Applications for the 2023 BCGEU Scholarship program are now being accepted.

Our annual scholarship program of up to $85,000 offers awards of $2,000 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students. Scholarships are funded by the dues of our members.

Apply online here

Eligibility

• A BCGEU member in good standing, or related to a current, retired or deceased BCGEU member or staff; and
• A student or prospective post-secondary or higher learning student enrolled, registered or planning to attend an eligible educational institution in 2023.

Eligible relatives include spouses, parents, and children or grandchildren (including foster, adopted and stepchildren and grandchildren).

Eligible educational institutions must be designated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Find a list of eligible institutions here.

Previous BCGEU scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply.

Essay

In addition to personal information and details of your education plan, you will be asked to submit a short essay or video submission in response to one of five questions:

1. Workplace health and safety is a core value of the labour movement. What role do unions play to ensure the health and safety of workers? How has health and safety in the workplace evolved? 
2. Describe a protest you have seen or taken part in and the positive ways it has changed your perspective, your life or your community. 
3. If you were a leader in a position of power, what steps would you take to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and who would you involve? 
4. How has the rising cost of inflation affected your community? Has it impacted your ability to seek a higher education? How? What part do unions play to address the rising cost of living? 
5. What challenges have you faced in your life that led you to seek higher education? What helped you on this journey? What other resources would support this goal? 

The deadline for applications is Sunday, April 16, 2023 at midnight.

You may also be eligible for one of the scholarships offered by NUPGE, our National Union of Public and General Employees. Find details and apply directly here.

Download a copy of the 2023 scholarship brochure here

UWU/MoveUP

ADMIN SUPPORT
ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT

INTERNAL POSTING
March 29, 2023

 GRADE: LEVEL 3 - MoveUP AGREEMENT

An Administrative Assistant is required to perform administrative and word processing functions for staff representatives as required in Advocacy.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 into 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 & EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must have 2-4 years' administrative experience; high school graduation supplemented by administrative training; excellent keyboarding (40 - 50 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 an administrative position.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, LGBTQ2SI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Apply in writing with resume to Jennifer Ferguson, Human Resources Administrator, Headquarters, by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected]

cc MoveUP

UWU/MoveUP

March 29, 2023
For immediate release
 

BCGEU community social services workers ratify three-year deal  

BURNABY – The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) announced today that the 19,000 members of the community social services bargaining unit employed by the Community Social Services Employer's Association (CSSEA) voted 95 per cent to accept the tentative agreement. The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is CSSBA's lead union representing over 13,000 members. The agreement was negotiated with eight other unions who represent members in the agreement: CUPE, HEU, HSA, CSWU Local 1611, CLAC, USW 1-417, UFCW and BCNU.

The tentative deal was reached on February 6^th, 2023, after one year of negotiations. The new agreement is retroactive from April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2025 and includes:

• Low-wage redress* increases, retroactive for all employees (past and present) to April 1, 2022
• Wage increases follow the GWI of the public sector agreements
• 100% paid sick leave, effective April 1, 2024
• Improvements to health and welfare benefits, leave provisions, safety and health, layoff and recall, bullying and harassment language.

* Low-wage redress (LWR) refers to funds that are meant to help reduce long-term inequalities in compensation in both community social services and health care sectors.

"This agreement reflects our members' priorities, and the gains made are significant: 100% sick pay, a fair and equitable compensation package, meaningful recognition and reconciliation for Indigenous workers, supports for psychologically safer and healthier workplaces and more," said BCGEU President Stephanie Smith. "This round of bargaining was one of the longest in the history of this sector, and I am proud our bargaining team for what they've achieved for our members."

Community social services workers work in every community in B.C., providing services such as supporting Indigenous families; supporting children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities; supporting women, youth and children fleeing abuse; and providing support for people with mental health challenges and at-risk youth.

The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) represents unionized workers in the community social services sector, and the Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) represents over 200 community social services employers across the province.

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For more information, contact Holly Reid, Communications, 604-291-9611, [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE
KAMLOOPS AREA OFFICE 

INTERNAL POSTING
March 29, 2023

The B.C. General Employees' Union requires a staff representative to work in the Kamloops 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 License.

The BCGEU is committed to the health and safety of BCGEU staff and members visiting our offices. All employees with the BCGEU are required to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19, as a condition of employment.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, 2SLGBTQI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected], attention to:

Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

The direct appointment procedure contained in MOA 16 Re: Equity Appointments may be applied for this posting.

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE (Temporary)
FRASER VALLEY AREA OFFICE 

INTERNAL POSTING
March 28, 2023

The B.C. General Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to work in the Fraser Valley Area Office, effective date to be determined. The term of the assignment is up to 5 months or return of incumbent.

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 is committed to the health and safety of BCGEU staff and members visiting our offices. All employees with the BCGEU are required to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19, as a condition of employment.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, 2SLGBTQI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Tuesday April 4, 2023

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected], attention to:

Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE (Temporary)
NEGOTIATIONS DEPARTMENT

 INTERNAL POSTING
March 27, 2023

The B.C. General Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to work in the Negotiations Department for up to 6 months or return of incumbent. The effective date is 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 is committed to the health and safety of BCGEU staff and members visiting our offices. All employees with the BCGEU are required to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19, as a condition of employment.

The BCGEU is committed to employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, 2SLGBTQI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected]

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

The direct appointment procedure contained in MOA 16 Re: Equity Appointments may be applied for this posting.

BCGEU West Kootenay AREA OFFICE 

EXTERNAL POSTING

POSITION: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – West Kootenay Area Office (Temporary/On-Call)

GRADE: LEVEL 3 (Training/Overload)/LEVEL 5 (Backfill) - MoveUP AGREEMENT

The B.C. General Employees Union is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia. We represent over 85,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the private sector and public services.

Applicants should have an understanding of the goals and values of the labour movement.

We are currently seeking temporary administrative support staff at our BCGEU – West Kootenay Area Office.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties will include processing a variety of documents on a personal computer, including collective agreements, meeting notices, bargaining bulletins, grievance letters, leaves of absence and general correspondence; calculating calendar deadlines for grievances, notice to bargain letters, appeals and expedited arbitrations; balancing and maintaining a petty cash fund, making purchases and issuing cheques from the imprest account, reconciling monthly bank statements, calculating charge backs to components/locals; coordinating, preparing and distributing materials for strike/ratification votes and elections; assisting component/local executive in performing their duties such as stewards'/retirees' banquets; arranging for union observers to attend selection panels upon members' requests; maintaining a filing system such as grievances, appeals, local, component, cross-component, stewards/officer information; responding to telephone inquiries and receiving visitors such as members, staff representatives, senior labour and management personnel, Provincial Executive; scheduling appointments; making travel and hotel arrangements; other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must have 2-4 years' administrative experience; high school graduation supplemented by administrative training; excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills; keyboarding (40 - 50 wpm); database experience required; accounting/payroll experience a definite asset; an aptitude for organization and detail; good telephone manner and the ability to set priorities and work within time limits.

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 an administrative position.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, LGBTQ2SI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Apply in writing with resume to Jennifer Ferguson, Human Resources Administrator, Headquarters, by 5:00 pm, March 31, 2023.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

BCGEU East Koootenay AREA OFFICE

EXTERNAL POSTING

POSITION:          ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – East Kootenay Area Office (Temporary/On-Call) 

GRADE:                LEVEL 3 (Training/Overload)/LEVEL 5 (Backfill) - MoveUP AGREEMENT

The B.C. General Employees Union is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia. We represent over 85,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the private sector and public services.

Applicants should have an understanding of the goals and values of the labour movement.

We are currently seeking temporary administrative support staff at our BCGEU – East Kootenay Area Office.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties will include processing a variety of documents on a personal computer, including collective agreements, meeting notices, bargaining bulletins, grievance letters, leaves of absence and general correspondence; calculating calendar deadlines for grievances, notice to bargain letters, appeals and expedited arbitrations; balancing and maintaining a petty cash fund, making purchases and issuing cheques from the imprest account, reconciling monthly bank statements, calculating charge backs to components/locals; coordinating, preparing and distributing materials for strike/ratification votes and elections; assisting component/local executive in performing their duties such as stewards'/retirees' banquets; arranging for union observers to attend selection panels upon members' requests; maintaining a filing system such as grievances, appeals, local, component, cross-component, stewards/officer information; responding to telephone inquiries and receiving visitors such as members, staff representatives, senior labour and management personnel, Provincial Executive; scheduling appointments; making travel and hotel arrangements; other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must have 2-4 years' administrative experience; high school graduation supplemented by administrative training; excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills; keyboarding (40 - 50 wpm); database experience required; accounting/payroll experience a definite asset; an aptitude for organization and detail; good telephone manner and the ability to set priorities and work within time limits.

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 an administrative position.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, LGBTQ2SI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Apply in writing with resume to Jennifer Ferguson, Human Resources Administrator, Headquarters, by 5:00 pm, March 31, 2023.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

POSITION: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – North Island Area Office

GRADE: LEVEL 5 - MoveUP AGREEMENT

An Administrative Assistant is required to provide administrative support to the staff representatives in the North Island Area Office.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful applicant will perform Level 5 duties as assigned. Duties will include processing a variety of documents on a personal computer, including collective agreements, meeting notices, bargaining bulletins, grievance letters, leaves of absence and general correspondence; calculating calendar deadlines for grievances, notice to bargain letters, appeals and expedited arbitrations; balancing and maintaining a petty cash fund, making purchases and issuing cheques from the imprest account, reconciling monthly bank statements, calculating charge backs to components/locals; coordinating, preparing and distributing materials for strike/ratification votes and elections; assisting component/local executive in performing their duties such as stewards'/retirees' banquets; arranging for union observers to attend selection panels upon members' requests; maintaining a filing system such as grievances, appeals, local, component, cross-component, stewards/officer information; responding to telephone inquiries and receiving visitors such as members, staff representatives, senior labour and management personnel, Provincial Executive; scheduling appointments; making travel and hotel arrangements; other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must have 2-4 years' administrative experience; high school graduation supplemented by administrative training; excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills; keyboarding (40 - 50 wpm); database experience required; accounting/payroll experience a definite asset; an aptitude for organization and detail; good telephone manner and the ability to set priorities and work within time limits.

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 an administrative position.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, LGBTQ2SI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Apply in writing with resume to Jennifer Ferguson, Human Resources Administrator, Headquarters, by 5:00 pm, Friday, March 17, 2023.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected]