Minutes of the 48th Constitutional Convention - BC Government and ...

M I N U T E S 

of the 

48TH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 

of the 

B.C. GOVERNMENT AND SERVICE 

EMPLOYEES’ UNION (BCGEU) 

held at the 

Westin Bayshore 

Vancouver, B.C. 

June 15 to 18, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PROCEEDINGS – 1 ST SESSION ....................................................................................................... 1 

Call to Order ............................................................................................................................. 1 

Elder Greeting .......................................................................................................................... 1 

O Canada .................................................................................................................................. 1 

Solidarity Forever ..................................................................................................................... 1 

Mayor’s Welcome .................................................................................................................... 1 

Moment of Silence ................................................................................................................... 1 

Talking Stick ............................................................................................................................. 1 

Video Presentation ................................................................................................................... 1 

Report of the Credentials Committee ...................................................................................... 2 

Introductions ............................................................................................................................. 2 

Introduction of Solidarity Guests ............................................................................................. 2 

Rules of Order .......................................................................................................................... 2 

Policies – Harassment, Code of Conduct, Scent Free Environment ....................................... 2 

Sessional Hours ........................................................................................................................ 3 

Guest Speaker ........................................................................................................................... 3 

Announcements ........................................................................................................................ 3 

PROCEEDINGS – 2 ND SESSION ...................................................................................................... 3 

Point of Privilege ...................................................................................................................... 3 

Call to Order ............................................................................................................................. 3 

Video Presentation ................................................................................................................... 3 

Guest Presentation .................................................................................................................... 4 

Keynote Address ...................................................................................................................... 4 

Resolutions Committee ............................................................................................................ 4 

Solidarity Guests ...................................................................................................................... 4 

Report of the Credentials Committee ...................................................................................... 4 

Convention Committees ........................................................................................................... 5 


Allocation of Resolutions ......................................................................................................... 5 

Spirit of Leadership Award ...................................................................................................... 5 



PROCEEDINGS – 3 RD SESSION ...................................................................................................... 6 


Special Presentation ................................................................................................................. 6 

Constitution and Structure Committee .................................................................................... 6 


Point of Information ................................................................................................................. 7 

Point of Information ................................................................................................................. 7 


PROCEEDINGS – 4 TH SESSION ...................................................................................................... 7 

Report of the Credential Committee ........................................................................................ 7 

Point of Order ........................................................................................................................... 8 


Finance Committee ................................................................................................................... 8 



Life Member Resolutions ......................................................................................................... 8 

Honour Roll .............................................................................................................................. 8 

(i)



PROCEEDINGS – 5 TH SESSION ...................................................................................................... 9 

Guest Speaker ........................................................................................................................... 9 


Resolutions Committee .......................................................................................................... 10 

Committee Reports ................................................................................................................. 10 

Introduction of Solidarity Guests ........................................................................................... 10 

Guest Speaker ......................................................................................................................... 10 


Announcements ...................................................................................................................... 10 

PROCEEDINGS – 6 TH SESSION .................................................................................................... 10 

Report of the Credentials Committee .................................................................................... 11 

Election of Officers ................................................................................................................ 11 

Point of Order ......................................................................................................................... 11 




Election for Position of President .......................................................................................... 12 

Point of privilege .................................................................................................................... 12 

Election for Position of Treasurer .......................................................................................... 12 

point of privilege .................................................................................................................... 12 

Election for Positions of Vice President (4) .......................................................................... 13 

Oath of Office ......................................................................................................................... 13 

President Elect Address .......................................................................................................... 13 


PROCEEDINGS – 7 TH SESSION .................................................................................................... 14 

Video Presentation ................................................................................................................. 14 

Guest Speaker ......................................................................................................................... 14 


Point of Information ............................................................................................................... 14 





Good and Welfare .................................................................................................................. 15 


Adjournment ........................................................................................................................... 15 

APPENDIX A ..................................................................................................................................... 16 

Registered Delegates, Observers, Guests, Visitors and Staff................................................ 16 

APPENDIX B ..................................................................................................................................... 22 

Convention Committees ......................................................................................................... 22 

Reports Presented to the 48th Constitutional Convention and Financial Statements………….. 102 

(ii)

M I N U T E S 

MINUTES of the 2011 48 th Constitutional Convention of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ 

Union held at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver, BC on June 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2011. 

PROCEEDINGS – 1 st SESSION 

3:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2011 

CALL TO ORDER 

President Darryl Walker called the 48 th Constitutional Convention of the B.C. Government and Service 

Employees’ Union to order at 3:36 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. 

ELDER GREETING 

President Walker introduced Squamish First Nations Elder Audrey Rivers who opened the convention 

with a greeting from the Squamish Nation. Brother Walker thanked her and gave her a token of 

appreciation from the BCGEU. 

O CANADA 

Brother Walker called upon Sister Patti Turner and Brother David Vipond to lead the delegates in the 

singing of O Canada. 

SOLIDARITY FOREVER 

Sister Patti Turner and Brother David Vipond led delegates in the singing of Solidarity Forever. 

MAYOR’S WELCOME 

Brother Walker introduced Vancouver City Councillor Geoff Meggs who brought best wishes from 

Mayor Gregor Robertson and the Vancouver City Council. He also thanked the BCGEU for its ongoing 

efforts on behalf of public and private sectors. 

MOMENT OF SILENCE 

The delegates were asked to stand and observe a moment of silence in memory of our brothers and sisters 

who died since our last Convention. 

TALKING STICK 

Brother Walker explained the symbolism of the Talking Stick, which represents open and honest 

discussion and gives the speaker confidence, strength and courage to express his or her viewpoint. 

VIDEO PRESENTATION 

Sister Judi Filion introduced to the delegates the video produced by the BCGEU celebrating the women 

of the union and International Women's Day 100 th Anniversary. 

2011 BCGEU Convention Page 1 

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M I N U T E S 

REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 

Sister Sandi McLean and Brother Stu Seifert gave the report of the Credentials Committee as follows: 

June 15, 2011, 3:30 p.m. 

20 Provincial Executive 

368 Registered Delegates 

388 Subtotal of voting delegates 

98 Staff 

5 Solidarity Guests 

17 Visitors 

9 Component Observers 

12 Life Members 

141 Subtotal 

Total Number 529 

It was M/S/C to adopt the first report of the Credentials Committee. 

INTRODUCTIONS 

Brother Walker introduced the Provincial Executive and Directors to the delegates. He also introduced 

President Emeritus John Shields, President Emeritus George Heyman and past Treasurer Diane Wood. 

INTRODUCTION OF SOLIDARITY GUESTS 

Brother Walker introduced the solidarity guests, visitors and affiliates from both British Columbia and 

across the country. 

RULES OF ORDER 

Sister Filion was called upon to review the Rules of Order with the delegates. She clarified with the 

delegates the rule of order regarding the treatment of resolutions on concurrence and non-concurrence. 

It was M/S/C to adopt the Rules of Order. 

POLICIES – HARASSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, SCENT FREE ENVIRONMENT 

Sister Filion also directed the delegates to the Provincial Executive policies (Harassment, Code of 

Conduct, and Scent Free Environment) contained in their Convention Handbook. She announced that 

Sister Holly Page and Brother Ken Curry were appointed by the Provincial Executive as administrators 

of these policies. The delegates were asked to familiarize themselves with the policies and govern 

themselves accordingly. 


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M I N U T E S 

SESSIONAL HOURS 

It was M/S/C that the Sessional Hours of 2011 48 th Constitutional Convention be: 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 

Thursday, June 16, 2011 

Friday, June 17, 2011 

Saturday, June 18, 2011 

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

GUEST SPEAKER 

Brother Walker introduced Irene Lanzinger, Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour. 

Sister Lanzinger thanked the BCGEU for its work on the minimum wage campaign and the many positive 

effects this will have on workers. She also urged delegates to be politically engaged and stay active 

within the union. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sister Filion informed delegates of a rally in support of Community Social Services. Also, to fill the 

bags provided with the toiletries provided by the hotel for the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter. 

Convention adjourned at 5:00 p.m. 

PROCEEDINGS – 2 ND SESSION 

9:00 a.m., Thursday, June 16, 2011 

POINT OF PRIVILEGE 

Sister Stephanie Smith thanked all of the delegates who came out to support the Community Social 

Services rally but the decision was made to cancel the rally due to the riots the previous evening. 

CALL TO ORDER 

President Walker called the Convention to order at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011. 


Brother Walker introduced the presentation of the video Unions Matter to the delegates. 


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M I N U T E S 

GUEST PRESENTATION 

The Drum Café led delegates in a drumming session. 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

President Walker delivered his keynote address to delegates. He began with a thank you to delegates, 

senior leadership and all staff for the work they do on behalf of the membership of the BCGEU. 

He told delegates that the union will demand wage increases for the membership in upcoming 

negotiations. The Union will keep the membership engaged in the bargaining process through member 

outreach and a bargaining conference. Bargaining will be a team approach by working with outside 

organizations and unions. 

Also, he spoke to delegates on being politically engaged so as to bring about change at the ballot box. 

For delegates to be active in the municipal elections and be ready for the next provincial election. 

Brother Walker finished by stating that the Union will be successful at bargaining if we stay on track, 

remain united and strong. 

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

Brother Walker called on the Resolutions Committee to deal with resolutions. 

SOLIDARITY GUESTS 

Brother Walker introduced the solidarity guests, visitors and affiliates attending convention who arrived 

since the last introduction. 


It was M/S/C to seat Fay Acton, Local 1204 as she had lost her credential. 


June 16, 2011, 9:00 a.m. 




101 Staff 


32 Visitors 



173 Subtotal 


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M I N U T E S 


It was M/S/C to adopt the second report of the Credentials Committee. 

CONVENTION COMMITTEES 

Sister Colleen Jones made the motion that the Provincial Executive recommends adoption of the 

committees as follows: 

Resolutions 

Convention Finance 

Constitution & Structure 

Sergeant-at-Arms 

Credentials 

It was M/S/C to adopt the convention committees as listed. (see Appendix B – Convention Committees) 


Co-chairpersons Sister Colleen Jones, Brother Dan Bradford and Resolutions Committee were called 

upon to deal with resolutions. 

ALLOCATION OF RESOLUTIONS 

Sister Colleen Jones read out the allocation of the resolutions to convention. 

