Are you tired of the long waits and wrap-around lines to get into LifeLabs? Are you worried about the Americanization of our healthcare system?

These concerns are connected. By standing with our local LifeLabs members who are on strike in the Lower Mainland and communities across B.C., you're speaking out on both issues. Join them for a solidarity rally on Sunday, April 6, 12:00 pm (NOON) to 2:00 pm at 4250 Kingsway, #210, Burnaby! 

Subpar working conditions at LifeLabs have been chipping away at patient services for too long. In bargaining, staff have been pushing back, fighting to secure wages and protections that will attract and retain the skilled staff needed to provide you with the best service. Partway through bargaining though, an American giant called Quest Diagnostics, bought LifeLabs and went for the jugular. Now, corporate America is sucking millions of public health care dollars out of B.C. Workers are concerned about the future of our lab services.

BCGEU LifeLabs members are striking to ensure more of your tax dollars go towards frontline services in the Lower Mainland, not investors on Wall Street. Amplify their voices at our solidarity rally: demand quality jobs for locals and a sustainable lab service that can keep up with demand and provide the care you and your neighbours deserve.

The BCGEU LifeLabs Bargaining Committee:

Mandy De Fields, Bargaining Committee Chairperson
Kelly Jeffs, Bargaining Committee Vice-Chairperson 
Maryam Baghalha, Bargaining Committee member
Tony Ly, Bargaining Committee member
Rosario Viray, Bargaining Committee member
Wendy Cummer, Bargaining Committee member
Linsay Buss, Staff Representative - Negotiations 

UWU/MoveUP

Rapid Grievance Tribunal 

So far this round of bargaining, discussions have been focused on key non-monetary proposals. One of the most important to our committee is the Rapid Grievance Tribunal. Here's why:

ISSUE:  

The length of time it takes to settle grievances is too long – especially for simple grievances like:

• union leave denial
• vacation denial
• overtime bypasses
• other, simple, straightforward, time-sensitive matters

Grievances are taking as long as two years to resolve, even when it's a simple matter. Lengthy waits mean that – when they win – members don't actually get the leaves they've been denied, as the days requested have long passed. In these cases, justice delayed is justice denied. As a result, many members have lost confidence in the grievance system. 

PROPOSED SOLUTION:  

In our current system, all grievances follow the same process – whether they are simple or complex. So simple grievances get unnecessarily slowed down, as they don't need lengthy investigations or rely on interpretation of complex matters. 

Separating complex and simple grievances into two streams would help conclude both types more quickly. It is not effective to put costly and limited legal resources into very simple cases. That's why we have proposed a "Rapid Grievance Tribunal" process to facilitate quick settlement of simple grievances in the most informal manner possible.

We want to emphasize that the proposed Rapid Grievance Tribunal would only address grievances of a simple nature, not more complex issues that require investigation such as disciplinary grievances.

Our union's intention behind the proposed rapid grievance tribunal is to: 

• Resolve grievances of a straightforward nature in a timely fashion
• Restore confidence in the administration of our contract 
• Resolve disputes that are otherwise impacting productivity 
• Save the union and the PSA significant money spent in prolonged adjudication of disputes that could be settled more simply. 
• Realize cost-savings for government by addressing loss of productivity, reduced workload, reduced case conference and arbitrator time

Paul Finch, BCGEU President and Chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee, explains more about the need for the proposed rapid grievance tribunal here. 

In solidarity,

Your Public Service Bargaining Committee
Paul Finch, President and Committee Chair
Maria Bennett, Treasurer
Dean Purdy, Component 1 Vice-President
Kusam Doal, Component 5 Vice-President
Judy Fox-McGuire, Component 6 Vice-President
Mona Dykes, Component 6 Second Representative
DJ Pohl, Component 12 Vice-President
Faith Johnston, Component 12 Second Representative
Robert Davis, Component 20 Vice-President 
Douglas W. Dykens, Executive Director – Advocacy, Negotiations, Member 
Benefits and secretary to the PSBC 
Larisa Mills, Staff Representative 
Sumiko Marshall, Support Staff 

UWU/MoveUP

March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility 

"We aspire to a world made in the image of everyday people" 

Statement from BCGEU's Executive Vice-President and Chair of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee Tristen Wybou 

Quality, universal healthcare; secure, affordable housing; respectful workplaces; jobs that pay the bills (without breaking our backs and spirits). What do all of these goals have in common? 

They're central to the transgender rights movement!

