Dear members, 

On behalf of the BCGEU, we are heartbroken by the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge. We are grieving the profound loss of life, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families, students, educators, first responders, and everyone impacted by this devastating event. We are connecting to members and employers in the community and will provide more updates as we are able. 

We want to acknowledge that our members work at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, others were first responders to the incident, and more are now being called in to provide ongoing support for the community. In the face of danger and uncertainty, these members responded with courage, care, and professionalism to an unimaginable situation. Their actions represent the very best of our union and the values we stand for: solidarity, service, and care for our communities.

Our union stands firmly against hate and the use of violence in all its forms. We reject any attempt to use this moment to spread prejudice and harm to transgender people or the broader LGBTQ+ community. Hate and division only deepen the pain and cruelty of this tragedy and do not reflect our values. We stand committed to respect, dignity, and safety for all.

In moments like these, we learn the true meaning of solidarity. We stand with the Tumbler Ridge community in grief and resolve. As a union, we understand that we are stronger together. No one should shoulder this alone. Support resources are being coordinated for any member impacted by this tragedy, and we encourage anyone in need to reach out.

The Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Committee has established the official GoFundMe in support of families affected by the tragedy. The BCGEU will be donating in support. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know there is confidential help available. Here are just a few resources: 

• 310 Mental Health Support at 310‑6789 for emotional support, information, and local resources 

• 9‑8‑8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text) for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or worried about someone else 

• Kid's Help Phone, available by texting CONNECT to 686868 

• KUU‑US Crisis Response Service at 1‑800‑588‑8717 for culturally aware support for Indigenous peoples 
  
  

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

This morning, our community is devasted by the news of the shooting at Tumbler Ridge High School. We are heartbroken by this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, students, educators, first responders, and everyone impacted.

To those of you who were working and who were first responders, we recognize the courage, care, and professionalism you showed in an unimaginable situation. Your actions reflect the very best of our union and our community. 

Right now, our priority is you: your safety, wellbeing, and support. Experiencing or responding to trauma can have lasting effects. Our Occupational Health and Safety Department is in contact with the employers to coordinate our support and assistance.

Please know that confidential help is available. Here are just a few resources:

Tumbler Ridge (RCMP) Victim Services - 250-242-5252
 
BC Health Crisis Line - 1-800-784-2422 / 9-8-8
 
Mental Health Support Line - 310-6789
 
211 via United Way -- https://bc.211.ca/
 
We encourage you to reach out, stay connected to your community, and take the time you need. No one should carry this alone. Your union is here for you. 

To the wider Tumbler Ridge community, we stand with you in grief and resolve. In moments like these, we learn the true meaning of solidarity. We will continue to support healing, care for those impacted, and work together to ensure that our workplaces and communities are safe for all.
 
In solidarity, 
Paul Finch

Download PDF of notice here

Black History Month in B.C.: Events, Film & Ways to Engage

February is Black History Month, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of its recognition in Canada. It’s a time to honour the histories, cultures, leadership, and ongoing contributions of Black communities — and to continue the work toward equity and justice beyond a single month.

This February, we encourage everyone to attend local events, support Black artists and organizers, and engage with resources that centre Black voices and experiences across British Columbia.

Events & Community Gatherings

1. Black History Month Showcase

What: A celebration of Black creativity, culture, and community featuring performances, speakers, and local talent.
When: February 2026
Where: Vancouver
Cost: Ticketed
More info:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-history-month-showcase-tickets-1980396591516

1. Black Brilliance in B.C.

What: An evening highlighting Black excellence, leadership, and community impact across British Columbia.
When: February 2026
Where: Vancouver
Cost: Ticketed
More info:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-brilliance-in-bc-2026-tickets-1978196017540

Learning, Talks & Institutional Programming

1. Black History Month at Royal Roads University

What: A series of talks, events, and learning opportunities exploring Black history, culture, and contemporary issues.
When: Throughout February
Where: Royal Roads University (in person and online)
More info:
https://www.royalroads.ca/BlackHistoryMonth

