On June 1, 2016, home support workers employed by We Care Home Health Services in the Fraser Valley voted to join the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU).

In doing so, the 221 employees rescinded their previous membership with the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC). In 2011, CLAC was suspended from the International Trade Union Confederation for undermining minimum employment standards. 

“We are overjoyed that We Care employees have voted to join our union for a real voice at work,” said BCGEU President Stephanie Smith. “As the largest union of home support workers in B.C., the BCGEU is proud to welcome them into our campaign for fairness and respect for caregivers across the province.”

In the past year, over 1800 employees in B.C. have joined the BCGEU through elections at their worksite, growing the union’s total membership to over 70,000 workers in B.C.

“Employees at We Care understand that joining a democratic union is the best way to make positive changes at work,” said BCGEU Treasurer Paul Finch. “Being a union member gives B.C. workers a real voice on the job and the power to stand together for better wages, benefits and working conditions.”

In the coming weeks, We Care employees will work with the BCGEU to bargain a new collective agreement for their workplace.