in B.C., the BCGEU condemns the decision of the Coalition Avenir Quebec Government to pass Bill 21 in Quebec which bans the wearing of religious symbols by public service workers in a position of authority. Any public employee should have the freedom to express their religious and spiritual beliefs in a safe and secure environment. As instances of Islamophobia, Antisemitism and other forms of racism are on the rise, this bill will act to push many Muslims, Jews and Sikhs to the margins of society. There is no doubt the impact of this bill will be felt beyond the public service, as the public rhetoric supporting this bill has been largely xenophobic. Muslim women in Quebec have already reported an increase in hate since this bill was tabled in March. 

We are also very concerned about the fact that Bill 21 infringes upon the freedom of religion protections enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms at a time when those very protections and the principles behind them need to be reinforced. The passing of this bill picks on the most marginalized segments of society (in particular women), many of whom are racialized and newcomers. It has no place in a society where the principles of equality and freedom are paramount.

The BCGEU supports in principle the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Canadian Civil Liberties Association legal challenge against Bill 21. We call on other unions, organizations, and local governments to support the legal challenge to this discriminatory piece of legislation.

UWU/MoveUP

On July 26, 1919, a group of provincial government employees gathered in Vancouver to form an organization dedicated to fighting for their rights at work. Included in their stated goals were: a fair policy for promotions, equal pay for equal work for women, the abolition of patronage, and a civil service commission with employee representation.

Through many changes in our union and the world around us, 100 years later the BCGEU continues to be at the forefront of fighting for dignity, fairness and respect on the job for all workers in B.C.

Please join me, members of our provincial executive, active and retired members, and friends of the BCGEU as we celebrate our last 100 years and envision what the next 100 years will look like for working people in our province.

BCGEU Centennial Celebration
4911 Canada Way, Burnaby (BCGEU HQ)
July 26, 2019
Doors open at 5:30pm, program at 6:00pm
Click here to RSVP 

In honour of our union's centennial, the BCGEU is producing a series of six short films on our history – the first two of which will be screened at the celebration.

Light refreshments will be served.

In solidarity,

Stephanie Smith
BCGEU president

Download centennial poster here 

UWU/MoveUP

Due to the overwhelming response, we are currently taking registrations for a waitlist at this time. Thank you.

BCGEU/CEU Health & Safety ConferenceFriday, October 4 – Saturday, October 5
Pacific Gateway Hotel, Richmond
Click here to register

 
The focus of this conference will be on psychological health and safety.
 
Promoting mental health and preventing psychological harm at work is an emerging focus worldwide. We recognize health and safety representatives need tools and support to address these issues. 
 
The conference will provide occupational health and safety representatives with an opportunity to network, improve their skills, discuss their successes and challenges, and make recommendations for action at their workplaces. The aim is to increase awareness and learn strategies to address physical and psychological hazards.

To register for the conference, you must be an appointed BCGEU occupational health and safety representative. Fill out the registration form by clicking here. 

Travel, leave of absence and, if required, accommodation, are paid by the union. Space is limited, so register early.

The conference begins with registration at 8 a.m. Friday morning at the Pacific Gateway Hotel. After a day of learning, there will be a social with light snacks and a cash bar. The conference will continue on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This conference is co-sponsored by the BCGEU and the Compensation Employees' Union. The CEU is a BCGEU affiliate, whose members work for the Workers' Compensation Board (WorkSafeBC).

Click here to register for the BCGEU/CEU Health and Safety Conference

UWU/MoveUP

BURNABY, July 9, 2019 - BCGEU president, Stephanie Smith, writes to Premier Ford in support of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and their stance against the government's movement towards breaking The Beer Store contract and privatizing provincial agencies like the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. 

The letter addresses the negative impact of privatization for workers and communities, pointing to the loss of better prices and better selection, weakened social responsibility and reduced public revenues. Smith's letter also emphasizes the knowledgeable staff members who would face significant uncertainty and insecurity in the future of their work.

Other issues raised by the letter include the government's devastating policies and funding cuts in areas such as public education, health, social services and the environment. 

To read the letter in full click here

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE (Temporary)

VICTORIA AREA OFFICE

INTERNAL POSTING

July 9, 2019

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to work in the Victoria Area office for up to 6 months or to return of incumbent, 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 and conducting ratification votes;
• Advising union membership on union policy and procedures;
• Negotiating collective agreements and contract administration through the handling of grievances up to and including expedited arbitration;
• Teaching courses for stewards and local officers;
• Assisting in or leading organizing campaigns, both internal and external;
• Representing the union at local labour councils and conventions; and
• Will be required to develop grassroots campaign plans to advance the interests of the union's membership as well as engage members and recruit activists.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in the trade union movement is essential;
• Ability to deal with union leadership and employer representatives;
• Ability to prepare concise written reports and handle a large volume of correspondence and ability to speak in public;
• Must have an understanding of the goals and values of the labour movement;
• Must have a solid understanding of organizing principles. Proven experience in union organizing drives will be an asset; and
• Demonstrated ability to develop activist skills and maintain an effective working relationship with union and community activists.

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, Tuesday, July 16, 2019.

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

Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE (2 Positions)

NEGOTIATIONS DEPARTMENT

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING

July 9, 2019

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires two staff representatives to work in the Negotiations Department, effective date to be determined.

DUTIES:

Negotiations: Working with bargaining units and bargaining councils to develop collective agreement proposals and bargaining strategies; development and implementation of industry standard agreements; review contract administration problems in bargaining units; negotiation of collective agreements for single units and multiple units and with other unions in bargaining associations; participation in mediation to settle collective agreements; representing the union at various informal and formal hearings at the Labour Relations Board pertaining to collective bargaining, essential services and strikes or lockouts; conducting strikes; ratification of tentative agreements.

Classifications: To analyze job descriptions, job specifications and job evaluation plans in order to make determinations as to the appropriate classification level for a given position; to pursue classification appeals through the appeals process including expedited hearings and agreed settlements; to participate in Joint Job Evaluation Committees with elected and employer representatives to rate jobs; to provide training to elected representatives in various job evaluation plans; handle appeals covering a variety of classification groups; to communicate with union members and employer representatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with other staff and elected members; to handle a large volume of correspondence and other communication; experience with administration of collective agreements, grievance handling and arbitration; knowledge of the operation of contract language; experience in servicing locals and members, familiarity with PSEC guidelines; drafting contract language, analyzing contract proposals, arbitration awards and other relevant decisions; good organization skills, including ability to produce collective agreements for signature and distribution in a timely manner. Experience in negotiating with non-profit agencies, for profit agencies and an understanding of public sector funding and delivery mechanisms would be an asset.

An ability to analyze complex benefit plans; to analyze classification appeals and negotiate resolutions to appeals; an understanding of classification systems, systemic wage discrimination and principles of pay equity.

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, Tuesday, July 16, 2019.

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

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