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January 16, 2025

Media Release - BCGEU responds to ministers’ mandate letters: Investing in pu...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2025

BCGEU responds to ministers' mandate letters: Investing in public sector workers is vital as economic uncertainty looms 


Burnaby, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - In response to the release of the executive council's mandate letters, B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) president Paul Finch released the following statement:


We're encouraged to see the government acknowledge that strong public services are vital during economic uncertainty. Delivering on that commitment starts with investing in frontline public sector workers who deliver the services B.C. residents rely on every day.

For the past two decades, public sector wages have fallen behind as the cost of living soars, making it difficult to retain skilled staff. Overall public service staffing levels are modest and in line with the national average – but serious staff shortages exist in many frontline roles including wildland firefighters, health care workers, court workers and others. 

At the same time, spending on management has increased significantly in recent years, with excluded management roles growing at nearly twice the rate of frontline BCGEU positions.

Redirecting funds from management to frontline workers is a common-sense step to improve efficiency while maintaining the public service B.C. residents rely on.

Let's be clear: despite what big business lobbyists may say, cuts to public services won't fix the deficit. The real budget pressures stem from other factors: massive infrastructure spending-which, while necessary, ends up costing taxpayers more due to inefficient procurement processes-and tax breaks on resource revenues that shortchange B.C. residents of their fair share of our province's wealth. 

The government must address the root causes of B.C.'s fiscal challenges, and invest in forward-looking measures to build economic resilience, including a robust economic development plan and comprehensive workforce strategy. 

We look forward to sharing our ideas for strong and efficient public services to support B.C. residents through the economic headwinds we're facing.
 

-30-

For more information or to book an interview with BCGEU president Paul Finch, please contact Nadja Komnenic, BCGEU Communications at [email protected] or (604) 291-9611.



UWU/MoveUP

January 16, 2025

B.C. GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION BUILDING OPERATOR (AR2 - BC General Employees' ...

B.C. GENERAL EMPLOYEES' UNION

BUILDING OPERATOR (AR2)

JOB ID: UWU009

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING

January 15, 2025

 

The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia. We represent over 95,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the private sector and public services. The BCGEU operates 12 area offices across the province and three buildings in Burnaby, BC which house our headquarters staff.

The BCGEU is seeking an experienced multi-site building operator for the union's Facilities Department. The individual will have sound experience in facilities management and working with capital projects under the direction from the Director of Operations. In this role, the successful applicant will work closely with other Facilities staff and the Director of Operations to ensure that the union's buildings are well maintained and are operating effectively to service our membership. This position schedules physical asset management activities and is a technical resource for internal and external stakeholders. 

This position is located in Burnaby. Effective date to be determined. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Building Operator Activities 

  • Oversee and manage preventative maintenance programs, including minor repairs, to maintain the functionality of facilities including but not limiting to: 
  • Assisting in developing annual maintenance or repair schedules to ensure timely upkeep of all facilities; 
  • Coordinating and managing all building and major equipment inspections, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and operational standards; 
  • Plan and oversee the maintenance for the interior and exterior of facilities, including 5 local offices and 10 area offices across the BC region; 
  • Identify and report any major building system issues, equipment repairs, or replacements to the Director of Operations in a timely manner; 
  • Maintain inventory control of equipment and supplies, ordering replacements as needed or directed; 
  • Maintain security system integrity including not limited to issuing of security cards and/or alarm codes to staff and elected officers of the union; 
  • Respond to and manage workflow of service requests through departmental service requests portal; and 
  • Address on-the-job issues, concerns, and complaints promptly and professionally. 
  • Provide emergency after-hours response as required and directed. 

Contractor Management 

  • Coordinate and oversee third-party contractors to ensure adherence to specifications, standards, safety practices, and contractual obligations; 
  • Monitor the quality of work completed by contractors, ensuring it meets the approved quotes and workmanship standards; and 
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on facilities-related projects/tasks and engage with outside contractors / consultants as needed. 