Film, Arts & Culture

1. Celebrating Black Futures – VIFF

What: A curated film series spotlighting Black filmmakers, stories, and visions of the future.
When: February
Where: VIFF Centre and online screenings
More info:
https://viff.org/series/celebrating-black-futures/

Watch & Learn: Labour & Black History

1. Beyond Black History Month – Canadian Labour Congress

What: A video series exploring Black workers’ histories, experiences, and leadership within the labour movement, with a focus on year-round action beyond February.
Watch here:
https://canadianlabour.ca/beyond-bhm-videos/

Books

• The Skin We’re In — Desmond Cole

• Freedom Is a Constant Struggle — Angela Y. Davis

• Policing Black Lives — Robyn Maynard (ed.)

• Subtle Acts of Exclusion — Tiffany Jana & Michael Baran

• Black Women Under State — Idil Abdillahi

• White Fragility — Robin DiAngelo

• They Said This Would Be Fun — Eternity Martis

• Caste — Isabel Wilkerson

• The Vanishing Half — Brit Bennett

• Biased — Jennifer L. Eberhardt

• Blind Spot — Mahzarin R. Banaji & Anthony G. Greenwald

• Bigger Than Bravery — Valerie Boyd, Alice Walker, Kiese Laymon

Resources

BC Black History Awareness Society
https://bcblackhistory.ca/

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
https://ccdi.ca/

Government of Canada – Black History Month (Canadian Heritage)
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

Canadian Labour Congress – Equity & Anti-Racism
https://canadianlabour.ca/issues/equity/

Noteworthy Black Canadians
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/important-commemorative-days/black-history-month/noteworthy-canadians.html

African Descent Society BC
https://africandescentbc.ca/

UN International Decade for People of African Descent
https://www.un.org/en/observances/decade-people-african-descent

Government of British Columbia – Anti-Racism
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/anti-racism

Massy Books – Black History Month Reading Lists
https://storestock.massybooks.com/book-lists/black-history-month

Amnesty International Canada – Rights Back at You Podcast
https://www.amnesty.ca/activism-guide/rights-back-at-you-podcast-is-here/

UWU/MoveUP

90% Yes: Members stand together for better health care

Specialized health professionals send strong message with strike vote 

90.1% of BC's health science professionals have voted in favour of taking job action in support of efforts to negotiate a fair contract.

This is a strong message that the government cannot ignore: your bargaining committee is not backing down in our fight for a contract that deals fairly with recruitment and retention so that we can fix BC's public health care system. 

We will be returning to the bargaining table in January with these results in hand. If the employer continues to refuse to engage in serious discussions to meet our priorities, we will be prepared to escalate to job action. 

While other public sector agreements struck in recent months have offered significant funding to tackle recruitment and retention, health science professionals have been offered much less - about $100 million less (when adjusted for membership) - even as workload and burnout are so severe that 1 in 3 health science professionals are thinking of quitting. Even the additional funding offered to other tables would be insufficient to solve the dire problems contributing to delays and gaps in B.C.'s health care system.

BCGEU members like you should know that this strong strike vote result does not mean that job action will be starting soon. The next step in this process is your bargaining committee meeting with the employer in mid-January. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for an update in the new year.

Priorities for a fair contract include:

• premiums – for regular workers, for evening/night/weekend shifts, for workers in student supervision and preceptor roles, and more

• retention incentives such as an add pay system and improvements to paid time off to reward workers who stay in the public system

• continued reimbursement for professional fees

• correcting outstanding issues with the classifications system

• maintaining our extended health and welfare benefits

• professional development funding for 2026 and beyond 

This strong mandate gives your bargaining committee the power to escalate job action if necessary-and ensures our employer knows we are not backing down. We will keep you updated on next steps. For now, know this: your vote has strengthened our hand and brought us one step closer to achieving the fair agreement we all deserve. 

In solidarity, 

Your BCGEU HSP Bargaining Committee 

Tim Little, Local 404 Bargaining Chairperson Matthew Cook, Local 401 
Virginie Fostroy, Local 407 
Michelle McAuley, Staff Representative, Negotiations 

P.S. Check that we have your personal email address here: https://my.bcgeu.ca/signup and forward this link to any colleagues not receiving updates.

UWU/MoveUP

2026 BCGEU Scholarship Program – Now Open!

Applications for the 2026 BCGEU Scholarship program are now being accepted. 

Our annual scholarship program of up to $125,000 offers awards of $2,500 for full-time students and $1,500 for part-time students. Scholarships are funded by the dues of our members.  

Apply for a BCGEU Scholarship online here  

Apply for a BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship 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 2026. 

[1] Eligible relatives include spouses, (same or opposite and common law spouses); parents; and children and grandchildren (including foster, adopted, and stepchildren and step-grandchildren). 
 
[2] Eligible educational institutions must be recognized by Employment and Social Development Canada. A list can be found here.) 

Previous BCGEU scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply. 

For eligibility requirements for the Indigenous scholarship please see below.

Essay 

In addition to personal information and details of your education plan, you will be asked to answer Part 1: 2 short personal questions, and Part 2: interview an activist from the labour movement and write a reflection on the interview.

Part 2 can be in essay format (max. 800 words), or a creative submission such as a video, infographic, or song. Infographics must be submitted in a PDF format. Videos must be submitted via a link to the video uploaded to YouTube.

Please selection one question from the list below for Part 2 of your application. You may submit an essay, infographic or video for Part 2.

i. What are your thoughts about the activist's perspective on the labour movement and what factors do you think shaped their opinions?

ii. What was your most significant takeaway or enlightening moment from the interview?

iii. How has this experience altered your perceptions?

Submissions suspected of plagiarism or being written by artificial intelligence (AI) will be disqualified. 

Submissions will be assessed on the following criteria: 

· Did the application answer the question? 

· Did the answer seem original, creative or include interview/research? 

· Did the answers show evidence of understanding the importance of the labour movement in Canada? 

The deadline for submitting applications is midnight, Feb.15, 2026 

 
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. 

2026 BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship Eligibility 

Apply for a BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship here

For the purpose of this scholarship, an Indigenous person (the legal term is Aboriginal person) in Canada, as recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982, is a person who identifies as First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit. 

Indigenous identity data is collected solely to determine scholarship eligibility. 

For First Nations applicants 

You must provide one of the following: 

• a copy of your Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or 

• a copy of your Certificate of Indian Status, or 

• a copy of proof of citizenship from a First Nation or band in the list maintained by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. 

For Métis applicants 

You must provide one of the following: 

• a copy of a Métis Nation Citizenship card from one of the 4 regional/provincial affiliates of the Métis National Council (Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation of Ontario); or 

• a copy of a valid Métis Citizenship and Harvester Identification Card from the Manitoba Métis Federation; or 

• a copy of a valid Citizenship card from the Métis Settlements of Alberta; or 

• a copy of a valid Citizenship card from the Northwest Territory Métis Nation. 

For Inuit applicants 

You must provide a copy of an Inuit membership card issued by any one of the 4 Inuit Treaty Organizations or Governments that are covered by the Inuit Nunangat Policy: 

• Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 

• The Nunatsiavut Government, 

• Makivik Corporation, or 

• The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. 

For all applicants (voluntary) 

In addition to any one of the types of legal documentation listed above, all applicants are welcome to submit an alternative identity term (e.g., Kanien'kehá:ka, Anishinaabe, Treaty #3, etc.) with their application. 

Please note that membership to pan-Indigenous organizations will not be recognized. 

Option 2 - Candidate self-declaration 

If a candidate does not possess proof of the documentation listed in Option 1, they must submit a statement (minimum 200 words) about their lived experiences and ongoing relationship to a legally recognized Indigenous community, Nation, or people. This includes specific information about their First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community and can include copies of historical documents or oral testimony. 

The statement must be signed by 2 guarantors who are part of the community, Nation, etc. that the applicant describes their ties to. Guarantors must be over the age of 18 and cannot be members of the applicant's immediate family (i.e., no siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, or any step variations). 

Questions: email [email protected]

Download a copy of the 2026 Scholarship brochure here

UWU/MoveUP

To: All BCGEU Area 01 Stewards

Re: Steward Fundamentals Course

Steward Fundamentals: Steward Fundamentals is a two-day foundation–level course for all stewards. It focuses on the essential skills every steward needs to know. Through discussion and interactive group activities, you will be introduced to the key roles and responsibilities of a steward as advocate, educator, organizer and communicator. Stewards will leave feeling more confident and effective in their role and skillful in their interactions with members and the employer.

This Two-day course is for elected stewards and local officers who have not previously taken the Basic Steward Training in the past five years. 

• A union-paid leave-of-absence is provided for this course.

• Travel and accommodation, if required, are also provided. Note: You will be on your own for Lunch for both days and expenses can be claimed on an expense claim form via the member portal.

• Reasonable child and/or other dependent care expenses may be reimbursed.

Date: December 22 & 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm both days
Location: BCGEU Victoria Area Office – 2994 Douglas Street Parking is available at 588 Burnside Rd East. 
Please note that our office is not open until 8:30 am. 

As space is limited, registrations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to attend the training, please register vis the link below:
HERE

Please call the area office at 250-388-9948 if you have any questions or concerns.

In solidarity 
Victoria Area Office

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

Statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Today, we mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, to honour the 14 women murdered at Montreal's l'École Polytechnique on December 6^th, 1989, and to acknowledge all those whose lives have been forever altered by gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence remains an urgent and pervasive issue in Canada. It affects our communities, our homes, and our workplaces.

Unions play a critical role in eliminating all forms of gender-based violence. In the last BCGEU convention, delegates were clear that they want to their union to fight for strong workplace protections, enforcement of occupational health and safety rules, and paid leave for survivors of gender-based violence. We negotiate collective agreement language that directly addresses gender-based violence, and advocate for affordable housing, child care and pay equity to support women and gender-diverse people to leave unsafe relationships.

The BCGEU's Women and Gender Rights Committee is dedicated to building safer, more equitable workplaces by challenging discrimination and harassment in all forms. The committee works to end violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people through education, action and policy shifts to ensure safety for all.

But our commitment extends beyond the workplace. Unions stand with community partners, women's organizations, and equity-seeking groups to push for broader social change. We continue to educate, mobilize, and use our collective voice to demand a Canada where everyone - regardless of gender - can live free from violence.

On December 6th, we remember 

• Geneviève Bergeron
• Hélène Colgan
• Nathalie Croteau
• Barbara Daigneault
• Anne-Marie Edward
• Maud Haviernick
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
• Maryse Laganière
• Maryse Leclair
• Anne-Marie Lemay
• Sonia Pelletier
• Michèle Richard
• Annie St-Arneault
• Annie Turcotte

To learn more about the 14 women who were killed, simply for being women, please click here.  They were brilliant students, creative thinkers, beloved sisters, cherished daughters. #Rememberthe14
 
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, here are a few links to services and resources in BC:

VictimLink
1-800-563-0808 a multilingual information service available throughout BC and the Yukon 24/7.
Or Text VictimLink BC at 604-836-6381.
 
BC Housing - Transition Houses & Safe Homes List
List and contact information for all of the transition houses across the province.
 
Women Against Violence Against Women 24-Hour Crisis Line
604-255-6344 or toll-free 1-877-392-7583
 
Battered Women Support Services Crisis line
604-687-1867 or 1-855-687-1868 or text 604-652-1867 or email: [email protected].
 
Ending Violence BC
Non-residential anti-violence programs.

In 2022, we learned that 7 out of 10 workers surveyed have experienced harassment and violence on the job. Has anything changed since then? 

Canada's unions are working to find out – and to ensure that every worker is safe and treated with the respect they deserve. Your voice can help us gather the facts to understand workers' experiences today and push for stronger protections

Take part in the new national survey on workplace harassment and violence to help make work safer for all. 

Take the survey

Our union already knows, thanks to a research partnership with the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children at Western University, that 55% of BCGEU members working in the public and private sector have experienced at least one behavior of aggression, harassment and/or violence in the past 2 years. It's important that we expand this research because harassment and violence should never be part of the job. This survey will allow us to measure progress, understand what has improved, and identify where more must be done to create a safer world of work.

All responses are anonymous, and you do not need to have filled out the 2022 survey to complete this one. We encourage every worker aged 18+ to take part, even if you haven't personally experienced or witnessed workplace harassment or violence. Your response will help us better understand workers' experiences.

The Respect at Work Survey is led by the Canadian Labour Congress, in partnership with researchers at Western University and the University of Toronto.

Hundreds of workers have already taken part. Join them - the survey is open until December 9, so there's still time to add your voice! It takes 10–15 mins to complete. Take part today: https://canadianlabour.ca/respect-at-work/ 

Thank you for taking the time to support this important research. Together, we can make work safer for workers across the country.

In solidarity, 
BCGEU Occupational Health and Safety 

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2025

The following release was originally issued on November 28, 2025.

CORRECTION: B.C. dairy milk testers on strike

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Dairy milk testers, also known as dairy production technicians (DPTs), employed in British Columbia by nationwide dairy testing provider Lactanet have commenced job action as of November 25, 2025. The workers, who are unionized with the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU), served 72-hour strike notice on November 21, 2025. This job action follows 20 months of bargaining and the employer's refusal to fairly compensate workers for the cost of doing their jobs.

"These workers are demanding that Lactanet reconsider how it's using the fees it charges farmers for testing and cover the actual current-day costs of travelling to farms to gather samples," said BCGEU treasurer Maria Middlemiss. "After 26 months without a contract, these workers can no longer afford to continue in this way."

The workers, who collect samples of dairy milk produced by about 175 herds across the province for testing at the Lactanet lab in Chilliwack, are seeking increases to mileage compensation that cover costs of driving their personal trucks and SUVs to farms, sometimes located up to 100 kilometers away from their home base. Costs include fuel, business-type insurance, tires, maintenance, depreciation and repairs.

Lactanet milk testers in B.C. are currently paid $0.41 per kilometer. In comparison, the Canada Revenue Agency uses $0.72 per kilometer for work travel using personal vehicles.

Farmers using Lactanet services rely on milk testers to obtain data regarding the composition of their milk. This data is useful to farmers as it allows them to make any necessary adjustments to their components and manage somatic cell count to maximize quality and profit.

With the withdrawal of the milk testers' labour, farmers will not receive the data needed to prove the quality of their milk to the BC Milk Board, who determines how much the milk is worth and how much revenue the farmers receive.

"This work stoppage was a tough decision for us because we're passionate about the dairy industry and we're dedicated to the farmers," said Jack van Dongen, milk tester, former dairy farmer and chair of the workers' bargaining committee. "Many of us milk testers work second jobs to make ends meet. We're not trying to get rich doing this job, but it's not reasonable or sustainable for us to pay out-of-pocket for travel expenses, especially since that's not the industry norm."

The milk testers remain dedicated to reaching an agreement and are calling on Lactanet to return to the bargaining table with an offer that covers their costs and respects the farmers and the industry it serves.

"Dairy farmers need these tests, and their milk testers. The B.C. dairy industry deserves a sustainable testing service, and that means accounting for the actual costs of business. Balancing finances on the backs of workers is not a way to help the dairy industry thrive," said Middlemiss.

On November 18, 2025, B.C. Lactanet testers voted 89% per cent in favour of strike action and have been working without a contract since September 30, 2023.

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

-30-

For more information, contact BCGEU Communications ([email protected]) or call 604-291-9611.

UWU/MoveUP