A-1 to A-27, A-30 to A-40 Finance 

B-41 to B-68, D-160, A-28,1-1 Constitution & Structure 

C-69 to C-151 Public Policy 

D-152 to D-159, D-161 to D-213, 

A-29, A-37 

Internal Union 

E-214 to E-236 OH&S 

F-237 to F-239 Pensions 

G-240 to G-252 Bargaining 

H-253 to H-278 Life Memberships 

Brother Craig MacKay, Local 503 made a motion that the resolutions allocated to Bargaining (G-240 to 

G-252) be returned to the Resolutions Committee and return to the delegates as resolutions and not be 

referred to the various bargaining committees. Seconded/Carried 

It was M/S/C to accept this allocation of the resolutions to the 48 th Constitutional Convention. 

SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Brother Walker discussed the significance of the Spirit of Leadership award and the history of this 

convention’s recipients, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ BC Office. It was awarded in 

recognition of the organization’s exceptional work on critical social issues such as poverty, climate 


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M I N U T E S 

change and social justice. Director Seth Klein and Public Interest Researcher Iglika Ivanova accepted the 

award on behalf of the CCPA. 


Sister Filion introduced the solidarity guests, visitors and affiliates from both British Columbia and 


ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sister Filion called upon delegates to sing Happy Birthday to Sister Sandy Fellers, Local 1010. Also 

announced a meeting for the Whips at the front of the hall, a Component 3 caucus at microphone 3 and a 

Component 6 caucus at 1 pm. The Sheriffs’ rally was cancelled. A tentative deal was announced for Air 

Canada. 

PROCEEDINGS – 3 rd SESSION 

1:30 p.m., Thursday June 16, 2011 

Sister Filion called the Convention to order at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011. 


Sister Filion called upon the Resolutions Committee to deal with resolutions. 

SPECIAL PRESENTATION 

While Brother Walker informed the delegates NUPGE President James Clancy would not be attending 

convention due to the airline strike a flash mob entered the convention hall to the song Stand Up 

(NUPGE champions for change). In this campaign BC has collected more names etc. than any other 

province. 

CONSTITUTION AND STRUCTURE COMMITTEE 

Brother Walker called upon the Constitution and Structure Committee to deal with resolutions. 

Co-chairperson Mike Clarke introduced the Committee to the delegates. 

Because Resolutions B-42 and B-43, changing the titles of Component Chairperson and Provincial Vice- 

Presidents, did not pass Sister Lorene Oikawa, Local 604 made a motion that any of the following 

resolutions that make reference to the proposed language of "executive" vice presidents returns to the 

original language and any subsequent language that refers to "vice presidents" returns to component 

chairperson. Seconded/Carried 


Brother Walker called upon the Resolutions Committee to deal with resolutions. 


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M I N U T E S 

POINT OF INFORMATION 

Brother Mark Ferley, Local 703 asked if he could have information on Bill 29. President Walker asked 

Sister Brenda Brown, Local 406 to explain. She explained that Bill 29 was introduced in 2002 and 

removed language to stop contracting out from collective agreements. It stripped about 1/2 of the 

BCGEU’s collective agreements. 


Sister Loanne Pickard, Local 307 informed delegates this Bill also affected Community Social Services. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sister Filion informed delegates Music that Matters is an online library of music and free cards will be 

handed out as they leave the convention hall. Meetings for the Young Worker caucus upon adjournment 

and the Equity Caucus at 8 a.m. tomorrow. She reminded delegates to be in the convention hall for 7 pm 

for the All Candidates Meeting. 

Convention adjourned at 5 p.m. 

PROCEEDINGS – 4 TH SESSION 

9:00 a.m., Friday, June 17, 2011 

President Walker called the Convention to order at 9:17 a.m. on Friday, June 17, 2011. 

REPORT OF THE CREDENTIAL COMMITTEE 


June 17, 2011, 9:00 a.m. 




108 Staff 


48 Visitors 



220 Subtotal 


It was M/S/C to adopt the third report of the Credentials Committee. 


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M I N U T E S 

POINT OF ORDER 

Brother Craig MacKay, Local 503 wanted to know when the resolutions originally allocated to 

bargaining and referred back to the Resolutions Committee would be returning to the convention floor. 




FINANCE COMMITTEE 

Brother Walker called upon the Convention Finance Committee to deal with the resolutions allocated to 

this committee. 

Treasurer Judi Filion introduced the committee and thanked them for their hard work. She presented the 

audited-financial statements report to the delegates by power point. As there were no questions 

regarding the statements the committee moved on to the resolutions. 


Brother Doug Kinna made a motion to refer back Resolution A-34 amended to the Provincial Executive 

so they could develop a policy on this issue. Seconded/Carried 

Sister Filion brought forth the recommendation to increase the Honorarium paid to Provincial Executive 

members, not including the President or Treasurer. The annual $3200 to be increased to $3400 for the 

next three years. Discussion was suspended until after lunch. 


Sister Sandi McLean, Local 1201 clarified statement made previously by a member regarding Telus 

workers that the government is who we should go after not the workers. 

LIFE MEMBER RESOLUTIONS 

Brother Mike Clarke chaired the presentations and called upon Sister Colleen Jones, Co-chair of the 

Resolutions Committee to read out the names of those receiving life membership. 

It was M/S/C that the BCGEU bestow the union’s highest honour of life membership to those named. 

Life Member Resolutions are H-253 to H-278. (These resolutions can be found on pages 97 – 101.) 

HONOUR ROLL 

The Honour Roll is for those members who met the criteria for Life Membership but Life Membership 

recognition had not been bestowed before they passed away while in service or following their 

retirement. The Honour Roll was awarded to Brother Don Philpott, Local 612. 


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M I N U T E S 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sister Filion informed delegates that anyone whose flight was cancelled due to the labour dispute to see 

Anna Johnson or Kinder Mottus to rebook their flight. 


Sister Colleen Jones reminded delegates the auction table for the International Solidarity draw is outside 

the convention hall door and the winners will be announced at 5 p.m. 

Convention to reconvene at 1:30 p.m. 

PROCEEDINGS – 5 TH SESSION 

1:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 

President Walker called the Convention to order at 1:33 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2011. 

GUEST SPEAKER 

Brother Walker introduced Libby Davies, NDP MP for Vancouver East. She promised delegates the 

NDP would continue to fight the Conservative government in its attempts to do things such as 

privatization and the elimination of workers’ rights. She concluded by telling delegates that when we 

work together we can make change. 


Discussion resumed on the recommendation put forth to increase the Honorarium to the Provincial 

Executive. 

The Honorarium paid to Provincial Executive members, not including the President or Treasurer, the 

annual $3200 to be increased to $3400 for the next three years. This recommendation was defeated by 

the delegates. 

The Finance Committee must come back with an amended recommendation. 

The Finance Committee put forth an amended recommendation regarding the Honorarium to the 

Provincial Executive. 

The Honorarium paid to Provincial Executive members, not including the President or Treasurer, remain 

at the present $3200 for the next three years. Sister Filion seconded the recommendation. The 

recommendation was carried by the delegates. 

Resolutions A-38 and A-17 were referred back to the committee for more research but the committee was 

unable to provide the answers requested. 


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M I N U T E S 

Sister Sandi McLean, Local 1201 made a motion that the two resolutions (A-38 & A-17) be referred back 

to the Provincial Executive so the requested information can be obtained. Seconded/Carried 



COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Brother Walker requested the Resolutions Committee step down and called the Executive and 

Administrative Committees to the stage. 

Brother Walker referred the delegates to the Executive Committee and Administrative Committee 

Reports. (These reports are attached to the minutes). 

It was M/S/C to accept the Executive Committee Report. 

It was M/S/C to accept the Administrative Committee Report. 




GUEST SPEAKER 

Brother Walker introduced Ken Georgetti, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. He urged 

delegates to continue to work with their union and communities to protect their rights and ward off the 

government’s attempts to strip workers of their wages and benefits. 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sister Filion announced Component 4 to meet for group photo. Component 8 Table Officers to meet in 

the Marine Room. The Resolutions Committee to meet in Coquitlam Room on Level 2. A rally in 

support of the postal workers to be held at 5:15 p.m. 

PROCEEDINGS – 6 th SESSION 

9:00 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2011 

President Walker called the Convention to order at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011. 


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M I N U T E S 


June 18, 2011, 9:00 a.m. 




115 Staff 


98 Visitors 



284 Subtotal 


It was M/S/C to adopt the fourth report of the Credentials Committee. 

President Walker thanked the Credentials Committee for all of their hard work during Convention. 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

Brother Walker introduced President Emeritus John Shields to conduct the Election of Officers. 

For the first time the voting will be conducted by an electronic voting system. Brother Shields showed 

the delegates how the electronic voting system worked. A couple of practice elections were conducted. 


Brother Matt Salli, Local 604 mentioned the BCGEU is always saying we want to accommodate people 

with disabilities. So when implementing new systems such as this they need to take into consideration 

accessibility. 

Brother Shields told Brother Salli he was entitled to have someone assist him with the voting system. 


Sister Kathy Bergman, Local 303 asked if there was enough available battery in the electronic device she 

had as it was down to one cell. 

Mr. Dean Franchero from Mediaco assured delegates that there would be enough battery remaining to 

conduct the voting. 


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M I N U T E S 


Sister Pam St. Thomas, Local 1209 said that delegates were concerned because in the test run there were 

more votes than delegates. 

Brother Shields answered that there were 409 delegates eligible to vote and the number that actually 

voted was less than that. 


Sister Sandi McLean, Local 1201 mentioned that new delegates may not be aware that there are a total of 

409 delegates who are eligible to vote but not all of these delegates may be in the convention hall when 

voting takes place. 

ELECTION FOR POSITION OF PRESIDENT 

Nominations were made and voting proceeded for the position of President. The following delegates 

were nominated: 

Darryl Walker, Local 203 (accepted) 

Craig MacKay, Local 503 (accepted) 

Each candidate was invited to address the delegates. Electronic voting took place. 

Brother Shields announced Brother Darryl Walker was elected to the position of President. 


Brother Craig MacKay congratulated Brother Walker and looked forward to continuing to work with 

him. 

ELECTION FOR POSITION OF TREASURER 

Brother Shields conducted nominations and voting proceeded for the position of Treasurer. 

Judi Filion, Local 707 (accepted) 

Stephanie Smith, Local 303 (accepted) 


Brother Shields announced Sister Stephanie Smith was elected to the position of Treasurer. 


Sister Smith thanked Sister Filion for a well fought election and for all of the past work she had done on 

behalf of the BCGEU. 


