Today, we join together as a union to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. This day stands as reminder of one of history's darkest chapters, when six million Jewish men, women, and children, along with millions of other innocent victims targeted because of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality or political ideology, were systematically murdered during the Holocaust. 

Holocaust Remembrance Day matters because it reminds us of the responsibility we share to reject any denial of this dark chapter in history. 

It is also a call to action. It reminds us that we must combat antisemitism across Canada and in B.C. At the foundation of the labour movement lies the principles of liberty and solidarity. That's why we must reaffirm our commitment to apply the lessons of the Holocaust and defend human rights each and every day. 

Today, let us pause to remember the lives lost. May we never forget.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2025

Negotiations to begin for collective agreements covering over 34,000 BCGEU members working in the public service

Burnaby, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and the B.C. government’s Public Service Agency (PSA) will meet for the first time to exchange bargaining proposals on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Victoria. This round of bargaining is aimed at reaching a new collective agreement for more than 34,000 B.C. public service workers employed in every community across the province. The current collective agreement is set to expire March 31, 2025.

Through record participation in preparation, BCGEU public service members have given a clear mandate to their bargaining committee: negotiate a strong collective agreement that addresses the affordability crisis facing our members.

“BCGEU members in the public service are a key economic driver for our province and ensure the safety and security of all British Columbians. The current affordability crisis has exacerbated a decade of agreements that have fallen behind inflation, and we are committed to achieving an agreement that meets the needs of our members,” said Paul Finch, President of BCGEU and Chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee. “Over the past fourteen years, government has contracted out key areas of service delivery and prioritized the growth of non-union management over front-line unionized workers, at almost double the percentage rate of growth. We need to change course and ensure public services are reliable and effective.”

Starting at the end of the summer, BCGEU members have been engaging in the bargaining process in record numbers. Tens of thousands have filled out bargaining surveys, and hundreds of bargaining proposals have been submitted at meetings across the province.

“Given the current economic situation, we anticipate it will take a difficult round of bargaining to reach that goal, but we are confident in our ability to reach an agreement that addresses the needs of our members.” said Finch.

From wildland firefighters forced to work unsustainable overtime just to support their families to courts regularly shut down because they can't fulfill staffing needs, there is an ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in the public service.

BCGEU members have put forth many ways to address that crisis, including wages that keep up with the rising cost of living and modernizing internal processes that hold workers back in their careers. Changes like those would respect the importance of their work and addresses critical ongoing issues that affect service delivery.

The main public service agreement is the first of the BCGEU’s sectoral agreements to begin negotiations and is one of six separate collective agreements that cover a total of approximately 71,000 of the union’s members.

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Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU and chair of the union’s public service bargaining committee, will be available for media interviews via phone or Zoom. In person interviews can be arranged in Victoria.

Visit our 2025 Public Service bargaining backgrounder for details on the overall process.

Contact:
Holly Reid, Communications
(604) 291-9611
[email protected]

MEDIA ADVISORY 

January 22, 2025 

BALFOUR, B.C. (Ktunaxa, Syilx, Sinixt, and Kinbasket (Secwepemc) territories) - The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) is holding a solidarity rally on January 22 at 3:30pm at the Balfour Ferry Terminal to support workers at Western Pacific Marine (WPM), who have been on strike for over two months.

“Our members live and work in these communities and deeply care about the impact this is having on everyone. The decision to take job action is never an easy one. Western Pacific Marine refuses to offer the same wages and working conditions as other ferry operators in the region, forcing a prolonged strike and hurting local residents who rely on these services,” said BCGEU President Paul Finch.

This rally aims to amplify the workers' voices and call attention to the critical importance of fair contracts in maintaining the quality of public services like ferry transportation. 

