We want to hear from you

As we've shared in recent bulletins, this pause in bargaining has given us time to regroup and refine our strategy. A key part of this effort is checking in with members to reaffirm what matters most to you at the bargaining table. With recent shifts in both the economic and political landscape, we want to ensure we're aligned as we move forward together.

Keep an eye on your inbox, as later this week you will be receiving a link to a short survey from our bargaining committee. Your responses will provide our bargaining committee valuable input about your priorities.

Please note that the information you provide will remain strictly confidential and will never be accessible to the employer. Contract negotiations with your employer – B.C.'s Public Service Agency (PSA) – will resume on April 22-25 in Vancouver and again on April 28-30 in Victoria.

The critical role of worksite contacts

Have you noticed some of your co-workers are out of the loop when it comes to bargaining updates? Or what if a strike vote is called-who's making sure everyone gets the chance to have their say? That's where worksite contacts step in. They are member volunteers who play a vital role in keeping everyone informed, engaged, and ready to move. To ensure success this round of bargaining, we need a strong network-one that ensures every worker is connected. The greatest power we have at the bargaining table is a united, organized membership ready to take bold action.

How can I become a worksite contact?

Our union is recruiting worksite contacts to keep members informed and connected throughout the bargaining process. As a worksite contact, you'll play a key role in making sure every voice is heard and every update reaches your coworkers.

Ready to step up and make a difference? Learn more and get connected here. Training and support are fully provided-no experience needed. The time commitment is small, but the impact you'll have on your worksite is significant.

For members who want to help keep colleagues informed or could help with a potential strike vote, but aren't sure that being a worksite contact is a good fit, please complete the form and someone will reach out to you. 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

BCGEU announces key step toward ending Kootenay Lake Ferry strike following special mediation

Burnaby, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – After days of intensive work in special mediation, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is pleased to announce a breakthrough aimed at resolving the ongoing Kootenay Lake Ferry strike. Both the union and Western Pacific Marine (WPM) have agreed to submit remaining matters to special mediator Vince Ready for a binding recommendation.

As a result, union members will end their strike on Friday morning.

“Our bargaining committee is encouraged by the progress made during the mediation process. A number of key issues that were previously contentious have now been resolved, and we’re confident that the remaining matters can be fairly settled by Mr. Ready,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch. “While bargaining hit a setback when Western Pacific Marine unexpectedly slashed their wage offer, the mediator’s involvement has helped move the process forward in a positive direction. By agreeing to a binding recommendation, we are confident that an agreement can be reached that will resolve key issues and ensure the long-term stability of the Kootenay Lake Ferry Service.”

In the coming weeks the union and WPM will develop submissions to and participate in an oral hearing with the special mediator, after which Mr. Ready will consider the two parties’ positions and issue his recommendation.

“Ferry workers live in the Kootenays, so they understand the impact this strike has had on the local community. They want to get back to work providing this vital service and appreciate the patience and understanding from their neighbours as we’ve worked toward a resolution that benefits everyone—workers, the employer, and the people who rely on the service every day,” said Finch.

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, representing over 90,000 members in nearly every community and economic sector across the province.

 -30-

For more information contact: Gurjeevan Sidhu, BCGEU Communications at [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2025

Patients and LifeLabs workers rally for fair deal 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) –  Bringing together striking LifeLabs workers and the patients that rely on them, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the BC Health Coalition will hold a joint rally in Burnaby, B.C. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, to support the fight for a fair deal. 

“LifeLabs workers aren't just on strike for fair wages – they're fighting to address the chronic understaffing that leads to long wait times at Patient Service Centres and negative impacts on patient care,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch. 

Understaffing means workers are skipping meal and washroom breaks and working forced overtime to keep up with workload. 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 the Lower Mainland and throughout the province will experience diminishing levels of service unless LifeLabs takes meaningful action to address working conditions,” Finch said. 

“As a senior and as a LifeLabs patient, I stand firmly with striking LifeLabs workers in their fight to protect publicly funded services,” said Leslie Gaudette, president of Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC. “I’ve experienced the increase of wait-times to book an appointment at LifeLabs, I’ve witnessed other seniors who have been sent home because staff were not able to schedule them in. Delays in testing mean delays in treatment, and this can have dire consequences for anyone who has complex health needs.” 

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 barrier to getting a fair deal 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. 

“A U.S. corporation now controls the majority of B.C.’s outpatient lab services – this has a really negative impact on our public healthcare system,” said Colleen Fuller, BC Health Coalition Steering Committee member and a health policy researcher. “Quest decided to shut down all microbiology testing outside of Surrey, undermining timely access in the rest of the province. And we know that poor quality working conditions contribute to poor quality health care, including delays and longer wait times. We should not be handing over $300 million a year to a U.S. corporation that prioritizes profits over patients. We need the B.C. government to bring lab testing fully into the public system.” 

Media are invited to attend the solidarity rally: 
 

WHAT: LifeLabs patients and workers rally together in Burnaby for improved conditions, fair deal. 

WHEN: Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST 

WHO: Striking BCGEU members working at LifeLabs joined by BCGEU union leaders, the BC Health Coalition and other supporters. BCGEU president Paul Finch; Colleen Fuller, Health Policy Researcher from the BC Health Coalition; Leslie Gaudette, a LifeLabs patient and president of Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC; and a LifeLabs bargaining committee member will be available for interviews. 

WHERE: 4250 Kingsway, #210, Burnaby, B.C. 

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

The BCGEU 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.

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

For more information, please contact: 

Bronwen Barnett 
Communications Officer 
BCGEU 
[email protected] 

Colleen Fuller 
Health Policy Researcher 
BC Health Coalition 
[email protected]

-- 

About the BCGEU 
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 

About the BC Health Coalition 
The BC Health Coalition is a B.C.-wide non-partisan, non-profit coalition of community members, health care workers, researchers, NGO and community service providers. We base our policy positions on peer-reviewed research and on our mission to strengthen and defend the public health care system. 

UWU/MoveUP

Every year, on April 28, BCGEU members across the province come together to honour and remember co-workers and family members who were injured, made sick or killed because of something that happened at work.

It is critical that we all remember those workers and reiterate our commitment to fight for the living to prevent further tragedies.

Here are a few ways you can acknowledge Day of Mourning on April 28:

• Attend a ceremony in your community – see the list here or contact your BCGEU area office. 

• Download and post at your worksite the BCGEU's Day of Mourning poster. To receive a hard copy of the poster, please submit a request here by Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 5 p.m. 

• Make an online dedication to those who have died or been injured at work. 

• Observe a moment of silence.

• • Share the following statement in your email signature or on social media:
    On April 28, we honour the lives of those that have been injured or lost their lives to workplace injury or disease in B.C. Visit dayofmourning.bc.ca for more information. 

• Call on your employer to:

  • Work with health and safety committees and representatives to ensure safe and healthy working conditions, whatever work is taking place; and

  • Ensure all workers have access to free personal protective equipment, training and paid sick days so they can stay home when they are ill and not risk exposing co-workers and their community.

• Call on our provincial government to: 

  • Ensure every worker has seamless access to universal, permanent, and adequate paid sick leave, so no one has to choose between going to work sick and getting a paycheque. Being able to stay home when you are sick is fundamental to reducing workplace exposures and illness;

  • Enforce workplace health and safety provisions, including the right to refuse unsafe work; and

  • Deliver on the promise that workplace health and safety is recognized as a fundamental right at work at the International Labour Organization (ILO) this year

     

Download PDF of Day of Mourning Poster here 

UWU/MoveUP

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

In the following video, BCGEU president Paul Finch explains the proposed RGT is more detail: 

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