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M I N U T E S 

ELECTION FOR POSITIONS OF VICE PRESIDENT (4) 

Brother Shields conducted nominations and voting proceeded for the positions of Vice President (2 

positions – female) 

Lorene Oikawa, Local 604 (accepted) 

Colleen Jones, Local 509 (accepted) 

Brenda Brown, Local 406 (accepted) 

Sandi McLean, Local 1201 (declined) 


Brother Shields announced Sister Oikawa and Sister Brown were elected to the two Vice President 

positions. 

Brother Shields conducted nominations and voting proceeded for the positions of Vice President (2 

positions – male) 

Jack Etkin, Local 301 (accepted) 

Mike Nuyens, Local 1007 (accepted) 

Mike Clarke, Local 306 (accepted) 

Richard Schaeffer, Local 703 (accepted) 

Paul Finch, Local 1201 (accepted) 


Brother Shields announced Brother Clarke and Brother Finch were elected to the two Vice President 

positions. 

OATH OF OFFICE 

President Emeritus George Heyman congratulated the newly elected Executive and thanked those who 

put their name forward and their nominators. Brother Heyman administered the Oath of Office to the 

newly-elected officers. 

PRESIDENT ELECT ADDRESS 

President re-elect Darryl Walker addressed the delegates and thanked them for their participation in the 

process and to all the candidates who had put their name forward. Brother Walker extended 

congratulations to the new members of the executive. He thanked Sister Colleen Jones and Sister Judi 

Filion for all they had done for the BCGEU and knows they will continue to be involved. He thanked 

Brother Dan Bradford for all of his work on the executive as he is retiring. Finally, he thanked President 

Emeritus John Shields and President Emeritus George Heyman for their assistance with the elections. 


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M I N U T E S 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Delegates were reminded to drop off expense forms at the registration desk. The electronic voting 

devices were to be left on the tables for collection by the Sergeant at Arms. Sister Patty Turner, Local 

605 is retiring so this was her last convention. Delegates raised nearly $1,000 for the International 

Solidarity Committee. 

Convention to reconvene at 1:30 pm. 

PROCEEDINGS – 7 th SESSION 

1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2011 

President Walker called the Convention to order at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011. 


The music video of the song commissioned by the BCGEU “We Make the Union Strong” debuted to the 

delegates. 

GUEST SPEAKER 

Brother Walker introduced Adrian Dix, Leader, British Columbia New Democratic Party. 

Adrian Dix spoke on how this has been a year like no other in politics with a national election, municipal 

elections and soon a provincial election. He discussed the need to return to reinvesting in public 

education and training, the forest industry and BC Hydro. The direction the province needs to take is a 

focus on public education, public healthcare and the environment. He concluded by mentioning these are 

all investments in the future of British Columbia. 




Brother Craig MacKay, Local 503 requested to know when resolution G-248 would be dealt with. 

Brother Dan Bradford replied in about seven resolutions. 


Sister Victoria Zalamea, Local 707 made a motion to reduce the speaking time to two minutes so 

everyone would have a chance to speak on the resolutions. Seconded/Carried 


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M I N U T E S 


Brother Craig MacKay, Local 503 made a motion to refer resolution D-189 amended back to the 

Resolutions Committee or Provincial Executive for review. Seconded/Carried 


Brother Ron Storm, Local 601 made a motion to refer resolution D-248 so the wording could be modified 

so it is not binding a bargaining committee in negotiating a contract but still would support the goal of 

the resolution. Seconded/Carried 


Brother Byron Goerz, Local 2011 made a motion to refer all the remaining convention resolutions back 

to the Provincial Executive. Seconded/Carried 

GOOD AND WELFARE 

Brother Walker thanked all of the staff who worked on the convention. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sister Filion reminded delegates that June 21 st is Aboriginal Day. She announced upon exiting the 

convention hall delegates would be given an honorary feather. These feathers were provided by Mona 

Moreno, a former BCGEU steward and activist. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Brother Aaron Eckman and Sister Patti Turner led the delegates in the singing of Solidarity Forever. 

President Walker declared the 48 th Constitutional Convention of the B.C. Government and Service 

Employees’ Union adjourned at 3:30 pm. 


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M I N U T E S 

APPENDIX A 

REGISTERED DELEGATES, OBSERVERS, GUESTS, VISITORS AND STAFF 

Provincial Executive 

Table Officers: 

President 

Treasurer 

Vice President 




Darryl Walker 

Judi Filion 

Dan Bradford 

Mike Clarke 

Colleen Jones 

Lorene Oikawa 

Component Representatives: 

1 Correctional and Sheriff Services Dean Purdy 

2 Hospital & Allied Services Susanne Francoeur 

3 Community Social Services James Cavalluzzo 

Stephanie Smith 

4 Health Services Brenda Brown 

5 Retail Stores and Warehouse Craig MacKay 

6 Social, Information and Health Doug Kinna 

7 Education, Scientific, Technical & Administrative Stu Seifert 

8 Community Health Carla Dempsey 

Louise Hood 

10 Operational Services Mike Nuyens 

12 Administrative Services Sandi McLean 

Lori Joaquin 

17 General Services David MacDonald 

20 Environmental, Technical & Operational Byron Goerz 

Correctional and Sheriff Services 

Local 101 

Local 102 

Local 103 

Local 104 

Local 105 

Local 111 

Observers 

CJ Conroy, Tony Guarascio 

Mike Scott 

Peter Clegg, Derrick Goodwin, Mike Singh 

John Silvester, Chris Jack, Jan Wilson 

Tony Tessari, Kelly Hunter 

Robin Lajeunesse, Mike Matheson 

Mike Fowler, Craig Tott 


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M I N U T E S 

Hospital & Allied Services 

Local 201 

Local 203 

Observers 

Cindy Ingram, Joel Blanco, Bhajan Tathgar 

Kim Keys, Audrey Todd, Mahen Ramdharry 

Richard Ziamianski, Neil MacPherson, Kulvir Sidhu, 

Lynn Meskas 

Community Social Services 

Local 301 

Local 302 

Local 303 

Local 304 

Local 305 

Local 306 

Local 307 

Local 308 

Local 309 

Local 310 

Local 311 

Local 312 

Susanne Bessette, Jessie Jim, Lois Hawkes, Karen Wickham, 

David Zunker, Jack Etkin 

Cherie Dobbie, Dennis Bailey, Christine Mitchell 

Amber Keane, Anita Couvrette, Andrea Duncan, John Kydd, 

Caroline Kent, Jodi Beaton, Paul Bains, Juliana Buitenhuis, 

Kathy Bergman, Deborah Doyon, Gillian Rutherford, 

Pamela Pye, John Zhang, Myra Reyes, Kim Looi, 

Katrina McGee, Maggie Fidler, Indu Chauhan 

Cam Gerard, Atifa Jaghory, Molly Hynds, Dianne Black, 

Kiran Kang, Marie McNally, Larry Jandu, Jeff Powell, 

Christine Gacser, Jackie Ward, Everett Douglas 

Joanne Dyck, Kari Bepple 

Gale Engstrom 

Loanne Pickard, Wynn Hartfelder, Tara Healey, Colleen Hoople 

Erin Pan 

Patsy Harmston 

Roy Scafe, Melody Carleton 

Chris Mikulasik, Rob Keddie, Dawn Dreher 

Dorothy Bartsoff, Davy Dosanjh 

Health Services 

Local 401 

Local 402 

Local 403 

Local 404 

Local 405 

Local 406 

Local 407 

Local 408 

Mandy DeFields, Debra Vucko, Jordie Allen-Newman, 

Ryan Richard 

Stephen Morgan, Corrine Cherry, Dave Cherry 

Diane Carter, Navdeep Chahil, Carrie Lusztig, Billy Smith, 

Thomas Chang, Jeffry Banks, Angela Williams, Des Burke, 

Cindy Heatherington 

Joni Pauls, Tom McMahon, Brent Scheirer, Tony Jillings, 

Shelly Cutting, Helen Bosch, Kirstin Hauge, Carol Yarrow 

Michele Lamontagne, Clare Audet 

Cindy Gale 

Bernadette Bigattini, Pat Burnett, Maria Castro, 

Erica Sutherland 

Bonnie McEwan 

Paul Komer 


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M I N U T E S 

Local 409 

Local 410/411 

Local 412 

Joanne Jordan 

Sherry Ogasawara 

Bobbi Pettett, Carmen Letawski 

Retail Stores & Warehouse 

Local 501 

Local 502 

Local 503 

Local 504 

Local 505 

Local 507 

Local 508 

Local 509 

Local 506/10/11 

Local 512 

Observers 

Jackie Eckstein, Lisa Lafrenier 

Diane Droski, Ken Gourlay 

Lance Scott, Kristi Boucher, Keith Stone, Chris Younie, 

Kusam Doal, Manny Pereira, Mark Guolo 

Kimberlee MacGregor, Sherry Goldade, Robin Rutherford 

Valorie Ellis-Peet 

Betty Reid, Margie Edmondson 

Tanya Fralick 

Jean-Paul Vaucrossan 

Stefanie Caplette 

Diane Hamilton 

Kelly Smith, Brenda Vallaincourt 

Social, Information & Health 

Local 601 

Local 602 

Local 603 

Local 604 

Local 605 

Local 606 

Local 607 

Local 608 

Local 609 

Local 610 

Local 611 

Local 612 

Ron Storm, Denis O’Brien, Stephen Hill, Ann Batchelar, Shirley 

Kay, Kelly McNulty, Susan Bird, Daniel Huang, 

Claudine Fletcher, Malcolm Crockett, Sonya Foote 

Sue Powell, Darryl Marceau, Leanne Salter 

Dustin Tennant, Chris Dabrowski, Brad Irons, Mark Perry, 

Darryl Flasch, Alex Fedyk, Lelaine Muir, Robyn Hill, 

Janice Johnson 

Matt Salli, Elias Hilal, Rainu Sanghera, Ravinder Thandi, 

Sheila Veller 

Patty Turner, Gina Rowe 

Andy Johnson 

Roxanne Round, Kiri Adams 

*no delegate 

Sandy Terlecki 

Judy Fox-McGuire 

Sonja Haigh, Leslie Currie 

Mona Dykes 

Education, Scientific, Technical & Administrative 

Local 701 

Local 702 

Local 703 

Steve Kitcher, Janice Cochran 

Jeannie Maltesen, Glenda Hunter 

Larry Dea, Joe Cosh, Mark Ferley, Tom Jones, Melanie Keller, 

Cory Langford, Cindy Miraftab, Nancy Naylor, Lori Pederson, 

Rick Schaeffer, Sam Susanthan, Annette Taylor, 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Local 704 

