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2017 November Newsletter

Immediate Release                                                                        December 15, 2016

Toronto – The federal government’s announcement to ban asbestos has been highly anticipated over the past few days. Groups expressed its support to the announcement but notes their expectation for additional federal work needed to fully achieve protection from asbestos for all Canadians.

“The federal announcement to ban asbestos in Canada comes at a crucial time as the health data confirms that deaths from asbestos related diseases has continued to increase in Canada” states Fe de Leon, Researcher at the Canadian Environmental Law Association. 

“This news is important if Canada is to achieve comprehensive protection from asbestos exposure,” explains Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director and Counsel, Canadian Environmental Law Association. ‘We look forward to working with the government to ensure the remaining challenges associated with asbestos are addressed.”

“The federal government’s decision to ban asbestos is welcome news for CAUT members and other workers exposed to asbestos in their workplaces”, says David Robinson, Executive Director at the Canadian Association of University Teachers.  “However, there are still many other issues regarding asbestos that need to be addressed, and CAUT looks forward to working with our partners to ensure this work is addressed by the government.”

The announcement of the ban is significant to protect the health of Canadians, particularly in the occupational setting.  According to Statistics Canada, the number of new cases of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace, increased from 335 cases in 2000 to 580 cases in 2013. Some other asbestos-induced diseases include lung cancers and asbestosis (with estimates of at least 1900 new cases annually).

The Canadian Environmental Law Association and the Canadian Association of University Teachers, two of 68 signatories on a letter addressed to the Prime Minister urging a ban on asbestos and the establishment of an expert panel review on asbestos. 

See letter to the Prime Minister at http://www.cela.ca/letter-ban-asbestos-expert-panel.

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Canadian Environmental Law Association website: www.cela.ca

As part of our ongoing support of the Free Them Now campaign to support jailed Iranian trade union members, the BCGEU Provincial Executive recorded a message of solidarity that was sent directly to jailed activists. The campaign received messages of solidarity from many unions around the world, and they have been compiled into a video. Watch the full video below. 

Today we recognize International Human Rights Day.  Every December 10^th since 1948, people have stood in solidarity against human rights violations in all forms.

In Canada we are fortunate to be living in a country where we have a legislated Human Rights Code and a Charter of Rights and Freedoms which is built into our constitution. 

Much of the world sees us as a country that defends human rights, but let us remind ourselves that it is due to each and every person who values human rights that we are able to create the society we live in which is envied around the world. 

As Canadians it is important that we do not take those rights and protections for granted and to take steps to ensure that these rights do not become diminished or restricted but instead strengthened.  

The BCGEU has and will continue to defend human rights for everyone.  We all live in this world together and we all must treat each other with respect, understanding and with equality. 

We must continue to hold governments around the world, including our own various levels of government, accountable for their actions and or lack of action. 

We must commit to defend the rights of immigrants, refugees, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ, indigenous peoples, everyone who is vulnerable or at risk of discrimination, racism, violence, or any form of violation against a person’s human rights. 

 “It’s time for each of us to step up for human rights. There is no action that is too small: wherever you are, you can make a difference. Together, let’s take a stand for more humanity.”
 
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

If you are a member of an equity seeking group*, the BCGEU would like to encourage you to click here and join our Equity and Human Rights network.             

We also encourage you to visit the webpage for our International Solidarity committee which supports workers around the world.

*Equity seeking groups include: workers of colour, Aboriginal workers, workers with disabilities or LGBTQ workers.

It’s hard to believe, but 27 years have passed since 14 young women were slain at the École Polytechnique, an event also known as the Montreal Massacre. It remains one of the darkest days in our nation’s history.

In 1991, the Parliament of Canada established December 6, the anniversary of the devastating event, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. Each year on this day we honour the 14 young women whose lives were tragically cut short in an act of gender-based violence.

Take a moment to remember the victims of the École Polytechnique, each of whom were singled out and murdered just because they were women.

It is not only a day to remember and mourn the victims of École Polytechnique, but it is also a day to reflect that gender-based violence and oppression is a daily reality for many women and girls. The brutal truth is that violence against women and girls is still pervasive throughout Canada, disproportionally impacting Aboriginal women, trans women, and women of colour. According to Statistics Canada, approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner. The statistics are even more grim for Canada’s Aboriginal women: they are killed at six times the rate of non-Aboriginal women.

Violence against women has a devastating impact on women’s lives and on our society. We, as individuals and within our communities, must continue to work towards eliminating all forms of violence against women.

See below for a list of useful online resources and for events across the province.

In solidarity,

Stephanie Smith
Chair, BCGEU Women’s Committee
President, BCGEU

Resources:

• PovNet has a listing of resources for women throughout BC: http://www.povnet.org/find-an-advocate/bc/women 
• The Ending Violence Association of BC has programs targeting different areas http://endingviolence.org/prevention-programs/
• Women Against Violence Against Women offers many ways to volunteer http://www.wavaw.ca/volunteer/
• Native Women's Association of Canada for links to aboriginal resources: http://www.nwac.ca/
• Battered Women's Support Services has an extensive listing of services and volunteer opportunities: http://www.bwss.org/ 

Events

Click here for a comprehensive list of events in communities across BC.

Today we are proud to recognize the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities.   

This day was created to bring awareness and understanding and to take action to further the rights of persons with disabilities both legally and in society. 

Even though we have a come a long way in Canada there remains much more to do to achieve the equity in our society. 

The United Nations's theme for this year is “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”.  Based on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the 17 goals aim to help individuals and organizations identify easy ways they can make a difference. Click here for more information on the United Nations Sustainable Development agenda 

To join the BCGEU Equity and Human Rights network for workers with disabilities or one of our other equity networks please visit our campaign page.

D-day is here!!

On November 30th the names of over 2800 designated Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) representatives will disappear from the BCGEU database. Locals should ensure their confirmed choices for new or reappointed OHS representatives are submitted to their area offices before this date. If OHS appointments are not completed for each worksite, OSH representatives will not have the ability to attend committee meetings or to qualify for OHS education and training. More importantly, the BCGEU’s ability to represent our members in the protection of their health and safety will be seriously impacted.

• Previous OHS representatives, please contact your local chair immediately if you have not communicated your intention to be reappointed.
• Members who are interested in becoming an OHS representative, please contact your local chair immediately to be considered for appointment.
• Local chairs, if you have already completed your OHS appointment process thank you very much. If you have not completed the OHS appointment process, we urge you to give this your immediate attention.

If you have any questions or concerns or need help please contact your area office or the BCGEU OHS Department at [email protected].

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to health and safety at the BCGEU.

Download PDF of notice here

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Early in October, Haiti was hit by Hurricane Matthew, causing more damage to an island still recovering from the earthquake of 2010. As part of the Public Services International (PSI) relief campaign, the BCGEU sent a contribution to help with community rebuilding. The relief will go to trade union members and their families directly. For more information on the campaign, visit the PSI Hurricane Matthew website. 

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