Saturday, March 8th is International Women's Day, and this year's theme is #AccelerateAction.

For well over a century, IWD has been a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day is also a call to action for all women, two-spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people to accelerate equality, dismantle barriers and challenge harmful stereotypes.

The origins of International Women's Day are in the international suffrage movements and the labour movements and it is now a day of activism for a variety of issues including pay equity, economic opportunity, legal rights, reproductive rights, child care and prevention of gender-based violence.

Our union and the broader labour movement has worked hard to make progress on many of these issues and continues to advocate for workplaces safe from violence and intimidation, affordable child care, paid sick leave and pay equity for all.

From early strikes to modern victories, including a national child care program, the ratification of ILO C-190, which commits to a world free of harassment and violence in 2023, to significant gains in pay equity. While we are proud of this work and these are steps in the right direction, we have so much further to go.

Right now, the political landscape has shifted dramatically with the administration to the south of us actively dismantling decades of hard-fought gender rights, reproductive rights, and safety. In our own communities, many of these issues, including the attacks on the trans community mean that we need to re-commit to a just and safe world.

"Accelerate Action" is a reminder that any of the gains that our social movements have made are entirely because of collective action. If we are to continue the work to achieve gender and women's rights, activism and specifically collective action must be front and centre.

We hope you'll take time on March 8 to participate in an IWD event in your home communities. We've included a list of some known to us, and we encourage you to search online, or contact your local labour council, women's organization, shelter/transition house or sexual assault centre to ask about other events.

We also encourage you to share photos from the events on social media along with your own encouraging thoughts about what Accelerate Action means to you. You can also share the BCGEU messages from our social media channels.

In the meantime, please check out the events and resources listed below. Together we can forge women's and gender equality, raise awareness about discrimination, take action to drive gender parity and #AccelerateAction.


Happy International Women's Day!

In solidarity,

Maria Bennett

BCGEU Treasurer and Chair of the Women and Genders Rights Committee

IWD 2025 Events List


Vancouver and Lower Mainland

IWD Vancouver March

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 pm

Location: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery, North Plaza).

International Women's Day March Vancouver works to celebrate, amplify and fight alongside the diversity of women in our community to achieve equity and create awareness of issues self-identifying women in Vancouver face. 2025 speakers list has been announced!


Vancouver & District Labour Council IWD Dinner 2025 

Voices of Power: Women Taking Political Action

Date: Saturday, March 8, 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (dinner buffet at 6:00 p.m.)

Location:South Hall Event Centre, 8273 Ross St.Vancouver.

Hosted by the VDLC Women and Gender Rights Committee. Speakers include Jenny Kwan, MP, Niki Sharma, Deputy Premier, Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. MC Karen Ranalletta, President CUPE BC and Yukon Division.


ILWU Canada's International Women's Day event

Date: Friday, March 7, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Education session Noon-3:00 p.m., Dinner 4 – 10 p.m.)

Location:Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

Join us at ILWU Canada's International Women's Day event to celebrate and empower women! Come early and join us for a fun education session on women in leadership. Dinner will be served at 6:30, event starts at 5 p.m. Women's Day swag for sale at door. Tattoo artists will be onsite.


GEM Fest Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver

Date: March 8, 10:30 a.m.

Location: VIFF Centre Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St., Vancouver

GEMS is hosting a panel on advocacy in film, showcasing organizations whose work drives social change and funders who are working to better their approaches to equitable access. Moderated by Natasha Tony, Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Inclusion. Presented in partnership with Elevate Inclusion Strategies. Free or by donation.

Give Me Peace 2025 Дай мені миру Fundraiser

Date: March 9, 1-3pm 

Location:Princeton Pub & Grill, 1901 Powell St. Vancouver

Celebrate & Support Ukrainian Women and Children in honour of International Women's Day! Join us at Give Me Peace 2025 Дай мені спокій, a fundraiser with the Ana Bon-Bon Trio! Let's make a difference in war-torn Ukraine where our contributions give hope and service.