Local 705 

Local 707 

Local 709 

Local 710 

Local 712 

Observers 

Ronda Urquhart 

Monica Wyllie, Jeff Brown, Lynda Devalera 

LaVerne Bernier 

Greg Fjetland, Dianne Crommer, Cam McRobb, Valerie 

Tuhkala, Karen Whitehouse, Victoria Zalamea, Cindy Battersby 

Ian McAlpine 

Jane Spenst, Angie Panoulias, Kathy Fossum 

John Ross, Lynn Nordstrom 

Marsha Dufresne, Diane Mikalishen 

Community Health 

Local 801 

Local 802 

Local 803 

Local 804 

Local 805 

Local 806 

Local 807 

Local 808 

Local 809 

Local 810 

Local 811 

Local 812 

Lynda Willson, Meghan Marchand, David Fox, Scott DeLong, 

Anderson, John Sherber, Rhonda Barnes, Gary Foster 

Shelly Lightfoot, Michelle Whyte 

Sandy Didiuk, Roxanne Martel, Pat Davidson, Chris Head, 

Sunny Au, Maureen Topping, Shannon Starrs, Masoud 

Aminzavvar, Seyran Enveri, Tina Pederson, Gabriel Nolte, 

Ho Ying Kui, Sheila Messier, Delia Anderson, 

Gordon Koshowski, Teresa Collins, Carmelita Vardeh, 

Guerlines Simeon 

MJ Colquhoun, Mary Anne Morgan, Mona Morgan, 

Tamara Weber, Bryce Walker, Karen Reeves-Mitchell, 

Phyllis Minks, Zina Khan, Deb Beveridge, Keith Rowlands 

Shawna Tolhurst, Michael Connolly 

Bev Anderson 

Donna Stubbe, Colleen Sworak 

Doris Erickson 

Laurie Proudfoot 

Kathy Thorbergson 

Karen Unger 

Susanne Bellefontaine, Anita Cote 

Operational Services 

Local 1001 

Local 1002 

Local 1003 

Local 1004 

Local 1005 

Local 1006 

Local 1007 

Local 1008 

Local 1009 

Local 1010 

Local 1011 

Scott Bumphrey 

Dan Cross 

Dave Cumming, Tyler Dhensaw 

Rory Smith, Orlando Bokor 

Fred Street, Karen Davenport 

Kelly McDonald, Brett Wagner 

Keith Jansons, Bill Dieno 

Kevin Staneland 

Mike Prystae 

Sandra Fellers 

*no delegate 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Local 1012 

Observers 

Earl Haward 

Jim Manson, John Cantlon 

Administrative Services 

Local 1201 

Local 1202 

Local 1203 

Local 1204 

Local 1205 

Local 1206 

Local 1207 

Local 1208 

Local 1209 

Local 1210 

Local 1211 

Local 1212 

Rhonda Campbell, Susan Chaytor, Pam Desjardine, Paul Finch, 

Ron Jetko, Russell Katzer, Jessica Kennedy, 

Christine McCarthy, Sheila Knight, Suzy Labelle, 

Valorie Laronde, Dallas Mangnell, Zorya Plaskin, 

Tony Sprackett, Lois Stewart, Natasha Townsend, Paul Staples, 

Liana Worsfold, Liam Smith, Saloumeh Pourmalek, 

Kelly South, Linda Greenman, Peter March, Allan Atkinson, 

Nadine Hambley, Peter Murray 

Barb Peters, Leslie Schulze, Jeff Morgan 

Pobhinder Mann, Satinder Dhani, Matt Damario, Joanna Drake, 

Colette Fauchon, Leona Birchard, Diane Winkler, 

Phil Campeau, Rosanna Dahl, Dawna Cousens, Sandra Havard, 

Anna Morris 

Linda Sonmor, Pamela Willingshofer, Fay Acton, Susan Frith 

Joanne Harder, Bernadine Covey, Eileen Corea 

Faith Johnston 

Helen Repole 

Bob Kary 

Pam St. Thomas 

Marlene Pickering 

Elizabeth Sharp, Lisa Brunn 

Connie Randrup-Wheatley 

General Services 

Local 1701 

Local 1702 

Local 1703 

Local 1704 

Local 1705 

Local 1706 

Local 1707 

Local 1710 

Local 1712 

Observers 

Sue Stroud 

Carol Schmitz 

Judy Steele, Jackson Wright, James Swank, Candace Imada, 

Lea Oliver-Cross, Edward Oleksiuk, Cindy Brown, 

Jamie Michael, Michael Calla, Steve Bouchard, Rhonda Forster 

Philip West 

Mike Schmidt, Bill Shannon 

Arnold Jenner 

Gayle Furgala, Michelle Morrison, David Mungall 

Mark Gaehring, Laurie Johnstone 

Rob Siverston 

Bev Beaurone 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Environmental, Technical & Operational 

Local 2001 

Local 2002 

Local 2003 

Local 2004 

Local 2005 

Local 2006 

Local 2007 

Local 2008 

Local 2009 

Local 2010 

Local 2011 

Local 2012 

George Butcher, Kelly Grohs, Gary Norris 

Richard Gerstmar, Thierry Rouget, Crispin Greenwell 

Rick Barnett, Chris Fenemore 

Rob Davis, David Gill 

George Buis, Rick Wagner, Bob Trudeau 

James Moe, Ryan Robertson 

Richard Frick 

Don Ballard 

Keith Roenspiess, Paul Moreau 

Hank Glover, Mike D’Aloia 

Brad Kope, Larry Taylor 

Ken MacKenzie, Lorne MacNab 

Equity Delegates 

Affiliates 

Area 01 Seneca Ambers (301) 

Area 02 Rosalind Humphreys (602) 

Area 03 Sharon Bard (803) 

Area 04 Ron Anganu (1204) 

Area 05 Kristi Lee Ardell (605) 

Area 06 Cheryl Gilbert (2006) 

Area 07 Gilly Alook (607) 

Area 08 Sharon Ferguson (1208) 

Area 09 Della McLeod (709) 

Area 10 

*no delegate 

Area 11 Susanne Skidmore (1211) 

Area 12 Christine Jang (712) 

BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union 

Richard Goode 

Robert Downey 

Brett Joyce 

Nelson Vega 

Brewery, Winery & Distillery Workers Union, Local 300 

*unable to attend 

Grain Workers Union, Local 333 

Gerry Gault 

Compensation Employees’ Union 

Sandra Wright 

Howard Huntley 

Adele Peters 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

APPENDIX B 

CONVENTION COMMITTEES 

Resolutions Committee 

Colleen Jones, Co-Chair 

Dan Bradford, Co-Chair 

Tony Tessari 

Susanne Francoeur 

Patsy Harmston 

Brenda Brown 

Robin Rutherford 

Judy Fox-McGuire 

Richard Schaeffer 

Scott DeLong 

Rory Smith 

Ron Jetko 

Gayle Furgala 

Rob Davis 

Mary Rowles, Secretary 

Lynn Bueckert, Secretary 

Sergeant-At-Arms Committee 

Carla Dempsey, Co-Chair 

Dean Purdy, Co-Chair 

Robin LaJeunesse 

Kim Keys 

Melody Carleton 

Billy Smith 

Valorie Ellis-Peet 

Alex Fedyk 

Greg Fjetland 

Laurie Proudfoot 

Fred Street 

Marlene Pickering 

Arnold Jenner 

Don Ballard 

Catherine Sullivan, Secretary 

Lloyd Glibbery, Secretary 

Constitution & Structure 

Mike Clarke, Co-Chair 

Lorene Oikawa, Co-Chair 

Mike Scott 

Audrey Todd 

Chris Mikulasik 

Bobbi Pettett 

Jean-Paul Vaucrosson 

Roxanne Round 

Jean Maltesen 

Susanne Bellefontaine 

Mike Prystae 

Sussanne Skidmore-Hewlitt 

Dave MacDonald 

George Butcher 

David Vipond, Secretary 

Nicola Firstner, Secretary 

Convention Finance Committee 

Judi Filion, Chair 

Byron Goerz, Vice-Chair 

Derrick Goodwin 

Bhajan Tathgar 

Stephanie Smith 

Cindy Gale 

Diane Droski 

Doug Kinna 

John Ross 

Louise Hood 

Kelly McDonald 

Barb Peters 

Judy Steele 

Jaynie Clark, Secretary 

Peter Mehling, Secretary 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Credentials Committee 

Sandi McLean, Co-Chair 

Stu Seifert, Co-Chair 

Peter Clegg 

Mahen Ramdharry 

Davy Dosanjh 

Paul Komer 

Sonja Haigh 

LaVerne Bernier 

Kathy Thorbergson 

Sandy Fellers 

Faith Johston 

Janet Seccia, Secretary 

Wiho Papenbrock, Secretary 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

DISPOSITION OF RESOLUTIONS 

THAT WERE PRESENTED TO 

THE 2011 48 TH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 

A-1 amended PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 

THE BCGEU WILL: 

 

 

 

Increase the contribution to our BCGEU Diane L. Wood International Solidarity and Humanity 

Fund to $0.15 for each member every month from dues revenue; and 

Continue to support international development and solidarity projects through our BCGEU Diane 

L. Wood International Solidarity and Humanity Fund; and 

Continue to encourage bargaining committees to table proposals for an employer paid 

contribution to our BCGEU Diane L. Wood Solidarity and Humanity Fund; 

M/S/C Concurrence 

Composite Finance Resolution 3 to cover A-2, A-19, A-18, D-192 


PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE, LOCALS 601, 609, 611 

 

 

Review financial policies to make changes to ensure they are allowing for health and safety of 

travelling activists; 

Review to include but not limited to: 

Issuing loa’s for travel 

Allowing additional resources for driving 

Considering activist preference on travel 

Considering the environmental impacts 

Review to be completed prior to December 31, 2011. 


A-2 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


 

Review financial policies to make changes to ensure they are allowing for the health and safety 

of travelling activists; 

Covered by Composite Finance Resolution 3 to cover A-2, A-19, A-18, D-192 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

A-3 amended LOCAL 102 


 

Amend the BCGEU Financial Manual at Article 8.7(d) to read: 

“Gifts or flowers may be given to members who are absent from work on a medical 

related leave for a period longer than seven (7) days up to a maximum allowable amount 

per gift, per time.” 




 

Research a policy that gives incentive to members or staff to choose “greener” alternative 

transportation over using a single occupant motor vehicle. Alternative transportation includes 

ridesharing, car pooling, bicycling and public transportation. 


