Click here for info on Bargaining 2025

NEWS

November 20, 2024

BCGEU calls for solidarity on Trans Day of Remembrance - BC General Employees...

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

November 01, 2024

Ferry Workers Draw the Line: Strike Notice Issued for Fair Wages and Conditio...


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2024

Ferry Workers Draw the Line: Strike Notice Issued for Fair Wages and Conditions

Burnaby, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Yesterday at 12:00 pm, members of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) at Western Pacific Marine Ferries issued 72-hour strike notice, with full strike action scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 12:00 pm. This escalation follows an unsatisfactory offer from the employer that would disadvantage our members. Furthermore, this offer does not meet the standards set by agreements with Waterbridge and Waterbridge Equipment.

“Ferry workers are calling for a fair and equitable deal, comparable wage increases, necessary scheduling adjustments, extended benefits for auxiliary workers, and crucial training support,” said Maria Bennett, BCGEU Treasurer.

“Western Pacific Marine has the means to meet these demands, and workers are unified in their stance.”

Ferry workers are committed to maintaining essential services, with three weekday sailings on the Osprey for essential travel only and emergency vehicle access outside this schedule. No weekend sailings will occur, and cable ferry services remain unaffected by job action at this time.

To kick off the strike, a solidarity rally is set for 11:30 am on Sunday, November 3, at the Balfour terminal. Workers and community members alike are encouraged to join, showing collective support for fair treatment and equitable conditions for ferry staff.

This strike reflects ferry workers’ determination to achieve industry-aligned conditions and hold Western Pacific Marine accountable to fair standards.

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members across multiple industries and communities.

-30-

For more information contact: Susan Howatt at [email protected]

September 26, 2024

Reconciliation and you: Learning resources for National Day for Truth and Rec...

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day - a day of remembrance, learning, reflection and action. As union members, workers, neighbours, caregivers, citizens and newcomers to Canada, we have many critical roles to play in Reconciliation - one of which is educating ourselves. 
 
I encourage you to explore the following learning resources and discuss your learnings and reflections with friends, family and colleagues. 
 
How does educating ourselves contribute to Reconciliation? Self-education is an act of responsibility. It is everyone's responsibility to learn the truth and understand the impacts of past and present actions on the lives of Indigenous people, and on society as a whole. 
 
To learn about the Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families including those who passed, those who survived, and their families:


To learn about how today's child welfare system is yesterday's residential school system:


To learn about the history, symbolism and message of the orange shirt and Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:


To learn about the history of Indigenous workers:


Many events are happening across B.C. to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Participation is encouraged. Find an event near you here.
 
In solidarity,
Paul Finch, BCGEU president



UWU/MoveUP

September 10, 2024

Area 04 Members - HandyDART Job Action - BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU)

Date: Sunday September 15, 2024, 10AM – 1PM

Place: 17535 55B Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 5V2


The Area 04 Cross Component is holding a day of Solidarity for the Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1742 who work at HandyDART.

We will be supporting their picket line on Sunday September 15th from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

The worksite is located at: 17535 55b Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 5V2

We will be walking the picket line to show our support for the struggle of workers currently on strike.

The committee is inviting all BCGEU members in the Fraser Valley to come out and support these workers in their struggle for a fair collective agreement.

 

Download PDF of bulletin here



UWU/MoveUP

August 29, 2024

All Area 01 BCGEU Members - Labour Day Picnic - BC General Employees' Union (...

Area 01 Cross Component Committee is inviting you to The Victoria Labour Council Labour Day Picnic (https://victorialabour.ca).

This family-friendly event will include live music, food, and games for the kids!

WHEN:       September 2, 2024

TIME:         11:00 am – 2:00 pm

WHERE:     Memorial Park, Esquimalt (1200 Esquimalt Rd)

Please share this invitation with your friends, family and fellow union members.

We hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome!

