Shareholders will soon get a chance to vote on two proposals on racial equity at the Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). The proposals were jointly filed by BCGEU with Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE) on behalf of the Atkinson Foundation.

This comes following announcements from both the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and National Bank of Canada (NBC) who each announced that they will conduct and disclose the results of third-party racial equity audits. They join TD Bank, which made a similar announcement in April 2022. 

After engagements with both bank, either BMO or RBC commitments on racial equity, and as such these proposals will instead go to vote at their 2023 Annual General Meetings. Despite the new precedents being set by TD and now CIBC and NBC and TD Bank, both BMO and RBC have recommended shareholders vote against the proposals. 

A racial equity audit is an independent analysis of a company's business practices intended to identify and remediate potential and actual disparate outcomes for Indigenous people and communities of colour. The audit evaluates the merits of a company's efforts, policies and practices to tackle systemic racism in light of its racial justice commitment. 

BCGEU President Stephanie Smith says:

RBC and BMO's refusal to commit to these audits puts them at a disadvantage in a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly important to customers, employees, workers, and investors. TD, NBC and CIBC may be the first Canadian banks to engage in this work, but they most certainly will not be the last. We intend to keep pushing banks and financial institutions on this critical issue." 

Colette Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at the Atkinson Foundation says:

The Atkinson Foundation is dedicated to social and economic justice. We believe financial institutions must play a positive role in helping people build inter-generational wealth and grow their businesses. Historically and persistently, banks have exacerbated the racial wealth gap, through overt policies, and unconscious bias. CIBC and NBC are taking an important step in committing to audits, which will help surface these issues and identify solutions that we can act on immediately together. 

Financial institutions play a key role in furthering racial equity in society, as they provide both businesses and individuals with access to essential economic opportunities.

Research has indicated that, when compared to their white counterparts, people of colour and Indigenous people are more likely to be denied loans, to be recommended products that were not properly serve their interests, or not offered crucial products at all such as overdraft protection and balance protection insurance.

By failing to provide equitable opportunities to people of colour and Indigenous people, banks have long perpetuated unequal wealth distribution. 

The decision by both BMO and RBC to forego conducting racial equity audits is particularly disappointing in light of their peers' recent commitments. 

According to Sarah Couturier-Tanoh, Associate Director of Corporate Engagement at SHARE:

When a company publicly commits to fighting racial injustice, it is expected that such a statement is backed up with concrete actions and measurable outcomes. Failure to do so is not only a missed opportunity to rectify racial inequities but also exposes institutional investors to meaningful reputational, legal and regulatory risks.

The resolutions at RBC and BMO will be the first shareholder proposals on racial equity audits to go to a vote at Canadian companies. Recently, numerous Canadian banks have faced controversy about the racial equity impacts of policies, products and practices, including the recent US$ 31 million settlement between the US Department of Justice and City National, an RBC subsidiary in the U.S., over allegations of redlining practices in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in California, signaling that SHARE's proposals are timely and critical. 

ABOUT BCGEU

The B.C. General Employees' Union represents over 85,000 workers in almost every community and economic sector in British Columbia. Under BCGEU's capital stewardship strategy, the union has submitted shareholder proposals at some of Canada's largest companies on topics like human rights, racial equity, and executive compensation. The union's strategy has succeeded in achieving strong commitments on ESG issues. 

ABOUT SHARE

SHARE is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing investor leadership for a sustainable, inclusive and productive economy. We do this by supporting our investor network and amplifying their voices to improve corporate sustainability practices and implement better rules and regulations that govern capital markets. For more information on SHARE, visit www.share.ca

ABOUT ATKINSON FOUNDATION

The Atkinson Foundation is a Canadian charitable foundation committed to social and economic justice. Our highest priority is strengthening movements for decent work and a fair economy. We collaborate with community organizers, policy innovators and investors to challenge income, wealth and democratic inequality. Learn more about us here.

Supplementary Information regarding the Racial Equity Audit Proposal at RBC and BMO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2023

BCGEU and UBCIC announce partnership to push corporate Canada to operationalize FPIC
The labour union and Indigenous political organization joined forces with the aim of combining their respective expertise to push financial institutions to operationalize FPIC.

