When COVID-19 first set in, BCLDB workers were deemed essential workers. But we were unfairly excluded from the provincial pandemic pay program. 

We channeled our outrage at the provincial government through a petition and letters to our MLAs. Our union reps wrote a letter directly to B.C.'s Minister of Finance, made a call to the provincial government, and used the media (CBC, Vancouver Is Awesome, CKNW and CFAX) to pressure government to change their minds. 

Even though all decisions about pandemic pay and who receives the premium were and continue to be made by the provincial government, we advocated for months for BCLDB workers to be acknowledged.

And when the government declined but publicly encouraged "all businesses who've seen an increase in revenue to ensure that their workers are being properly compensated at this difficult time," we assessed the BCLDB's higher-than-usual revenue during the pandemic and redirected pressure to our employer – with this letter.

Disappointingly, our employer also declined.

But this does not end our fight. Their decisions do not silence the need to acknowledge our extraordinary experiences during this pandemic – or the value of our efforts in generating public revenue for years before and after COVID-19.

We tried to be reasonable and rational, but both our government and our employer are giving us the run-around. I'm fed up, and I wonder if you are, too. 

So, let's talk. What do YOU think we can accomplish together? What solutions do you have to solve our challenges?

Our union component of fellow members will be reaching out to you in the next couple weeks to discuss how you're feeling about pandemic pay, the election, and any other issues challenging you, and what each of us can do about them. Please use this form to update your contact information so we can reach out.

If you're ready to take action now, please respond directly to this email. Myself or our Organizing Officer, Scott Drake, will follow up with you about joining our component's Organizing committee.

We're stronger together. This is where our power lies. And even in the midst of a pandemic and a provincial election, we can take collective action. 

In solidarity,
Kusam Doal, Vice President of Component 5 (Retail Stores and Warehouses) 

UWU/MoveUP