MEDIA RELEASE 
March 6, 2025 

New poll: B.C. majority wants to see lab services out of American hands and under public control 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – A Research Co. poll has found that a majority of British Columbians support taking medical lab services such as LifeLabs out of American hands and placing them under public control instead. 

This poll was commissioned by the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) as rotating strikes for a fair contract with LifeLabs, and its new U.S. owner Quest Diagnostics, continue across the province. Quest quietly acquired LifeLabs for $1.35 billion in August 2024. 

"Quest is putting profits before patient care and forcing B.C. workers onto picket lines," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "People in British Columbia oppose U.S. ownership of LifeLabs and every day that this strike drags on, more British Columbians are asking why our public health dollars are going to an American corporation." 

LifeLabs' for-profit model also means workers earn anywhere from four to 16 per cent below the industry standard as compared to workers doing similar work in hospitals and other public sector facilities – a gap that has widened in recent years. While LifeLabs remains under American ownership, 72 per cent of people in British Columbia think they should be paid the same as workers in hospitals. 

"LifeLabs workers are struggling to make ends meet," Finch continued. "They're asking their employer for wage increases that close the gap with workers in the public sector doing the same work, and to address poor working conditions from understaffing. From the public's perspective, this means putting fewer of our public health dollars into padding CEO profits – in Canada and now in the U.S. – and more into the well-being of workers and patients." 

The poll's findings include the following: 

• 74 per cent of people in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province; 53 per cent strongly oppose American ownership and control. 

• 77 per cent of people in British Columbia support the provincial government intervening to take medical lab services out of American hands and placing them under public control instead; 47 per cent strongly support this course of action. 

• 72 per cent of people in British Columbia think LifeLabs workers should be paid the same as workers doing similar work in hospitals and other public sector facilities. 

• Of those who voted in the last election, majorities across political affiliation – the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (88%), the BC Green Party (76%), and the BC Conservative Party (71%) – support government intervention to take medical lab services out of American hands. 

In November, LifeLabs workers voted 98 per cent in favour of strike action and have been working without a contract since April 1, 2024.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province.

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

For more information contact: Bronwen Barnett, BCGEU Communications at [email protected]. 

-- 

Results are based on an online study conducted from January 28 to March 2, 2025, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error-which measures sample variability-is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty. 

Link to Factum 

Link to Data Tables 

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory

March 4, 2025

BCGEU president available to comment on B.C. budget 

Following the release of the 2025/26 B.C. budget, B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) president Paul Finch is available for comment and can speak to the impact this budget will have on workers and affordability.

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with over 90,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the public and private sector. Approximately one-third of the BCGEU's membership works in the direct government service. Their jobs include protecting children and families, administering social assistance, managing natural resources, staffing provincial correctional facilities, fighting forest fires and providing the government's technical and clerical services. Our union is also proud to include thousands of members in health care, community social services, education, highways maintenance, casinos, credit unions, municipalities, regional districts and many other workplaces.

For interviews, please contact Nadja Komnenic, BCGEU Communications at [email protected].

UWU/MoveUP

UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA RELEASE

February 21, 2025

BCGEU reiterates call for CLBC’s role to return to direct government
Rejects assertions that doing so would be a move backwards for individuals with disabilities

Burnaby (Coast Salish Territories) – Following recent concerns that bringing Community Living BC’s (CLBC) work back into direct government would move the province backwards, BCGEU members working at the agency have emphasized that doing so would actually be a step forward. Removing a layer of bureaucracy will improve service delivery and could provide significant cost savings that could instead go to direct care.

“CLBC workers have dedicated themselves to providing the supports needed for individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible. Unfortunately, in their experience, CLBC’s priorities are now hindering independent living rather than empowering the individuals they’re tasked with supporting,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU president. “For many years, the agency’s prioritization of clawing back direct care funding down to the penny and their dysfunctional management structure has shifted valuable funding away from improving and expanding services.”

“Our members are concerned by recent comments attributed to the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. We encourage the ministry to clarify and affirm that they will not reinstate institutionalization regardless of the role the CLBC plays,” said Finch.

“It’s important to separate CLBC’s work from deinstitutionalization; that process was well underway when CLBC was created to simply be the funding administrator for community-based care. Unfortunately, it is now clear that they are not capable of fulfilling that mandate.”