Downhill International Women's Day Celebration

Date: March 8, Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Collins Park & Downhill Patio, Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver

Join us for our International Women's Day Celebration! This special event brings together our vibrant community of female-identifying riders and skiers for a day of adventure, connection, and empowerment. Don't miss this opportunity to hit the slopes, make new friends, and celebrate the spirit of women in snow sports! 

International Women's Day Self-Defense Class

Date: Saturday, March 8, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Location: The Space at Lonsdale Quay (second floor), 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver

Join us at The Space at Lonsdale Quay for an empowering Women's Self-Defense Class with Jess from @ariseprograms! This class is designed to help you build confidence, learn practical self-defence techniques, and connect with a supportive community. This event is open to women and non-binary folks, ages 13+-no experience needed! Just bring yourself and a readiness to learn and feel empowered.


Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon 

Date: March 8, Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey 

Art + Feminism is an international initiative that builds a community of activists committed to closing information gaps related to gender, feminism, and the arts, beginning with Wikipedia. Participants are invited to browse the gallery's permanent collection, library books, and research material to develop and deepen content on topics related to BIPOC, gender nonconforming artists, and feminisms. Free, drop-ins welcome.


Girls in STEM Seminar

Date: March 8, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location:Surrey City Centre Library, 10350 University Dr., Surrey

KPU's Pre-Med Club is hosting a panel of successful women studying and working in STEM fields to share their career journeys. Free, RSVP online.


Richmond Women's Resource Centre's 2025 International Women's Day Celebration

Date: March 8, Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Road Richmond 

Richmond Women's Resource Centre (RWRC) has been making a difference in the lives of women & girls in Richmond for 50 years. This year's IWD event will be in the Richmond Olympic Oval's Legacy Lounge. The theme is #AccelerateAction – highlighting the need for swift & decisive action to achieve gender equity. Lunch, guest speakers, presentations & more! 

Vancouver Island 

Building a Circle of Care for Vancouver Island Panel Discussion 

Date: March 8, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Craig Street Brew Pub, 25 Craig St. Duncan 

What can be done to support people with the right to choose and make informed decisions regarding childbirth? Join independent local news outlet The Discourse and Cowichan IWD for a panel discussion for International Women's Day 2025 to discuss how we can lift support at the community, institutional and family level. Attend in person or virtual. Registration required.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - Live Trivia Game Show 

Date: March 8, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: The Old City Station Pub,150 Skinner St., Nanaimo 

🧠 This is an intellectual game that is played in a group format. It is played for about 2 hours and includes three rounds with one half hour break. Most of the questions are logical, and not on direct knowledge, which makes it accessible to a wide range of people.😍 Teams with highest scores will receive an amazing gift from our wonderful sponsors! 🎁You can bring your own team of 2 or more people or if you are single come and we will build team right before the Game! 🎉 Before the game, we will have live music performance and great social time with many interesting surprises! All proceeds will be donated to a non-profit foundation of choice from the winning team! 

IWD Solidarity Brunch

Date: March 8, 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Location: PSAC Office – Victoria, 503 Park Pl #202, Victoria 

In honour of International Women's Day, the Victoria Labour Council invites all delegates who identify as women to a Solidarity Brunch. Join us to celebrate the women activists of our Council. Following the brunch, delegates are invited to attend the International Women's Day Society event at the Ambrosia Centre. You must RSVP HERE to attend the Women's Day Solidarity Brunch. 

Women Working for Changes: Our Stories Our Voices 

Date: March 8, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Ambrosia Banquet & Events, 638 Fisgard St., Victoria 

Come join us on International Women's Day at the Ambrosia Centre in downtown Victoria for an empowering event where women from all walks of life come together to share their stories and amplify their voices. This is a celebration of strength, resilience, and unity as we stand together to create positive changes in our communities. Special guests include women of international, Indigenous, trade union and transwomen backgrounds. 

International Women's Day Weekend

Date: March 7 – 9

Location: Oaklands Community Association, 1-2827 Belmont Ave, Victoria

3 days of women-led events including: Pinot & Paint night, Kids Movie Night fundraiser, International Women's Fair, Women's Day run, bike maintenance clinic, and a Victorian Women's Fashion presentation. Some events require registration.

