FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2021

BCGEU encourages vaccination, re-issuing of single-site and mask orders

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Following today's provincial government announcement regarding vaccines for health care workers, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) encourages all British Columbians to get vaccinated.

"Vaccinations are an essential tool in combatting the spread of COVID-19 and ending the pandemic in British Columbia," said Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer. "Since the beginning of the vaccine roll-out, our union has robustly encouraged members and the general public to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We also know we cannot effectively combat COVID-19 with vaccines alone, which is why we are calling on the government to re-institute single site restrictions for health care workers, and to re-introduce the mask mandate."

While British Columbians continue to get vaccinated at high rates, many in our communities – children, immunocompromised individuals, and some of our elderly neighbours – are unable to directly benefit from vaccination. Additionally, vaccinated individuals are still able to shed the virus. Because of these factors, the importance of other prevention measures cannot be understated. These include the continuation of the single-site order for long-term care facilities and a strong indoor mask mandate.

Throughout the pandemic, the BCGEU has been a leading voice in support of vaccination and mask mandates to protect front-line workers and the general public. The union campaigned to implement the indoor mask mandate in fall of 2020, and advocated for fast and equitable distribution of vaccines to protect front-line workers earlier this year.

With the rapid spread of the delta variant in B.C. and elsewhere, it's critical that our province takes the steps necessary to prevent the spread of the virus and protect our vulnerable neighbours and front-line workers.

The BCGEU represents more than 23,000 members in the health care sector, including 5,500 in long-term care and assisted living. The union is working to engage with members regarding vaccines in the workplace and will continue to support all those affected to navigate this change.

The BCGEU is B.C.'s most dynamic, diverse, and fastest growing union -- representing more than 82,000 members who work in every sector of the economy and live in every community across the province.

Contact:
Bronwen Barnett, Communications Officer
[email protected] - 604-719-4713

UWU/MoveUP

Our union, in partnership with a research team from University College Dublin, wants to know more about the safety measures used in your workplace to protect against COVID-19 and future infectious diseases. 

Research shows that some workplaces are common settings for infectious disease outbreaks due to transmission between employees, their households, and communities. Because employees have a legal right to a safe workplace, employers must do their best to create safe work conditions.

To help us understand what can be improved, please complete this five-minute survey:Working with COVID survey

Participation in this survey is anonymous and input will help identify how to keep the global workforce safe and healthy both now (as restrictions loosen) and in the future. We encourage you to forward this multilingual survey to friends and colleagues.

Thank you for your hard work and resilience throughout this pandemic. 

UWU/MoveUP

In the past couple of years, the BCGEU has seen an increase in the number of fraudulent, or phishing, emails being sent to BCGEU members.

Often, these emails look like they come from someone at the BCGEU. In other circumstances, the scammers have taken information off the BCGEU website and have attempted to impersonate component or local executive members.

In many of these cases, the scammers are asking other BCGEU members to send them money, either by an e-transfer or other means (such as a request to purchase gift cards), on their behalf.

To be clear: The BCGEU will never email you to ask for an e-transfer or for any form of money.

Unfortunately, we have had a member recently fall victim to one of these scams. As a result, we want to advise you of best practices to stay safe online.

1. Check for an @bcgeu.ca email address in the "From:" line of the email

Any email you receive from the BCGEU will have an @bcgeu.ca email address in the "From:" line. Here is an example of a fraudulent email:



Here is another example, this time asking to install software.



While this email looks legitimate, it is not. You can see from the "From:" email that this does not come from Microsoft. In addition, software companies will never email asking you to upgrade your software. Anytime an email asks you to install something, you should assume that it is fraud.

2. Confirm request using existing contact information

If anyone emails you asking for money, make sure you call or text that person to confirm the request is real. Do not assume any email asking for money is real until you have confirmed with the person by using contact information that you already have. Do not trust a phone number listed within the email and do not reply to the email you received. If you don't have the person's phone number, then you don't know them well enough to send them money.

3. Assume any email requesting personal information is fraudulent

In general, it is best to assume that any email that asks you for personal information is fraudulent. For instance, the BCGEU will not email you to ask for any personal information – instead we would ask you to login into the Member Portal (my.bcgeu.ca) to update any information. If you receive an email from the BCGEU asking for you to update information through a website, make sure that it links you to a website that ends in .bcgeu.ca, like my.bcgeu.ca.

4. Update passwords directly, not via links

Finally, a common fraudulent email we have seen is one asking you to update your password. This type of email is a bit more difficult to be sure about, because this is something many online services will commonly ask you to do. The best way to be sure that you do not inadvertently provide your password to a scammer is to simply go to the online service in your web browser and login. Do not click the link in the email you received. If the service wants you to change your password, you will be prompted to do so upon logging in.

For more information about staying safe online, please consult the Government of Canada's websites:
- https://cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/spotting-malicious-email-messages-itsap00100
- https://cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/dont-take-bait-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-attacks 

UWU/MoveUP

BCGEU offices re-opening on July 12

With the shift to Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan, BCGEU offices will re-open, by appointment only, on July 12.

Members can visit offices for meetings and to drop off or pick up materials.

For the safety of BCGEU members and staff, masks are required in common spaces and visitors must register upon arrival. Additional occupational health and safety protocols will also apply, including limits on meeting size and the number of people allowed in an office at one time, though these vary between offices.

If you wish to visit your local BCGEU office, please contact your area office to make an appointment – click here for a list of BCGEU offices. 

What Phase 3 means at work

Yesterday B.C. moved to stage three of our restart plan. Click here to read details of the plan. 

Key changes affecting workplaces in this stage include:

• the end of the provincial indoor mask mandate, and
• the end of workplaces requiring a COVID safety plan.

However, there is still a mask recommendation for certain individuals and workplaces will now be required to have a Communicable Disease Plan, which could include mask wearing.
 
For many BCGEU members, work will begin to look more like it did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and our union will be working with employers to ensure that occupational health and safety is the highest priority in every workplace.
 
If you are concerned about how your workplace is adapting to the new regulations, please contact your union steward or occupational health and safety representative. Click here for information about occupational health and safety in your worksite.
 

UWU/MoveUP

How can we make Canada Day meaningful? By taking time on July 1 to reflect and collectively mourn about recent events as we learn more about the horrors and abuse that took place in residential schools.
 
We grieve alongside Indigenous Peoples and communities as we validate tragic events in our history. Of course, the most recent ones being the deeply disturbing news of 751 unmarked graves being accounted for at the former Marieval Indian Residential School in the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan and another 182 human remains located in unmarked graves at the former St. Eugene's Mission Residential School in the Ktunaxa Nation in Cranbrook.
 
Canada Day needs to be about respectful reflection — to listen and to learn about the history of Canada and understand all the ways Indigenous people have suffered and are suffering today. Again, we’re calling for decolonization, and real action toward reconciliation.
 
The BCGEU stands with Indigenous Peoples from coast to coast to coast.  We strongly support the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s 94 Calls to Action which cover a variety of aspects of life in Canada that include business, education, health, youth, women, justice and more. We implore all non-Indigenous people to read each of the 94 calls to action, to cultivate a deeper understanding of the impact of intergenerational trauma and systemic racism and work together to dismantle colonialism.
 
What can you do?
Your union has gathered a variety of resources including suggestions of some Indigenous businesses to support, Indigenous social media thought leaders to follow, and links for non-Indigenous people to better understand Canada’s painful colonial legacy and its impact on Indigenous peoples.
 
Please take the time and learn.
 
Actions matter: Your union remains more committed than ever to strengthening relationships with Indigenous members and all Indigenous peoples.
 
Resources:
 
Donate: Indian Residential School Survivors Society
 
IndigiNews: Help decolonize the media by becoming an IndigiNews supporter.
 
Land Acknowledgements
Acknowledging territory shows recognition of and respect for Aboriginal Peoples. Find out more about local Indigenous territories and languages 
 
Guide to Indigenous organizations and services
A listing of Indigenous community-based services and organizations in B.C.: 
 
A-Z listing of First Nations in B.C.
An alphabetical listing of First Nations in B.C., and links to further information 
 
A Manual for Decolonization Whose Land Is It Anyway?
A Manual for Decolonization was inspired by a 2016 speaking tour by Arthur Manuel, less than a year before his untimely passing in January 2017.
 
