Tomorrow, I will proudly represent the 77,000 members of the BCGEU at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls. We are the only union in Canada to have legal standing at the Inquiry and I'll be sharing your recommendations directly with the commissioners.

My journey here to Ottawa began on the convention floor in 2014 when a resolution was passed to call for a national inquiry and then reaffirmed in 2017 with a number of resolutions that guided your union to participate and to ensure that the Inquiry is extensive, authentic, complete.

Since 2016, the Inquiry has heard from hundreds of families and loved ones of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, national and grassroots organizations, experts and researchers. Tomorrow, they will hear from you and the thousands of working people in our province that work every day to provide support and services to Indigenous women and girls.

I am humbled and honoured to share our report Naut'sa mawt sqwaluwun: Working together with one mind and one heart, which I will be presenting as part of your union's recommendations to the National Inquiry.

In 2018, we held a series of facilitated dialogues in Victoria, Prince George and Vancouver with members from diverse sectors who shared their experiences, wisdom and their hopes for the future. I wanted to hear about what is working, what is not working in our workplaces and our communities to inform this report and our recommendations to the commissioners.

We heard stories from communities that have faced heartbreak and front-line workers that are stretched to the brink. But we also heard of emerging solutions and innovative work that is happening on the ground to find solutions to uplift Indigenous women and girls.

Naut'sa mawt sqwaluwun: Working together with one mind and one heart, is a direct result of those dialogues with members. Every page of this report is filled with your courage and commitment.

I want to also give a special acknowledgement to Keith Cameron, the union's Aboriginal Liaison, who has built relationships with Indigenous allies and friends that are so critical to continue the hard work of reconciliation.

You can watch my presentation to the National Inquiry live on CPAC tomorrow, December 11th at 12:30 PT.

I will be bringing all of you with me to the inquiry and as we continue together on this journey of understanding, healing, hope and reconciliation.

In solidarity,

Stephanie Smith

BCGEU President

PS-

Your union is committed to building a better future for Indigenous communities in British Columbia. As part of this commitment, we support:

• the full and immediate implementation of all 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and
• the full and immediate implementation of all recommendations of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 

Illustration by Avril Orloff

UWU/MoveUP

The BC Government & Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) commends the report Alone and Afraid: Lessons learned from the ordeal of a child with special needs and his family released by the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) today, and their 11 recommendations to overhaul British Columbia's system of services to support children with complex needs.

The report details the difficult and heartbreaking story of one child with special needs that went virtually "unseen" by the care system for years and suffered profound neglect as a result. The Representative calls on the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, to resolve the systemic failures that led to this case – and to help prevent other families from enduring a similar experience.

The report recognizes the challenges faced by front-line social workers and that "their ability to conduct their duties is only as strong as the resources available to them." This statement aligns with the BCGEU's ongoing work to advocate for increased resources and support for social workers who face untenable workloads in the sector.

"Chronic staffing shortages and workload pressures within MCFD and among front-line social workers have led to dysfunction in the care system for too long" says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "We must commit the resources necessary to support those providing care in order to protect vulnerable children and youth. The BCGEU formed a Joint Working Group with MCFD in 2014 following a recommendation made in an earlier RCY report, and we welcome the opportunity to work with the ministry to take action on the findings in today's report."

The need for a service delivery model that enables information-sharing between service providers, as well as culturally appropriate supports for Indigenous children in care, a service the BCGEU has long advocated for, are also highlighted by the Representative.

Read the RCY report:

Alone and Afraid: Lessons learned from the ordeal of a child with special needs and his family

Read related BCGEU reports:

Closing the Circle (2015)

Choose Children (2014)

UWU/MoveUP

As you may know fellow BCGEU members working at Comox Valley Seniors Village or Casa Loma are currently on strike in Courtenay. Today I received reports that our members' safety has been threatened on the picket line and we are quickly mobilizing to provide additional support to ensure their continued safety.

Can you help?Picket captains will review safety protocols with all members on the picket line, but there is strength in numbers. If you are able, please come down to support your fellow members as they exercise their right to strike for a fair collective agreement! Support is most needed when it is dark.

Where:4640 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, B.C.

When:24 hours

In recent months, union members from all over the province have been coming together to support each other. Just last weekend the BCGEU, the BC Fed, other unions, and concerned citizens came together in support of Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in support of a national day of action and their right to strike. This is the meaning of solidarity.

Let's stick together and keep each other safe as we fight for fairness and respect!

In solidarity,
Stephanie Smith
BCGEU president

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE 
KELOWNA AREA OFFICE

INTERNAL POSTING
December 6, 2018

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a staff representative to work in the Kelowna Area office, 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, Thursday, December 13, 2018.

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

Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

UWU/MoveUP

ADMINISTRATIVE REPRESENTATIVE 2 
FINANCE DEPARTMENT

INTERNAL POSTING
December 6, 2018

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires an Administrative Representative in the Finance Department, effective date is to be determined. The position reports directly to the Financial Controller. 

DUTIES: 

Preparation of monthly financial statements; preparation of year end audit working papers; co-ordinates and assists with the direction of year-end component audits, prepares analytical reports for senior management; interprets financial results; liaises with senior staff and officers; responsible for ensuring that accounting records are properly maintained and that financial reports/information are prepared in a timely manner; prepares all tax returns required by profit and non-profit organizations; responsible for performing a number of accounting functions on a timely basis; assists with the recruitment, selection and training of all finance support staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The work requires a thorough knowledge of the auditing, accounting, revenue accounting, payroll and cost accounting principles and practices. Experience is required in analyzing financial data for statement preparation, in providing direction to staff and in obtaining the support and assistance of senior staff/officers in implementing the financial reporting programs.

Applicants must have or be working towards an accounting designation of CMA, CGA or CA or have a combination of education and experience which would enable them to start working towards such an accounting designation. Excellent communication and organization skills and an ability to work well with a diverse group of people is also required.

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, Thursday, December 13, 2018.

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
LOWER MAINLAND AREA OFFICE

INTERNAL POSTING
December 6, 2018

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a staff representative to work in the Lower Mainland Area office, 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, Thursday, December 13, 2018.

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 (Temporary)
LOWER MAINLAND AREA OFFICE

INTERNAL POSTING
December 6, 2018

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to work in the Lower Mainland Area office for 3 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, Thursday, December 13, 2018.

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

Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

UWU/MoveUP

The vice-president of the union that represents B.C. prison guards says his members followed policy the day an inmate died in the back of a corrections van.

Dean Purdy of the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union said in a memo to his members that a government review has already determined that "no discipline is required" in the death of Alex Joseph.

Read more...

The BC Government & Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) applauds the B.C. government's release today of CleanBC which outlines plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared to 2007 levels by 2030.

Through a sector-by-sector approach focusing on transportation, buildings and industry, government seeks to work collaboratively with stakeholders to foster economic growth and create new job opportunities as the province reduces its emissions. This includes working with the BC Green Party and the Business Council of British Columbia, representing a truly bipartisan approach across different groups and communities.

"Government has presented a bold, ambitious plan that marks a significant step towards a green economy," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Through consultations with environmental groups, businesses, Indigenous groups, and communities, the CleanBC plan takes the kind of collaborative approach that we will need to make progress on our climate targets."

The overall design of CleanBC aims to ensure that no one is left behind. This includes introducing programs to help British Columbians reduce their energy costs, afford cleaner vehicles and access training and re-training for the jobs of the future – particularly in the trades and the construction industry. As British Columbians continue to deal with the impacts of climate change such as the wildfires that have grown in intensity, the plan aims to ensure B.C. communities are safe and economically resilient. Finally, the plan includes meaningful collaboration with Indigenous peoples through programs that will support self-sufficiency.

While reducing B.C.'s emissions will indeed require investment, government has been financially prudent in their planning. CleanBC is fully funded with program specific details forthcoming in the 2019/2020 Budget.

In the coming days, the BCGEU will conduct an in-depth review of government's CleanBC plan, particularly to examine plans relative to environmental resolutions passed at the union's 2017 constitutional convention, as well as recommendations put forward by the BCGEU's environment committee.

UWU/MoveUP