This answer might surprise some of you because no doubt, as a working person and a unionist, you likely see your own values reflected in these aspirations even if you don't personally identify with gender diversity. 

That's because the labour movement's fights and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community's fights are fundamentally linked. They have always been intertwined and continue to strengthen each other. In fact, facing some of the highest barriers to dignified working and living conditions, queer people have often been forced to speak on these shared issues the loudest, for the benefit of all.

We transformed our marginalization into a megaphone, and when the powers-that-be failed to listen, we turned to each other, making a kiln of our community's own fire to forge creative solutions that decision-makers could never devise. Just look at the transgender changemakers who radicalized the streets of 1970s New York with S.T.A.R - the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries. Their community was facing a housing crisis, and in the absence of state support, they found a grassroots solution and acquired a dilapidated building, creating their own shared housing. 

Unions were born out of a collective fight and spirit as well. Forced displacement (literal and figurative) is abhorrent - it also ignites tenacity. Unsurprisingly, the battles we've fought from the margins have often led to the most meaningful wins.

But what happens when the state, its pundits, and employers try to erase a people from the page entirely? 

This is the threat Transgender people currently face. While fighting for their very right to exist, trans workers - exhausted and rightfully fearful - are forced to make difficult and brave choices about their visibility on the frontlines of the many causes they support, as well as within their daily lives. The BCGEU insists that everyone deserves liberation from the struggle for survival so that no one is robbed of opportunities to participate equally in activism (including unionism), pursuing passions, building community and finding fulfillment in jobs. We aspire to a world made in the image of everyday people – one where all can thrive. To get here, trans rights must be centered in our union's fights, and trans members must be protected so they can safely amplify their voices. 

We stand against any government incentivized by corporate interests to wield trans issues as a wedge issue. Such tactics are just a cover for dividing workers and weakening our power so that it's harder for us to win better wages, respect in the workplace, health & safety resources, funding for affordable public services and more. 

The disturbing attempts to divide us often go together with broader anti-worker agendas, austerity budgets, increased privatization of healthcare, profit-over-people models, and more. Attacks on our most underserved communities are a part of a war on every working person and their neighbours. For instance, in the United States Donald Trump's crusade against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are drawing the ire and concern of scientists who say this will impact the entire country's health. 

BCGEU members know that the workplace remains a potent terrain of struggle on which to win justice. We cannot win if we curry favour to the class that seeks to divide us. They want us punching at each other to distract from the real cause of our struggles, which should be our shared target. When the working class remains united - where we build community through compassion and a righteous indignation with one another that sparks the desire to fight for all our rights, needs and vitality - we will not be defeated.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BCGEU pleased with government appointment of Special Mediator in ferries dispute

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) bargaining committee representing workers at Western Pacific Marine (WPM) is pleased that the Ministry of Labour has assigned a Special Mediator to work with the two parties to reach a fair agreement in their labour dispute.
 
"Our union bargaining committee has been working hard to reach a new collective agreement that provides the pay and benefits needed to attract and retain staff for this vital public service. We're pleased that government has recognized the importance of resolving this situation quickly by agreeing to appoint a Special Mediator," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "Workers have been engaging in job action since October, and want to get back to work under a fair agreement. Our union will provide all of the information necessary for the mediator to perform their role, and we encourage Western Pacific Marine to do the same."
 
Under the terms of the government announcement, the two parties will work with Special Mediator Vince Ready for up to 14 days to reach an agreement.
 
Special Mediators are appointed by the Ministry of Labour when requested by both parties in a labour dispute and report back directly to the ministry. They have expertise and more authority in addressing challenging labour disputes. The two parties have engaged a mediator through the BC Labour earlier in negotiations.
 
The BCGEU requested a Special Mediator from the Ministry of Labour early last week after WPM agreed with the union's proposal to engage one.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 28, 2025

Striking LifeLabs workers to hold rally for fair deal


LifeLabs workers on strike in Kamloops aren't just picketing for fair wages. They're fighting to stop the constant turnover of staff and long wait times at Patient Service Centres, and the negative impact this has on patient care.

"LifeLabs workers receive 4-16% below what others in their industry get paid and they are struggling to make ends meet," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "The union is seeking wage increases that close the gap with those in the public sector doing the same work, solutions to short-staffing and workload issues, and improvements to health and safety benefits."

About 35 people work at five LifeLabs locations in Kamloops. Over the last year they've seen 12 lab assistants quit – leaving them with only 16 to service all of Kamloops – which is why it can take weeks to get an appointment.

"People in Kamloops probably don't realize how much workers are struggling behind the scenes to keep up with demand and deliver test results on time," said Wendy Cummer, Medical Laboratory Technologist and member of the LifeLabs Bargaining Committee. "As professionals we struggle to keep things going, and this comes at a great cost to our physical and mental health."

Understaffing means workers are skipping meal and washroom breaks, and working forced overtime to keep up with workload.

"I doubt most people picture their essential medical testing being done by workers under this kind of strain, but this is what our workdays look like," Cummer continued.

Unsurprisingly, workers are quitting due to overwork, exhaustion and unfair compensation. The burnout that results for those who remain makes the expected level of service unsustainable. If this continues, patients in Kamloops and surrounding areas will experience diminishing levels of service unless LifeLabs takes meaningful action to address working conditions.

LifeLabs is owned by Quest Diagnostics, a billion-dollar Fortune 500 U.S. healthcare giant. A recent poll by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province.

Workers believe part of the problem is that too many of our public health dollars are being turned over to CEO profits. B.C. taxpayers give LifeLabs $300 million each year for their services and those health dollars should stay in B.C. to pay fair wages and maintain services.

"I've lived in Kamloops since 1986 and have worked at LifeLabs for 33 years. Current working conditions no longer reflect the LifeLabs I once knew," said Cummer.

Workers in Kamloops will hold a solidarity rally on March 30 where media are invited to attend:

WHAT: LifeLabs strike solidarity rally in Kamloops.

WHEN: Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PST. 

WHO: Striking BCGEU members working at LifeLabs joined by supporters in Kamloops. LifeLabs bargaining committee members will be available for interviews. 

WHERE: 321 Nicola Street, Kamloops, B.C. 

VISUALS: Rallying LifeLabs workers and supporters with colourful union flags and signs. 

CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to Erin Sikora by emailing [email protected] or calling 604-291-9611.
 

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province who have been on strike since February 16, 2025.

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members in almost every community and economic sector.

www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca

UWU/MoveUP

Why is an American company sucking millions of public health dollars out of B.C.? Take action here: https://www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca 

Did you know that BCGEU members working at LifeLabs are up against an American Fortune 500 company as they strike for a fair contract? After buying LifeLabs last summer for $1.3 billion, Quest Diagnostics now owns the lab testing services we all need to take care of our health. 

We pay LifeLabs $300 million each year for their services. All of those health dollars should stay in B.C. to pay fair wages and maintain the quality and sustainability of our health services – not get scooped up by an American company as profit. In fact, a recent poll by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province. 

That's why we're asking the provincial government at www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca: Why is an American company sucking millions of public health dollars out of B.C? 

Show your support for LifeLabs workers and join us in calling on the government to tell us why an American corporation is allowed to profit off our healthcare – especially while we're in a trade war with the U.S! 

Almost 2,000 people in British Columbia have already had their say at handsoffourhealthcare.ca – will you send a message to the provincial government and add your voice today?

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2025

BCGEU Files Complaint Against Western Pacific Marine for Bad Faith Bargaining 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – After weeks of extensive bargaining in an attempt to reach a fair agreement, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is filing a formal complaint of bad faith bargaining against Western Pacific Marine (WPM) with the Labour Relations Board. The complaint stems from what the union considers a significant breakdown in negotiations following the company's recent actions. 

For the past several weeks, BCGEU representatives have spent countless hours at the bargaining table with WPM, hopeful that an agreement could be reached to ensure the sustainability of essential ferry services in the Kootenays. Despite these efforts, WPM's conduct throughout the process has been deeply troubling. 

"After weeks of productive discussions and continued hope for a resolution, WPM's recent actions in offering a drastic cut to wage proposals demonstrate a clear lack of good faith in the bargaining process," said Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU. "The company's decision to change its position at the final hour – cutting its offer on wages by more than 60 percent from previous offers – leaves us no choice but to pursue charges of bad faith bargaining with the Labour Relations Board." 

In the official complaint being filed with the Labour Relations Board, the BCGEU has stated that the Employer attempted to frustrate the bargaining process by delaying negotiations so that it could ultimately advocate for government-imposed binding interest arbitration. The BCGEU is highlighting several key issues: 

1. Lack of Sufficient Bargaining Authority – For months, WPM sent individuals to the bargaining table who did not have the authority to make decisions, which severely hindered productive dialogue and the ability to reach a fair settlement 

1. Receding Horizon Bargaining – The union also asserts that WPM engaged in receding horizon bargaining, by leading the union down the path of potential settlement, only to abruptly remove the settlement opportunity at the last possible moment, undermining the entire process 

1. Refusal to Provide Financial Information – Another serious concern raised in the complaint is WPM's refusal to provide the union with essential financial information. This information is critical to fostering rational and informed discussions at the bargaining table and ensuring that any agreements made are based on realistic financial considerations. 

The union had worked diligently through numerous meetings, including multiple Labour Board hearings, and temporarily paused plans for expanding job action in the hope of reaching an agreement. BCGEU members had demonstrated their commitment to finding a resolution, only to be blindsided by WPM's final offer, which not only undermines workers but also threatens the future of ferry services in the region. 

"The reality is that WPM has failed to live up to its obligations in these negotiations. Their actions represent a betrayal of the workers and the communities that depend on ferry services," Finch added. "It is clear that WPM is more focused on short-term profits than addressing the real issues facing ferry workers. As a result, we are left with no choice but to hold them accountable." 

The complaint filed with the Labour Relations Board will address what the union perceives as a violation of fair bargaining practices, specifically citing WPM's failure to engage in meaningful negotiations in good faith. 

BCGEU members have been engaged in job action since October 2024, and WPM's recent wage offer stands in stark contrast to the agreements reached by other inland ferry operators, who agreed to industry-standard contracts in November 2024. 

"We've put in the time and effort to try to reach a fair deal with WPM, but their actions have made it clear to us they are not willing to negotiate in good faith," Finch said. "We will continue to advocate for the workers who are the backbone of these essential services and will pursue every avenue to ensure their rights are protected." 

-30- 

For more information contact: BCGEU Communications – [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

Reminder: if you have flu-like symptoms, please do not visit BCGEU area offices or attend BCGEU related activities (including bargaining meetings, rallies, etc.) until your symptoms are gone.

Symptoms may include cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing, muscle aches and pain.

Until your symptoms resolve, avoid close contact with others and stay home unless seeking medical help.

Thank you for your cooperation in preventing the spread of the flu and flu-like viruses.

We are just extending a reminder that if you have not registered for this year's Activist Appreciation Banquet you have until Friday, March 14^th at 5 pm to RSVP using the link below.

As a "Thank You" for your dedication and commitment to the membership of our Union, you and a guest are cordially invited to attend the 2025 Activist Appreciation Banquet. We hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening with your fellow activists, special guests and Area Office staff.

When: Saturday, March 22^nd, 2025

Where: Victoria Conference Centre
              720 Douglas Street, Victoria

                                                                Doors Open/Registration: 5:30 pm
                                                                Welcome/Speeches:          6:15 pm 
                                                                Dinner:                                7:00 pm
                                                                Live Band! / Dancing:        8:30 pm

This year's theme: Steampunk! (feel free to dress however you would like)

Please RSVP to complete your registration:

http://events.bcgeu.ca/area_01_activists_appreciation_banquet_march_22_2025

Please RSVP by Friday, March 14, 2025 at 5 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I cannot afford the deposit or don't have a credit card?: Please contact us at [email protected] as we don't want this to be a hardship for our activists.

2. Why is our Union charging a deposit for this event?: We have made the difficult decision to charge a deposit as we have had many no-shows to this event in the past and this costs our Union money and prevents other committed activists from attending.

3. How can I nominate someone for the Cathy McCallum Award?: You can nominate a fellow BCGEU activist using  the form here by March 6, 2025. You can nominate a steward, Local Executive Member and/or an OHS representative who embodies the qualities of Cathy's spirit including commitment, sacrifice, service and making a difference.

4. Union Expenses: As per the BCGEU Financial Manual, hotel accommodation will be provided for those out of town members, if needed, and you will be reimbursed for mileage incurred to and from the event and dependent/family care expenses. For those members living in the greater Victoria area, taxis will be reimbursed, but not ride hailing services. 

5. Dependent/ family care expenses form: Will be sent to those who identified needing a form when registering.

6. Parking: Will be available at the Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street, you will need to provide payment upfront. When leaving you must identify yourself to the attendant that you are with the BCGEU event and request a receipt. Please submit your receipt on an expense claim form.

The Union will reimburse eligible expenses once your expense claim is received and approved.

If you have any questions/difficulties registering, kindly contact the Victoria Area Office at 1-800-667-1033 or 250-388-9948 or email to [email protected]

Please note that registration will require a deposit of $10.00. The deposit will be refunded to those who attend the event or cancel by Wednesday, March 19^th.

In solidarity,

Area 01 Cross Component Committee

MoveUP
FA-572
UWU/MoveUP