Dear Members, 

Today is Administrative Professionals Day - a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of administrative professionals across the BCGEU. 

You are the organizers, communicators, and problem-solvers who keep everything running smoothly. Whether you're managing schedules, coordinating teams, or being the first point of contact for the public, your work is critical to the success of every ministry and sector. Your attention to detail, your ability to handle competing priorities, and your commitment to public service make a direct and lasting impact on communities across B.C. 

Administrative professionals truly are the backbone of our public service. Though much of your work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt across the province every single day. On behalf of the entire union, I want to express my deepest thanks for your dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to serving the people of British Columbia. We are proud to stand with you today and every day. 

Your hard work makes a difference in the lives of countless people. On this day, we celebrate you and all that you do to keep the wheels of public service turning. 

Thank you for everything you do, both today and every day. 

In solidarity, 

Paul Finch 
BCGEU President 

Venue: BCGEU - 4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 3W3                                        
Date: Saturday May 3, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
 
The Area 03 and 04 Cross Component Committees are putting on a Labour history seminar presented by Mark Leier.
 
What is May Day? Why is it celebrated by workers around the world, but largely ignored as a day of workers' protest in North America? What is its relationship to Labour Day? What lessons can we learn to help us in our struggle with the boss today? Mark Leier will outline the history and relevance of May Day, using songs, poetry, and pictures in a lively presentation that will encourage discussion and analysis
 
An award-winning instructor, Mark Leier teaches labour and left history at Simon Fraser University. He is the author of four books on BC labour history, including Rebel Life: The Life and Times of Robert Gosden, Revolutionary, Mystic, Labour Spy and Where the Fraser River Flows: The IWW in British Columbia, and Bakunin: The Creative Passion, a biography of the 19th century Russian anarchist. With John-Henry Harter, he is the co-author and co-editor of Roles of Resistance, a collection of role-plays designed to teach economics, history, and organizing skills, published by Between the Lines Press in 2024.
 
The space is limited so we are asking that you register for this event using this link:
 
Area 03 & 04 Labour History Seminar
 
If you register but are not able to attend, please let us know by emailing [email protected].
 
In solidarity
 
On behalf of the Area 04 Cross Component

Kevin Hagglund
Staff Representative

Erica Cardarelli
Cross Component Chair

Download a PDF of this notice

UWU/MoveUP

On April 14, 2016, the BC Provincial Health Officer declared a public health emergency around the significant increase in opioid-related overdose deaths. Since that time, we have all been impacted as the lives of over 16,000 people have been lost in our province. We have also seen the nature of the crisis evolve into one of mass drug poisoning among an unregulated supply, while our workers continue to burnout, become injured, and lack a social safety net to catch them as they fall.

We now find ourselves in a tumultuous political landscape. Efforts to privatize healthcare which impact us all, the recriminalization of drug use less than halfway through the decriminalization pilot project, and the expansion of carceral options over compassionate care have all become polarizing and heavily politicized topics with real human consequences.

In this time, we call for love in the face of all difficulty. We wish deeply for all those carrying grief and struggle to find themselves alleviated, this day and always, by connection in the face of needless loss of valued life. We recognize how our struggles intertwine: that we are all being pulled away from community for the need to work to survive the rising costs of living, that barriers to accessing care and housing lead to increased strife and emergency for us all.

Those with lived experiences know the way forward is by getting through this together. Experiencing mental health injury and illness, substance use, and a never-ending desire to be of good service to others, who we intrinsically owe so much simply as fellow human beings reliant on one another to see a better world, teaches us that the answer must be empathy and evidence-based. We know that an unregulated drug supply leads to preventable death. We know as workers that the partitioning of care silos and alienates us – especially when we are not able to mobilize our skills at the times that they are most needed, back into our communities. On top of that all, we also must contend with working long hours to afford life and have little leave time afforded to us.

During polarizing times where we are feeling the pressure of dwindling empathy, we also call for everyone, government included, to lean into compassion in actions, words, and policies. We cannot allow our love to harden. We need accessible public healthcare for all and to push back against privatization of our services. Our health and social care must also meet the needs of communities and loved ones so that we aren't trapped in an endless cycle of individualism and so we can rest assured that those we care about will be fully cared for.