Vancouver, BC, Musqueam Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories - The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) have partnered to engage Canada's largest public companies on the operationalization of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) when it comes to business decisions that impact the rights of Indigenous peoples. FPIC is an essential principle of international human rights law that recognizes Indigenous peoples' right to make decisions about their lands and territories.

The groups will prioritize efforts to integrate FPIC into the operational policies and practices of financial institutions. The two have filed the only FPIC resolution to go to a vote this year at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)'s Annual Meeting on April 5, 2023. The BCGEU, the shareholder, and UBCIC note that RBC lags behind other Canadian banks and has much more to do to operationalize FPIC into its corporate policies and activities.

"We have seen a lot of companies talking a lot of talk about the call to action #92. The time for words is over. The time for action is now," said Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer. "RBC taking action to operationalize FPIC will make it a better company and will give RBC additional leverage to effect meaningful and necessary change on the path towards reconciliation.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the UBCIC emphasized the importance of operationalizing FPIC in order to uphold Indigenous rights. "RBC needs to go beyond platitudes and performative activities and start implementing FPIC, which is fundamental to any credible reconciliation process," he said. "Canadian banks have treated Indigenous issues as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion matters rather than one intertwined with operations and business decision-making. While 'economic reconciliation' and Indigenous prosperity are important, neither can occur if banks like RBC continue to pour vast funds into projects and companies that do not obtain FPIC."

The shareholder proposal asks RBC to revise its Human Rights Position Statement so RBC can inform itself about how its business clients operationalize FPIC.

"Overlooking the right to FPIC is not only a material risk but will increasingly become a compliance risk as Human Rights Due Diligence legislation gains traction around the world," said Finch.

RBC and other banks often refer to the Equator Principles to address Indigenous rights. "Shareholders should not be persuaded by the banks' reliance on the Equator Principles. EP4 falls short of the minimum standard set out in UNDRIP and will not mitigate the material risks and contingent liability related to failing to meet the standard of Free Prior Informed Consent." said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

The groups have reached successful agreements with banks on similar proposals, including Bank of Montreal (BMO) and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. After engagement with BCGEU and UBCIC, BMO agreed to modify its Human Rights statement in addition to enhancing its due diligence for FPIC concerns and FPIC education as first steps towards operationalizing FPIC.

The RBC AGM takes place on April 5, 2023 in Saskatoon. Representatives from BCGEU and UBCIC will present the shareholder proposal in person.

Background materials:

• The shareholder proposal
• RBC's management information circular

For media inquiries, please contact:

Emma Pullman, BCGEU Capital Stewardship Officer, [email protected]
Ellena Neel, UBCIC Communications Manager, [email protected]

About BCGEU: The B.C. General Employees' Union represents over 85,000 workers in almost every community and economic sector in British Columbia. Under BCGEU's capital stewardship strategy, the union has submitted shareholder proposals at some of Canada's largest companies and has succeeded in achieving strong commitments on ESG issues.

About UBCIC: The Union of BC Indian Chiefs is a political advocacy organization that represents over 120 First Nations in British Columbia. The UBCIC works to uphold Indigenous sovereignty, promote self-determination, and advance Indigenous peoples' rights.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
March 1, 2023 

BCGEU community health workers ratify three-year deal 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – The member unions of the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) have ratified a new three-year collective agreement with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC). The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is the lead union representing 13,000 members and the agreement covers more than 21,000 community health workers across B.C. 

The deal was ratified by a vote of over 94 per cent. 

The tentative agreement represents substantial gains in key areas identified by members including significant wage increases averaging 14 to 16 per cent over three years, protecting workers' benefits, and providing greater control over working conditions. 

"In this round of bargaining, our members' main goal was to make meaningful progress toward closing the pay gap with their peers in other health sectors," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Thanks to the solidarity and resolve of members in the sector, they met this goal and have made important gains towards the long-term sustainability of the community health sector. I'd like to thank the bargaining committee for its dedication to members and to all the people in B.C. that rely on these vital services." 