On Behalf of your Area 01 Cross Component Committee

Download PDF of bulletin here



UWU/MoveUP

August 21, 2024

stɑl̓əw̓ pow-wow Ticket Raffle - BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU)

Area 04 Cross Component Committee is excited to be a sponsor of this cultural event in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The upcoming 3rd Annual stɑl̓əw̓ pow-wow has a limited number of tickets available, and you are invited to enter into a raffle to win a ticket and attend for free. Single tickets can be used to attend any of the days the Pow Wow is running, from September 13th to September 15th 2024, being held at the Langley Events Centre.

 
PLACE:        Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 Street, Langley BC

DATE:          Friday September 13th to Sunday September 15th 2024       
           
TIME:           Various
 
Click on the link below to enter the draw for a chance to win! Registration for the raffle will close at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2nd. The draw for the ticket will be done on September 3rd and only winners will be contacted! Each individual winner will win one ticket, valid for any one of the three days and details on how to claim your ticket will be provided to the designated winners. 
 
Details on this event including a schedule of events, and how to purchase additional tickets (or for anyone interested in attending) can be found stalewpowwow.ca
 
RSVP/Raffle link: https://events.bcgeu.ca/ccc_st_l_w_pow-wow_raffle
 
The BCGEU Code of Conduct is in effect at all Cross Component events. Any participant engaging in unacceptable behaviour may be asked to leave and not invited to future events.
 
In Solidarity,
 
Kevin Hagglund                                                              Erica Cardarelli
Staff Representative                                                       Area 04 Cross Component Chair

Download PDF of notice here

 



UWU/MoveUP

August 14, 2024

BCGEU reacts to WCB report on Jordan River fatality - BC General Employees' U...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2024

BCGEU reacts to WCB report on fatal accident in B.C.Wildfire Service last year

In response to a recent Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) report regarding the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) president Paul Finch released the following statement: 
 
With the release of the redacted WCB report, our thoughts are with the Gale family and colleagues across the province who continue to be deeply impacted by this traumatic event just over a year ago. The systemic issues identified in the report should not be read as criticism of individual firefighters doing their best to protect the province during increasingly difficult wildfire seasons.
 
As the WCB report shows, the BCWS has not met its obligation to ensure the appropriate supervision of safety protocols are in place. Processes like completing dangerous tree assessments and implementing safety training and orientation for new workers have fallen by the wayside due to an inability to retain experienced staff.  
 
The employer’s failure to retain experienced staff means that many workers are put in dangerous situations. There is no substitute for experience fighting wildfires, and the Ministry needs to address the dire retention crisis currently facing BCWS. That starts with the Ministry reversing its current stated position that there is no retention issue among junior to mid level leadership positions, and working to take the appropriate steps to resolve the retention crisis.
 
The BCGEU has been calling on the BCWS to change its culture of normalizing risks; the onus for worker safety cannot be placed on the workers themselves. 
 
To end the retention crisis, the BCWS must take the steps needed to make wildland firefighting a safe and sustainable career, by providing adequate compensation for junior and mid-level leadership roles and ensuring appropriate staffing throughout the season. 

 
-30-

For interviews, please contact Nadja Komnenic, BCGEU Communications at [email protected] or 604-291-9611.

July 31, 2024

Cultural & Carnival Day Event August 24, 2024 - BC General Employees' Union (...

The Area 04 Cross Component invites you and your family for a cultural and carnival celebration taking place at our Fraser Valley Office!  

                             
                                           Date:               Saturday, August 24, 2024
                                           Place:              8555 198 A Street, Langley BC V2Y 0A9 (Fraser Valley Area Office)
                                           Time:               11 am – 3 pm
                                                     

The goal of this event is to bring together the rich ethnic diversity of BCGEU members by celebrating and integrating cultures amongst us along with all the fun of Summer Carnival games. The Day will feature lunch, entertainment, cultural booths, face painting, games and much more.

 

The event will be open to all BCGEU members and their families.
 
Please register by clicking on the link  View Cultural & Carnival Day Event

 

Please email the Fraser Valley Office at [email protected] with any questions. We hope to see you there!
 

Download PDF of notice here


UWU/MoveUP