Applications for the 2019 BCGEU Scholarship program are now being accepted. The union will award $60,000 in scholarships to students in post-secondary education. Full-time scholarships are worth $2,000 and part-time scholarships are worth $1,000.

Apply online here.

Applicants must be:

• A BCGEU member; or related to a current, retired or deceased BCGEU member or staff[1], and
• A current or prospective post-secondary or higher learning student enrolled, registered or planning to attend an eligible educational institution[2] in 2019.

In addition to personal information and details of your education plan, applicants will be asked to submit a 450 to 500-word essay on one of the following topics:

1. How can unions lead the way on climate change?
2. How can unions lead the way on reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities?
3. How can unions lead the way on affordable housing?

We encourage applicants to base their essays on an interview with a BCGEU member, personal experience or original research. Applicants with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may submit their essay as an audio or video file to scholarship@bcgeu.ca. 

The deadline for submitting your application is at midnight on Sunday, April 28, 2019.

Apply online here.

Please note: We are unable to respond to individual inquiries about scholarships.

[1] Eligible relatives include spouses, (same or opposite and common law spouses); parents; and children and grandchildren (including foster, adopted and stepchildren and grandchildren).

[2] Eligible educational institutions must be recognized by Employment and Social Development Canada. A list can be found here.)

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.

Download PDF of scholarship poster here

Download PDF of scholarship brochure here

UWU/MoveUP

The new 18th Main Public Service Agreement and Component Agreements are in effect as of April 1, 2019. BCGEU members who work in the B.C. public service ratified these agreements last year following five weeks of negotiations.

The agreements are for three years and expire on March 31, 2022. The main agreement features many improvements, such as:

• a two per cent general wage increase in each year of the agreement;
• improvements in benefits and the addition of dual coverage;
• addresses labour market pressures in specific occupations;
• expands bullying and harassment language;
• achieves special leave for members experiencing domestic violence.

We're finishing up the editing and other housekeeping on the agreements. While that's being done, you can read the draft version of the main agreement here.

Environmental, Technical and Operational Component: The draft version of the Component 20 agreement is available here

We will update you again when printing and distribution details are finalized.

-Your BCGEU public service bargaining committee

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

ADVOCACY/WCB 

INTERNAL POSTING

April 18, 2019

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a temporary staff representative to work in the Workers' Compensation Appeal section, effective date to be determined. The term of assignment is up to 4 months or to return of incumbent.

DUTIES:

The successful applicant will provide advice, assistance and representation to members in workers' compensation appeals. Duties include but are not limited to:

• filing appeals at both WCB appeal levels including the Review Division and the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT);
• reviewing claim file disclosures to assess merit and prepare appeals;
• advising and assisting members in obtaining any and all relevant evidence for the appeal including medical legal opinions;
• attending and representing members at appeal hearings;
• preparing written submissions for appeals;
• corresponding with the WCB regarding the implementation of appeal decisions to ensure members receive their full entitlement under the legislation;
• participating in the workers' compensation advocacy community and general policy reviews carried out by the WCB or the government from time to time;
• membership counseling; and
• assist members in return to work and accommodation planning.

The successful applicant may be assigned other related duties and/or advocacy services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be able to manage a large caseload of open appeals and work as a member of the compensation appeals advocacy team. Applicants must be able to respond effectively to members by telephone and in person and respond to a high volume of telephone inquiries from members. Applicants must be able to digest large volumes of technical written material in short periods of time, including medical reports and records. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in public and be confident representing members at oral hearings. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in writing to prepare written submissions. Applicants must be able to travel throughout the province of BC to represent members at oral hearings.

Experience and training in the specific areas of responsibility is preferred and hearing experience is essential.

Travel is required; therefore applicants must hold a valid BC driver's license.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, April 26, 2019.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca

Attention to: Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland.

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE
RESEARCH & INTERACTIVE (R&I) SERVICES 

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING
April 16, 2019

The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union requires a temporary staff representative (political action campaigner) for its Research & Interactive (R&I) services, effective date to be determined. The term of assignment is up to 12 months or to return of incumbent.  The position is located at its headquarters in Burnaby.

The position reports to the Coordinator, Research & Interactive (R&I) services.

DUTIES:

• Campaigns strategy: develop and implement strategic political campaigns aligned with social unionism, progressive public policy, and the organizational priorities established by senior leadership
• Political action campaigns: develop political action campaign plans and budgets on general issues related to voting and specific political issues of relevance to the union’s membership; execute campaigns using a combination of traditional approaches and digital strategy; participate in political action and engagement campaigns developed by union centrals (BC Fed, CLC, NUPGE); evaluate campaign effectiveness; recommend  improvements to political engagement strategy
• Reports, presentations, and submissions: prepare and present briefs, policy statements, reports, submissions and other campaigns-related communications or information on public policy issues
• Training: develop curriculum and facilitate political action training sessions, workshops, courses, meetings, and other engagement events related to election campaigns and political issues
• Digital communications and social media:work with digital campaigners to strategically use digital and visual communications and social media for targeted outreach to members and supporters
• Committee assignments: support elected on BCGEU committees and represent the union on committees or in meetings with government, opposition and employer representatives
• Liaison: work with BCGEU activists, community groups, coalition partners, unions and labour centrals on shared campaigns; liaise with federal, provincial, and local governments on key political issues
• Other duties: primary role in this position is campaigns; however a political action campaigner may be assigned associated work, as required, to support departmental objectives

QUALIFICATIONS:

• demonstrated skills and experience in both traditional and contemporary engagement processes, from grassroots organizing to digital campaigning, within the labour movement or community organizations
• experience working on federal, provincial, or local government election campaigns, including coordinating phone banks, face-to-face outreach, voter registration, get-out-the vote and elections
• knowledge of lobbying and third party advertising regulations, restrictions, and reporting requirements
• excellent written communication skills, including formal reports, magazine writing and editing
• excellent verbal communications, including experience designing and facilitating workshops or courses
• proficiency with NationBuilder and other email platforms an asset
• demonstrated ability to develop activists' skills and to maintain effective working relationships with union and community activists, coalition partners and political allies
• an understanding of the goals and values of the labour movement

SALARY is per the UWU collective agreement:  Staff Representative 1 (Temporary) - Staff Representative 2 (Temporary). 

Bi-weekly wage rate:  $3,338.12 - $3,720.62.

Travel is required, therefore, applicants must hold a valid B.C. Driver’s licence.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, April 26, 2019.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca

Attention to: Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

UWU/MoveUP

You are invited to join us and your fellow BCGEU members for a day of education at the Peace River Area Office.

STEP UP, our introductory, one-day course, will introduce you to the BCGEU, explore our common values, union culture, and our diverse community of members. Through stories of solidarity and courage, you will gain the strength and support you need to begin your journey as a new or returning steward. Along the way, you will learn about your fundamental union rights and useful union tools and strategies for getting started in your role. Newly elected stewards will have priority registration. You will leave feeling more informed, confident and ready to support a member through a Step 1 grievance. This course is the first step on our new learning pathway for stewards.

Course Date: May 28, 2019

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  

Where: BCGEU Peace River Area Office  

10147 100 Avenue

Fort St. John BC V1J 1Y7

RSVP by following the link below:

http://events.bcgeu.ca/area_10_step_up_education_session_may_28_2019

Download PDF of notice here 

UWU/MoveUP

BCGEU PEACE RIVER AREA OFFICE 

INTERNAL POSTING

April 12, 2019

POSITION: SECRETARY

GRADE: LEVEL 5 - MOVEUP AGREEMENT

A secretary is required to provide secretarial support to staff representatives in the Peace River Area Office.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful applicant will perform Level 5 duties as assigned. Duties to include: processing a variety of documents on a personal computer including collective agreements, meeting notices, bargaining bulletins, grievance letters, leaves of absence and general correspondence; calculating calendar deadlines for grievances, notice to bargain letters, appeals and expedited arbitrations; balancing and maintaining a petty cash fund, making purchases and issuing cheques from an imprest account, reconciling monthly bank statements, calculating charge backs to components/locals; coordinating, preparing and distributing materials for strike/ratification votes and elections; assisting component/local executive in performing their duties such as stewards/retirees' banquets; arranging for union observers to attend selection panels upon members' requests; maintaining a filing system such as grievances, appeals, local, component, cross-component, stewards/officer information; responding to telephone inquiries and receiving visitors such as members, staff representatives, senior labour and management personnel, Provincial Executive; scheduling appointments; making travel and hotel arrangements; other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must have 2-4 years' secretarial experience; high school graduation supplemented by secretarial training; excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills; keyboarding 60-70 wpm; experience and knowledge of database management; accounting/payroll experience a definite asset; an aptitude for organization and detail; excellent interpersonal skills; good telephone manner and the ability to set priorities and work within time limits.

Hours of work are 32 per week, 4 days.

General aptitude tests will be administered to all applicants. Keyboarding tests will be administered to regular/temporary employees who are not presently working in or have not previously worked in a secretarial position.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Apply in writing with resume to Sharon Penner, Human Resources Administrator, Headquarters, by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca

UWU/MoveUP

BCGEU HEADQUARTERS OFFICE 

INTERNAL POSTING 

April 12, 2019 

POSITION: SENIOR DEPARTMENTAL CLERK – NEGOTIATIONS DEPARTMENT

GRADE: LEVEL 6 – MOVEUP AGREEMENT

A Senior Departmental Clerk is required for the Negotiations Department.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Will include: Overseeing the work of the staff in the Negotiations Department; assigning non-routine work; monitoring and reporting performance problems; monitoring training/orientation of new employees; processing a variety of documents including forms, correspondence, agreements and reports from longhand, draft; drafting replies to general correspondence; signing routine correspondence; making appointments and travel arrangements; maintaining files; answering general enquiries; receiving and distributing mail.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Applicant must have 2-4 years' secretarial experience; high school graduation supplemented by secretarial training; excellent keyboarding (60 - 70 wpm); switchboard experience; word processing skills essential; Microsoft Word and Excel skills; an aptitude for organization and detail; good telephone manner; and the ability to set priorities and work within time limits.

Hours of work are 32 per week, 4 days.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Apply in writing with resume to Sharon Penner, Human Resources Administrator, Headquarters, by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

UWU/MoveUP

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

NEGOTIATIONS DEPARTMENT

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING

April 11, 2019

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union requires a staff representative to work in the Negotiations Department, effective date to be determined.

DUTIES:

Negotiations: Working with bargaining units and bargaining councils to develop collective agreement proposals and bargaining strategies; development and implementation of industry standard agreements; review contract administration problems in bargaining units; negotiation of collective agreements for single units and multiple units and with other unions in bargaining associations; participation in mediation to settle collective agreements; representing the union at various informal and formal hearings at the Labour Relations Board pertaining to collective bargaining, essential services and strikes or lockouts; conducting strikes; ratification of tentative agreements.

Classifications: To analyze job descriptions, job specifications and job evaluation plans in order to make determinations as to the appropriate classification level for a given position; to pursue classification appeals through the appeals process including expedited hearings and agreed settlements; to participate in Joint Job Evaluation Committees with elected and employer representatives to rate jobs; to provide training to elected representatives in various job evaluation plans; handle appeals covering a variety of classification groups; to communicate with union members and employer representatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with other staff and elected members; to handle a large volume of correspondence and other communication; experience with administration of collective agreements, grievance handling and arbitration; knowledge of the operation of contract language; experience in servicing locals and members, familiarity with PSEC guidelines; drafting contract language, analyzing contract proposals, arbitration awards and other relevant decisions; good organization skills, including ability to produce collective agreements for signature and distribution in a timely manner. Experience in negotiating with non-profit agencies, for profit agencies and an understanding of public sector funding and delivery mechanisms would be an asset.

An ability to analyze complex benefit plans; to analyze classification appeals and negotiate resolutions to appeals; an understanding of classification systems, systemic wage discrimination and principles of pay equity.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Workers of colour, women, aboriginal workers, LGBTQ+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Travel is required, therefore, applicants must hold a valid B.C. Drivers Licence.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Thursday, April 18, 2019.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: human.resources@bcgeu.ca

Attention to: Stephanie Smith, President, c/o Lisa Trolland

UWU/MoveUP

The B.C. government released a report from Peter German, noting that B.C. does not have a single federal RCMP officer dedicated to investigating money laundering. Stephanie Smith, President of the BCGEU joined Adam Stirling to talk more about the report.

see video here..

UWU/MoveUP