Download the PDF file of the 2017 Fall issue of The Provincial magazine. In this issue:

• Electing workplace stewards
• Dangerous work at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
• BCGEU’s sound financial management
• Mental health first aid
• and more...

Show support for youth in and from foster care, group homes, and other types of government care in B.C.

Rally: B.C. Legislature
Tuesday October 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

19 years ago, the province of BC declared October Community Living Month. The BCGEU is proud to represent thousands of members across the province who have dedicated their careers to helping those who are not able, or need the assistance of others, to bring a level of independence and quality of life that benefits not only those with developmental disabilities, but also the communities that we live in.

Through volunteer programs, day programs, employment programs, home care and more, our members are there to ensure that every day begins and ends with the support they need to enjoy life in the way that most take for granted.

This month we honour our members who work each day in Community Living, we celebrate those with developmental disabilities who do not let their challenges hold them back and bring value to all our communities. 

October 4th is a day where we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy. We must take the time to give thanks to the families who are our reason for demanding continued action.

The BCGEU believes that the October 4th Sisters In Spirit Vigils are a movement for social change. The number of SIS Vigils has grown from 11 in 2006 to an impressive 216 vigils in 2014.

Family members, Indigenous community members, and concerned citizens gather for a vigil every October 4th to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. 

Vigils will be taking place in many communities around the province. These gatherings serve to raise awareness and to provide support to families who have lost a loved one. 

For a full list of events taking place in British Columbia, visit the Native Women's Association of Canada website:

https://www.nwac.ca/policy-areas/violence-prevention-and-safety/sisters-in-spirit/october-4th-vigils/  

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union President Stephanie Smith and other union members will be in Fort St. John Tuesday to help open the BCGEU's new building on 100th Ave.

Smith will officially open the new BCGEU area office on the corner of 100th Ave and 102nd Street late Tuesday afternoon. The two-storey, 6,300-square-foot building was built by unionized workers, and was designed to be one of the most modern and sustainable buildings in all of Fort St. John.

Read more...

Fort Saint John --- President Stephanie Smith and the rest of the Provincial Executive members will be in Fort St. John to visit with local B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) members at their workplaces.

"Showing up and talking with members in their community about the issues that affect them is one of the best ways to understand how the union can be a positive force in peoples' lives" said Stephanie Smith.

"Being available to meet face to face is part of our commitment to northern communities. In Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, the BCGEU is here for working people. It's why we decided to put that commitment into action, and invest in building a new union area office in Fort St. John."

Later in the week, President Stephanie Smith will officially open the new $5 million B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union area office on the corner of 100th Ave and 102nd Street.

This two-storey, 6,300-square-foot building was built by unionized workers and was designed to be one of the most modern and sustainable buildings in all of Fort St. John. Members and their community will be able to use the new space and its meeting rooms, lounge, as well as ample parking with block heater outlets. 

There will be an official event on October 3^rd at 6 PM that is open to BCGEU members and their friends and family, as well as media. BCGEU President Stephanie Smith and Mayor Lori Ackerman will be in attendance to make a few brief remarks and meet with guests.

Course listings and registration for the Canadian Labour Congress Winter School (January 14 to February 16, 2018) at Harrison Hot Springs is now available.

Active union members are encouraged to apply online. Applications will be forwarded to your component executive to determine who will attend the school. 

Registration cut off is November 3^rd for all courses.

Please click here to register: http://web.bcgeu.ca/go.php4?f=2018_CLC_Winter_School

Download PDF of 2018 courses and descriptions

On September 8, as a follow up to the report Collective Wisdom: Challenges and Opportunities in B.C's Women's Services the BCGEU was invited by the federal Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef to participate in a roundtable discussion as part of the federal government's commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV). At the Roundtable were approximately 30 representatives for women's services organizations that address GBV in their work such as transition houses, shelters, centres for female survivors of sexual and domestic violence, sex workers advocacy groups, health services and more. 

Minister Monsef heard about the work of the 10,000 BCGEU members and the 1500 members who see first-hand how women's services in BC is in crisis and how it's failing as the social safety net meant to protect women and provide support services and crisis intervention and are expected to do more with less. This crisis has resulted in the denial of services for women who desperately need them due to the multiple issues they face from the lack of safe housing, child care, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, involvement with child protection, and inability to find employment with a living wage. These additional challenges make it nearly impossible to provide the support needed.

Through conversations with the Minister and, following the meeting, her policy advisor, we made it clear that based on BCGEU members' experience the current situation is not acceptable and that the only way to meet the needs of women accessing services at their most vulnerable moments, is to increase funding now – not tomorrow. 

You can find more information about the report and the conference held by members in women's services by clicking here.

Local 467/MoveUP

RICHMOND – B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) members at River Rock Casino Resort voted by 81 per cent to ratify a four-year collective agreement today after more than a year of negotiations with Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

"I am so proud of the outstanding resolve and determination of workers at the River Rock Casino to negotiate such a strong first agreement," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "The agreement will bring vast improvements to working conditions and makes impressive strides in job security, pensions, benefits, and a much stronger wage grid."

The nearly 1,000 members at River Rock will receive an average 19 per cent wage increase making them among the best paid casino workers in the province. Extended health and dental care, parental and adoption leave, and fair vacation entitlements are also among the benefits.

River Rock Casino Resort, owned by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, is one of the most profitable casinos in B.C., yet when compared to other unionized casinos in the province, workers at River Rock generally earned far less in wages.

"Today's result is another example of the important role unions play in fighting for workers' rights in today's economy and family-supporting jobs," says Smith. "Many River Rock workers are first-generation Canadians and this agreement also provides them with more security as they lay down roots in their communities."

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with more than 73,000 members across all sectors of the economy, including over 3,800 workers in casinos.

For more information please contact Bronwen Barnett, BCGEU Communications, 604-719-4713.