We wish for everyone to find a moment of rest and reflection on this day, to care for themselves and their loved ones with gentleness, and to say emphatically to all of us who are struggling, working and fighting for a kinder world: solidarity forever.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2025

LifeLabs workers and patients to deliver message to government at legislature 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – Bringing together striking LifeLabs workers and the patients that rely on them, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the BC Health Coalition will be marching to the B.C. Legislature on Wednesday to deliver a message from thousands across the province who are asking: Why is an American company sucking millions of public health dollars out of B.C.?

Last year, American Fortune 500 company Quest Diagnostics purchased LifeLabs, the company responsible for the majority of outpatient lab work done across B.C. Months after the sale, workers were forced onto picket lines to fight for fair wages and better patient care.

The BCGEU applauded the provincial government's announcement last week to move existing contracts away from U.S. suppliers in favour of supporting B.C. and Canadian businesses.

"There is no economic justification to allow a U.S. corporation to provide outpatient diagnostic services in the province," said Finch. "The BCGEU is calling on government to make good on their announcement and bring LifeLabs' services into the public system."

"LifeLabs has made it clear at the bargaining table that Quest is calling the shots," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "This dispute is about the erosion of patient care and working conditions while a for-profit company increases its profit margins. Workers and the public are already noticing a decline in services since Quest took over last year."

A recent poll commissioned by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province.

Through their demands for a fair contract, LifeLabs workers are also fighting to stop the constant turnover of staff at Patient Service Centres, and the negative impact this has on patient care.

“As a senior and as a LifeLabs patient, I stand firmly with striking LifeLabs workers in their fight to protect publicly funded services,” said president of Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC, Leslie Gaudette. “I’ve experienced the increase of wait-times to book an appointment at LifeLabs, I’ve witnessed other seniors who have been sent home because staff were not able to schedule them in. Delays in testing mean delays in treatment, and this can have dire consequences for anyone who has complex health needs.”

"We should not be handing over $300 million a year to a U.S. corporation that refers to patients as customers,” said Director of Policy and Campaigns at the BC Health Coalition, Ayendri Riddell. “We need the B.C. government to bring lab testing fully into the public system to save money and decrease wait times.”

Forced overtime is another significant workload issue that workers have been trying to address in bargaining.

“Forced overtime leads to burnout and is a major cause of recruitment and retention issues at LifeLabs,” said Finch. “It’s something our members have tried to find solutions for in bargaining, but the company keeps shutting them down telling them that the Ministry of Health won’t let them consider industry standard capacity policies.”

The union is seeking wage increases that close the 4-16 per cent gap with those in the public sector doing the same work, solutions to short-staffing and workload issues, and improvements to health and safety benefits.

Workers and patients in Victoria will gather at the B.C. Legislature on April 16 where media are invited to attend: 

WHAT: Striking LifeLabs workers and patients gather at the B.C. Legislature with message to government: Why is an American company sucking millions of public health dollars out of B.C.? 

WHEN: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PST. 

WHO: Striking BCGEU members working at LifeLabs joined by BCGEU union leaders, the BC Health Coalition and other supporters. BCGEU president Paul Finch; Director of Policy and Campaigns from the BC Health Coalition, Ayendri Riddell; and a LifeLabs bargaining committee member will be available for interviews. 

WHERE: B.C. Legislature lawn, 501 Belleville St., Victoria, B.C. 

VISUALS: LifeLabs workers and patients with colourful union flags and signs. 

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province who have been on strike since February.

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members in almost every community and economic sector.


For more information, please contact:  

Bronwen Barnett  

Communications Officer  

BCGEU  

[email protected]  

Ayendri Riddell 

Director of Policy and Campaigns 

BC Health Coalition 

[email protected]  

--  

About the BCGEU

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members in almost every community and economic sector. www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca

About the BC Health Coalition

The BC Health Coalition is a B.C.-wide non-partisan, non-profit coalition of community members, health care workers, researchers, NGO and community service providers. We base our policy positions on peer-reviewed research and on our mission to strengthen and defend the public health care system. 