First Nations historical dates in Canada
Historical timeline in B.C.: a timeline and history of Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia (link to:
 
B.C. First Nations history
First Nations of North America have always been self-sustaining societies with complex social, economic and political structures. Read this brief historical overview of First Nations in B.C., starting with the signing of a Royal Proclamation in October 1763.
 
A child-friendly version of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
It’s never too early to start teaching our children.

Indigenous Women and the Story of Canada | Sarah Robinson | The Walrus Talks

BCGEU Equity and Human Rights Facebook Group
 
BCFED Indigenous Workers Group 
 
BCGEU guide to First Nations acknowledgement, protocol & terminology

Indigenous thought leaders to follow on social media:
 
Cindy Blackstock: a Canadian-born Gitxsan activist for child welfare and executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
Jody Wilson-Raybould: Independent MP—Vancouver Granville, former Minister of VAC, Justice and Attorney General of Canada, BC Regional Chief
Khelsilem: Indigenous leader and spokesperson with Squamish Nation
Angela Sterritt: Academy (CSA) award winning journalist — best local reporter in Canada, 2021. Gitxsan/Amsiwa
Ryan McMahon: Anishinaabe comedian, podcaster and writer from the Couchiching First Nation 
Brandi Morin: Cree/Iroquois/French, Awarded Journalist 
Pam Palmater: Lawyer, Mi’kmaw citizen and member of the Eel River Bar First Nation in northern New Brunswick
Tanya Talaga: Storyteller, writer, filmmaker
Bob Chamberlin: Indigenous leader 
Wawmeesh Hamilton: CBC Radio syndicated columnist
Candis Callison: Author, Reckoning: Journalism’s Limits and Possibilities (2020) 
Anna Mary Mckenzie: IndigiNews reporter 
Odette Auger: Indigenous Journalist 
Gordon Loverin: A certified director, an accomplished screenwriter and an experienced journalist 
Steph Eva Wood: Reporter for The Narwhal
Bob Joseph: Author of national bestseller 21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act. 
 
Podcasts:
Indigenous podcasts to follow 
 
Books:
48 books by Indigenous writers to read to understand residential schools 
 
Films:
Films by Indigenous filmmakers 
REEL Canada: Indigenous made film catalogue 
 
Indigenous-owned businesses to check out and support

• Spirit Bear Coffee Company 
• Sḵwálwen Botanicals
• Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine 
• Spirit Works Limited
• Satya Organics 
• Talaysay Tours 
• River Select Fisheries 
• Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro 
• Skwachays Lodge 
• One Arrow Meats  
• Sisters Sage 
• Cheekbone Beauty
• Kekuli Café 
• Section 35 clothing
• Evan Ducharme fashion 
• Just a Little Native Etsy Shop 
• Raven Reads: Indigenous book subscriptions 
• Skwachàys Lodge: Aboriginal Hotel & Gallery 
• Quaaout Lodge and Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resport 
• Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre 
• Executive Private Chef Shirley Lang 
• Nk’Mip Winery 
• Indigenous World Winery 
• Bill Reid Gallery 
• Indigenous Tourism BC 
• Facebook: Shop Indigenous Women’s Market 

The BCGEU is located on the Unceded Territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skxwú7mesh (Squamish) & Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. Learn more about local Indigenous territories and languages: https://native-land.ca/

UWU/MoveUP

In the past weekend, BC has set a new record temperature high not seen in Canada since 1937. Since we are not acclimatized to this high heat, these increased temperatures present a physical risk factor that may not be taken into account in your day-to-day work. WorksafeBC has put out a comprehensive heat safe document here. This bulletin will take you through any additional factors that need to be considered while working in the heat, tips for staying cool and how to identify signs of heat related illness.

Working in the heat:

With increased temperatures, our bodies are losing moisture at a rate faster than we are used to restoring it. In order to prevent heat related illnesses and conditions, the following can go a long way to reducing your risk:

• Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes). Note: Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they will draw moisture from the body;
• Wear clean, light coloured, loose-fitting clothing;
• Take breaks in a cool and/or well-ventilated area and, where possible, time breaks during the hottest part of the day;
• Aim to do physical work during the coolest part of the day.

Certain risk factors may increase your vulnerability to heat related illness: increased age, pre-existing medical conditions or treatments, short-term illnesses that cause loss of fluids, chronic skin disorders and certain medications can all influence how the heat affects us.
If the heat is impacting your ability to work safely, you have the right to refuse unsafe work. For the steps to refuse unsafe work, please go here. 

Heat Related Illness:

Most heat related Illnesses result from excessive sweating without replacing the fluids and salts that are lost through that process.

For any questions on heat safety in your workplace, please contact your OHS committee, OHS rep or local steward. If you have OHS concerns or would like to become an OHS rep, please contact us at [email protected]. You can find us online at http://ohs.bcgeu.ca
 
Download PDF of notice here.

UWU/MoveUP

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, the BCGEU encourages members to reflect on and celebrate the heritage and contributions of Indigenous Canadians. Thank you to all Indigenous members for your work over the years to build our union and serve your communities.

In addition to celebrations, it is also a time to commit to action in decolonization.

The Tk'emlúps First Nation's discovery of 215 bodies at the Kamloops Indian Residential School has once again brought attention to the devastating impacts that Canada's colonial legacy has and continues to have on Indigenous people. As more bodies are found at the sites of other residential schools, the need for real, substantive reconciliation is clear.

Over the last week, our union's Executive Committee and our Provincial Executive Indigenous Advisory Committee have been honoured to join Kwantlen First Nation to burn a sacred fire in honour of the bodies found and the survivors of residential schools. The fire was lit to coincide with our union's constitutional convention, and we are incredibly grateful for the partnership with and welcome from the Kwantlen First Nation:

I was amazed by the sacred fire, and it was a blessing to see other members present. I felt welcomed and at home. I am sure that the 215 children feel the same good energy needed to bring them back to the safety of our communities who are impacted by the residential school.
Verna Benson – BCGEU Indigenous Advisory Committee, Local 403

Being by the sacred fire was so grounding and healing. I also felt honoured for BCGEU and our Indigenous executive to be recognized. And yet, I felt more grateful for the community of Kwantlen First Nation to host our scared fire for the whole week.
Celeste Dunstan – BCGEU Indigenous Advisory Committee, Local 703

Meeting at the sacred fire last night was exactly what I needed. My heart and soul feel lighter. The drumming and singing and the wonderful welcome from Chief Marilyn Gabriel and the elders were so amazing. And the view of the sacred fire against the backdrop of the mountains and the Fraser River was breathtaking.
April Duffield – BCGEU Indigenous Advisory Committee, Local 303

Being welcomed into the community by Hereditary Chief Marilyn Gabriel was such an honor. Her family and community are so strong and accepting. I felt so at peace. I so enjoyed sharing our stories.
I felt the healing of the community was all around us, from the baby to the elders all coming together to share in the healing. I can still hear the crackling of the Sacred Fire, talking to my heart!
Way Lim Limt' (Deepest thanks)
Coralie Gregoire – BCGEU Indigenous Advisory Committee, Local 703

I'm proud that the BCGEU's Provincial Executive Indigenous Advisory Committee has taken a strong leadership role in deepening our relationship with Indigenous nations. I was honoured to be invited and spend time with the Kwantlen nation this last week and want to extend thanks on behalf of the union.
Paul Finch – BCGEU Treasurer

At our convention, BCGEU members committed to continuing our path of reconciliation in a number of ways, including:

• Changing our union's name to the B.C. General Employees' Union removing the term "government", which has negative connotations for many Indigenous people and communities.
• Making a donation to the Orange Shirt Day Society
• Creating a memorial fund to be allocated in collaboration between our Provincial Executive Indigenous Advisory Committee and our Provincial Executive.
• Creating an ongoing campaign to support recommendations from the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)

In addition to these steps taken by delegates at convention, Indigenous members have recently formed an Indigenous Advisory Committee to advise our union's Provincial Executive on issues of concern to Indigenous members. The committee will be an integral part of our commitment to the implementation of the TRC's 94 calls to action (passed at our 2017 Convention) and our commitment to work with the B.C. government to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The BCGEU is committed to decolonization and breaking down barriers to participation for Indigenous members in our union. The process of reconciliation is often full of hard truths that may be uncomfortable for non-Indigenous people, but it is essential to engage in this process and take guidance from Indigenous members.

The labour movement is founded on the principles of justice, dignity and respect. We must be leaders in supporting the rights of Indigenous peoples both in society and in the workplace.

Earlier this month, our union's Indigenous Advisory Committee made a statement regarding the discovery at Kamloops Indian Residential School – click here to read that statement and their calls on government: https://www.bcgeu.ca/bcgeu_indigenous_advisory_committee_statement_on_discovery_at_kamloops_indian_residential_school

UWU/MoveUP

It is with deep sadness we have to inform you of the sudden passing of a member of the BCGEU family. Tristan Montjoy was a valued member of the Conservation Officer Service, part of the BCGEU component 20, and stationed in Fort St. John.

Tristan has been a BCGEU member since 2015. In addition to his work in the COS, he also worked in the BC Wildfire Service and was passionate about protecting our natural resources for future generations.

Tristan grew up in Lillooet and was proud of his St'át'imc Nation and Haida Nation heritage.

Our deepest condolences are with the officer's family, community and to the members of the COS.



UWU/MoveUP

Vancouver, BC (Coast Salish Territories)-The BCGEU emerged from its 51^st triennial constitutional convention on Saturday, June 12^th with a new name, an ambitious agenda for the next three years, and Stephanie Smith acclaimed to lead the union's 82,000 members as president for a third term.

In addition to president, delegates elected five other members of the 2021-2024 executive committee. Treasurer Paul Finch was re-elected by acclamation to a third term. Three incumbent executive vice presidents (EVPs)-James Coccola, Doug Kinna, and Kari Michaels-were re-elected and Judy Phipps will be joining the executive committee as a new EVP.

"Virtual or not, every BCGEU convention is a powerful opportunity for members to choose their union's priorities and leadership," said Smith. "I'm honoured and humbled by the continued support of delegates and I'm excited to get back to work as part of this incredible executive team for the next three years."

In her presidential report to the delegation, Smith highlighted the union's accomplishments since the last convention in 2017 and summed up her vision for the BCGEU's role in BC's pandemic recovery, "Our union can and should be front and centre in building a renewed economy and revitalized communities based on an inclusive social vision, progressive policies, aggressive public investment, and a robust and comprehensive system of public services. We won't settle for anything less."

Addressing delegates at an all-candidate meeting prior to her re-election, Smith said, "Before 2020, if anyone had asked me if I wanted to lead the BCGEU's 82,000-plus members through a global pandemic that would jeopardize their health, safety, rights, and livelihoods, I'm not sure I would've said yes. But 16 months in, I can't imagine anything I'd rather do than work on behalf of these members who work so hard on behalf of British Columbians."

Before electing their 2021-2024 executive committee, delegates debated and passed dozens of resolutions to guide their union's work over the next three years. The resolutions passed covered a range of issues including:

· Enhancing worker health and safety by preventing violence in the workplace and expanding mental health supports and services;

· Protecting existing public services from privatization and moving to repatriate services privatized by previous governments;

· Making the BCGEU a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable union by changing the union's name and creating an equity EVP position, as well as creating opportunities for IBPOC and gender-diverse members and activists at all levels of leadership; and,

· Expressing solidarity with activists in other countries including farmers and their supporters in India, anti-austerity protesters in Colombia, and human rights defenders in occupied Kurdistan.

In addition to elections and debates, the convention's 492 registered delegates heard speeches and greetings from leading voices in the labour and progressive political movements including Spirit of Leadership Award winner Dr. Cindy Blackstock; BC premier John Horgan, federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, BC Federation of Labour president Laird Cronk, BC Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer Sussanne Skidmore, and others.

The BCGEU is BC's most dynamic, diverse, and fastest growing union-representing more than 82,000 members who work in every sector of the economy and live in every community across the province.

Contact

Danielle MarchandPress Secretary-President's Office
BC General Employees' Union
Cell: 778-968-4509
Email: [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP