You are invited to join us and your fellow BCGEU members for a day of education at the Peace River Area Office.

STEP UP, our introductory, one-day course, will introduce you to the BCGEU, explore our common values, union culture, and our diverse community of members. Through stories of solidarity and courage, you will gain the strength and support you need to begin your journey as a new or returning steward. Along the way, you will learn about your fundamental union rights and useful union tools and strategies for getting started in your role. Newly elected stewards will have priority registration. You will leave feeling more informed, confident and ready to support a member through a Step 1 grievance. This course is the first step on our new learning pathway for stewards.

Course Date: May 28, 2019

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  

Where: BCGEU Peace River Area Office  

10147 100 Avenue

Fort St. John BC V1J 1Y7

RSVP by following the link below:

http://events.bcgeu.ca/area_10_step_up_education_session_may_28_2019

Download PDF of notice here 

UWU/MoveUP

The B.C. government released a report from Peter German, noting that B.C. does not have a single federal RCMP officer dedicated to investigating money laundering. Stephanie Smith, President of the BCGEU joined Adam Stirling to talk more about the report.

see video here..

UWU/MoveUP

BURNABY – Today the B.C. government released the initial details of investigator Peter German's latest report on money laundering in the province, which disclosed that B.C. does not have a single federal RCMP officer dedicated to investigating money laundering. As the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) continues to call for a public inquiry into organized crime, opioids and money laundering in B.C., today's revelations reaffirm the need for a well-resourced public inquiry with a broad mandate to uncover the systemic causes of a wide and complex crisis.

"Dr. German has met his mandate and submitted yet another report that proves a piecemeal approach will never give British Columbians the answers and accountability they need and deserve," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "In fact, with each new report what we're really finding out is how much we don't know. A broadly-mandated, well-resourced public inquiry is our only real chance to learn the whole truth about a crisis that has been going on for years, has claimed thousands of lives, has made our province unaffordable for most working people and has earned our country an international reputation as a crime hotspot."

The effects of this multi-layered crisis have reached every corner of the province and have impacted the union's members in a number of ways. BCGEU members from health care, social services, libraries and casinos to transit workers, deputy sheriffs and correctional officers have been thrust into first responder roles on the frontlines of the opioid crisis.

"I'm grateful for these latest revelations from Dr. German and I applaud the Attorney General for releasing as much information as he can as quickly as he can," continued Smith. "And, on behalf of BCGEU members and every British Columbian who has been victimized by this crisis, I am calling on the provincial government to do the right thing and call a public inquiry."

In January the BCGEU launched a campaign to show Premier Horgan that there is wide public support for an inquiry into organized crime, opioids, and money laundering in B.C. Since then, public polling has repeatedly shown that 3-in-4 British Columbians support a public inquiry into the multi-layered crisis.

https://www.publicinquirynow.ca
 
For more information contact Bronwen Barnett, BCGEU Communications, [email protected]

BCGEU calls for public inquiry into organized crime, opioids and money laundering in B.C.

New poll shows overwhelming support for a public inquiry

UWU/MoveUP

As you may be aware, in July 2018 the Province announced the creation of an expert committee to study the potential for using a basic income approach in its efforts to reduce poverty and prepare for the emerging economy.

Organizations and individuals with an interest in basic income were invited to share their input with the committee, and the BCGEU developed a submission that brings the voice and experience of the union to this issue. You can read our official submission here. 

We look forward to results of the expert committee's research.

UWU/MoveUP

The BC Government & Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) stands in support of the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers (ALL) and their strike vote.

"B.C.'s legal aid lawyers help some of our province's most vulnerable people get access to justice, and as they demand the funding they need to serve British Columbians, the BCGEU stands in support of their strike vote," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.

The BCGEU represents professional, technical, and support staff at the Legal Services Society (LSS) which has faced decades of underfunding. In a submission to government in 2018, the BCGEU called for improved delivery of legal aid through a primarily public model, and recommended a shift away from the present reliance on private bar referrals and the limited availability of publicly-funded community legal aid resources. Expanding LSS office locations and increasing staff at existing facilities would be an essential (and basic) condition for improvement within current system.

The provincial government recently outlined positive steps to restore capacity to legal aid in Budget 2019. This included improving access to justice for Indigenous people and finding mechanisms to support attraction and retention of legal aid lawyers to sustain delivery of legal aid services. However, the strike vote by ALL demonstrates that a significant gap remains in addressing decades of cuts and underfunding by the previous government.

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in B.C. with over 78,000 members in almost every community and economic sector in the province, and represents 149 members at Legal Services Society.

UWU/MoveUP

Like all of you, I am angry and shocked and heartbroken at the news of the terrorist attacks in New Zealand.

Some of you know that I grew up and started my career as an ECE and a labour activist in New Zealand. I still have family and friends there and I think of New Zealand as home.

This attack feels very personal for me and I am writing to share my thoughts with all of you.

First, I want to echo the words of New Zealand's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and utterly condemn not just the people who perpetrated this appalling act but all who find common cause with them-extremism has no place in our communities.

I also want to express my deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and to the Islamic communities at the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch in their time of grief.

I want to send a message to the people of Christchurch and the people of New Zealand-regardless of where they were born-that Canadians know this tragedy neither reflects nor defines your city or your nation.

Finally, I want to offer my support and solidarity to my Muslim brothers, sisters and friends in the BCGEU and around the world. The 78,000 members of the BCGEU will do everything in our power to defend your right to pray and gather and live free from violence in any form.

As a labour activist I am proud of everything our union does to protect, promote and expand diversity.

All communities are made stronger, richer, and more vibrant by diversity.

Today I am more resolved than ever that we can and must do more to stand against all forms of violence and hatred and to build more open, inclusive and diverse communities where everyone is safe.

Terrorism is about tearing people apart.

We fight it by coming together.

In solidarity, I know we will prevail.

Stephanie Smith 
BCGEU President

UWU/MoveUP

The Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Vancouver Island Health authorities have announced they will bring home support services in-house. The BC Government & Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) has been lobbying to bring home care support workers under government employment for over two decades and enthusiastically welcomes a change that will provide greater security to workers, and better care to B.C. seniors.

"Today's news is a real victory for home support workers and the B.C. seniors who rely on their care," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Bringing these workers into the health authorities will finally address the precarious nature of contract-based work with private providers and will enable more of a team-based multi-disciplinary approach to providing care at home."

Home support workers will be transitioned to the health authorities over the next 12-18 months with no loss in wages, benefits or pension plans. The health authorities are also committed to the continuity of care for clients while recognizing and retaining the knowledge and experience of all home support staff.

"Our union looks forward to engaging with the health authorities to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible and works in a way that supports both workers and clients," says vice president of BCGEU's community health services component Scott De Long. "This is what a government that works for people looks like and we congratulate the BC NDP on this achievement."

The BCGEU represents approximately 4,800 home support workers across the province.

UWU/MoveUP

International Women's Day (IWD) is recognized every year on March 8. It's an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and the extraordinary role women play in their families, workplaces, and communities across the globe. It's also an opportunity to acknowledge how much work remains to be done to achieve true gender equality and ensure all women everywhere are empowered to reach their full potential.

"In the labour movement we achieve progress through collective action and solidarity among working people," said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU president. "Those same principles are the roadmap to gender equality-we have to realize and leverage the boundless power of women and our allies working together-and that's why there is no group better suited to the task at hand than union activists."

"When we take what we know and do as union activists and apply it to the challenges of gender equality-harassment, discrimination, bullying, gender-based violence-we will be an unstoppable force for progressive, sustainable change."

This International Women's Day, there are many ways you can take action for gender equality in your community. This list is not exhaustive, please contact your local labour council or women's organizations to ask about events in your area.

Period Promise

The United Way's campaign Period Promise takes place from March 7 to April 4, 2019, and the BCGEU is proud once again to get behind this important campaign.

Menstruation products are a basic necessity. But if you're living in poverty- or vulnerable in other ways -access to tampons, pads, cups or menstrual underwear can be challenging.

You can get involved by giving financially, donating menstrual products like tampons, pads, cups, menstrual underwear, or collecting donations in your community and workplace.

All BCGEU area offices and HQ will have donation boxes for you to bring your donations of menstrual products by April 1 and we will bring our collective donations to the United Way to show our solidarity.

Period Promise mobilizes all of us to be part of the solution and to help people live with the dignity they deserve. Visit periodpromise.ca to learn more.

International Women's Day 2019 Events

Vancouver

March 8 - West Coast LEAF Equality Breakfast. 7:00 am- 9:00 am at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Tickets are $99-$110. Dr. Willie J. Parker will deliver the keynote at the 2019 Equality Breakfast. Dr. Parker is a reproductive justice advocate who travels as an abortion provider in Alabama and Georgia, and the author of the recently released book, Life's Work: A Moral Argument for Choice. His most recent work has focused on violence against women, sexual assault, and reproductive rights and justice through advocacy and provision of contraceptive and abortion services.

March 8 - VDLC Women's Committee Annual IWD Dinner at the Maritime Labour Centre. Women for Economic Justice: Taking on Poverty - with guest speakers from the BC Poverty Coalition, Viveca Ellis and Phyllis Joseph and entertainment by Jacky Arrah Yenga. Tickets $50 / $30 low-waged. For tickets go to Eventbrite.

March 8 - International Women's Day Fundraiser and Art Show- Bandidas Taqueria. On March 8, Bandidas will donate 100% of the profits from the sale of food and drinks to a variety of local organizations which serve women* and will launch an art show with feminist themes. Based on a community vote, they will donate proportionately to the following organizations: WAVAW, Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, Canadian Council of Muslim Women, Native Women's Association of Canada, Girls Rock Camp, East Van Roasters, Pads4Girls, and WISH Drop-In Centre Society.

New Westminster

March 8 - Advancing Women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is a day-long symposium on International Women's Day, March 8, that features panelists and speakers on topics such as "Why Does Industry need STEAM?" 'When Barriers Collide" and "Holding Space for STEAM" as well as a presentation on the role of emotion in learning and a keynote from Aoife Mac Namara, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Arts, and Technology from Simon Fraser University. The full line up of speakers is available here, as are tickets; lunch is included. Partial or full subsidies are available for those experiencing financial barriers- please email [email protected] for more info.

Surrey

March 9 - Surrey International Women's Day event is on Saturday, March 9, 2019, from 12:30-4:00 pm at Johnston Heights Secondary School, 153-50-99 Avenue in Surrey. This year's agenda includes a presentation on the herstory of International Women's Day, singing of "Bread and Roses" and other songs, keynote speakers, information tables, raffle items, a rose for each participant, entertainment and food.

Victoria

March 8 - Bridge's International Women's Day luncheon- 11:00 am- 2:00 pm at the Union Club of British Columbia, 805 Gordon Street, Victoria. The 9th annual International Women's Day luncheon for an inspiring gathering with keynote speakers, networking opportunities, a delicious lunch, and solidarity for women's empowerment. Keynote speakers include: Laura Poland, General Manager at Mayfair, Sybil Verch, Senior Vice President, National Director, Wealth Management, Raymond James Ltd., and Penny Sakamoto, Publisher of Black Press. Fundraising activities at the event directly support women impacted by violence and trauma by sustaining healing, education, and employment programs at Bridges for Women. These programs are essential in ending the cycle of violence, poverty, and isolation for women in Greater Victoria and across BC. Lunch menu includes vegetarian options.

Click here for information about the BCGEU scholarship program.

The BCGEU is a component of the 390,000-member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). Our national union offers its own scholarships of $1,500 each that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for workers.

Applicants must be:

• the children or grandchildren, or the foster children or the foster grandchildren, of members or retirees of the National Union's component unions or its affiliates; and
• planning to enter the 1st year of a Canadian public, post-secondary educational institution on a full-time basis in 2019.

All scholarships awarded will be based on the best 750- to 1,000-word essay as listed below. Essays will be marked on the basis of content and style. The deadline for applications and essays is July 4, 2019, and scholarships may have additional requirements, as noted below.

Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship

In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship must be entering a field of study in health care, criminal justice, community services or policing. The essay topic is - The importance of their field of study in either policing, criminal justice services, or health care in delivering public services to Canadians.

Information and application for the Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship for Indigenous Students

In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Scholarship for Indigenous Students must identify as an Indigenous person. The essay topic - The importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of Indigenous peoples.

Information and application for the Scholarship for Indigenous Students

Scholarship for LGBTQ2S+ Students

In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Scholarship for LGBTQ2S+ Students must identify as an LGBTQ2 student. The essay topic is - The importance of trade unions in supporting the LGBTQ2 communities.

Information and application for the Scholarship for LGBTQ2 Student

  Scholarship for Students of Colour

In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Scholarship for Students of Colour must identify as a person of colour. The essay topic is - The importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of people of colour in Canada.

Information and application for the Scholarship for Students of Colour

Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship

In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship must identify as a person with a disability. The essay topic is - The importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Information and application for the Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship

Tommy Douglas Scholarship

There are no other requirements, other than the general requirements above, for applying for the Tommy Douglas Scholarship. The essay topic is - How Tommy Douglas contributed to making Canada a country with a more just and equitable society.

Information and application for the Tommy Douglas Scholarship

Applicants are advised that the winners and winning essays will be publicized on our website, and their high school will be notified of their win.

For further information please phone 613-228-9800, or email [email protected].

Click here for information about the BCGEU scholarship program.

UWU/MoveUP