VICTORIA, B.C. – The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) is conducting a provincewide strike vote to give 33,000 members of their public service bargaining unit a voice in how to move forward in bargaining with their employer, the Public Service Agency. Negotiations between the parties reached impasse in early April primarily due to a significant gap in wage proposals.
 
“We’ve been clear from day one that cost of living protection for wages was the key to a deal this round,” said Stephanie Smith, president of the BCGEU and chair of the union’s public service bargaining committee. “It’s a fair demand and we know government can afford it but the employer tabled two wage proposals that didn’t even get halfway there. This vote is a chance for our members to tell their employer what they think of those offers.”
 
The strike vote will be conducted over five weeks starting Monday, May 16^th with a vote count scheduled for Wednesday, June 22^nd.

“This is the BCGEU’s largest bargaining unit and for more than one-third of these members this is their first round of bargaining,” said Smith. “This is their collective agreement and a strike vote is a major undertaking so it’s critical that we take time to make sure every member is informed and engaged and has a chance to vote.”
 
The BCGEU began preparing for impasse and potential job action early in the bargaining process, including negotiating with the Public Service Agency to determine essential service levels in case of job action. Essential service negotiations are expected to continue for several more weeks.
 
“We know that the best place to get a deal is at the table, and that is still our goal,” said Smith. “Experience tells us that a strong strike vote can be a very effective way to make that goal a reality.”
 
The BCGEU is the first of many public sector unions to bargain with the government in 2022. In total, almost 400,000 public sector workers have agreements that will, or already have, expire this year.

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Media contact:
Danielle Marchand
[email protected]
Press Secretary-President’s Office
BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU)
Mobile: 778-968-4509

UWU/MoveUP

Since the start of negotiations in February, your bargaining committee has been focused on achieving a new collective agreement that includes cost of living protection (COLA) for your wage increases. From day one our objective has been to get a deal at the bargaining table and that hasn’t changed. But we are at a point where a strike vote from the bargaining unit is the best path to getting a deal at the table.
 
How did we get here? COLA protection for wages was the top priority you identified throughout the bargaining preparation process that started last fall. From the proposals submitted by your components to the thousands of responses to bargaining surveys and external polling your message has been clear—COLA protection for wages is the key to a deal this round.
 
Your bargaining committee took your message to your employer and what we got in response was extremely disappointing. In the three months we spent at the table your employer tabled two wage proposals—neither of which came anywhere close to meeting your needs.
 
That is why your committee declared impasse and that is why we are conducting a strike vote.
 
Your bargaining committee is unanimous in the belief that a strong strike vote from you will confirm that your priorities haven’t changed, that you stand behind your proposals and that you are willing to fight for what you deserve. A strong strike vote will be a powerful incentive for your employer to come back to the table with a wage proposal that meets your needs so we can get a deal you will ratify.
 
Your bargaining committee has set a strike vote as follows:
 
1.     Strike vote starts – Monday May 16
2.     Deadline for the return of ballots – Friday June 17
3.     Count and announcement – Wednesday June 22
 
The strike vote will be conducted by worksite stewards and contacts. Every worksite will have a contact or a steward available to conduct the strike vote. Strike vote packages with instructions and ballots are being mailed to all stewards and contacts next week. More details to come on this.
 
Remember, a strong strike vote does not mean that we will go on strike. In fact, the stronger the vote, the less likely we will have to use it. It is important to remember that we are your elected bargaining committee, but this is YOUR collective agreement, and you are making the decisions that drive what we do on your behalf. 
 
Essential Services Negotiations Continue
 
Essential service negotiations take significant time to complete because of the size and complexity of your bargaining unit (33,000 members). Section 72(2) of the Labour Relations Code defines essential services as “facilities, productions and services” that are “necessary or essential to prevent immediate and serious danger to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of British Columbia.” It is important to understand that essential services negotiated under the Labour Relations Code for the purposes of job action are not the same as the essential services designated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
As of last week, the employer has provided us with their proposed essential services levels for the entire public service.  We are currently reviewing each Ministry/Agency proposal to determine which essential services we agree with, and which ones we will challenge. When a union and an employer disagree on essential services levels, the Labour Relations Board settles the dispute. Because the finalization of an essential services order in advance of the strike vote is of the utmost importance to your union, we have already applied (jointly with your employer) to seek the Board’s assistance in negotiating essential services and adjudicating any disputes. 
 