Members of the CBA are health care professionals who provide home care that enables seniors age in place, support people living with mental health and addictions challenges and provide administrative services to keep the community health care system running smoothly. 

The new agreement is effective April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025. 

Other member unions of the CBA are UFCW, HEU, CUPE, HSA, USW, CLAC and BCNU.

-30- 

Media contact: 

[email protected] 
BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU)

UWU/MoveUP

Area 04 Local Leadership Training Part 1 & 2

**Part 1: online (1-day) -  CHOOSE ONE OF March 30, April 5 OR April 14, 2023 &Part 2 – In-person (2-day) - April 17 & 18, 2023 

Area 04 Local Executive Leadership Training will be held in two parts. 

Part 1 is an all-day online webinar. You will have a choice of one of the three dates listed above. Part 2 is a two-day in-person training session being held at a venue in Pitt Meadows.

We are asking local chairs to coordinate their local executives to sign up for the Part 1 webinar on the same day when the registration is released.

Please watch for the registration information at the beginning of March.

**The Part 1 webinar is a pre-requisite to the Part 2 in-person training

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

February is Black History Month (BHM) and the BCGEU is commemorating the resilient history and legacy of Black Canadians.

While the world still grapples with racism and anti-Black racism, we will be highlighting events throughout the month that we encourage our members to attend. We hope that these events will serve as an opportunity for growth and learning around the history and present-day experiences of racism and anti-Blackness.

Although we want to acknowledge the ongoing legacy of racism, we also want to uplift the important contributions of Black leaders in the Canadian labor movement over the years. Throughout the month we will be highlighting some exceptional Black Canadians who have made tremendous contributions to the labor movement.

Resources and events will be shared throughout the month of February below.

EVENTS

African Descent History in BC

What: Surrey Archives hosts guest speaker Yasin Kiraga Misago, president of the African Descent Society of BC for a free virtual presentation. During the one-hour talk, Misago will explore BC.’s early history of African descent, which dates back to 1858, as well as discuss Surrey’s African diaspora story.

When: February 9, 2023
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free, advance registration required

Out Of The Sun: On Black History And Storytelling

What: BC Black History Awareness Society presents a live-streamed conversation with award-winning novelist Esi Edugyan. The two-time Scotiabank Giller Prize winner and internationally bestselling author will discuss her book, Out of the Sun: On Race and Storytelling with the live and live-streamed audience. The event will also feature musical performances and a Q&A session.

When: February 16th, 2023
Time: 5 to 7 pm
Where: Livestream and in-person at Hermann’s Upstairs, 751 View Street, Victoria.
Cost: Free, though donations are being accepted. Purchase online

Check out other events from the BC Black History Awareness Society here: https://bcblackhistory.ca/black-history-month-2023/

Ethọ́s Lab Innovation Summit & Blackathon

What:We’re celebrating February as Black Futures Month by highlighting the Black presence in innovation in BC and beyond. This event is sponsored by Unity x Meta Higher Ed XR Innovation grant.Grounded in the pillars of Inspiration, Community, Culture, and Innovation – this two-day summit includes a curated public event showcasing Black Innovation and creation and a youth-centred Hack-A-Thon we’ve renamed Blackathon (Black-A-Thon).

When: February 16th, 2023
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Reliance Theatre, Emily Carr Campus
Cost: Free, advance registration required

As We Rise Opening Celebration

What: Photography from the Black Atlantic celebrates Black life in its myriad forms, drawing from cultures around the Atlantic to illustrate a polyphonic sense of community and family. Photographs from some of history’s most influential photographers and most iconic contemporary artists will be on view, including work by Gordon Parks, Malick Sidibé, Carrie Mae Weems, Kehinde Wiley, Texas Isaiah, and more.