International Women's Day Run

Date: March 8, 10:00 a.m.

Location: Oaklands Community Centre, 1-2827 Belmont Ave, Victoria

Celebrate International Women's Day with a community run! Meet your friends at Oaklands Community Centre on Saturday March 8th for a relaxed 6.7km run around the neighbourhood. Women and gender diverse runners of all levels are welcome to join. Refreshments, women's fair and good times to follow.

Create Your Own Flower Crown Workshop

Date: March 7 – 9

Location: Mayfair Centre Court, 3147 Douglas St., Victoria

🌸💫 Celebrate International Women's Day with spring blooms and creativity! 💫🌸 This March 7-9, join Flowers Canada Growers at Mayfair Centre Court for a FREE and fun hands-on flower crown workshop. 💐 Unleash your inner artist and craft a custom flower crown to take home! Perfect for all ages and a wonderful way to mark International Women's Day weekend. 

Okanagan

International Women's Day Concert 

Date: March 8, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Location: Firehall Brewery, 6077 Main Street (Downstairs), Oliver 

The Firehall Brewery is celebrating International Women's Day with a 3-band concert, prizes, and a special beer! Sponsored by Respect Record & Skate. The three bands coming your way: Mother Sun (Kamloops), Jared Jackel's Bad Vibrations (Penticton), and The Jazz Implication (Salmon Arm). RSVP required.

Sip of Self-Love 

Date: March 8, 4:30 p.m. 

Location: The Sweet Magnolia, 248 Shuswap St Ne, Salmon Arm 

We're proud to share this special collaboration for International Women's Day – an intimate high tea event designed to celebrate self-love, connection, and creativity ☕️✨ Sip of Self-Love will be held at The Sweet Magnolia in Salmon Arm, where you'll be guided through a meaningful experience of self-care and creativity. 

The Hub Drag Brunch - International Women's Day Celebration

Date: March 8, 11:00 a.m. 

Location: The Hub On Martin, 260 Martin St, Penticton 

In celebration of International Women's Day, join The Pod at The Hub for brunch with all your besties!! Featuring some amazing women in drag, Aria Reddy and Syren Call, along with Wanda Lust and hostess Freida Whales. Enjoy delicious food and create lasting memories together! Let's embrace and uplift the power of women! 19+ show. Doors at 11:00 a.m., show starts at 12:00 p.m. A portion from the first 100 tickets sold will be donated to the South Okanagan Women in Need Society.

International Women's Day! 🎉💃🍸 

Date: March 8, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Bar One, 2130 Harvey Ave, Kelowna

Join us at Bar One for an evening filled with great drinks, good company, and a vibrant atmosphere. Let's honor the amazing women in our lives with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. Welcome appy and a champagne toast on us for all women from 3 to 6 pm. It's a toast to strength, empowerment, and good times! See you there! 🥂💖 #WomensDayCelebration 

East Kootenays

International Women's Day Weekend

Date: March 7 – 9

Location: The Arts Station, 601 1st Ave, Fernie

An inspiring weekend filled with live music, empowering workshops, and vibrant dance events to celebrate and uplift women, brought to you at the Arts Station in partnership with the Fernie Women's Centre. Programs include a mix of free and paid events. Come together to honour strength, resilience, and the power of women. 

Northern BC  

Crafternoon: Glow Play Dough 

Date: March 8, 11:00 a.m. – Noon

Location: Fort St. John Public Library, 10015 – 100th Avenue, Fort St. John

Let's celebrate International Women's Day with Community Bridge by learning all about a famous woman in science: Marie Curie. We will be making play dough that glows – just like the radium she discovered. For kids and families, all ages welcome! Free! Drop-in, no registration necessary. 

International Women's Day Afternoon Tea 

Date: March 7, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: 1566 7th Ave, Prince George

Community Futures, in partnership with WeBC, would like to invite you to join us for an Afternoon Tea to celebrate International Women's Day! This event will feature a panel of local women entrepreneurs Bobbi Carpino (Rooted in the River) and Shannon Wright (The Pepper Tree Hair Salon) and Jeni Arnott of Origins Kitchen. Theme: Accelerate Action. 