Media are invited to attend the solidarity rally:

WHAT: Solidarity Rally for BCGEU members on strike at Western Pacific Marine 
WHEN: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 3:30 p.m. PST 
WHERE: Balfour Ferry Terminal, Balfour, B.C. 
VISUALS: Workers on strike, union flags, rally signs, and union members showing solidarity with the workers at Western Pacific Marine 

CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to [email protected]

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

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For more information contact: BCGEU Communications at [email protected] or call 604-291-9611. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2025

BCGEU responds to ministers' mandate letters: Investing in public sector workers is vital as economic uncertainty looms 

Burnaby, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - In response to the release of the executive council's mandate letters, B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) president Paul Finch released the following statement:

We're encouraged to see the government acknowledge that strong public services are vital during economic uncertainty. Delivering on that commitment starts with investing in frontline public sector workers who deliver the services B.C. residents rely on every day.

For the past two decades, public sector wages have fallen behind as the cost of living soars, making it difficult to retain skilled staff. Overall public service staffing levels are modest and in line with the national average – but serious staff shortages exist in many frontline roles including wildland firefighters, health care workers, court workers and others. 

At the same time, spending on management has increased significantly in recent years, with excluded management roles growing at nearly twice the rate of frontline BCGEU positions.

Redirecting funds from management to frontline workers is a common-sense step to improve efficiency while maintaining the public service B.C. residents rely on.

Let's be clear: despite what big business lobbyists may say, cuts to public services won't fix the deficit. The real budget pressures stem from other factors: massive infrastructure spending-which, while necessary, ends up costing taxpayers more due to inefficient procurement processes-and tax breaks on resource revenues that shortchange B.C. residents of their fair share of our province's wealth. 

The government must address the root causes of B.C.'s fiscal challenges, and invest in forward-looking measures to build economic resilience, including a robust economic development plan and comprehensive workforce strategy. 

We look forward to sharing our ideas for strong and efficient public services to support B.C. residents through the economic headwinds we're facing.
 

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For more information or to book an interview with BCGEU president Paul Finch, please contact Nadja Komnenic, BCGEU Communications at [email protected] or (604) 291-9611.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Jan 3, 2025

The BCGEU issued 24-hour strike notice for the cable ferries operated by Western Pacific Marine (WPM) at Glade and Harrop today, with job action set to begin on Monday, January 6th at 6:30am.
 
BCGEU President, Paul Finch says "Ferry workers are committed to reaching a fair agreement that supports a sustainable ferry service. Unfortunately, Western Pacific Marine continues to prolong this strike by refusing to meet the standard set by other inland ferry operators in B.C.
 
"Recruiting and retaining the local operators needed to run these ferries safely is crucial to keep them running for years to come. Unfortunately, Western Pacific Marine has chosen to prioritize their profits over the community's needs and not take the steps needed to staff the ferries adequately.
 
"Other ferry operators have recently agreed to wage increases that address our rising cost of living, and they operate on a day-for-day scheduling system that allows workers adequate rest to safely operate the ferries and would allow the expansion of service that the Kootenays community has been asking for."
 
"Ferry workers – who are members of the West Kootenays community – recognize the impact this situation has on their neighbours that rely on these ferry services. However, as WPM continues to delay coming to a fair agreement, workers are expanding the job action to hopefully bring an end to the dispute and ensure the long-term viability of these critical services."
 
During this job action, WPM has scheduled sailings in accordance with the Labour Board-defined essential service levels required to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of residents. Up to date sailing schedules for the cable ferries, as well as the Kootenay Lake ferry, can always be found on ferries.bcgeu.ca

 
For more information contact: Aaron Donovan, BCGEU Communications - [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action and it is vital that we take action to demand an end to violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people. December 6 marks the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre of 14 young women who lost their lives because they were women. We mourn their loss and reaffirm our commitment to fight the systems of misogyny, patriarchy, colonialism and violence that led to this tragedy.

Femicide is the intentional killing of a woman or girl because of her gender. It is a universal problem, and the most brutal, visible, and extreme manifestation of the cycle of gender-based violence that women and girls endure.