It is our goal to have essential service levels set by the time we complete the strike vote.
 
Webinars and telephone town hall
 
This week we held three webinars attended by nearly 3000 members. As well we held a well-attended telephone town hall last night with approximately 6000 attendees. This means that we’ve engaged with almost 10,000 members of the bargaining unit this week. We will continue to provide opportunities to update you on events as we proceed with the strike vote.
 
You can view the webinar – complete with indexed questions – here:
 
0:00 - Introductory Comments
8:56 - Why are we taking a strike vote?
12:00 - When will the strike vote happen?
14:46 - Why is it important to vote in favour of a strike? Does that mean we will for sure go on strike?
17:53 - What could strike action look like?
20:54 - What about essential services negotiations?
24:24 - How much is strike pay? How is that determined?
27:55 - What if I am on STIPP or working remotely during the strike vote? What if I am on vacation or on STIIP during the strike?
31:18 - Where do we go to get further information?
 
 

 
Questions?
 
Bargaining microsite: Please visit our Bargaining BC website for regular updates and important bargaining information:www.bargainingbc.ca
 
Member Portal:Please remember that it is imperative that our union has up-to-date contact information of our members. This includes personal email, home address and personal cell phone number. Please encourage your coworkers to log in to the member portal to ensure they receive important information throughout the bargaining process.
 
As well we have set up the following where you can direct specific questions:
 
Email [email protected]
 
Phone 1-888-984-1632
 
Thanks again for your ongoing support—the importance of your support of the strike vote cannot be overstated. A strong strike mandate is vital to our ability to get the deal that you deserve.
 
 

In solidarity,
 
Your BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee
 
Stephanie Smith, President
Paul Finch, Treasurer
Judy Phipps, Executive Vice President
Dean Purdy, Vice President - Component 1
Kusam Doal, Vice President - Component 5
Judy Fox-McGuire, Vice President - Component 6
Cynthia Mepham-Egli, Component 6 Acting First Vice-Chairperson
Maria Middlemiss, Vice President - Component 12
Matt Damario, Component 12 First Vice-Chairperson
Robert Davis, Vice President - Component 20
Michael Eso, Secretary and Lead Negotiator
Lisa Lane, Support Staff
 
 
 
Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

May 4th Member webinar update:

Click here to watch the webinar

UWU/MoveUP

REMINDER
You’re invited: Telephone town hall
 

At 7pm on Thursday May 5^th we will be calling every member covered under the Public Service Main collective agreement that we have a phone number for. When you get called simply stay on the line and you’ll be automatically connected to the event. If you want to make sure you get called, please log in to Member Portal and make sure we have your current home or personal cell phone number. We would like to remind you that you can’t use your employer’s email system or your work phone to stay in touch with our union.
 
If you have a question you’d like answered, please fill out this anonymous form here. For those of you unable to attend the webinars or the town hall, recordings will be posted afterwards.
 
This is your collective agreement and your bargaining process, and we want to make sure you’re informed and engaged every step of the way. It’s imperative that every one of you has a chance to ask questions and get the information you need to be prepared for a strike vote.

 
In solidarity,
 
Your BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee
 
Stephanie Smith, President
Paul Finch, Treasurer
Judy Phipps, Executive Vice President
Dean Purdy, Vice President - Component 1
Kusam Doal, Vice President - Component 5
Judy Fox-McGuire, Vice President - Component 6
Cynthia Mepham-Egli, Component 6 Acting First Vice-Chairperson
Maria Middlemiss, Vice President - Component 12
Matt Damario, Component 12 First Vice-Chairperson
Robert Davis, Vice President - Component 20
Michael Eso, Secretary and Lead Negotiator
Lisa Lane, Support Staff

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

Please note, there will be closed captioning and ASL interpretation for each of the Zoom webinars. Also, a reminder that all times are in Pacific Time (PT) and each run about one hour in length. See you then!
 
As you are likely aware, bargaining with the employer has reached impasse and the next step is to conduct a strike vote.
 