UWU/MoveUP

The B.C. government tabled its annual budget yesterday and, as you may know, this coincided with the announcement of U.S. tariffs-and Canadian counter-tariffs-being imposed. The U.S. tariff regime is designed to incentivize secondary and tertiary manufacturing, along with critical segments of our workforce, to move south of the border. 

I attended the budget lock-up with a small team of our union's staff to digest the impact it will have on bargaining and our members more broadly, and to speak publicly on our union's position. We are pleased to share that there were no cuts to vital public services in this year's budget despite the deficit forecast. I know that, in addition to our vast natural resources, the most important driver of B.C.'s economy is its skilled and hardworking people. Workers are the engine of our economy, and it is encouraging to see that this budget recognizes that.

There is a lot of economic uncertainty from the rapid shift in U.S. policy on cross-border trade, as well as the high oil output that is contributing to a weak Canadian dollar. We are concerned about the potential for escalating inflation as the cost of imports rises. The province has a revenue problem as one of the lowest tax jurisdictions in the country, and we need to confront that reality. Capital project spending, at over $45 billion, needs to be reviewed for procurement practices and assessed on the basis of its long-term impact on our economic growth. Resource royalties must be shifted to reflect fair value for all British Columbians, and especially in partnership with First Nations holding title to the land providing those resources. 

As part of our union's response to the 2025/26 B.C. budget, the BCGEU has called on government to create and implement a robust and forward-looking economic development plan to make sure we are maximizing the value of our province's wealth for everyone.

We will continue to analyze and assess the situation as it develops, and firmly insist on compensation in bargaining that reflects the affordability concerns faced by our members. 

In solidarity,

Paul Finch, President
BCGEU 

UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA RELEASE 
March 6, 2025 

New poll: B.C. majority wants to see lab services out of American hands and under public control 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – A Research Co. poll has found that a majority of British Columbians support taking medical lab services such as LifeLabs out of American hands and placing them under public control instead. 

This poll was commissioned by the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) as rotating strikes for a fair contract with LifeLabs, and its new U.S. owner Quest Diagnostics, continue across the province. Quest quietly acquired LifeLabs for $1.35 billion in August 2024. 

"Quest is putting profits before patient care and forcing B.C. workers onto picket lines," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "People in British Columbia oppose U.S. ownership of LifeLabs and every day that this strike drags on, more British Columbians are asking why our public health dollars are going to an American corporation." 

LifeLabs' for-profit model also means workers earn anywhere from four to 16 per cent below the industry standard as compared to workers doing similar work in hospitals and other public sector facilities – a gap that has widened in recent years. While LifeLabs remains under American ownership, 72 per cent of people in British Columbia think they should be paid the same as workers in hospitals. 

"LifeLabs workers are struggling to make ends meet," Finch continued. "They're asking their employer for wage increases that close the gap with workers in the public sector doing the same work, and to address poor working conditions from understaffing. From the public's perspective, this means putting fewer of our public health dollars into padding CEO profits – in Canada and now in the U.S. – and more into the well-being of workers and patients." 

The poll's findings include the following: 

• 74 per cent of people in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province; 53 per cent strongly oppose American ownership and control. 

• 77 per cent of people in British Columbia support the provincial government intervening to take medical lab services out of American hands and placing them under public control instead; 47 per cent strongly support this course of action. 

• 72 per cent of people in British Columbia think LifeLabs workers should be paid the same as workers doing similar work in hospitals and other public sector facilities. 

• Of those who voted in the last election, majorities across political affiliation – the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (88%), the BC Green Party (76%), and the BC Conservative Party (71%) – support government intervention to take medical lab services out of American hands. 

In November, LifeLabs workers voted 98 per cent in favour of strike action and have been working without a contract since April 1, 2024.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province.

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

For more information contact: Bronwen Barnett, BCGEU Communications at [email protected]. 

-- 

Results are based on an online study conducted from January 28 to March 2, 2025, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error-which measures sample variability-is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty. 