Here are some sobering statistics:

• Nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime which includes women of colour.
• Girls are at particular risk of violence with 1 in 4 adolescent girls abused by their partners.
• Indigenous women are six times more likely to be murdered or go missing than non- Indigenous women and represent up to seven per cent of femicide victims in Canada.i
• More than half of women with disabilities are likely to experience some form of violence during their adult lives.ii
• Almost three quarters of trans, non-binary and gender diverse people have faced sexual harassment and violence at work.iii

Victims of gender-based violence are disproportionately harmed by someone they know, often an intimate partner or family member. Domestic violence can also carry over into the workplace, threatening women's ability to maintain economic independence.

We hope you will consider attending an event in your area to commemorate the day of action. If you live in the lower mainland there is a candlelight vigil at Holland Park in Surrey at 6 p.m. We also encourage you to share the social media post that we will feature on the BCGEU social media channels.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, here are a few links to services and resources in BC:
 
VictimLink
1-800-563-0808 a multilingual information service available throughout BC and the Yukon 24/7.
Or Text VictimLink BC at 604-836-6381.
 
BC Housing - Transition Houses & Safe Homes List 
List and contact information for all of the transition houses across the province.

 
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre: 24-Hour Crisis Line
604-255-6344 or toll-free 1-877-392-7583
 
Battered Women Support Services Crisis line
604-687-1867 or 1-855-687-1868 or text 604-652-1867 or email: [email protected].
 
Ending Violence BC
Non-residential anti-violence programs.

i Statistics Canada
ii Dawn Canada
iii Canadian Labour Congress

Help raise awareness, share this image with the text below on social media:
This year marks the 35^th anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre of 14 young women who lost their lives because they were women. We mourn their loss and reaffirm our commitment to fight the systems of misogyny, patriarchy, colonialism and violence that led to this tragedy.
 
On this National Day of Remembrance and Action it is vital that we take action to demand an end to violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people. If you live in the lower mainland there is a candlelight vigil at Holland Park in Surrey at 6 p.m. 

UWU/MoveUP

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is taking on Canada Post over wages, pensions, and a fight for the future of public services. The members of CUPW have been on the picket line since Friday, November 15.

The Area 04 Cross Component Committee would like to remind you that we can show our solidarity by joining picket lines during your time off, unpaid breaks and before/after your workday.

To find a picket line in your community, use the CUPW's Picket Line Location Search

With this support, our collective power expands – enabling us to advocate more effectively for fair treatment and better conditions across all sectors.

CUPW's website has resources for sending a letter to the Canada Post CEO, printing signs, and sharing on social media: Support Your Postal Workers!

You can also find the CUPW strike solidarity playlist here: https://spoti.fi/3ZheCPp

Solidarity with workers is the bedrock of the labour movement. We encourage everyone to attend a picket line if you can, to send a powerful message to the Canada Post Corporation: workers are united in the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and a public postal service that works for all of us.

In solidarity
Erica Cardarelli Kevin HagglundCross Component Chair Staff Representative

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

The following is a statement from BCGEU Treasurer, Maria Bennett, delivered at the BC Federation of Labour Convention, November 26^th:

Hello delegates. My name is Maria Bennett, my pronouns are she/her, and I am Treasurer of the BC General Employees' Union – the BCGEU. However, I am here today wearing my other hat: as Chair of the BCGEU's Women and Gender Rights Committee. 

As you may know, yesterday, November 25^th, was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and it marked the kickoff of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. 

Gender-based violence in the workplace takes many forms -harassment, discrimination, abuse of power- and it thrives in silence, fear, and inaction. It threatens the safety, dignity, and livelihoods of countless workers, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

As trade unionists, we cannot stand idly by. Our movement is built on the principles of solidarity, justice, and equality, and a workplace where any individual is subject to violence or harassment is not only unsafe for them but undermines the rights of all workers. 

Unions have both the responsibility and the power to lead the fight against gender-based violence. We can negotiate strong collective agreements that include protections against harassment and abuse. We can create systems of support and advocacy for those who experience violence. And we can hold employers accountable for fostering safe, equitable workplaces. 

At the BCGEU convention in June, there were several resolutions that directly addressed issues of gender-based violence in the workplace. Gender-based violence victims are not safe even in the workplace, and our members may not know how to recognize or respond when their co-worker is a victim. 

But our role goes beyond policy. As trade unionists, we must challenge cultures of silence and complicity. We must raise awareness, educate our members, and empower workers to stand against violence in all its forms. Together, we can dismantle the systemic inequalities that allow gender-based violence to persist, creating workplaces where everyone -regardless of gender or identity- can thrive without fear. 

UWU/MoveUP

A statement from BCGEU Executive Vice-President and Chair of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee Tristen Wybou 

While we mourn and condemn hate on this somber day, we know it's not enough for unions to be against transphobia - we must also actively build safe, supportive spaces, so all workers can thrive, rest and lead full lives.

The labour movement insists that everyone deserves liberation from the struggle for survival. But trans workers are forced to do just that, and in the ongoing fight for their lives, are too often robbed of opportunities to pursue interests, build relationships, and even participate equally in union activism because they cannot afford to lay down their sword or trust they'll be safe if they choose to come out. Still, trans life-expectancy remains significantly lower than the broader population. 

Organizers of the Trans Day of Remembrance (November 20) have been raising awareness about this disturbing disparity, and memorializing and mourning victims of transphobia since 1999. Amidst the recent surge in attacks on the 2sLGBTQIA+ community (with a particular hostility towards trans people), it's more important than ever that the labour movement rallies together in solidarity and with pride. 

Violence towards the trans community is not new. What's most disturbing about last year's and this year's attacks is the way that hate-fueled groups pushed to normalize it. By warping the notion of "parents' rights," they've grown shocking support for an agenda that hurts the children of these parents. Here in BC, we saw how these groups aggressively fearmongered and organized by spreading misinformation, specifically about gender-affirming care and SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) educational resources – optional lesson plans that encourage inclusion and allow for age-appropriate conversations about identity. 

Politicians and powerful pundits who are cementing their messages into policy and law have done so with devastating consequences for youth. According to one study out of the United States, where 48 state-level anti-transgender laws came into effect between 2018 and 2022, incidents of past-year suicide attempts among trans and non-binary youth (aged 13-17) increased by up to 72%, across 19 states. This is a massive jump, especially when compared with states that did not pass similar legislation. It's because of regressive laws like these that many young people will not have the chance to be themselves and grow old. 

Meanwhile, in BC, the same political party that perpetuated dangerous myths about the trans community during election season had the audacity to run on a platform of "public safety" and "real support for mental wellness."

As a union, we commit to vigilance and unity when any provincial political party or government tries to wield trans issues as a wedge issue. We commit to fighting back because this is ultimately a tool for dividing workers and weakening our power when we're pushing for better wages, respect in the workplace, health & safety resources, funding for affordable public services and more. Not surprisingly, these disturbing attempts often go hand-in-hand with broader anti-worker agendas, austerity budgets, increased privatization of healthcare, profit-over-people models, and more. 

We also recognize that real justice for the transgender community will only be won if it is intersectional. Accessible gender-affirming care includes and requires an anti-racist healthcare system and affordable housing for seniors and low-income communities. Breaking free from the fight for survival means seeing our future with our trans elders carrying their wisdom onward for the generations to come. 

Regardless of who's in power at the legislature, as BCGEU members we know that the workplace remains a potent terrain of struggle on which to win justice. Maximizing our collective power for winning the resources we need to create optimal working and living conditions demands inclusivity. To exclude anyone from the progress we strive for would only preclude our ability to achieve it; in other words, a strong, democratic union is a trans-inclusive union.

Unfortunately, the BCGEU continues to hear reports from trans members about workplace harassment, discrimination, and the inability to come out due to fear of retaliation. Every worker and person in B.C. deserves safety, respect and support. So, on this November 20, we recommit to not only defending trans members but also empowering them to find their voice in the BCGEU. Real unionism uplifts all workers to advance their rights.

UWU/MoveUP