A-5 LOCAL 104 


 

Increase the honorarium for Component Executive from $500 per year to $600 per year; 

M/S/C Non-Concurrence 

A-6 LOCAL 111 


 

Increase the rates (maximum) of meal allowances: 

"In Province” current rates: 

Breakfast $13.00 increase to $14.00 

Lunch $15.00 increase to $17.00 

Dinner $26.50 increase to $30.00 

Totals $54.50 increase to $61.00 

and annual thereafter. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

A-7 LOCAL 201 


 

Increase the meal allowance rates by $1.00 effective June 1, 2011, to: 

Breakfast $14.00 

Lunch $16.00 

Dinner $29.50 

TOTAL $59.50 

and annually thereafter. 


A-8 COMPONENT 10 


 

 

 

 

Increase the mileage expense to 55 cents per kilometre; and 

Add a line for fuel surcharge expense, to be reviewed quarterly by the PE Finance Committee 

and a rate set to help offset the fuel cost of the day; and 

Increase the meal allowance and set the incremental rates for the next three years; and 

Increase the private dwelling rate to $60.00 per day; 


A-9 to cover A-10 LOCAL 201 


 

Adjust the mileage rate annually to the maximum non-taxable rate published by the Canada 

Revenue Agency published in December of each year for the following year; 


A-10 LOCAL 611 


 

Adjust the mileage rate annually to the maximum non-taxable rate published by the Canada 

Revenue Agency in December of each year for the following year; 

Covered by A-9 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Afford Local Executives one additional Union paid leave day to ensure their attendance at 

Executive and general membership meetings; 




 

Allow Local Executive and Stewards to have paid leaves and expenses up to 4 times per year to 

attend meetings. 


Composite Finance Resolution 2 to cover A-13, A-14 and A-15 LOCALS 201, 601, 1206, 1211 


 

 

Encourage Components to provide support and resources to local labour council delegates; and 

Where delegates to labour councils have been elected as labour council president or treasurer or 

as a representative to the BC Federation of Labour executive representing the labour council, 

reasonable expenses and leaves enabling them to fulfill their functions will be paid and provided 

by Headquarters, should the labour council be unable to fund. 




 

Recognize the important role of BCGEU members who are elected labour council delegates and 

executive members by providing HQ-paid leave of absence and travel expenses for members who 

are conducting the business of the labour council; 

Covered by Composite Finance Resolution 2 to cover A-13, A-14 and A-15 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

 

Provide support and resources to our Labour Council delegates in the form of paid leave, travel 

expenses, per diems and accommodation to do the business of labour councils; and 

Will provide the support and resources as an HQ expense; 

A-15 LOCALS 1206, 1211 



 

 

Ensure that components provide support and resources to our delegates to local labour councils 

in the form of paid leave, travel expenses, per diems and accommodations to do the business of 

labour council delegates as required by current policy; and 

Where delegates to local labour councils have been elected either as table officers of the local 

labour council, or representatives to the BC Federation of Labour executive representing labour 

councils, the expenses and leave enabling them to do so will be paid and provided by 

Headquarters; 




 

Recognize the important role that Cross Component Committee Chairpersons and Treasurers 

play in our union by providing two days' HQ-paid union leave annually to these positions; 




 

Provide union leave for a member who is conducting union business while on a day of rest. 

M/S/C to refer to the Provincial Executive 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Consider issuing LOAs for member travel instead of insisting members travel on their own time; 




 

Pay for any extra LOA’s, accommodations, and meal allowances when people choose to drive to 

Union events/functions instead of flying; 




 

Maintain the union dues at the current rate as per Article 10.6 – Union Dues in the BCGEU 

Constitution; 




Increase the maximum expenditure for Good and Welfare to $75.00 from $60.00; 


A-22 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 307 


 

Amend Article 8.7 of the Financial Policy Manual to read: 

“8.7 Committees (Good & Welfare) 

(f) A Local or Component may provide extraordinary assistance for a member 

experiencing unusual or extreme hardship due to illness, accident or other serious 

incidents. The amount will not exceed three times current rate in Schedule A for 

Article 8.7 (d). 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

A-23 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 311 


 

Direct savings from the elimination of the BC Federation of Labour policy convention to 

supporting activists to attend the BC Federation of Labour’s alternate regional conferences and 

forums. 


A-24 amended COMPONENT 3 


Amend Section 8.5 (Emergency Financial Assistance) of the Financial Policy Manual to read: 

“8.5 Emergency Financial Assistance 

In the event of the death of a BCGEU member or an associate member or a member’s 

spouse/partner as recognized by other benefit plans or the loss of a member's or an associate 

member’s home by fire, flood, or other natural disaster, payment(s) may be made to the member 

or their survivor. 


A-25 to cover A-26 LOCAL 403 


 

Compensate members who ride a bike to union meetings at the same rate as vehicle mileage as 

per Financial Manual; 




 

Compensate members who ride a bike to union meetings at the same rate as vehicle mileage as 

per Financial Manual; 

Covered by A-25 



 

Authorize one additional staff representative at each area office to have signing authority for 

issued cross component cheques; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

A-28 LOCALS 1201, 1202, 1206 


 

Change the Constitution [Article 5.4 (b)(ii)] to allow any two of the signatories to sign the 

cheques; 


Composite Resolution 7 to cover A-29, D-173, D-174, D-175 


 

 

 

 

 

Annually review and report to the Provincial Executive on workplace leadership initiatives in all 

areas, and will annually report on Member to Member campaigns by components or locals; and 

Work to increase participation in all areas in workplace leadership programs that can strengthen 

locals and ensure Local activities are meaningful to members; and 

Work to encourage more locals in all areas to use M2M annually to recruit stewards, local 

officers and OHS committee members; and 

Increase resources at all levels to promote workplace leadership; and 

Increase internal communications about workplace leadership; 




 

Increase resources to all levels to promote workplace leadership. Resources to include but not be 

limited to: 

- increased funding for training of local activists; 

- increased funding for staff coverage and staffing levels in all areas; 

- increased funding for LOAs and other expenses for member contact and for local 

activists to work on local issues/campaigns; 

- increased production and distribution of materials, manuals and instructional aids for 

local activists. 

Covered by Composite Resolution 7 to cover A-29, D-173, D-174, D-175 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Provide reimbursement to members, including other sources of lost income; 


A-31 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

Remove the maximum restrictions in Part 6 – Strike Assistance of the BCGEU Strike Manual; 


A-32 LOCAL 1002 


 

 

 

Increase the amount of monies allocated to each component for the purpose of education; and 

Increase the amount of monies allocated to each area office for the purpose of education; and 

Publicize heavily the educational advancement throughout the BCGEU; 


A-33 COMPONENT 10 


 

Review purchasing an acceptable building for the membership, or review purchasing land and 

build an office for the membership in the Kelowna area; 




 

Ensure that all future BCGEU appointees to any outside boards, agencies or committees, will 

remit any stipend, honoraria or attendance per diems to the Union and not retain it themselves; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

A-35 LOCAL 1206 


 

Develop and provide a full outline of allowable expenses that Cross Component Committees are 

able to incur; 


A-36 LOCAL 1206 


Reduce the dues of stewards and local officers by 25%; 


Composite #8 to cover A-37, D-177, D-179, D-180, D-181, D-182, D-183 

LOCALS 302, 502, 602, 1201, 1202, 1206 and 2012 


 

 

 

 

 

Review allocation of Admin Representatives and Staff Representatives and bargaining workload 

in area offices; and 

Consider a formula for allocation of staff representatives that includes but is not limited to 

1. The number of members served 

2. The number of collective agreements and components serviced 

3. The area served considering travel times; and 

Not reduce the current staffing levels in any area office because of this review; and 

Ensure that our area offices are properly and consistently staffed with backfill to meet the 

workload and the need for adequate representation; and 

Review the need for staff or sub-offices in isolated areas; 


A-37 LOCALS 1201, 1202, 1206 


 

Continue to provide temporary backfill budgets for all area offices and these budgets will be 

fully utilized each year; 

Covered by Composite #8 to cover A-37, D-177, D-179, D-180, D-181, D-182, D-183 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

A-38 LOCAL 2001 


 

Acquire a "travel" medical/accident policy to cover BCGEU activists providing unpaid 

voluntary service to the BCGEU and such policy to not require prior use of extended 

health/dental benefits; 


Composite Finance Resolution 1 to cover A-39, A-40 LOCAL 601, LOCAL 201 


 

Increase from 6% to 6.20% that portion of dues revenue that is allocated to components; and 

Make this increase effective January 1, 2012; 




 

Increase from 6% to 6.15% that portion of dues revenue that is allocated to components; and 

Make this increase effective January 1, 2011; 

Covered by Composite Finance Resolution 1 to cover A-39, A-40 



 

Increase to 6.25 percent from 6 percent the portion of dues revenue that is allocated to 

components, effective June 1, 2011. 

1-1 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


Covered by Composite Finance Resolution 1 to cover A-39, A-40 

 

Formally adopt the current clear language version of the Constitution and Bylaws. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

B-41 to cover B-47 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE, LOCAL 702, 703 


 

Amend the Constitution as follows: 

10.18 Use of defence fund 

The defence fund is spent in the following ways: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

strike pay 

(i) The union pays strike pay if the provincial executive decides there is a legitimate 

labour dispute. 

(ii) 

The union must strictly follow policy regarding withdrawal of services. 

(iii) Strike pay starts the first day of a labour dispute but only after the provincial 

executive has decided it is a legitimate dispute. To receive strike pay, members must first 

register for and do picket or other related duties as determined by the provincial 

executive. 

(iv) Basic strike pay is $225 $250 a week. Strike pay for workers scheduled to work 

part-time is according to a formula set by provincial executive policy. 

(v) 

(vi) 

Members are paid another $50 $60 a week for each of their dependents. 

The provincial executive may pay more money to members where appropriate. 

(vii) The union has a good and welfare fund for each authorized dispute funded by 

the component(s) involved in the dispute. Funding can come from the defence fund but 

only when component funds are all spent. The union must follow policy when helping 

members with money from this fund. 

The finance committee can authorize payment of legal costs of a dispute from the 

defence fund. 

legal fees - All requests for assistance with legal fees or court costs go to the provincial 

executive through the president. The provincial executive’s decisions in these matters 

are final and binding. 