Budgets 

  • Assist in the development of capital planning, amortization, mandatory operating equipment budgets, and major asset maintenance budgets for facilities-related projects during the budgeting cycle; 
  • Ensure capital projects are completed on time, to scope and within budget; and 
  • Identify and report any cost overruns ahead of time so that additional budget could be requested from senior leadership. 

Procurement and Contract Management 

  • Coordinate all or part of procurement process, in accordance with procurement protocols, including but not limited to: 
  • Initiating request for proposals, request for quotations, standard service arrangements, etc.; 
  • Preparing scope of work and price lists; 
  • Preparing and executing contracts as directed; 
  • Identify opportunities for energy and cost savings and provide recommendations to improve efficiency; and 
  • Coordinate and manage contractor COI and WCB letters – ensure all are current. 

Occupational Health and Safety 

  • Attend joint occupational health and safety meetings as the employer rep as required under the direction of the Director of Operations. 

Strike Coordinating Activities 

  • Organize logistics for external contracted facilities and equipment during strikes, as directed by the strike coordinating committee. 

Policies, Procedures, and Modernization 

  • Utilize BCGEU internal systems (such as records management, JIRA SM, and server retention) to accurately store maintenance logs and other relevant documentation for retrieval; 
  • Assist in updating policies and procedures; and 
  • Ensure the union's financial and other policies and procedures are adhered to. 

 Other 

  • Any other Facilities or Building Operator related activities as deemed necessary. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: 

  • Post-secondary education in facilities management or related area (red seal trades certificate or 4th class power engineering certificate); 
  • Minimum of Eight (8) years' experience performing at a senior level in commercial facilities management and building operations; 
  • Experience in commercial property management as the landlords representative in property management and maintenance; 
  • Experience not only leading projects such as renovations, large scale major asset replacements, but also overseeing the work of consultants and contractors; 
  • Experience developing and ensuring compliance with annual maintenance and repair schedules, budgets and capital plans is desirable; 
  • Knowledge and experience with electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other building systems operations; 
  • Ability to read construction drawings with general knowledge of building envelope/construction; 
  • Be a team player that will work collaboratively as a team with other building operators; 
  • Proficient in technology as required to operate relevant safety, security, building systems, equipment and tools; 
  • Ability to communicate clearly and in a professional manner (verbally and in writing) to key stakeholders including but not limiting to elected officials, senior leadership team, staff, members, etc.; 
  • Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills; 
  • Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations and requirements; 
  • Abilities to prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; and
     
  • Detail-oriented and have a can-do, proactive approach to resolving issues. 

SALARY & BENEFITS: 

Bi-Weekly: $4,408.03 - $4,788.96
Annually: $115,002.42 - $124,940.61 

Regular full-time position. Paid vacation (5 weeks), comprehensive benefits package, enrolment in the Public Service Pension Plan. Travel is required; therefore, applicants must hold a valid B.C. Driver's license. 

The BCGEU is committed to the health and safety of BCGEU staff and members visiting our offices. All employees with the BCGEU are required to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19, as a condition of employment.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, 2SLGBTQI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

Submit applications no later than 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

 Please include only one attachment with your application. If you need to include both a cover letter and a resume, combine them into a single file before uploading. Please reference the Position Title and the Job ID in the subject line when submitting your application. Applications with multiple attachments may be rejected.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected].



UWU/MoveUP

January 16, 2025

B.C. GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION CLERK – CONVENTIONS AND TRAVEL (2 positions) - ...

B.C. GENERAL EMPLOYEES' UNION

CLERK – CONVENTIONS AND TRAVEL (2 positions) 

INTERNAL / EXTERNAL POSTING

JOB ID: MU015 

January 15, 2025

 

The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia representing over 95,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the private sector and public services.

The BCGEU seeks experienced Conventions and Travel clerks to join a small team supporting the union's core mission: uniting working people in BC in a democratic organization that acts on their behalf, promoting their social, cultural, and economic interests.

This position is responsible for providing administrative support to Conventions and Travel Staff Representatives and will be based in the BCGEU Headquarters located in Burnaby, BC. The Conventions and Planning department staff are responsible for planning and executing various conventions, conferences and events for the union members and staff, including their travel and accommodation arrangements. Effective date to be determined.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Convention & Travel Activities

  • Processing credentials, registration forms, rooming lists, leaves of absence and general correspondence;
  • Processing resolutions for submission to various conventions Maintaining filing systems and daily bring forward systems;
  • Determining calendar deadlines for registrations, hotel reservations, mailings, credentials and ensuring deadlines are met
  • Providing backup administrative support for servicing staff in the Conventions and Travel Department;
  • Assist in the coordination activities of Conventions & Travel staff;
  • Coordinating, arranging and booking all aspects of travel and hotel arrangements for staff and members travelling on BCGEU business, including domestic, international and group travel;
  • Assisting with the calculation charge backs to components and affiliates for registration fees, accommodations, leaves of absence;
  • Reviewing, reconciling, and processing invoices for payment processing;
  • Sorting and distributing mail;
  • Managing incoming calls;

Triennial Constitutional Convention

  • Support in the activities and responsibilities of Conventions & Travel department staff

Policies, Procedures, and Modernization

  • Provide administrative support to the Director of Operations as requested

Other Duties

  • Admin support to other Conventions & Travel related activities as deemed necessary

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must have:

  • High school graduation supplemented by administrative training;
  • Travel agent certificate or equivalent (preferred)
  • 2 – 4 years' administrative experience;
  • 2 – 3 years' experience with conference planning and preparation;
  • Excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills;
  • Excellent communication, spelling and grammatical skills including good telephone manner;
  • An aptitude to be well organized and detailed;
  • Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information.
  • Ability to set priorities and work within time limits;
  • Knowledge and understanding of Union procedures and policies;
  • Knowledge of the BCGEU structure (preferred)
  • Knowledge of Unionware and SQL based and relational databases (preferred)

WAGE RATE: $36.81 – $40.10 per hour

Regular full-time position. This is a unionized position, and all terms of employment are governed by the applicable collective agreement. Paid vacation, comprehensive benefits package, and enrolment in the Public Service Pension Plan.

Travel is required; therefore, applicants must hold a valid B.C. Driver's license. As part of your terms of employment, you will be required to have an approved, union-made, non-luxury vehicle upon successful completion of the six-month probationary period. Full details and conditions can be found in the BCGEU BCUWU collective agreement.

Upon the successful completion of the probationary period, the successful candidate may be considered for a hybrid work arrangement subject to the terms of the collective agreement.

Hours of work are 32 per week, four days.

The BCGEU supports employment equity. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, LGBTQ2SI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Please include only one attachment with your application. If you need to include both a cover letter and a resume, combine them into a single file before uploading. Please reference the Position Title and the Job ID in the subject line when submitting your application. Applications with multiple attachments may be rejected.

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected]



UWU/MoveUP

January 15, 2025

BCGEU VICTORIA AREA OFFICE INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE...

BCGEU VICTORIA AREA OFFICE

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING

JOB ID: MU013

January 15, 2025

 

 

POSITION: TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT– Victoria Area Office

 

GRADE: LEVEL 3 – MoveUP AGREEMENT

 

WAGE RATE: $35.72 - $38.51 per hour

A Temporary Administrative Assistant is required to perform administrative and word processing functions for staff representatives. This person may also be required to assist with switchboard and receptionist duties. Term of assignment is 6 months.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Will include processing a variety of documents such as letters, minutes, reports, bargaining preparation, bargaining proposals, bargaining material for strike/ratification votes, steward elections and communication, and general correspondence; calculating calendar deadlines for grievances; expedited arbitration and appeal preparation; responding to phone calls and walk-in visitors; assisting component/local executive; meeting coordination such as booking meeting rooms, travel and accommodation; prioritizing incoming mail; maintaining filing and bring forward system; and other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Applicant must have 2-4 years administrative experience; high school graduation supplemented by administrative training; excellent Microsoft Word and excel skills; keyboarding (40 - 50 wpm); switchboard experience; database experience required; 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. Indigenous workers, workers of colour, women, LGBTQ2SI+ workers, and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions with the BCGEU.

 

All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

 

Please include only one attachment with your application. If you need to include both a cover letter and a resume, combine them into a single file before uploading. Please reference the Position Title and the Job ID in the subject line when submitting your application. Applications with multiple attachments may be rejected.

 

Resumes will be accepted by e-mail to: [email protected]



UWU/MoveUP

January 03, 2025

Media Release: Kootenay Ferries - job action expansion - BC General Employees...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Jan 3, 2025

The BCGEU issued 24-hour strike notice for the cable ferries operated by Western Pacific Marine (WPM) at Glade and Harrop today, with job action set to begin on Monday, January 6th at 6:30am.
 
BCGEU President, Paul Finch says "Ferry workers are committed to reaching a fair agreement that supports a sustainable ferry service. Unfortunately, Western Pacific Marine continues to prolong this strike by refusing to meet the standard set by other inland ferry operators in B.C.
 
"Recruiting and retaining the local operators needed to run these ferries safely is crucial to keep them running for years to come. Unfortunately, Western Pacific Marine has chosen to prioritize their profits over the community's needs and not take the steps needed to staff the ferries adequately.
 
"Other ferry operators have recently agreed to wage increases that address our rising cost of living, and they operate on a day-for-day scheduling system that allows workers adequate rest to safely operate the ferries and would allow the expansion of service that the Kootenays community has been asking for."
 
"Ferry workers – who are members of the West Kootenays community – recognize the impact this situation has on their neighbours that rely on these ferry services. However, as WPM continues to delay coming to a fair agreement, workers are expanding the job action to hopefully bring an end to the dispute and ensure the long-term viability of these critical services."
 
During this job action, WPM has scheduled sailings in accordance with the Labour Board-defined essential service levels required to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of residents. Up to date sailing schedules for the cable ferries, as well as the Kootenay Lake ferry, can always be found on ferries.bcgeu.ca

 
For more information contact: Aaron Donovan, BCGEU Communications - [email protected]



UWU/MoveUP

December 06, 2024

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women 2024 - BC Ge...

Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action and it is vital that we take action to demand an end to violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people. December 6 marks the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre of 14 young women who lost their lives because they were women. We mourn their loss and reaffirm our commitment to fight the systems of misogyny, patriarchy, colonialism and violence that led to this tragedy.

Femicide is the intentional killing of a woman or girl because of her gender. It is a universal problem, and the most brutal, visible, and extreme manifestation of the cycle of gender-based violence that women and girls endure.

Here are some sobering statistics:

Victims of gender-based violence are disproportionately harmed by someone they know, often an intimate partner or family member. Domestic violence can also carry over into the workplace, threatening women's ability to maintain economic independence.

We hope you will consider attending an event in your area to commemorate the day of action. If you live in the lower mainland there is a candlelight vigil at Holland Park in Surrey at 6 p.m. We also encourage you to share the social media post that we will feature on the BCGEU social media channels.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, here are a few links to services and resources in BC:
 
VictimLink
1-800-563-0808 a multilingual information service available throughout BC and the Yukon 24/7.
Or Text VictimLink BC at 604-836-6381.
 
BC Housing - Transition Houses & Safe Homes List 
List and contact information for all of the transition houses across the province.

 
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre: 24-Hour Crisis Line
604-255-6344 or toll-free 1-877-392-7583
 
Battered Women Support Services Crisis line
604-687-1867 or 1-855-687-1868 or text 604-652-1867 or email: [email protected].
 