Recent developments – the coroner’s inquiry into the death of Florence Girard, allegations of favourable treatment for certain care providers, and a number of families speaking out about difficulties dealing with CLBC – have brought to light what BCGEU members at CLBC have been saying for years: the agency’s administrative and governance structures are not adequate for its significant responsibilities. Working alongside families and direct care providers, CLBC workers regularly hear concerns about inequitable care and frustrations with the agency.

“Given the agency’s governance challenges, members don’t have much faith in CLBC’s ability to implement the recommendations in the recent coroner’s report. Even if fully implemented, these changes won’t be sufficient to turn the agency around. Every day members see additional, deeper issues that were outside of the inquiry’s scope,” said Finch

BCGEU represents nearly 800 CLBC workers – including administrative officers, clerks, mental health support workers, occupational therapists and social program officers – throughout the province.

Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU, will be available for media interviews via phone or Zoom. 

Contact: BCGEU Communications – [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

Expression of Interest
Equity Practicum Program
(3 Temporary Postings) 
Field Services
February 2025

 
The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the B.C. Union Workers Union (UWU) are committed to increasing the diversity of servicing staff employed by the BCGEU.
 
Three (3) 12-month practicum positions are now available, specifically for BCGEU members who identify as Indigenous, Black, or People of Colour ("IBPOC"). These positions offer an opportunity for IBPOC members to gain valuable experience working within their union, while helping us better reflect the strengths and diversity of our membership. The term of the program is up to 12 months, effective date to be determined. 
 
WHAT TO EXPECT
If you are a successful candidate, you can expect the following:

• to complete a two-week work experience program in a field services office;
• to receive BCGEU training and mentorship;
• to take up to 1-year of union-paid leave from your current employment;
• to work in-person at BCGEU headquarters in Burnaby, B.C. for a period of time;
• to travel to practicum opportunities at BCGEU office locations within B.C. (e.g. Lower Mainland, Victoria, rural office locations etc.) as required;
• to hold a valid B.C. Driver's License with insurance that covers business use and 3^rd party liability of $2 million or more.

Successful applicants will be provided training and mentoring during the term of the practicum and will be assigned to different departments or work locations to support their skill development and knowledge of the duties of a servicing representative. 
 
An IBPOC mentor will be available to practicum employees during the term of the practicum. 
 
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, where successful candidates will be given the opportunity to develop the skills and qualifications of a field services staff representative. The goal of the program is that, at the end of their term, the successful candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• 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.

All travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the BCGEU.

HOW TO APPLY
Only members of the BCGEU that identify as Indigenous, Black and People of Colour are eligible to apply for these positions.

Please submit your application here. Be sure to upload your resume so that it includes union and/or equity-related information.

If you have any questions related to this program please contact [email protected].

Submit applications no later than March 12th, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA ADVISORY

February 19, 2025

LifeLabs picket line in Vancouver

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) working at LifeLabs begin picket lines at various locations throughout the province on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Picket lines will subsequently rotate according to our essential services order.

Union spokespersons will be available at the Cityview LifeLabs location picket line in Vancouver where media are invited to attend:
 

WHAT: LifeLabs picket line in Vancouver.  

WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PST. 

WHO: BCGEU members working at LifeLabs on the picket line. BCGEU president Paul Finch and a LifeLabs worker who is the chair of the bargaining committee will be available for interviews. 

WHERE: 1530 W 7th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. [map] 

VISUALS: LifeLabs workers on the picket line with colourful union flags and signs. 

CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to Bronwen Barnett at BCGEU headquarters by emailing [email protected].

Unionized LifeLabs locations in the following areas will maintain regular hours and not be affected by job action as of this time: Gibsons, Sechelt, Bowen Island, Gabriola Island, Port Alberni, Kimberley, Scotch Creek, Blind Bay, Nelson, Denman Island, Hornby Island.

View earlier media release for more details: LifeLabs workers issue 72-hour strike notice 

To find information about potential service disruptions at LifeLabs locations, please visit the LifeLabs website directly.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province. 

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

UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA ADVISORY

February 19, 2025

LifeLabs picket line in Victoria

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) working at LifeLabs begin picket lines at various locations throughout the province on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Picket lines will subsequently rotate according to our essential services order. 

BCGEU members will be picketing at the Royal Oak LifeLabs location in Victoria. 

WHAT: LifeLabs picket line in Victoria  

WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. 

WHO: BCGEU members working at LifeLabs on the picket line. No spokespeople will be available on site. Please contact Erin Sikora at [email protected].

WHERE: #102 - 4480 West Saanich Road, Victoria, B.C.

VISUALS: LifeLabs workers on the picket line with colourful union flags and signs. 

CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to Erin Sikora at BCGEU headquarters by emailing [email protected].

Unionized LifeLabs locations in the following areas will maintain regular hours and not be affected by job action as of this time: Gibsons, Sechelt, Bowen Island, Gabriola Island, Port Alberni, Kimberley, Scotch Creek, Blind Bay, Nelson, Denman Island, Hornby Island.

View earlier media release for more details: LifeLabs workers issue 72-hour strike notice

To find information about potential service disruptions at LifeLabs locations, please visit the LifeLabs website directly.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province.

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



UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA RELEASE

February 18, 2025

BCGEU reacts to BC throne speech 2025 

In response to the 2025 B.C. throne speech, B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) president Paul Finch released the following statement:
 

A strong public sector is critical to a thriving economy. The BCGEU is encouraged by government’s commitment to strengthen B.C.’s economy by putting people first – and we will hold them to that. BCGEU urges government to commit to producing a long-term economic development plan that addresses the affordability crisis in B.C. Defending workers against the rising tide of predatory and volatile capital is an important step in keeping our economy resilient and agile. A well-funded and resourced public sector will lead to the equitable economic prosperity we need to face down the economic impacts of Trump's presidency, which is what both the Province and BCGEU would like to see. As the Premier said: our most precious resource of all is the people of B.C. A robust public sector and a strong middle class will help our economy grow.

Protecting from the economic impacts of the Trump presidency means keeping B.C.’s public sector strong and agile. As people across the province deal with the rising cost of living, their ability to access public services without having to take out their credit card becomes even more important. It is workers who built this province, and it is workers who will help keep our province going in the face of looming U.S. tariffs and wider economic uncertainty. 

The BCGEU looks forward to working closely with government to address the cost-of-living crisis in B.C. With the strength of our public service and abundant natural resources, B.C. is very well positioned to weather the ongoing economic headwinds.
 

For interviews, please contact Nadja Komnenic, BCGEU Communications at [email protected] or 604 442-2289.  

Did you know that more than one third of the 34,000 members of the public service have worked for the public service for less than five years? That means that up to one third of our bargaining unit may have never gone through a round of bargaining before. To ensure that all members know and understand the bargaining process, your bargaining committee encourages you to check out this new video: "Bargaining 101".

In this video, you will learn everything you need to know about the bargaining process and how we negotiate fair contracts. From determining your bargaining priorities to voting on a tentative agreement and ultimately ratifying the contract, this video will walk you through every step involved. Your bargaining committee is prepared for all eventualities, and the video outlines all possible outcomes during this round of bargaining.

What's next

There were no bargaining dates scheduled last week, but bargaining will be resuming this week in Burnaby – and next week in Victoria – with our employer, B.C.'s Public Service Agency. We expect that negotiations will continue on the non-monetary items that members like you have identified as priorities, such as dismantling the Job Evaluation Plan and replacing the current system with a modernized classification system. As always, we will continue to keep you informed every step of the way.

Hiring Freeze

As you are aware, last week the provincial government announced it will freeze hiring of any new public service employees due to the looming threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (read our bulletin here). As a result of this announcement, there was a lot of media interest in this story. BCGEU President and Chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee Paul Finch was interviewed on numerous media outlets to provide our union's perspective. Check out some of the news coverage here:

• CityNews: B.C. gov't to freeze hiring, cancel grocery rebate amid U.S. tariff threats
• CBC: B.C. cancels $1,000 grocery rebate and pauses hiring over Trump's tariff threats
• Chek News: B.C. government under hiring freeze, says premier

In solidarity, 

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee

Paul Finch, President and Committee Chair
Maria Bennett, 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 1st Vice-President
Robert Davis, Component 20 Vice-President 
Douglas W. Dykens, Executive Director – Advocacy, Negotiations, Member 
Benefits and secretary to the PSBC 
Larisa Mills, Staff Representative 
Sumiko Marshall, Support Staff 

UWU/MoveUP