B-42 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


• Amend the Constitution as follows: 


All references to "component chairpersons" will hereinafter be referred to as "vice-presidents", reflecting 

the prevailing standard when referring to executive union officers elected to represent occupational 

groups and avoiding the confusion which commonly occurs when introducing those officers to external 

groups or parties who are completely unfamiliar with the term "component chairperson". 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

5.8 Negotiations 

(a) 

Negotiating committees in the public service are established on the following basis: 

(i) The public service master bargaining committee represents and negotiates on behalf of 

members in the provincial public service. This committee consists of: 

(ii) 

• president (chairperson); 

• component chairpersons vice-presidents (or designates) of each public service 

component. Public service components with more than 7,500 members who have a 

second representative on the provincial executive can have a second representative (or 

designate) on the committee with full voice and vote; 

• member(s) of the executive committee as assigned by the president and with the 

agreement of the bargaining committee; and 

• union staff as assigned. 

Sub-committees may be established consisting of the president (or designate) with 

additional members elected by the committee. They report back to the committee. 

(iii) (iii) Component bargaining committees represent and negotiate on behalf of 

members of their component. The president is a member of each component bargaining 

committee. 

7.4 Procedure 

(f) If the local chairperson is the respondent, the complainant directs the written statement to the 

complainant’s component chairperson vice-president who names someone else to carry out the functions 

of the local chairperson under this section. If the local chairperson is the component chairperson vicepresident, 

the complaint may be directed to the president who has the authority to appoint another 

elected officer to carry out the functions of this section. 

7.5 Mediation 

(a) The executive committee, president, complainant’s and respondent’s component chairperson 

vice-presidents, or local chairperson can recommend a mediated resolution of the issues at any stage of 

the process if both the complainant and respondent agree. 

7.6 

The president, upon receiving the written report, will provide a copy of the report to the complainant, 

respondent, complainant and respondent’s component chairpersons vice-presidents [or president’s 

designate under 7.4(f)] and the executive committee within 10 days, along with: 

• a copy of the constitution and bylaws, including relevant component and local bylaws; 

and 

• a letter referring to the discipline article of the constitution procedures and possible 

penalties. 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

9.9 Committees 

(a) The president may appoint staff and members to committees. The president will consult with and 

consider recommendations from component chairpersons vice-presidents when appointing members. 

The following committees shall be established: 

(b) The provincial executive appoints the following committees of one delegate from each 

component (after consultation with the component chairperson vice-president and/or provincial 

executive members) no later than 15 days before a triennial constitutional convention: 



M/S/recommendation of concurrence not carried 

 


All references to "provincial" vice-presidents will hereinafter be referred to as "executive" vicepresidents, 

reflecting their duties on the executive committee [Clause 9.9(a)(i)] and distinguishing their 

positions from those officers referred to as vice-president of the respective component executive. 

ARTICLE 9 - PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 

9.1 Composition 

The provincial executive consists of the president, treasurer, two provincial executive vice-president 

positions for women, two provincial executive vice-president positions for men, and the vice-president of 

each component and additional member pursuant to Article Clause 9.3. 

9.2 President, treasurer, provincial executive vice-presidents 

(a) Delegates at the triennial constitutional convention elect the president, treasurer and four 

provincial executive vice-presidents by majority vote of delegates present and voting, using a secret 

ballot. 

(b) A new president-elect and/or treasurer-elect takes office after a two-week transition period 

immediately following convention. During this period, the incumbent president and/or treasurer 

continues to hold office and assists with a smooth transition of the duties and responsibilities of office to 

the new president-elect and/or treasurer-elect. 

9.4 Vacancy in office 

The provincial executive elects by majority vote the president, treasurer or provincial executive vicepresident 

if there is a vacancy between triennial constitutional conventions. 

9.7 Duties of the provincial executive vice-presidents 

The provincial executive vice-presidents: 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

• are on the executive committee and help develop recommendations on general policy 

and administration; 

• chair committees as assigned by the president and provide a link between those 

committees and the executive committee; 

• assist the president and carry out duties as directed by the president, including 

representing the BCGEU to members and others and providing support to bargaining; 


• report to the president, provincial executive and convention. 


(a) The president may appoint staff and members to committees. The president will consult with and 

consider recommendations from component chairpersons vice-presidents of components when 

appointing members. The following committees shall be established: 

(i) 

(iii) 

executive committee: 

• is the president, treasurer and four provincial executive vice-presidents; 

• makes recommendations to the provincial executive on general policy; 

• reports to the triennial constitutional convention on behalf of the provincial 

executive; and 

• meets at least every two months with the administrative committee. 

provincial grievance appeal committee 

A provincial grievance appeal committee of at least three members, chaired by an executive vicepresident, 

hears appeals from members whose: 

(1) grievance was turned down by an area grievance committee and leave to appeal 

was granted pursuant to article Clause 11(g) 

(2) grievances, appeals, or claims referred to arbitration at full hearing or other 

dispute resolution procedure in the collective agreement were turned down. 

B-44 amended PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


M/S/recommendation of concurrence not carried 

 


9.7 Duties of the provincial executive vice-presidents 

The provincial executive vice-presidents: 

• are on the executive committee and help develop recommendations on general policy and 

administration; 

• chair committees as assigned by the president and provide a link between those committees and 

the executive committee; 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

• assist the president and carry out duties as directed by the president, including representing the 

BCGEU to members and others and providing support to bargaining; and 

• report to the president, provincial executive and convention; 

• may will be appointed to various committees and/or executive boards of our national union or 

labour centrals; 

• liaise with members in consultation with the president and vice-presidents of components; 

• communicate internally and externally as necessary; 

• act as trustees with fiduciary responsibility to the union; 

• participate in policy development and make recommendations to the provincial executive; and 

will lobby external parties on appropriate issues. 




 

Amend the Constitution as follows, effective for the 2014 Triennial Constitutional 

convention to read: 

8.2 Delegates to triennial constitutional convention 

Delegates to the triennial constitutional convention are determined on the following basis: 

(a) The members of the provincial executive are delegates. 

(b) The chairperson of each local within a component is the delegate for the first 100 

members or part thereof of the local. The local may elect one additional delegate for each 

additional 200 members or major part thereof in the local. 

(c) Nominations shall exceed the number of delegates to be elected by at least two. The 

unsuccessful candidates become alternate delegates and are ranked in order of the number of 

votes each received. 

(d) Despite any of the above, the delegate entitlement of affiliates is in accordance with 

Article Clause 5.7. 

(e) The provincial executive determines what travel, salary and living expenses of delegates 

will be paid by the union. 

(f) The 2011 constitutional convention will allow one delegate, in each of the 12 areas of 

the Province, to be elected from the membership of the equity networks. The equity networks 

include visible minorities, workers with disabilities, Aboriginal workers and gay, lesbian, 

bisexual or transgendered workers. 

(i) Each component shall elect two equity delegates, except if a component has a 

bargaining council. If a component has a bargaining council, then one delegate will 

be from an equity group and one delegate will be from a bargaining council. 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

(ii) Components with 7,500 members or more shall elect an additional two 

delegates. 


B-46 amended PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


 

Amend the Constitution as follows, effective for the 2014 Triennial Constitutional 

convention to read: 


(a) The president may appoint staff and members to committees. The president will consult 

with and consider recommendations from component chairpersons when appointing members. 

The following committees shall be established: 

(i) 

(ii) 

executive committee: 

• is the president, treasurer and four provincial executive vice-presidents; 

• makes recommendations to the provincial executive on general policy; 

• reports to the triennial constitutional convention on behalf of the 

provincial executive; and 

• meets at least every two months with the administrative committee. 

administrative committee: 

• is the president (chairperson), treasurer and senior staff; 

• is responsible for the ongoing operation of the union in keeping with 

policy; 

• meets with the executive committee at least every two months; 

• makes recommendations to the executive committee on operations; 

• makes recommendations to the president and executive committee on 

staff; and 

• reports to the triennial constitutional convention on administration. 

(iii) 

provincial grievance appeal committee 

A provincial grievance appeal committee of at least three members, chaired by a an 

executive vice-president, hears appeals from members whose: 

grievance was turned down by an area grievance committee and leave to appeal 

was granted pursuant to article 11(g) 

grievances, appeals, or claims referred to arbitration at full hearing or other 

dispute resolution procedure in the collective agreement were turned down. 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

BCGEU headquarters must receive appeals within 15 days of the written decision 

turning down the grievance, appeal or claim. If a member is appealing a decision of an 

area grievance appeal committee, the member must say why they believe the decision is 

incorrect. The decision of the provincial grievance appeal committee is final and 

binding. 

(iv) 

finance committee 

The finance committee, chaired by the treasurer, is made up of at least three members 

and authorizes the normal day-to-day expenses of the union. Assigned staff is also a 

member of the committee. 

The finance committee is responsible for the union’s finances and includes the power to: 

• conduct an audit of the books of any component, local or cross-component 

committee; 

• order any component, local or cross-component committee to have an audit 

done and a financial statement forwarded to the finance committee; 

• decide if any officer, staff or other person who handles the union’s money or 

property needs to be bonded; 

• withhold money to any component, local or cross-component committee not 

following financial policies; 

• freeze (with executive committee approval) the funds of any component, local or 

cross-component committee that violates financial policies; 

• order any component, local or cross-component committee to pay any account 

run up by, or on behalf of, that component, local or cross-component committee; 

• submit financial policies to the provincial executive for approval; and 

• teach all elected treasurers about the union’s financial policies and makes sure 

they are following them. 

(v) 

collective agreement review committee 

The collective agreement review committee is the president (or designate) as 

chairperson, the executive committee and the chairperson whose contract is being 

reviewed. The committee ensures proposed agreements are reviewed before bargaining, 

ensures that proposals do not contradict union policies, and may make recommendations 

for improved proposals. 

The committee is responsible to the provincial executive. 

(vi) 

women's committee 

The women's committee consists of women appointed according to Article Clause 9.9(a). 

The committee advises the provincial executive on issues related to women in the 

workplace, union and society. 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

(vii) 

equity and human rights committee 

B-47 LOCAL 702, 703 


The equity and human rights committee will consist of two members from each 

designated equity groups (aboriginal; workers of colour; gay, lesbian, bisexual or 

transgender; and workers with disabilities), who shall be elected at an Equity & 

Human Rights Conference. 


 

Amend Articles 10.18(a)(iv) and (v) of the Constitution & Bylaws to read: 

“10.18 – Use of Defense Fund 

(iv) Basic strike pay for all eligible members shall be $300 per week. Strike pay 

for workers scheduled to work part-time will be according to a formula specified 

by the PE Policy. 