When:  February 23, 2023
Time: 7 to 10pm
Where: The Polygon Theatre, North Van
Cost: Free, advance registration required

Black History Month at Viff

RESOURCES

• BC Black History Awareness Society
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Canadian Heritage Campaign  
• Canadian Labour Congress
• Noteworthy Black Canadians
• BC Black History Awareness Society
• African Descent Society BC
• UN Declaration – Decade for People of African Descent (Anti-Racism Resources for White People)
• Government of BC: Anti-Racism FAQs
• Massy Books- Black History Month
• Amnesty-Rights Back at You Podcast
• Black Lives Matter

BOOKS

• Subtle Act of Exclusion: How to understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions by Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran
• Black Women Under State: Surveillance, Poverty, & the Violence of Social Assistance by Idil Abdillahi  
• White Fragility: Why it's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin Diangelo
• They said this would be fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up by Eternity Martis
• Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
• Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer L. Eberhardt
• Blind Spot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
• Bigger than Bravey: Black Resilience and Reclamation in a Time of Pandemic by Valerie Boyd, Alice Walker, Kiese Laymon  

UWU/MoveUP

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) working at Vantage Living Inc. – owner of independent living facility Lakeside Manor – reached a tentative agreement with their employer after meeting with a mediator on January 25, 2023. Until the vote on the tentative agreement is held, the union's job action will stand down. 

"From the 84 per cent strike vote last October, to serving 72-hour strike notice earlier this month, members at Lakeside Manor have shown solidarity and the kind of fight it takes to get a fair deal," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "That solidarity enabled the bargaining committee to secure a deal that will improve conditions for everyone that lives and works in this facility." 

Details of the tentative agreement will be shared with members in the coming days followed by a vote on whether to accept the agreement. 

The BCGEU represents 30 workers at Lakeside Manor who work as laundry attendants, room attendants, line cooks, chefs, dishwashers, servers and activities and events specialists. 

For more information contact: [email protected] or 604-291-9611.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2023

MEDIA ADVISORY: Job action postponed for seniors' care workers
 
BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – Job action has now been postponed for members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) working for Vantage Living Inc. – owner of independent living facility Lakeside Manor in Salmon Arm. This follows 72-hour strike notice issued to the company on Friday. 

Vantage Living Inc. has applied for mediation which is set for January 25, 2023. The BCGEU, representing 30 workers at this facility, is hopeful a fair deal can be reached in mediation and without disruption to the residents. 

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 85,000 members in almost every community and economic sector in the province.

For more information contact: [email protected] 

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2023

Seniors' care workers issue 72-hour strike notice 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) have issued 72-hour strike notice to Vantage Living Inc. – owner of independent living facility Lakeside Manor – as of 11:00 a.m., January 13, 2023. This action is being taken following several months of negotiations that have yet to result in an agreement that provides wage increases that address the rising cost of living and will reduce high staff turnover. 
"This dispute is about seniors' care workers fighting for the respect and support they deserve, and the respect and support those in their care deserve," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Our members are demanding fair compensation so they can put a stop to the revolving door of poorly paid workers and deteriorating conditions at Lakeside Manor." 

The union is seeking wage increases in line with inflation so these workers can catch up and keep up with rising costs. Right now, most workers make minimum wage with the highest pay at $20.90 per hour.

"This is another case of a for-profit company prioritizing the bottom line over wages and working conditions and by extension, the conditions of care residents experience" continued Smith. "For this reason, Lakeside Manor residents are also engaged and supporting members' actions to improve conditions for everyone that lives and works in the facility." 

The bargaining committee remains dedicated to reaching an agreement without commencing job action and is willing to use every minute of the next 72 hours to get a deal done without any disruption to residents. 

If no agreement is reached, job action will commence on Monday January 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with workers walking off the job and on to the picket line. 

Media are invited to attend the strike kick off:

WHAT: Strike kick off for members of Lakeside Manor. 

WHEN: Monday, January 16, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. PST 

WHERE: 681 Harbour Front Drive, NE, in Salmon Arm, B.C. 

VISUALS: Independent seniors living workers, joined in solidarity by some
of the residents they care for and other allies, calling for a fair deal with
colourful union flags and signs. 

The BCGEU represents 30 workers at Lakeside Manor who voted 84 per cent in favour of strike action last October. 

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 85,000 members in almost every community and economic sector in the province.

For more information contact: [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP