A statement from BCGEU Executive Vice-President and Chair of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee Tristen Wybou 

Any life shortened by transphobia deserves to be honored and memorialized. By the same token, all trans people who survive hate and violence - but shrink, hide, edit themselves or lower their expectations just to get by in an unjust world - deserve allyship. They deserve people who will stick out their necks for true liberation, so we can all experience life beyond self-preservation. 

On this Trans Day of Remembrance, we protect the sanctity of grief and point queer members to the support they may need, without giving into despair - because the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has so much life to live. Ironically, we often discover just how much in the outermost reaches of our grief. You can't, after all, feel a loss to its fullest without expanding your capacity to feel everything: joy, hope and resolve included.

In the labour movement, to be connected to our humanity, in all its expressions, is to be connected to our power. All workers have a lot to gain when 2SLGBTQIA+ members, who know grief and joy in equal measure, have the tools and platforms to grow their union activism. 

BCGEU Fights for Justice 

This year for instance, BCGEU, at the direction of our 2SLGBTQIA+ committee, successfully called on the government to repeal Bill 26, the Name Amendment Act. These changes restricted and banned access to legal name changes for some people in B.C., causing disproportionate harm to not only transgender workers, but also Indigenous folks, those fleeing domestic violence, and young people. 

While the amendments in Bill 26 were made under the guise of public safety, they did not address the problem they claimed to fix and even violated international and human rights law. Overall, they have made it harder for people to vote and access employment, housing and medical services.

What so often starts as an attack on the very existence of trans folks reveals itself to be a larger assault on other workers and their neighbours. Bill 26 was no different, and we stood against it.

Still, we remain far from a future that trans British Columbians can celebrate, which is why we must keep strengthening our democracy. Achieving the future we want, means creating space for trans members to design it. 

On the potent terrain of struggle that we call the workplace, we've made headway here. Take our pattern language project, which includes a whole section on trans-inclusive language. You can learn more about that project, and how queer members are leveraging it to build safe, respectful workplaces, here: Trans Day of Remembrance 2025

Alberta's Anti-Trans Agenda 

These gains might feel small right now, especially on a somber day like November 20, but we can't give into despair when we know that staying silent has a human cost. Just look at what's happening in Alberta, where Premier Danielle Smith has now invoked the notwithstanding clause three times in one month, all to push her anti-trans agenda. (That's when a government seeks exemption from a Charter right to advance a piece of legislation.) 

Politicians who stoop to this level bank on wedge issues to sow division within working communities and dilute our peoplepower. They fear monger and turn workers against each other. As a union member, you probably won't be surprised to learn that the first time Premier Smith invoked the Notwithstanding Clause, it was to shut down the teachers' strike. 

Survival As Resistance 

NUPGE recently released a chilling series of stats showing the disproportionate murder and suicide rates of trans people. Trans folks deserve a better story and a safer world. As a union, we'd be lost if we stopped believing in a better world and our agency to build it. For trans workers, who are constantly under attack, survival itself is the act of resistance - an enduring belief in a future that includes us. We're valuable and filled with love, so we insist that our bodies and lives should be ours to guide, embrace and uphold. 

To all trans members who have experienced hate or violence, or suffered for who they are, please know that we are endlessly glad you survived - whether by grit, determination, spite or luck. Your life is meaningful, and the world is better for it.

UWU/MoveUP

A win for all workers and health care providers

Last week, the provincial government made an important announcement that is good news for all workers and relief for health care providers.

Effective immediately, new employment standards regulations will limit when your employer can ask for a doctor's note for short-term illness. Employers in B.C. cannot require a sick note from a worker for the first two health-related, short-term absences of five consecutive days or fewer in the calendar year.

Your union has been calling for this policy change for years and with this announcement, all workers will now benefit. We have long supported health care providers in their efforts to eliminate the burden that unnecessary sick notes cause. The Canadian Medical Association estimates that B.C. doctors wrote about 1.6 million sick notes in 2024 alone!

Workers who are sick with common ailments such as colds and flus can now stay home and focus on getting better, rather than going out into the community and exposing others to communicable viruses.

When you, or your child is sick, the last thing you should have to worry about is getting to your doctor or nurse practitioner to get a sick note.

Several other provinces have already taken steps to limit sick note requirements, and we welcome this change for British Columbians.
 
To learn more about the legislative changes, see the April 15, 2025, news release from the provincial government.

Click here to view the Employment Standards Branch website and related updates.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2025

BURNABY, B.C. – BCGEU members of the public service have voted in favour of ratifying the tentative agreement reached between the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the provincial government's Public Service Agency (PSA). Of all public service members, 79% took part in the vote, and 89.3% of those who voted supported (ratified) the tentative agreement. This marks the official end of a historic eight-week strike by public service workers.

BCGEU President Paul Finch says this agreement would not be possible without the tenacity and solidarity of members who stood together for weeks on end to demand a fair deal.

"The focus of this victory is the unwavering determination shown by BCGEU and PEA members as they stood on the lines and did what it took to achieve these gains," said Finch. "For eight difficult weeks, they stood firm-fighting for a strong public service that makes our province work. This deal proves that workers standing together is how real progress is made."

This agreement represents meaningful movement toward closing the gap between public sector wages and the rising cost of living and makes significant progress on key issues such as wages, affordability, and respect for frontline public service workers.

Under the agreement, employees will receive a general wage increase of 3% per year for four years, along with additional targeted pay adjustments for the lowest paid workers in the public service to address the affordability crisis. It also includes a range of non-monetary improvements and enhanced benefits, including:

• Proper classification and evaluation of job duties to ensure that members are fairly compensated for the work they do, with the formation of a joint committee to develop a new, relevant and fair system of classification evaluation to replace the existing Public Service Job Evaluation Plan (PSJEP).
• Stronger job protections, including a new process to review excluded positions and return improperly excluded ones to the bargaining unit.
•  A faster grievance tribunal process to resolve disputes more efficiently.
• Improved vision care and counselling benefits to better support mental health and overall wellbeing.
•  Established a category of fully remote workers that have unique agreement protections.

"This agreement is what is needed to help keep experienced public service workers in their jobs," Finch said. "It helps ensure they're able to continue to provide the critical services that British Columbians rely on every day."

The BCGEU maintained essential services and tried to focus job action on government operations in the initial weeks of the strike to minimize disruption to the public. Finch thanked British Columbians for their patience and support throughout the dispute.

"Throughout the strike, public service workers were eager to return to their jobs serving the public. They did not take this job action lightly. We know this strike has had an impact on the public, and our commitment was always to strengthen public services. We are grateful for the support of the public as we navigated this difficult strike together."

"The solidarity shown by BCGEU and PEA members was undeniable, and this contract is the direct result of their commitment," Finch stated. "This victory sets a new standard for what workers can achieve when they stand shoulder-to-shoulder. It ensures that public service remains a strong and viable career in B.C."

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:

Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604.442.2289 

Backgrounder:https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

Dear members of the public service,


We are pleased to share that BCGEU members have voted in favour of ratifying the tentative agreement reached with the provincial government. This vote marks the conclusion of a long and challenging round of bargaining, one defined by your strength, unity, and unwavering commitment to fairness. 

Of all public service members, 79% took part in the vote, and 89.3% of those who voted supported (ratified) the tentative agreement.

This achievement would not have been possible without your participation in the democratic union process and your dedication to one another. Every picket shift, every show of solidarity, and every voice raised for respect and fair treatment made this outcome possible. You showed the same commitment and creativity on the picket lines, in your communities, and online as you do in your work for the BC Public Service and it had a major impact on the success of our strike. 

We know the past weeks have demanded real sacrifice from members across the province. Your determination on the picket lines and your resolve at the bargaining table sent a powerful message: public service workers deserve to be heard, respected, and valued for the vital work you do every day. 

This agreement is a direct result of that collective strength. It reflects what can be accomplished when members stand together and stay united. 

The work of the Public Service Bargaining Committee continues after ratification, ensuring that the commitments made in this agreement are implemented effectively and that members' voices continue to guide the path forward. 

On behalf of the entire bargaining committee and union leadership, thank you for your solidarity, your patience, and your trust. Together, we've shown what we can achieve when we work together. 

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2025

BCGEU demands BC Wildfire Service act immediately to protect wildland firefighters

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is calling on the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) to take immediate and meaningful action to protect wildland firefighters following yesterday's significant administrative penalty issued by WorkSafeBC. The fine of $759,368.84 recognizes the agency's failure to ensure the safety of its workers in connection with two workplace incidents in 2023, one in which resulted in a worker fatality.

"This decision confirms what our members have been saying for years, that systemic safety issues within the BC Wildfire Service are putting workers at risk," said Paul Finch, BCGEU President. "We welcome WorkSafeBC's direction to bring the employer into compliance with basic health and safety obligations. Every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the day."

WorkSafeBC's findings echo long-standing concerns raised by BCGEU members about inadequate supervision, training, and risk assessments in wildfire operations. The union has repeatedly pressed the BCWS to address high turnover and inconsistent safety practices that undermine both worker protection and public safety.

"Wildland firefighters work in some of the harshest and most unpredictable conditions imaginable," Finch said. "Those challenges are made worse when chronic understaffing, poor retention, and inadequate training leave new and young workers exposed to unnecessary danger."

High turnover is a major systemic issue for the wildfire service. The 2024 wildfire season saw a turnover of 55% of fire crew leaders, which puts everyone from frontline workers on the fire line to fire-impacted communities at greater risk.

While critical of ongoing safety failures, the BCGEU acknowledges several positive steps made since these incidents:

• Establishment of a provincial Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) between BCGEU and BC Wildfire Service - a vital forum for collaboration and systemic improvements.
• Targeted wage increases won through recent BCGEU job action that may help reduce turnover and retain experienced crews.
• Initial efforts by BCWS to improve safety training and equipment standards, though more work remains to ensure consistent implementation across the province.

"The 2023 wildfire season was the most devastating on record, and this fine must serve as a turning point," Finch said. "The government and BC Wildfire Service must act now to rebuild a culture of safety, transparency, and respect for the workers who risk their lives to protect our communities."