(v) An additional amount of $60 per week, per dependant shall be paid to 

eligible members, on behalf of their dependants.” 

B-48 COMPONENT 12 


Covered by B-41 

 

Amend Constitution Article 9.2(a) reflecting the election of the President and Treasurer by the 

membership of the BCGEU prior to each Triennial Constitutional Convention; 


B-49 LOCAL 2001 


 

 

Replace the existing four vice-president structure with two vice-presidents as executive vicepresidents; 


Redefine the current component chair positions as vice-president positions; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

B-50 LOCAL 111 


 

Ensure that the four Vice-Presidents are regional, consisting of two women and two men, 

ensuring that each of the four regions are represented; 


B-51 amended to cover B-52, B-53, B-54, B-55 

LOCAL 1206, COMPONENT 10, LOCALS 408, 412, 703, 803 


 

Continue the current policy of executive Vice-Presidents on leave of absence with top-up and not 

move to full-time salaried executive Vice-Presidents; 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rename Provincial Vice Presidents to Executive Vice Presidents; and 

Elect two male and two female Executive Vice Presidents; and 

Have the Executive Vice Presidents as a Full Time Officer of the Union; and 

Elect Executive Vice Presidents at Constitutional Conventions; and 

Through the Provincial Executive develop written job descriptions for the Executive Vice 

Presidents to be inserted in the Constitution; and 

Set the Executive Vice Presidents compensation of pay at a % of the Presidents annual salary or 

the Executive Vice Presidents current rate of their pay whichever is greater; and 

Include Executive Vice Presidents in the Full Time Officer Terms and Conditions of 

Employment; and 

Through the Provincial Executive decide the terms and conditions of employment of the 

Executive Vice Presidents as required, but no later than April of each year of the triennial 

constitutional convention. A copy of the terms and conditions of employment, including the 

salary, is sent to triennial constitutional convention delegates (see Article 8.4(e)); 

Covered by B-51 amended to cover B-52, B-53, B-54, B-55 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

B-53 LOCALS 408, 412 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Elect Two Male and Two Female Executive Vice Presidents; and 



Through the provincial executive develop written job descriptions for the executive vice 

presidents to be inserted in the constitution; and 



Through the provincial executive decide the terms and conditions of employment of the 

executive vice presidents as required, but no later than April of each year of the triennial 

constitutional convention. A Copy of the terms and conditions of employment, including the 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Elect two male and female Executive Vice Presidents; and 

Have the Executive Vice Presidents as a full time officer of the Union; and 


Through the Provincial Executive, develop written job descriptions for the Executive Vice 

Presidents to be inserted in the Constitution; and 

Set the Executive Vice Presidents compensation of pay at 75% of the Presidents annual salary or 

the Executive Vice Presidents current rate of their pay, whichever is greater; and 

Include Executive Vice Presidents in the full time officer terms and conditions of employment; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

 

Through the Provincial Executive, decide the terms and conditions of employment of the 

Executive Vice Presidents as required, but no later than April of each year of the triennial 

Constitutional Convention. A copy of the terms and conditions of employment, including the 

salary, is sent to triennial Constitutional Convention delegates (see Article 8.4(e)); 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Elect Two Male and Two Female Executive Vice Presidents; and 



Through the provincial executive develop written job descriptions for the executive vice 

presidents to be inserted in the constitution; and 



Through the Provincial Executive decide the terms and conditions of employment of the 

executive vice presidents as required, but no later than April of each year of the triennial 

constitutional convention. A copy of the terms and conditions of employment, including the 





 

Amend Article 8.2 (c) of the Constitution as follows: 

(c) Nominations shall may exceed the number of delegates to be elected by at least two. 

The unsuccessful candidates become alternate delegates and are ranked in order of the 

number of votes each received. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Amend article 5.4 of the bylaws in the Constitution as follows: 

5.4 Cross Component Committee 

(b) (i) Cross Component Committees shall consists of the local chairperson and or 

their designate. Locals may appoint another member activist with voice but no vote ; 

their expenses are subject to component approval. 




 

 

Amend Article 5.4 of the Constitution to rename cross component committees as “BCGEU 

Community Committees”; and 

Delete the current language of Article 5.4 (b) (iii) of the constitution and amend it to read: 

(iii) 

(iii) 

Cross‐component committees address general membership education, community 

action, morale of membership, community membership meetings, and union 

campaigns. 

The mandate of BCGEU Community Committees includes: 

• membership education and engagement; 

• activist appreciation and support; 

• community, social and political action; 

• promoting public services and the work of our members and other 

union campaigns.” 


B-59 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 304 


 

 

Include the Provincial Executive Occupational Health and Safety Committee in the 

Constitution under Section 9.9(a)(vii); and 

Make the Committee responsible to the Provincial Executive; and 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

 

Allow the Provincial Executive Occupational Health and Safety Committee to meet four 

times per year. 

M/S/recommendation of Non-Concurrence not carried 

B-60 amended LOCAL 1201 


 

Amend Article 8.5 of the BCGEU Constitution and Bylaws with the view of strengthening the 

intent of the existing language, to read: 

"8.5 Voting on Resolutions 

(a) A resolution presented to convention passes with a straight majority vote of the 

delegates present and voting; 

(b) A resolution once submitted to convention by a Component or Executive can 

only be amended with the agreement of the submitting body; and 


B-61 amended LOCAL 1201 


 

Amend Article 8.7 of the BCGEU Constitution and Bylaws to read: 

"8.7 Special Constitutional Convention 

(a) the president may, and must if at least 30 percent of the membership, or 50 

percent of local executives within the union ask for it, hold a special convention at any 

time by providing 30 days prior notice of the date, time, place and purpose of such 

convention to the provincial executive, components and locals; 

(b) If requested by the membership or locals pursuant to Article 8.7(a), the 

president must schedule the constitutional convention for within 60 days of receiving 

the request; 

(c)(b) Delegates to a special convention are elected by locals pursuant to Article 8.2. 

Credentials for a special convention must be forwarded to the president at least seven 

days before the convention. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Include the 1 st Vice in the grievance appeal committee members; 




 

Change Article 11(f) of our Constitution and Bylaws from: 

(f) An area grievance appeal committee consisting of three local chairpersons (or 

designates) in the area will hear the appeal. A local chair may sit on the area 

grievance appeal committee where their component grievance is being appealed. 

So that it reads: 

(f) An area grievance appeal committee consisting of three local chairpersons (or 

designates) on a rotational basis in the area will hear the appeal. No member of the 

area grievance appeal committee including the Secretary to the Committee will 

have any prior knowledge of the grievance being appealed. A local chair may sit on 

the area grievance appeal committee where their component grievance is being 

appealed. 


B-64 to cover B-65, B-66, B-67 

LOCAL 201, COMPONENT 10, LOCAL 405, LOCAL 805 


 

 

Increase the annual amount budgeted for BCGEU scholarships to $45,000 from $36,000; and 

Increase the individual scholarship amount to $3,000 from $2,000 for full-time students, and to 

$2,000 from $1,000 for part-time students; 




Increase the total allotment of scholarships from $36,000 to $45,000; 

Covered by B-64 to cover B-65, B-66, B-67. 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Allot an annual increase to the annual scholarships for post secondary and/or post graduate 

studies; 




 

Allot an annual increase to the annual scholarships for post secondary and/or post graduate 

studies; 




 

Change the Constitution to allow the creation of bargaining councils, so that these can be 

responsible for education, networking and finding joint solutions in same or similar sectors; 


Emergency Resolution 1 


 

 

 

Lobby ministers Harry Bloy and Mary McNeil to avert potential job action by the 

Community Social Services Union Bargaining Association (CSSBA) ----of which BCGEU is 

a member----- against the Community Social Services Employers' Association (CSSEA), by 

ending their opposition to job protection, continuity of service and fair work practices; and 

Meet with the leaders of the other affected unions through the BC Federation of Labor to 

coordinate a strategy to help resolve this round of bargaining , bring about job security and 

end service cuts in the sector; and 

Support the BCGEU community social services members by providing more resources to 

recruit and train activists to conduct job actions; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-69 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


1. Continue our commitment to be a strong voice for human rights, equity and diversity within the 

labour movement and in the public domain by: 

 

 

 

 

 

working with our National Union, the National Union of Public and General Employees 

(NUPGE) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) to support the federal government’s 

national anti-racism framework. The framework must include annual reports to Parliament, a 

plan to meet the targets set by the United Nations World Conference Against Racism and the 

establishment of an Anti-Racism National Council to coordinate national, provincial and 

municipal anti-racism and human rights policies and legislation; and 

working with NUPGE and the CLC to lobby the federal government to enact a proactive 

national Canadians with Disabilities Act; and 

working with the BC Federation of Labour to strengthen the Human Rights Committee; and 

the self-determination of Aboriginal people, including the negotiation of fair treaties with 

First Nations and the transfer of responsibilities to Aboriginal communities for education, 

health and social services; and 

gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists who are working to build on legal and 

legislative victories to broaden social equality. 

2. Continue to build strong collaborative relationships with community partners who share our 

principles and vision of equity; 

C-70 to cover C-79 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 



 

 

Work with advocacy groups and labour organizations to pressure the provincial government to 

develop a comprehensive poverty reduction plan to reduce child poverty in British Columbia, 

with timelines and targets; and 

Lobby the provincial government to appoint a lead minister for poverty reduction to champion 

this initiative across affected ministries; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-71 to cover C-83 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


 

 

Develop a comprehensive campaign at the provincial and national level to stop the insidious 

trend towards implementing Big Box, for profit child care in BC; and 

Work with advocacy groups and other labour organizations to develop this campaign; 




 

Lobby the BC government and through our national union, NUPGE, lobby the federal 

government to ensure and restore adequate funding for public services and human rights 

programs that support diversity, fight against discrimination and assist equity members to fully 

participate in the labour force and in society; 




 

 

Through our national union, NUPGE, lobby the federal government to ensure and protect First 

Nations' rights to clean water in Canada, and 

Support human rights campaigns that advocate for First Nations' water rights; 


Composite #3 to cover C-74, D-204, D-205 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE, COMPONENT 17, 

LOCAL 603 


 

 

Entrench the anti-bullying work initiated by Component 17 by making it a part of a Provincial 

Executive Committee; and 

Expand and fund the anti-bullying campaign through a province-wide publicity initiative using 

various media formats, i.e. television and radio; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Expand and fund the bullying campaign through a province-wide publicity initiative using 

various media formats, i.e. television and radio; 

C-75 Amended PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


Covered by Composite #3 to cover C-74, D-204, D-205 

 

 

 

 

Continue to stand in solidarity with other civil society organizations working for global social 

and economic justice; and 

Demand that the federal government restore funding to KAIROS (Coalition of 11 Churches 

working on ecological and social justice issues), Alternatives, the International Planned 

Parenthood Federation and other groups and make non-partisan and evidence based funding 

decisions on international development; and 

Call on the federal government to restore confidence in Rights and Democracy by appointing a 

new, independent and credible board of directors; and 

Join and support the Voices-Voix, a non-partisan coalition of organizations and individuals 

defending democracy, free speech and transparency in Canada; 




 

Continue to stand in solidarity with workers and unions in the United States and elsewhere that 

are facing attacks from corporate interests and right-wing politicians; 

Covered by C-127. 