Link to Factum 

Link to Data Tables 

UWU/MoveUP

Media Advisory

March 4, 2025

BCGEU president available to comment on B.C. budget 

Following the release of the 2025/26 B.C. budget, B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) president Paul Finch is available for comment and can speak to the impact this budget will have on workers and affordability.

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with over 90,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the public and private sector. Approximately one-third of the BCGEU's membership works in the direct government service. Their jobs include protecting children and families, administering social assistance, managing natural resources, staffing provincial correctional facilities, fighting forest fires and providing the government's technical and clerical services. Our union is also proud to include thousands of members in health care, community social services, education, highways maintenance, casinos, credit unions, municipalities, regional districts and many other workplaces.

For interviews, please contact Nadja Komnenic, BCGEU Communications at [email protected].

UWU/MoveUP

UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA RELEASE

February 21, 2025

BCGEU reiterates call for CLBC’s role to return to direct government
Rejects assertions that doing so would be a move backwards for individuals with disabilities

Burnaby (Coast Salish Territories) – Following recent concerns that bringing Community Living BC’s (CLBC) work back into direct government would move the province backwards, BCGEU members working at the agency have emphasized that doing so would actually be a step forward. Removing a layer of bureaucracy will improve service delivery and could provide significant cost savings that could instead go to direct care.

“CLBC workers have dedicated themselves to providing the supports needed for individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible. Unfortunately, in their experience, CLBC’s priorities are now hindering independent living rather than empowering the individuals they’re tasked with supporting,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU president. “For many years, the agency’s prioritization of clawing back direct care funding down to the penny and their dysfunctional management structure has shifted valuable funding away from improving and expanding services.”

“Our members are concerned by recent comments attributed to the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. We encourage the ministry to clarify and affirm that they will not reinstate institutionalization regardless of the role the CLBC plays,” said Finch.

“It’s important to separate CLBC’s work from deinstitutionalization; that process was well underway when CLBC was created to simply be the funding administrator for community-based care. Unfortunately, it is now clear that they are not capable of fulfilling that mandate.”

Recent developments – the coroner’s inquiry into the death of Florence Girard, allegations of favourable treatment for certain care providers, and a number of families speaking out about difficulties dealing with CLBC – have brought to light what BCGEU members at CLBC have been saying for years: the agency’s administrative and governance structures are not adequate for its significant responsibilities. Working alongside families and direct care providers, CLBC workers regularly hear concerns about inequitable care and frustrations with the agency.

“Given the agency’s governance challenges, members don’t have much faith in CLBC’s ability to implement the recommendations in the recent coroner’s report. Even if fully implemented, these changes won’t be sufficient to turn the agency around. Every day members see additional, deeper issues that were outside of the inquiry’s scope,” said Finch

BCGEU represents nearly 800 CLBC workers – including administrative officers, clerks, mental health support workers, occupational therapists and social program officers – throughout the province.

Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU, will be available for media interviews via phone or Zoom. 

Contact: BCGEU Communications – [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

Expression of Interest
Equity Practicum Program
(3 Temporary Postings) 
Field Services
February 2025

 
The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the B.C. Union Workers Union (UWU) are committed to increasing the diversity of servicing staff employed by the BCGEU.
 
Three (3) 12-month practicum positions are now available, specifically for BCGEU members who identify as Indigenous, Black, or People of Colour ("IBPOC"). These positions offer an opportunity for IBPOC members to gain valuable experience working within their union, while helping us better reflect the strengths and diversity of our membership. The term of the program is up to 12 months, effective date to be determined. 
 
WHAT TO EXPECT
If you are a successful candidate, you can expect the following:

• to complete a two-week work experience program in a field services office;
• to receive BCGEU training and mentorship;
• to take up to 1-year of union-paid leave from your current employment;
• to work in-person at BCGEU headquarters in Burnaby, B.C. for a period of time;
• to travel to practicum opportunities at BCGEU office locations within B.C. (e.g. Lower Mainland, Victoria, rural office locations etc.) as required;
• to hold a valid B.C. Driver's License with insurance that covers business use and 3^rd party liability of $2 million or more.

Successful applicants will be provided training and mentoring during the term of the practicum and will be assigned to different departments or work locations to support their skill development and knowledge of the duties of a servicing representative. 
 
An IBPOC mentor will be available to practicum employees during the term of the practicum. 
 
Field Services Duties include:

• Assisting officers, stewards, and membership in the day-to-day administration of their union by attending membership meetings, assisting in union elections, preparing and conducting ratification votes;
• Advising union membership on union policy and procedures;
• Negotiating collective agreements and contract administration through the handling of grievances up to and including expedited arbitration;
• Teaching courses for stewards and local officers;
• Assisting in or leading organizing campaigns, both internal and external;
• Representing the union at local labour councils and conventions; and
• Developing grassroots campaign plans to advance the interests of the union's membership as well as engaging members and recruiting activists.

 
GOALS
These are intended to be developmental positions, where successful candidates will be given the opportunity to develop the skills and qualifications of a field services staff representative. The goal of the program is that, at the end of their term, the successful candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Experience in and knowledge of the trade union movement;
• Ability to deal with union leadership and employer representatives;
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities;
• Ability to prepare concise written reports and handle a large volume of correspondence and ability to speak in public;
• An understanding of the goals and values of the BCGEU;
• A solid understanding of organizing principles with proven experience in union organizing drives; and
• Demonstrated ability to develop activist skills and maintain an effective working relationship with union and community activists.

All travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the BCGEU.

HOW TO APPLY
Only members of the BCGEU that identify as Indigenous, Black and People of Colour are eligible to apply for these positions.

Please submit your application here. Be sure to upload your resume so that it includes union and/or equity-related information.

If you have any questions related to this program please contact [email protected].

Submit applications no later than March 12th, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA ADVISORY

February 19, 2025

LifeLabs picket line in Vancouver

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) working at LifeLabs begin picket lines at various locations throughout the province on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Picket lines will subsequently rotate according to our essential services order.

Union spokespersons will be available at the Cityview LifeLabs location picket line in Vancouver where media are invited to attend:
 

WHAT: LifeLabs picket line in Vancouver.  

WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PST. 

WHO: BCGEU members working at LifeLabs on the picket line. BCGEU president Paul Finch and a LifeLabs worker who is the chair of the bargaining committee will be available for interviews. 

WHERE: 1530 W 7th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. [map] 

VISUALS: LifeLabs workers on the picket line with colourful union flags and signs. 

CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to Bronwen Barnett at BCGEU headquarters by emailing [email protected].

Unionized LifeLabs locations in the following areas will maintain regular hours and not be affected by job action as of this time: Gibsons, Sechelt, Bowen Island, Gabriola Island, Port Alberni, Kimberley, Scotch Creek, Blind Bay, Nelson, Denman Island, Hornby Island.

View earlier media release for more details: LifeLabs workers issue 72-hour strike notice 

To find information about potential service disruptions at LifeLabs locations, please visit the LifeLabs website directly.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province. 

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

UWU/MoveUP

MEDIA ADVISORY

February 19, 2025

LifeLabs picket line in Victoria

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) working at LifeLabs begin picket lines at various locations throughout the province on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Picket lines will subsequently rotate according to our essential services order. 

BCGEU members will be picketing at the Royal Oak LifeLabs location in Victoria. 

WHAT: LifeLabs picket line in Victoria  

WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. 

WHO: BCGEU members working at LifeLabs on the picket line. No spokespeople will be available on site. Please contact Erin Sikora at [email protected].

WHERE: #102 - 4480 West Saanich Road, Victoria, B.C.

VISUALS: LifeLabs workers on the picket line with colourful union flags and signs. 

CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to Erin Sikora at BCGEU headquarters by emailing [email protected].

Unionized LifeLabs locations in the following areas will maintain regular hours and not be affected by job action as of this time: Gibsons, Sechelt, Bowen Island, Gabriola Island, Port Alberni, Kimberley, Scotch Creek, Blind Bay, Nelson, Denman Island, Hornby Island.

View earlier media release for more details: LifeLabs workers issue 72-hour strike notice

To find information about potential service disruptions at LifeLabs locations, please visit the LifeLabs website directly.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province.

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



UWU/MoveUP