The BCGEU represents over 2,000 members working with the BC Wildfire Service, including wildland firefighters, logistics officers, and support staff across the province.

###

For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:
Emma Rae Lierley: [email protected] | 236-668-3135

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory: 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2025


BURNABY, B.C. – BCGEU members of the public service began voting yesterday on the tentative agreement reached between the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the provincial government's Public Service Agency (PSA). Voting will be done online via Simply Voting and will take place between November 6 and 13.

BCGEU president Paul Finch says the tentative agreement is the result of the unity and determination of members who stood together on picket lines for eight weeks to demand dignity and fair treatment.

"The resolve of public service workers is what got us to the point of a tentative agreement and the crucial next step in this democratic process is for each member to vote on its ratification."

The results of the vote will be shared on November 13 via press release.

The BCGEU's public service bargaining unit is one of the largest in B.C., consisting of over 34,000 members. Negotiations began on January 22, 2025, and their collective agreement expired on March 31, 2025.

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For more information, contact BCGEU Communications:

Nadja Komnenic: [email protected] | 604-442-2289 
Backgrounder: https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

UWU/MoveUP

2026 CLC Winter School registration is now open for applications!

Every year, union members from across British Columbia gather at the Canadian Labour Congress's Winter School to build a stronger labour movement through a number of engaging workshops and courses. All BCGEU members interested in learning more about the labour movement and our union can apply to attend!

The 2026 Winter School will take place over five weeks from January 11 to February 13, 2026. Each week will run Sunday to Friday. 

You can find a copy of the catalogue here: 2026 CLC Pacific Region Winter School brochure.  

BCGEU Application link: 2026 Winter School Interest Form

All submissions must be received by October 31st, 2025. All applications will be forwarded to your Component for review, and you will be contacted should you be selected to attend.

As in previous years, on-site child care is available from a qualified early childhood educator. However, childcare spots are limited this year and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected attendees will be required to complete forms as part of their request, and spots are not guaranteed.

Please note: filling out this form does not mean you are registered to attend Winter School. Successful applicants will be contacted by our conventions department to finalize their attendance.

All attendees will be provided a paid leave of absence from work and have travel costs covered as per BCGEU financial policy.

If you have any questions, please contact events department at [email protected].

Component Agreements Now Available Online

Good afternoon public service members,

We're pleased to share that all Component Agreements from this round of bargaining are now available on our website.

Members can now review the full text of their component-specific language, including updated provisions, clarified language, and improvements secured through bargaining.

• • Access to the individual components agreements are on the ratification page here 

• • Highlights of the main public service tentative agreement are available here.
    
    

Online townhalls and webinars are being held by our bargaining committee in advance of voting to help members understand the agreement. If you have any questions, we hope you can join us for one of the upcoming component specific webinars and virtual townhalls.

For all public service BCGEU members

• Monday, November 3 at 7:00 pm PT: Zoom webinar (access here)
• Tuesday, November 4 at 9:00 am PT: Zoom webinar (access here)
  
  

For public service BCGEU members by component

• Component 12 – Tuesday, November 4 at 12:00 pm PT (access here)
• Component 5 – Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00 pm PT (access here)
• Component 20 – Wednesday, November 5 at 9:00 am PT (access here)
• Component 6 – Wednesday, November 5 at 12:00 pm PT (access here)
• Component 1 – Thursday, November 6 at 9:00 am PT (access here)
  
  

Thank you again for your solidarity and strength throughout this round of bargaining.

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP

Your Tentative Agreement: What It Means and What Comes Next

The ratification process is officially underway - and BCGEU President and Public Service Bargaining Committee Chair Paul Finch has an important video message for you. In it, he reflects on the mediation process that got us here, what this tentative agreement means for members and key highlights of the agreement, and what comes next in the process. 

Reminder: Telephone Town Hall for Public Service Members – Tonight!

Thursday, October 30, 7:00 p.m. (PT) 

All BCGEU members in the public service will receive a call on their personal phones to join the live discussion - no need to dial in. This is your chance to hear directly from your bargaining committee, ask questions, and learn more about the tentative agreement and the ratification process. 

Memorandum of Settlement

The Memorandum of Settlement (MOS) is now available here. This document outlines the full details of the tentative agreement - containing everything that your bargaining committee and your employer have agreed to. You can also read the highlights of the tentative agreement here. 

Stay Informed

Visit our new microsite: Tentative Agreement and Ratification Vote Information, where you'll find helpful resources, including: 

• A summary of the tentative agreement 
• The return to work agreement 
• Ratification vote information 
• Links to upcoming online webinars 

FAQs

We know you may have many questions, so we've created a new Ratification FAQ web page that will be regularly updated with answers and information throughout the ratification process. 

Your participation matters. Stay engaged and informed and we will continue to keep you updated every step of the way. 

In solidarity,

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

Paul Finch, President and Committee Chair
Maria Middlemiss, 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
Sebastian Kallos, Component 20 Vice-President
Linsay Buss, Lead Negotiator
Larisa Mills, Staff Representative
Sumiko Marshall, Support Staff

UWU/MoveUP