Ending Violence BC
Non-residential anti-violence programs.

i Statistics Canada
ii Dawn Canada
iii Canadian Labour Congress


National Day of Action on Violence Against Women. List of names of the 14 women killed with a white candle in the background.
Help raise awareness, share this image with the text below on social media:
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre of 14 young women who lost their lives because they were women. We mourn their loss and reaffirm our commitment to fight the systems of misogyny, patriarchy, colonialism and violence that led to this tragedy.
 
On this National Day of Remembrance and Action it is vital that we take action to demand an end to violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people. If you live in the lower mainland there is a candlelight vigil at Holland Park in Surrey at 6 p.m



UWU/MoveUP

December 02, 2024

2025 BCGEU Scholarship Program – Now Open! - BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU)

Applications for the 2025 BCGEU Scholarship program are now being accepted. 

Our annual scholarship program of up to $125,000 offers awards of $2,500 for full-time students and $1,500 for part-time students. Scholarships are funded by the dues of our members.  

Apply for a BCGEU Scholarship online here  
Apply for a BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship here

Eligibility 

  • A BCGEU member in good standing, or related to a current, retired or deceased BCGEU member or staff; and 
  • A student or prospective post-secondary or higher learning student enrolled, registered or planning to attend an eligible educational institution in 2025. 

[1] Eligible relatives include spouses, (same or opposite and common law spouses); parents; and children and grandchildren (including foster, adopted, and stepchildren and step-grandchildren). 
 
[2] Eligible educational institutions must be recognized by Employment and Social Development Canada. A list can be found here.

Previous BCGEU scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply. 

For eligibility requirements for the Indigenous scholarship please see below.

Essay 

In addition to personal information and details of your education plan, you will be asked to answer two short personal questions, and a longer essay in response to the questions below.

Part 2 can be in essay format, or a creative submission such as a video, infographic, or song. Infographics must be submitted in a PDF format. Videos must be submitted via a link to the video uploaded to YouTube. 

Select one of the topics below for your submission: 

a) Public protests and counter protests are becoming a more common occurrence in British Columbia. Reflect on an experience that has impacted you. How does it align with your values and that of the labour movement? 

b) Indigenous peoples are the keepers of the land and essential to governing climate change. What does "land back" mean to you? How does that align with the values of the labour movement? 

c) The current state of the world poses many challenges. What inspires you towards making a positive change? How can the BCGEU drive that change? 

d) Communication and outreach methods have evolved greatly. What communication and outreach strategies would you employ to effectively engage our diverse membership base? How would your strategies differ for urban versus rural areas and how do they align with the values of the labour movement? 

We encourage you to base your answer on an interview with a BCGEU member, personal experience, or original research. 

Submissions suspected of plagiarism or being written by artificial intelligence (AI) will be disqualified. 

Submissions will be assessed on the following criteria: 

  • Did the application answer the question? 
  • Did the answer seem original, creative or include interview/research? 
  • Did the answers show evidence of understanding the importance of the labour movement in Canada? 

The deadline for submitting applications is midnight, Monday, Feb.17, 2025. 

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.  

2025 BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship Eligibility 

Apply for a BCGEU Indigenous Scholarship here

For the purpose of this scholarship, an Indigenous person (the legal term is Aboriginal person) in Canada, as recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982, is a person who identifies as First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit. 

Indigenous identity data is collected solely to determine scholarship eligibility. 

For First Nations applicants 

You must provide one of the following: 

  • a copy of your Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or 
  • a copy of your Certificate of Indian Status, or 

For Métis applicants 

You must provide one of the following: 

  • a copy of a Métis Nation Citizenship card from one of the 4 regional/provincial affiliates of the Métis National Council (Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation of Ontario); or 
  • a copy of a valid Métis Citizenship and Harvester Identification Card from the Manitoba Métis Federation; or 
  • a copy of a valid Citizenship card from the Métis Settlements of Alberta; or 
  • a copy of a valid Citizenship card from the Northwest Territory Métis Nation. 

For Inuit applicants 

You must provide a copy of an Inuit membership card issued by any one of the 4 Inuit Treaty Organizations or Governments that are covered by the Inuit Nunangat Policy: 

  • Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 
  • The Nunatsiavut Government, 
  • Makivik Corporation, or 
  • The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. 

For all applicants (voluntary) 

In addition to any one of the types of legal documentation listed above, all applicants are welcome to submit an alternative identity term (e.g., Kanien'kehá:ka, Anishinaabe, Treaty #3, etc.) with their application. 

Please note that membership to pan-Indigenous organizations will not be recognized. 

Option 2 - Candidate self-declaration 

If a candidate does not possess proof of the documentation listed in Option 1, they must submit a statement (minimum 200 words) about their lived experiences and ongoing relationship to a legally recognized Indigenous community, Nation, or people. This includes specific information about their First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community and can include copies of historical documents or oral testimony. 

The statement must be signed by 2 guarantors who are part of the community, Nation, etc. that the applicant describes their ties to. Guarantors must be over the age of 18 and cannot be members of the applicant's immediate family (i.e., no siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, or any step variations). 

Questions: email [email protected]

Download a copy of the 2025 Scholarship brochure here



UWU/MoveUP

November 27, 2024

Members in the Fraser Valley (Area 04) - Postal Strike Support - BC General E...

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is taking on Canada Post over wages, pensions, and a fight for the future of public services. The members of CUPW have been on the picket line since Friday, November 15.

The Area 04 Cross Component Committee would like to remind you that we can show our solidarity by joining picket lines during your time off, unpaid breaks and before/after your workday.

To find a picket line in your community, use the CUPW's Picket Line Location Search

With this support, our collective power expands – enabling us to advocate more effectively for fair treatment and better conditions across all sectors.

CUPW's website has resources for sending a letter to the Canada Post CEO, printing signs, and sharing on social media: Support Your Postal Workers!

You can also find the CUPW strike solidarity playlist here: https://spoti.fi/3ZheCPp

Solidarity with workers is the bedrock of the labour movement. We encourage everyone to attend a picket line if you can, to send a powerful message to the Canada Post Corporation: workers are united in the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and a public postal service that works for all of us.

In solidarity
Erica Cardarelli Kevin HagglundCross Component Chair Staff Representative

Download PDF of notice here



UWU/MoveUP

November 26, 2024

STATEMENT: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - ...

The following is a statement from BCGEU Treasurer, Maria Bennett, delivered at the BC Federation of Labour Convention, November 26th:

Hello delegates. My name is Maria Bennett, my pronouns are she/her, and I am Treasurer of the BC General Employees' Union – the BCGEU. However, I am here today wearing my other hat: as Chair of the BCGEU's Women and Gender Rights Committee. 

As you may know, yesterday, November 25th, was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and it marked the kickoff of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. 

Gender-based violence in the workplace takes many forms -harassment, discrimination, abuse of power- and it thrives in silence, fear, and inaction. It threatens the safety, dignity, and livelihoods of countless workers, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

As trade unionists, we cannot stand idly by. Our movement is built on the principles of solidarity, justice, and equality, and a workplace where any individual is subject to violence or harassment is not only unsafe for them but undermines the rights of all workers. 

Unions have both the responsibility and the power to lead the fight against gender-based violence. We can negotiate strong collective agreements that include protections against harassment and abuse. We can create systems of support and advocacy for those who experience violence. And we can hold employers accountable for fostering safe, equitable workplaces. 

At the BCGEU convention in June, there were several resolutions that directly addressed issues of gender-based violence in the workplace. Gender-based violence victims are not safe even in the workplace, and our members may not know how to recognize or respond when their co-worker is a victim. 

But our role goes beyond policy. As trade unionists, we must challenge cultures of silence and complicity. We must raise awareness, educate our members, and empower workers to stand against violence in all its forms. Together, we can dismantle the systemic inequalities that allow gender-based violence to persist, creating workplaces where everyone -regardless of gender or identity- can thrive without fear. 



UWU/MoveUP