An Exciting Addition to Our Bargaining Committee 

Hi BCGEU, 👋 

We haven't properly introduced ourselves, and it's about time we did! We're the BCGEU members of the Community Bargaining Association's (CBA) negotiations team. Moving forward, we're the workers who will represent you at the bargaining table by amplifying your concerns and your interests to your bosses, so that the employer association they just joined (HEABC) can't ignore you.

Firstly, we want to welcome you to the family. Secondly, we are pleased to announce that the BCGEU has appointed supportive housing activist and Local 301 Chair Kate Banky to the CBA negotiations team!

You need someone in this round of bargaining who knows your work and can advance the issues that matter most to supportive housing workers. Kate Banky has not only worked at Victoria Cool Aid Society as a mental health and client care worker for eight years, but she's also been bargaining for Component 3 (Community Social Services) members over the last several months. 

We know many of you have expressed concerns about how the bargaining proposals at the CBA table - and even the current CBA agreement - compare to the bargaining priorities that you identified for the Community Social Services negotiations team. For this information and more, please visit the BCGEU's supportive housing website. 

Who We Are 

Most of our members are community health workers who deliver critical health services right to our clients' doors, but we also work in group homes, substance-use support and mental health centres. In some ways, our work intersects with yours, supporting vulnerable communities through mental health crises and responding to the toxic drug problem. If you want to know more about the Committee's backgrounds, check out our bios on the CBA bargaining hub. 

As many of you know, the CBA also includes over 1,500 BCGEU members employed at RainCity and Lookout. You should have always been paid the same as your peers at these two supportive housing agencies; now we have a clearer path to close remaining compensation gaps. By uniting with them, you're also growing your bargaining power. Over 3,200 of you organizing around the same goals in the same bargaining association gives you a much louder voice than you had when you were separated by contracts. 

We look forward to growing our movement with a larger base of supportive housing members. Workers in your sector have long been a valued part of the CBA, but now you have the numbers and the solidarity to make meaningful gains in your workplaces. 

In Solidarity, 

Scott De Long, Bargaining Chair and BCGEU Vice-President for Community Health Services

UWU/MoveUP

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
TEMPORARY STAFF REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
FIELD SERVICES
November 26, 2025

The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is committed to increasing opportunities for members to receive dedicated training and gain valuable experience working as a Staff Representative or Organizer through temporary assignments.

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in Staff Representative Training – a program designed teach members the fundamental skills needed to thrive as a front-line staff representative, to organize, recruit and engage activists and build capacity, confidence and community, while helping us better reflect the strengths and diversity of our membership.

WHAT TO EXPECT 

If you are a successful candidate, you can expect the following: 

• to receive an overview of time, structure, topics, and expectations of this role;
• to foster personal growth, stronger staff voice and greater organizational impact;
• to complete a two-week work experience program in a field services office;
• to receive 3 levels of training and mentorship to develop their skills and deepen their understanding of the duties of a servicing representative.
• to complete a six-week work experience program in an organizing role.

All travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the BCGEU for this paid training and employment opportunity. 

Field Services duties include: 

• Assisting 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 
• Developing grassroots campaign plans to advance the interests of the union's membership as well as engaging members and recruiting activists.
  
  

GOALS 

These are intended to be developmental positions, providing successful candidates with the opportunity to build the skills and qualifications of a field services staff representative. We encourage potential participants to explore this opportunity and learn more.

• Experience in and knowledge of the trade union movement; 
• Ability to deal with union leadership and employer representatives; 
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities; 
• Ability to prepare concise written reports and handle a large volume of correspondence and ability to speak in public; 
• An understanding of the goals and values of the BCGEU; 
• A solid understanding of organizing principles with proven experience in union organizing drives; and 
• Demonstrated ability to develop activist skills and maintain an effective working relationship with union and community activists. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit your application by completing this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YTTYXZN

Be sure to upload your cover letter and resume as a single document and include union and/or equity-related information. If you have questions about the Temporary Staff Representative position or training, please email [email protected].
 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for 2026.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 25, 2025

BCGEU conservation officers help with aftermath of grizzly bear attack  

BURNABY, B.C. – In response to the recent grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, Sebastian Kallos, Vice-President of Component 20 (Environment, Technical and Operations) with the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU), is available for comment. Kallos released the following statement:

We are deeply disturbed by the violent grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We commend the heroic teachers who intervened and helped limit further harm, and we wish everyone impacted a full and speedy recovery. 

This incident underscores the public-safety role of B.C.'s conservation officers and the challenging and dangerous work environment they face. Officers are actively working to locate and safely trap the bears involved and collect forensic evidence at the site of the attack to better understand what happened. As first responders, they risk their lives managing wildlife populations, responding to threats, and educating the public to keep B.C. safe. 
 

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For more information or to book an interview with BCGEU's Sebastian Kallos, please contact Nadja Komnenic, BCGEU Communications at nadja,[email protected] or 604-442-2289. 

UWU/MoveUP

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.

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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