In preparation for that vote, your bargaining committee wants to make sure you’ve had a chance to ask any questions you may have on issues ranging from strike pay, the balloting procedure, job action, essential services and many more. We know that one third of you are new to the bargaining process, and we are dedicated to ensuring you have all the information you need as we move forward.
 
On Tuesday May 3rd we will be conducting three Zoom Webinars for members – at 7am, noon and 7pm. In addition, we’ll be conducting a Telephone Town Hall on Thursday May 5th at 7pm.
 
Please note, there is no need to RSVP for any of these sessions. Just read below for instructions on how to join the session that suits you best and please share this information with any BCGEU members at your worksite who didn’t get this email.
 
Zoom webinars:
To join any of these webinars, simply click the link at the appropriate time.
 
May 3, 7am Webinar
 
May 3, Noon Webinar
 
May 3, 7pm Webinar
 
Telephone town hall:
At 7pm on Thursday May 5^th we will be calling every member covered under the Public Service Main collective agreement that we have a phone number for. When you get called simply stay on the line and you’ll be automatically connected to the event. If you want to make sure you get called, please log in to Member Portal and make sure we have your current home or personal cell phone number. We would like to remind you that you can’t use your employer’s email system or your work phone to stay in touch with our union.
 
If you have a question you’d like answered, please fill out this anonymous form here. For those of you unable to attend the webinars or the town hall, recordings will be posted afterwards.
 
This is your collective agreement and your bargaining process, and we want to make sure you’re informed and engaged every step of the way. It’s imperative that every one of you has a chance to ask questions and get the information you need to be prepared for a strike vote.

 
In solidarity,
 
Your BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee
 
Stephanie Smith, President
Paul Finch, Treasurer
Judy Phipps, Executive Vice President
Dean Purdy, Vice President - Component 1
Kusam Doal, Vice President - Component 5
Judy Fox-McGuire, Vice President - Component 6
Cynthia Mepham-Egli, Component 6 Acting First Vice-Chairperson
Maria Middlemiss, Vice President - Component 12
Matt Damario, Component 12 First Vice-Chairperson
Robert Davis, Vice President - Component 20
Michael Eso, Secretary and Lead Negotiator
Lisa Lane, Support Staff

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2022

VICTORIA, B.C. – Negotiations between the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the provincial government's Public Service Agency (PSA) reached an impasse this week over an unresolved gap in wage proposals. The current agreement between the parties, which covers more than 33,000 union members, expired on March 31, 2022. 

"Our members have been clear from day one - COLA (cost of living adjustment) protections are the key to a deal this round-and our bargaining committee carried that message to the employer," said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU president and chair of the union's bargaining committee, "Unfortunately, the employers' revised wage proposal suggests that they haven't yet gotten the message. In fact, what they offered was less than half of COLA."

The union's proposal, tabled on March 8^th, was for a two year deal. The first year proposed COLA protection or a 5% general wage increase (whichever is greater). The second year proposed COLA or a 5% general wage increase, which would include a flat rate per hour that would positively impact the lowest wage workers in the public service. The proposal was designed to offer maximum protection for the union's members, protection that is in line with what is currently enjoyed by members of the legislative assembly, while remaining within the government's ability to pay.

"The bottom line is any wage offer that doesn't include COLA is a wage cut and no worker should be expected to take a wage cut-especially not the public service workers who kept our families safe and our province operating throughout all the uncertainty of the last few years."

The BCGEU began preparing for impasse and potential job action weeks ago as a standard part of the bargaining process. That work is ongoing and will include a provincewide member education campaign to ensure all 33,000 members of the union's public service bargaining unit are prepared for a strike vote.

"Our union has a long-standing and very constructive working relationship with the PSA," said Smith. "We've been bargaining agreements and solving problems together for almost 50 years. I'm hopeful that they will get the message and come back to us with an offer our members can ratify."

The BCGEU is the first of several public sector unions to bargain with the government in 2022. In total, almost 400,000 public sector workers have agreements that will, or already have, expire this year.
 
Backgrounder
 


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Contact: [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

As you are likely aware, bargaining with the employer has reached impasse and the next step is to conduct a strike vote.
 
In preparation for that vote, your bargaining committee wants to make sure you’ve had a chance to ask any questions you may have on issues ranging from strike pay, the balloting procedure, job action, essential services and many more. We know that one third of you are new to the bargaining process, and we are dedicated to ensuring you have all the information you need as we move forward.
 
On Tuesday May 3rd we will be conducting three Zoom Webinars for members – at 7am, noon and 7pm. In addition, we’ll be conducting a Telephone Town Hall on Thursday May 5th at 7pm.
 
Please note, there is no need to RSVP for any of these sessions. Just read below for instructions on how to join the session that suits you best and please share this information with any BCGEU members at your worksite who didn’t get this email.
 
Zoom webinars:
To join any of these webinars, simply click the link at the appropriate time.
 
May 3, 7am Webinar
 
May 3, Noon Webinar
 
May 3, 7pm Webinar
 
Telephone town hall:
At 7pm on Thursday May 5^th we will be calling every member covered under the Public Service Main collective agreement that we have a phone number for. When you get called simply stay on the line and you’ll be automatically connected to the event. If you want to make sure you get called, please log in to Member Portal and make sure we have your current home or personal cell phone number. We would like to remind you that you can’t use your employer’s email system or your work phone to stay in touch with our union.
 
If you have a question you’d like answered, please fill out this anonymous form here. For those of you unable to attend the webinars or the town hall, recordings will be posted afterwards.
 
This is your collective agreement and your bargaining process, and we want to make sure you’re informed and engaged every step of the way. It’s imperative that every one of you has a chance to ask questions and get the information you need to be prepared for a strike vote.

 
In solidarity,
 
Your BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee
 
Stephanie Smith, President
Paul Finch, Treasurer
Judy Phipps, Executive Vice President
Dean Purdy, Vice President - Component 1
Kusam Doal, Vice President - Component 5
Judy Fox-McGuire, Vice President - Component 6
Cynthia Mepham-Egli, Component 6 Acting First Vice-Chairperson
Maria Middlemiss, Vice President - Component 12
Matt Damario, Component 12 First Vice-Chairperson
Robert Davis, Vice President - Component 20
Michael Eso, Secretary and Lead Negotiator
Lisa Lane, Support Staff

UWU/MoveUP

As reported to you last week, negotiations with your employer remain at impasse. Your bargaining committee is ready to get back to the table the minute that your employer presents us with a revised wage offer that addresses your key issue of cost of living.
 
Inflation
 
You may have seen the news yesterday that Canada's inflation rate has now reached a new 31-year high of 6.7 per cent. The B.C. rate of inflation is at 6 per cent. Experts predict that inflation will continue to rise in the coming months and that the Bank of Canada will respond with further, and possibly steeper, increases to interest rates. This is why COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) protections for your wages are a top priority this round of bargaining.
 
You can see the BC Stats summary of inflation rates for this month here.
 
Essential Services
 
As we wait for a revised offer from your employer, we continue to prepare for job action—that includes strike vote preparations and essential services negotiations. 
 
As explained in previous bulletins, essential service negotiations will take significant time to complete because of the size and complexity of your bargaining unit (33,000 members). Section 72(2) of the Labour Relations Code defines essential services as “facilities, productions and services” that are “necessary or essential to prevent immediate and serious danger to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of British Columbia.” It is important to understand that essential services negotiated under the Labour Relations Code for the purposes of job action are not the same as the essential services designated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
While the union and employer have has been working diligently over the past month, the size and scope of B.C.’s Public Service makes negotiation of these essential services levels in each ministry a massive undertaking. By next week, the employer has indicated that they will be able to provide us with their proposed essential services levels for the entire public service. The union will then be in a position to determine which ones we agree with, and which ones we will challenge.
 
When a union and an employer disagree on essential services levels, the Labour Relations Board settles the dispute. Because the finalization of an essential services order in advance of the strike vote is of the utmost importance to your union, we have already applied (jointly with your employer) to seek the Board’s assistance in negotiating essential services and adjudicating any disputes. We understand this is a time sensitive matter and believe it requires immediate Board assistance.
 
Member education: over 1/3 of you are new to the bargaining process
 
Did you know that more than 1/3 of the 33,000 members of the public service bargaining unit have never been through a round of bargaining before? Or that even more have never experienced reaching impasse or taking job action? 
 
We did. And we know that means many of you have questions about topics like strike pay, the balloting procedure, the different types of job action and more. 
 
That’s why member education is a priority for your committee. In addition to these weekly bulletins, which keep you up to date on what is happening with your bargaining process, we are preparing to offer you a range of ways to connect with your committee and get the information you need.

Save these dates: 

• Tuesday, May 3: Zoom webinars
• Thursday, May 5: telephone town hall

Keep an eye on your inbox for more details and make sure your friends in the bargaining unit are getting these emails so they don’t miss out.
 
In the news

Stephanie Smith – BCGEU President and chairperson of your bargaining committee – spoke with CFAX Radio’s Ryan Price this week about where things stand for you and the other 33,000 members in contract talks with government.
 
Have you watched our video yet?

We shared a video with you last week featuring your bargaining committee explaining the steps involved now that we’ve reached impasse. We encourage you to check it out if you haven’t already. If you would like to read any of our previous bulletins or media releases, you can access them here.
 
Member Portal

Remember to review and update your contact information in order to receive important bargaining updates: Log into the Member Portal and click “Manage Contact Info”. Make sure your personal email and cell phone number are on file.
 
 
In solidarity,
 
Your BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee
 
Stephanie Smith, President
Paul Finch, Treasurer
Judy Phipps, Executive Vice President
Dean Purdy, Vice President - Component 1
Kusam Doal, Vice President - Component 5
Judy Fox-McGuire, Vice President - Component 6
Cynthia Mepham-Egli, Component 6 Acting First Vice-Chairperson
Maria Middlemiss, Vice President - Component 12
Matt Damario, Component 12 First Vice-Chairperson
Robert Davis, Vice President - Component 20
Michael Eso, Secretary and Lead Negotiator
Lisa Lane, Support Staff


Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP

As you heard from us last week, contract negotiations between your bargaining committee and your employer remain suspended, and for now, your collective agreement remains in place. This means it is business as usual in your workplace unless and until you hear differently from your union.
 
Your bargaining committee remains committed to getting a fair deal, and we are ready to get back to the bargaining table as soon as government comes to us with a serious wage proposal that meets your needs. In the meantime, we continue to prepare for every eventuality, and that includes the essential services negotiations and strike vote planning that are currently underway.
 
Check it out: New Bargaining video and Infographic
 
We understand you may have many questions throughout this bargaining process. That’s why we’ve filmed this video featuring members of your bargaining committee explaining in greater detail about the next steps involved.


Also check out this bargaining infographic, a visual road map explaining where we are.
 
While essential services negotiations are going on, we will be focusing on member education to make sure every one of you has a chance to ask questions and get the information you need to be prepared for a strike vote. This will include upcoming interactive Zoom webinars and telephone townhalls in the coming weeks.
 
BCGEU President Stephanie Smith in the media
 
On a final note, we encourage you to check out BCGEU President and Chair of the Public Service Bargaining Committee Stephanie Smith’s interview on CKNW’s Mike Smyth Show  yesterday. President Smith talked about the current state of negotiations and its impact on you and the 33,000 other public service members covered under this contract.
 
Stephanie was also on Global BC News and Chek News.
 

Member Portal
It’s more important than ever to make sure that our union has up-to-date contact information for every member of this bargaining unit. 
 
So please, log in to member portal and make sure we have your personal contact information—personal email, home mailing address, personal cell phone number. We would like to remind you that you can’t use your employer’s email system or your work phone to stay in touch with our union.
 
Click here to visit the BCGEU member portal to review and update your contact information. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it here. If you don't yet have a Member Portal account, click here to sign up today. If you know of any of your co-workers who are not receiving these updates from our union, please ask them to update their information also. Thank you.
 
In solidarity,
 
Your BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee
 
Stephanie Smith, President
Paul Finch, Treasurer
Judy Phipps, Executive Vice President
Dean Purdy, Vice President - Component 1
Kusam Doal, Vice President - Component 5
Judy Fox-McGuire, Vice President - Component 6
Cynthia Mepham-Egli, Component 6 Acting First Vice-Chairperson
Maria Middlemiss, Vice President - Component 12
Matt Damario, Component 12 First Vice-Chairperson
Robert Davis, Vice President - Component 20
Michael Eso, Secretary and Lead Negotiator
Lisa Lane, Support Staff

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP