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.
 

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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

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

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:

• Nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime which includes women of colour.
• Girls are at particular risk of violence with 1 in 4 adolescent girls abused by their partners.
• Indigenous women are six times more likely to be murdered or go missing than non- Indigenous women and represent up to seven per cent of femicide victims in Canada.i
• More than half of women with disabilities are likely to experience some form of violence during their adult lives.ii
• Almost three quarters of trans, non-binary and gender diverse people have faced sexual harassment and violence at work.iii

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

Help raise awareness, share this image with the text below on social media:
This year marks the 35^th 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

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

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

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 25^th, 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

A statement from BCGEU Executive Vice-President and Chair of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee Tristen Wybou 

While we mourn and condemn hate on this somber day, we know it's not enough for unions to be against transphobia - we must also actively build safe, supportive spaces, so all workers can thrive, rest and lead full lives.

The labour movement insists that everyone deserves liberation from the struggle for survival. But trans workers are forced to do just that, and in the ongoing fight for their lives, are too often robbed of opportunities to pursue interests, build relationships, and even participate equally in union activism because they cannot afford to lay down their sword or trust they'll be safe if they choose to come out. Still, trans life-expectancy remains significantly lower than the broader population. 

Organizers of the Trans Day of Remembrance (November 20) have been raising awareness about this disturbing disparity, and memorializing and mourning victims of transphobia since 1999. Amidst the recent surge in attacks on the 2sLGBTQIA+ community (with a particular hostility towards trans people), it's more important than ever that the labour movement rallies together in solidarity and with pride. 

Violence towards the trans community is not new. What's most disturbing about last year's and this year's attacks is the way that hate-fueled groups pushed to normalize it. By warping the notion of "parents' rights," they've grown shocking support for an agenda that hurts the children of these parents. Here in BC, we saw how these groups aggressively fearmongered and organized by spreading misinformation, specifically about gender-affirming care and SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) educational resources – optional lesson plans that encourage inclusion and allow for age-appropriate conversations about identity. 

Politicians and powerful pundits who are cementing their messages into policy and law have done so with devastating consequences for youth. According to one study out of the United States, where 48 state-level anti-transgender laws came into effect between 2018 and 2022, incidents of past-year suicide attempts among trans and non-binary youth (aged 13-17) increased by up to 72%, across 19 states. This is a massive jump, especially when compared with states that did not pass similar legislation. It's because of regressive laws like these that many young people will not have the chance to be themselves and grow old. 

Meanwhile, in BC, the same political party that perpetuated dangerous myths about the trans community during election season had the audacity to run on a platform of "public safety" and "real support for mental wellness."

As a union, we commit to vigilance and unity when any provincial political party or government tries to wield trans issues as a wedge issue. We commit to fighting back because this is ultimately a tool for dividing workers and weakening our power when we're pushing for better wages, respect in the workplace, health & safety resources, funding for affordable public services and more. Not surprisingly, these disturbing attempts often go hand-in-hand with broader anti-worker agendas, austerity budgets, increased privatization of healthcare, profit-over-people models, and more. 

We also recognize that real justice for the transgender community will only be won if it is intersectional. Accessible gender-affirming care includes and requires an anti-racist healthcare system and affordable housing for seniors and low-income communities. Breaking free from the fight for survival means seeing our future with our trans elders carrying their wisdom onward for the generations to come. 

Regardless of who's in power at the legislature, as BCGEU members we know that the workplace remains a potent terrain of struggle on which to win justice. Maximizing our collective power for winning the resources we need to create optimal working and living conditions demands inclusivity. To exclude anyone from the progress we strive for would only preclude our ability to achieve it; in other words, a strong, democratic union is a trans-inclusive union.

Unfortunately, the BCGEU continues to hear reports from trans members about workplace harassment, discrimination, and the inability to come out due to fear of retaliation. Every worker and person in B.C. deserves safety, respect and support. So, on this November 20, we recommit to not only defending trans members but also empowering them to find their voice in the BCGEU. Real unionism uplifts all workers to advance their rights.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2024

Ferry Workers Draw the Line: Strike Notice Issued for Fair Wages and Conditions

Burnaby, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Yesterday at 12:00 pm, members of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) at Western Pacific Marine Ferries issued 72-hour strike notice, with full strike action scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 12:00 pm. This escalation follows an unsatisfactory offer from the employer that would disadvantage our members. Furthermore, this offer does not meet the standards set by agreements with Waterbridge and Waterbridge Equipment.

“Ferry workers are calling for a fair and equitable deal, comparable wage increases, necessary scheduling adjustments, extended benefits for auxiliary workers, and crucial training support,” said Maria Bennett, BCGEU Treasurer.

“Western Pacific Marine has the means to meet these demands, and workers are unified in their stance.”

Ferry workers are committed to maintaining essential services, with three weekday sailings on the Osprey for essential travel only and emergency vehicle access outside this schedule. No weekend sailings will occur, and cable ferry services remain unaffected by job action at this time.

To kick off the strike, a solidarity rally is set for 11:30 am on Sunday, November 3, at the Balfour terminal. Workers and community members alike are encouraged to join, showing collective support for fair treatment and equitable conditions for ferry staff.

This strike reflects ferry workers’ determination to achieve industry-aligned conditions and hold Western Pacific Marine accountable to fair standards.

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members across multiple industries and communities.

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For more information contact: Susan Howatt at [email protected]

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day - a day of remembrance, learning, reflection and action. As union members, workers, neighbours, caregivers, citizens and newcomers to Canada, we have many critical roles to play in Reconciliation - one of which is educating ourselves. 
 
I encourage you to explore the following learning resources and discuss your learnings and reflections with friends, family and colleagues. 
 
How does educating ourselves contribute to Reconciliation? Self-education is an act of responsibility. It is everyone's responsibility to learn the truth and understand the impacts of past and present actions on the lives of Indigenous people, and on society as a whole. 
 
To learn about the Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families including those who passed, those who survived, and their families:

• Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
• Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (Government of Canada)
• [Video] Stolen Children | Residential School Survivors Speak Out (CBC News)
• Where Are The Children? Healing the Impacts of Residential Schools (Legacy of Hope Foundation)
• Report of the Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Volume 1: Looking Forward, Looking Back. Chapter 10, “Residential Schools,” pages 313-394 (Canada, Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples) 

To learn about how today's child welfare system is yesterday's residential school system:

• 'Every child matters': One year after the unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children were found in Kamloops (Kisha Supernant, RSC College of New Scholars, University of Alberta)
• "Child Welfare," Indigenous Women's Justice Plan (BC First Nations Justice Council, page 20)

To learn about the history, symbolism and message of the orange shirt and Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

• Teaching and learning resources (UBC's Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre)
• Learning resources for Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Government of British Columbia)
• [Video] Residential Schools in Canada: A timeline (Historica Canada)
• Residential School Timeline (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation,  University of Manitoba)

To learn about the history of Indigenous workers:

• Timeline of Canadian Colonialism and Indigenous resistance (Tim Kitz, The Leveller)
• Bows and Arrows: Indigenous workers, IWW Local 526, and Syndicalism on the Vancouver Docks (Jeff Shantz, Libcom.org)
• First Nations in the 1920's (Chelsea Brooks, Sutori)

Many events are happening across B.C. to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Participation is encouraged. Find an event near you here.
 
In solidarity,
Paul Finch, BCGEU president

UWU/MoveUP