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2025

BCGEU urges government to make good on announcement, bring LifeLabs into public system

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) applauds the provincial government's announcement today to move existing contracts away from U.S. suppliers in favour of supporting B.C. and Canadian businesses, but questions whether this also applies to the American company that owns B.C.'s medical laboratory services.

Last year, American Fortune 500 company Quest Diagnostics purchased LifeLabs, the company responsible for the majority of outpatient lab work done across B.C.

BCGEU members working at LifeLabs are currently on strike for fair wages and better conditions for patients. Seven weeks into the strike, the parties remain far apart at the bargaining table and workers believe part of the problem is that too many of our public health dollars are being turned over to corporate profits.

"There is no economic justification to allow a U.S. corporation to provide outpatient diagnostic services in the province," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "The BCGEU is calling on government to make good on their announcement and bring LifeLabs' services into the public system." 

A recent poll commissioned by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province.

LifeLabs workers receive 4-16 per cent below what others in their industry get paid and they are struggling to make ends meet. The union is seeking wage increases that close the gap with those in the public sector doing the same work, solutions to short-staffing and workload issues, and improvements to health and safety benefits.

"LifeLabs has made it clear at the bargaining table that Quest is calling the shots," said Finch. "Our members and the public are already noticing a decline in services since they took over last year." 

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province who have been on strike since February.

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members in almost every community and economic sector.

For more information contact Bronwen Barnett, BCGEU Communications at [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2025

LifeLabs workers rally in Nanaimo for fair deal 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – LifeLabs workers on strike in Nanaimo aren't just picketing for fair wages. They’re fighting to stop the constant turnover of staff at Patient Service Centres and the negative impact this has on patient care. 

“LifeLabs workers receive 4-16 per cent below what others in their industry get paid and they are struggling to make ends meet,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch. “The union is seeking wage increases that close the gap with those in the public sector doing the same work, solutions to short-staffing and workload issues, and improvements to health and safety benefits.” 

About 50 people work at six LifeLabs locations in Nanaimo where chronic understaffing means workers are skipping meal and washroom breaks just to keep up with workload. 

“People in Nanaimo probably don't realize how much workers are struggling behind the scenes to keep up with demand and deliver test results on time,” said Mandy De Fields, Medical Laboratory Technologist and Chair of the Bargaining Committee. “We are professionals, so we keep things going, but this comes at a great cost to our physical and mental health.”  

Forced overtime is another significant workload issue that workers have been trying to address in bargaining.  

“Forced overtime leads to burnout and is a major cause of recruitment and retention issues at LifeLabs,” said Finch. “It’s something our members have tried to find solutions for in bargaining, but the company keeps shutting them down telling them that the Ministry of Health won’t let them consider industry standard capacity policies.” 

This issue is about the erosion of patient care and working conditions while a for-profit company increases its profit margins. Government’s own study of B.C.’s privatized diagnostic services, commissioned by the BC NDP in 1993, found the system to have high per capita costs for services and a lack of oversight around access and quality. [1] The report made 44 recommendations to strengthen the public delivery of diagnostic services in B.C. 

“Thirty years after the Kilshaw Report called for reform, our province continues to fund for-profit diagnostic services – paying LifeLabs $300 million a year – while workers are forced onto picket lines to fight for fair wages and better patient care,” said Finch. “It’s time not only to revisit this report, but for government to commission a new study into B.C.’s health system to assess health care delivery from an economic perspective, as well as what’s in the best interest of patients and workers.” 

Workers in Nanaimo will hold a solidarity rally on April 11 where media are invited to attend: 

          WHAT: LifeLabs strike solidarity rally in Nanaimo.  

          WHEN: Friday, April 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PST. 

          WHO: Striking BCGEU members working at LifeLabs joined by supporters in Nanaimo. A
          LifeLabs bargaining committee member will be available for interviews. 

          WHERE: Rock City: #460-2980 Island Hwy N, Nanaimo, B.C. 

          VISUALS: Rallying LifeLabs workers and supporters with colourful union flags and signs. 

          CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to Erin Sikora by emailing
          [email protected]

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province who have been on strike since February. 

LifeLabs is now owned by Quest Diagnostics, a billion-dollar U.S. healthcare giant. A recent poll by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province. 

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members in almost every community and economic sector. 

[1] See: Review of Diagnostic Services, 1993, Miles Kilshaw, et al.

UWU/MoveUP

We want to hear from you

As we've shared in recent bulletins, this pause in bargaining has given us time to regroup and refine our strategy. A key part of this effort is checking in with members to reaffirm what matters most to you at the bargaining table. With recent shifts in both the economic and political landscape, we want to ensure we're aligned as we move forward together.

Keep an eye on your inbox, as later this week you will be receiving a link to a short survey from our bargaining committee. Your responses will provide our bargaining committee valuable input about your priorities.

Please note that the information you provide will remain strictly confidential and will never be accessible to the employer. Contract negotiations with your employer – B.C.'s Public Service Agency (PSA) – will resume on April 22-25 in Vancouver and again on April 28-30 in Victoria.

The critical role of worksite contacts

Have you noticed some of your co-workers are out of the loop when it comes to bargaining updates? Or what if a strike vote is called-who's making sure everyone gets the chance to have their say? That's where worksite contacts step in. They are member volunteers who play a vital role in keeping everyone informed, engaged, and ready to move. To ensure success this round of bargaining, we need a strong network-one that ensures every worker is connected. The greatest power we have at the bargaining table is a united, organized membership ready to take bold action.

How can I become a worksite contact?

Our union is recruiting worksite contacts to keep members informed and connected throughout the bargaining process. As a worksite contact, you'll play a key role in making sure every voice is heard and every update reaches your coworkers.

Ready to step up and make a difference? Learn more and get connected here. Training and support are fully provided-no experience needed. The time commitment is small, but the impact you'll have on your worksite is significant.

For members who want to help keep colleagues informed or could help with a potential strike vote, but aren't sure that being a worksite contact is a good fit, please complete the form and someone will reach out to you. 

In solidarity,

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

Paul Finch, President and Committee Chair
Maria Bennett, Treasurer
Dean Purdy, Component 1 Vice-President
Kusam Doal, Component 5 Vice-President
Judy Fox-McGuire, Component 6 Vice-President
Mona Dykes, Component 6 Second Representative
DJ Pohl, Component 12 Vice-President
Faith Johnston, Component 12 Second Representative
Robert Davis, Component 20 Vice-President 
Douglas W. Dykens, Executive Director – Advocacy, Negotiations, Member 
Benefits and secretary to the PSBC 
Larisa Mills, Staff Representative 
Sumiko Marshall, Support Staff 

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

BCGEU announces key step toward ending Kootenay Lake Ferry strike following special mediation

Burnaby, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – After days of intensive work in special mediation, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is pleased to announce a breakthrough aimed at resolving the ongoing Kootenay Lake Ferry strike. Both the union and Western Pacific Marine (WPM) have agreed to submit remaining matters to special mediator Vince Ready for a binding recommendation.

As a result, union members will end their strike on Friday morning.

“Our bargaining committee is encouraged by the progress made during the mediation process. A number of key issues that were previously contentious have now been resolved, and we’re confident that the remaining matters can be fairly settled by Mr. Ready,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch. “While bargaining hit a setback when Western Pacific Marine unexpectedly slashed their wage offer, the mediator’s involvement has helped move the process forward in a positive direction. By agreeing to a binding recommendation, we are confident that an agreement can be reached that will resolve key issues and ensure the long-term stability of the Kootenay Lake Ferry Service.”

In the coming weeks the union and WPM will develop submissions to and participate in an oral hearing with the special mediator, after which Mr. Ready will consider the two parties’ positions and issue his recommendation.

“Ferry workers live in the Kootenays, so they understand the impact this strike has had on the local community. They want to get back to work providing this vital service and appreciate the patience and understanding from their neighbours as we’ve worked toward a resolution that benefits everyone—workers, the employer, and the people who rely on the service every day,” said Finch.

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, representing over 90,000 members in nearly every community and economic sector across the province.

 -30-

For more information contact: Gurjeevan Sidhu, BCGEU Communications at [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2025

Patients and LifeLabs workers rally for fair deal 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) –  Bringing together striking LifeLabs workers and the patients that rely on them, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the BC Health Coalition will hold a joint rally in Burnaby, B.C. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, to support the fight for a fair deal. 

“LifeLabs workers aren't just on strike for fair wages – they're fighting to address the chronic understaffing that leads to long wait times at Patient Service Centres and negative impacts on patient care,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch. 

Understaffing means workers are skipping meal and washroom breaks and working forced overtime to keep up with workload. Unsurprisingly, workers are quitting due to overwork, exhaustion and unfair compensation. The burnout that results for those who remain makes the expected level of service unsustainable. 

“If this continues, patients in the Lower Mainland and throughout the province will experience diminishing levels of service unless LifeLabs takes meaningful action to address working conditions,” Finch said. 

“As a senior and as a LifeLabs patient, I stand firmly with striking LifeLabs workers in their fight to protect publicly funded services,” said Leslie Gaudette, president of Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC. “I’ve experienced the increase of wait-times to book an appointment at LifeLabs, I’ve witnessed other seniors who have been sent home because staff were not able to schedule them in. Delays in testing mean delays in treatment, and this can have dire consequences for anyone who has complex health needs.” 

LifeLabs is owned by Quest Diagnostics, a billion-dollar Fortune 500 U.S. healthcare giant. A recent poll by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province.

Workers believe part of the barrier to getting a fair deal is that too many of our public health dollars are being turned over to CEO profits. B.C. taxpayers give LifeLabs $300 million each year for their services and those health dollars should stay in B.C. to pay fair wages and maintain services. 

“A U.S. corporation now controls the majority of B.C.’s outpatient lab services – this has a really negative impact on our public healthcare system,” said Colleen Fuller, BC Health Coalition Steering Committee member and a health policy researcher. “Quest decided to shut down all microbiology testing outside of Surrey, undermining timely access in the rest of the province. And we know that poor quality working conditions contribute to poor quality health care, including delays and longer wait times. We should not be handing over $300 million a year to a U.S. corporation that prioritizes profits over patients. We need the B.C. government to bring lab testing fully into the public system.” 

Media are invited to attend the solidarity rally: 
 

WHAT: LifeLabs patients and workers rally together in Burnaby for improved conditions, fair deal. 

WHEN: Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST 

WHO: Striking BCGEU members working at LifeLabs joined by BCGEU union leaders, the BC Health Coalition and other supporters. BCGEU president Paul Finch; Colleen Fuller, Health Policy Researcher from the BC Health Coalition; Leslie Gaudette, a LifeLabs patient and president of Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC; and a LifeLabs bargaining committee member will be available for interviews. 

WHERE: 4250 Kingsway, #210, Burnaby, B.C. 

VISUALS: Rallying LifeLabs workers and supporters with colourful flags and signs. 
 

The BCGEU is seeking wage increases that close the gap with those in the public sector doing the same work, solutions to short-staffing and workload issues, and improvements to health and safety benefits.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province who have been on strike since February 16, 2025.

For more information, please contact: 

Bronwen Barnett 
Communications Officer 
BCGEU 
[email protected] 

Colleen Fuller 
Health Policy Researcher 
BC Health Coalition 
[email protected]

-- 

About the BCGEU 
The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members in almost every community and economic sector. www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca 

About the BC Health Coalition 
The BC Health Coalition is a B.C.-wide non-partisan, non-profit coalition of community members, health care workers, researchers, NGO and community service providers. We base our policy positions on peer-reviewed research and on our mission to strengthen and defend the public health care system. 

UWU/MoveUP