 

Continue to work to build partnerships with Aboriginal women's groups and organizations 

that advocate for services to women; and 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

 

 

Actively lobby the provincial and federal governments to ensure that proper funding and 

services are provided to the most vulnerable women; and 

Call for a public investigation into the appallingly high number of unresolved, uninvestigated 

murders and disappearances of Aboriginal women. 




 

 

Condemn the BC government for its harmful policies that hurt women and demand the 

government immediately restore and enhance public services for women; and 

Lobby vigorously for policy changes and solutions at all levels of government so that women 

can have full equality and participation in our society; 


C-79 COMPONENT 3 


 

 

Work with advocacy groups and labour organizations to pressure the provincial government to 

develop a comprehensive poverty reduction plan to reduce child poverty in British Columbia, 

with timelines and targets; and 

Lobby the provincial government to appoint a lead minister for poverty reduction to champion 

this initiative across affected ministries; 


C-80 to cover C-81 LOCAL 403 


 

Support the Living Wage Campaign; 


C-81 LOCAL 803 


 

Support the Living Wage Campaign; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Composite #1 to cover C-82, C-84 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 703 


 

 

 

Through NUPGE and the CLC, continue to demand a nationally funded child care program that 

is: 

• universal and accessible; 

• delivered by community based non-profit groups, funded through transparent 

agreements, accountable to parents and communities; 

• established in a national child care act, and 

• unionized. 

Will also continue to lobby the provincial government for increased funding that will reverse 

closures, establish provincial wage rates through bargaining and will eliminate dependence on 

parents fees; 

Resolve that lobbying will not be limited to government parties in power, but will be to all 

parties to gain support for and the communication of such a program; 




 

 

Lobby federal, provincial, and municipal governments to implement and support funding of a 

national childcare program to assist all Canadian families; and 

Resolve that lobbying will not be limited to government parties in power, but will be to all 

parties to gain support for and the communication of such a program; 

Covered by Composite #1 to cover C-82, C-84 



 

 

Develop a comprehensive campaign at the provincial and national level to stop the insidious 

trend towards implementing Big Box, for profit child care in BC; and 

Work with advocacy groups and other labour organizations to develop this campaign; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

 

Through NUPGE and the CLC, continue to demand a nationally funded child care program that 

is: 

• universal and accessible; 

• delivered by community based non-profit groups, funded through transparent 

agreements, accountable to parents and communities; 

• established in a national child care act, and 

• unionized. 

Will also continue to lobby the provincial government for increased funding that will reverse 

closures, establish provincial wage rates through bargaining and will eliminate dependence on 

parents fees; 




• Lobby the Provincial Government to provide adequate resources to the Court Services 

Branch to fulfill their existing mandate, including hiring the required number of Deputy 

Sheriffs to adequately and safely staff all BC Court Houses; and 

• To install search gates at all BC Court Houses to protect public safety; and 

• To look at ways to increase the Sheriffs mandate to fully support, enhance and protect those 

valuable public services; 




 

 

Fully support and will be active in disallowing non-sheriffs and excluded staff from performing 

the duties of the Deputy Sheriff; and 

Request that the employer form a joint task force to examine the staffing crisis and make 

recommendations and put into action to address the crisis in all due haste; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Composite #2 to cover C-87, C-88 LOCAL 101, 111 


 

 

 

Lobby the current Provincial Government to reduce the staff to inmate ratios to the 1:20 levels of 

pre-2002; and 

Lobby the Provincial Opposition Party to initiate a member’s bill in the Provincial Legislative 

Assembly aimed at achieving the requisite legislative or regulatory changes to empower 

WorkSafe BC Officers to write orders on essential safe staffing levels inside Correctional 

Centres; and 

Continue to lobby the government to increase to two staff on every unit due to overcrowding; 




 

 

Lobby the current Provincial Government to reduce the staff to inmate ratios to the 1:20 levels of 

pre-2002; and 

Lobby the Provincial Opposition Party to initiate a member’s bill in the Provincial Legislative 

Assembly aimed at achieving the requisite legislative or regulatory changes to empower 

WorkSafe BC Officers to write orders on essential safe staffing levels inside Correctional 

Centres; 




 

Continue to lobby the government to increase to two staff on every unit due to overcrowding; 


C-89 Amended LOCAL 111 


 

Continue to lobby the government to have inmate to staff ratios occupancy levels that will not 

exceed 1 inmate per cell; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

 

 

Publicly and strongly reject the federal Tory government’s “tough-on-crime” agenda, including 

building super-prisons, increased incarceration and longer sentences for non-violent crimes and 

eliminating rehabilitative programmes like therapeutic farms; and 

Also publicly endorse crime prevention and restorative justice programmes and reasonable and 

flexible sentencing, including diversion from traditional incarceration when appropriate; and 

Also demand that all correctional facilities are properly staffed to provide a safe and humane 

environment for both staff and prisoners and that overcrowding is eliminated; 


Composite #4 to cover C-91, C-92, C-93, C-94, C-95 


 

 

 

Continue to aggressively lobby through the Canadian Labour Congress and BC Federation of 

Labour, the federal and provincial governments to restore and enhance public funding for seniors' 

care; and 

Continue to work with the BC Health Coalition to campaign for increased funding for seniors' 

care including home support, and publicly operated residential care and to reduce the ever 

increasing direct cost to seniors for these services; and 

Look for community partners to provide information on recognizing and preventing elder abuse; 




 

Continue to aggressively lobby, through the Canadian Labour Congress and BC Federation of 

Labour, the federal and provincial governments to restore and enhance public funding for seniors' 

care; 

Covered by Composite #4 to cover C-91, C-92, C-93, C-94, C-95 



Lobby the BC Liberal Government to reconsider the ever-increasing direct cost to seniors for 

residential care and home support services; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Lobby the BC government to increase funding for home support services to an adequate level; 




 

 

Continue to work with the BC Health Coalition to campaign for increased funding for seniors 

care including home support, and publicly operated residential care; and 

Look for community partners in providing information on recognizing and preventing elder 

abuse; 




 

Lobby the BC Liberal Government to reconsider the ever-increasing direct cost to seniors for 

residential care and home support services; 




 

Develop a comprehensive mental health and addictions campaign to our members and the general 

public to raise awareness about the need for increased funding and services for people with 

mental illness and addictions; 




 

Lobby the provincial government to stop cutbacks to mental health and social service providers; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Lobby the provincial government to stop cutbacks to mental health and social service providers; 




 

 

Lobby the provincial government to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to address 

the alarmingly low levels of access to primary care providers for British Columbians in the 

North; and 

Support the efforts of the BC Health Coalition to establish chapters in the North and educate the 

public on this issue; 


C-100 LOCAL 412 


 

Lobby the provincial government to get rid of/rescind Bill 29 in its entirety; 




 

Lobby the provincial government to get rid of/rescind Bill 29 in its entirety; 


C-102 to cover C-103 


 

Develop and implement a public awareness campaign around the ongoing contracting out and 

retendering of health care services in the Facilities and Community sectors of health; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-103 LOCAL 812 


 

Develop and implement a public awareness campaign around the ongoing contracting out of 

health care services in the Facilities and Community sectors of health; 


C-104 LOCAL 201 


 

Continue to lobby the provincial government and the Vancouver Island Health Authority to 

abandon its plans to contract out Oak Bay Lodge and instead restore and enhance funding for this 

important seniors' care facility; 


C-105 LOCALS 301, 303, 306 


 

 

 

Call for new legislation to establish a public advocate for people with developmental disabilities 

and their families as an independent officer of the legislature; and 

An independent public review and audit of Community Living BC’s budget, expenditures and 

service delivery model; and 

An immediate moratorium on the cost-driven closure of residential group homes and cuts to day 

programmes and community inclusion services; 


C-106 LOCAL 601 


 

 

Continue to fight against the BC Liberals and Community Living BC’s (CLBC) anti-union 

agenda; and 

Continue to lobby the provincial government to increase CLBC funding so that the continuum of 

options for clients is a true continuum; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-107 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 301 


 

 

Continue to support our members in the community based social services sector through 

campaigns, negotiations and other means, including Community Social Services Awareness 

Month and Community Social Services Workers’ Appreciation Day; and 

Strongly encourage the BC Federation of Labour and the National Union of Public and General 

Employees to support and take up these efforts; 




 

Campaign, lobby and negotiate to eliminate the tremendous and unjustifiable gap in wages 

between health sciences professionals, such as nurses, occupational therapists, speech language 

therapists and others in the health sector and those doing identical or similar work in the much 

lower paid community social services sector; 




 

 

Continue to lobby for dramatically increased and stable funding for sexual assault centres, 

counselling services, women’s centres and transition houses in British Columbia; and 

Lobby to ensure funding to centres is not jeopardized when they engage in public lobbying and 

political action to enhance services; 


C-110 LOCAL 601 


 

Undertake a public campaign and lobby the Provincial Government to prevent the devolution and 

contracting out of Ministry of Children and Family Development programs to non-union 

employers; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-111 LOCAL 601 


 

 

Take a lead voice in opposing regionalization and further devolution of the Ministry of Children 

and Families (MCFD) services until a round table of Aboriginal Leaders, the Representative for 

Children and Youth and other stakeholders including the BCGEU agree that conditions are right 

for regionalization and devolution; and 

Will demand that the BC Government ensure independent oversight, including stakeholder 

consultation and evaluation, is in place to review and assess the ongoing impacts of 

regionalization and devolution of MCFD services. 


C-112 LOCAL 403 


 

 

Lobby the provincial government to increase funding for low-income housing; and 

Lobby the federal government to re-establish its commitment to low-income housing through a 

National Housing Strategy; 


C-113 amended to cover C-112 LOCAL 803 


 

 

Lobby the provincial government to increase funding for social housing; and 

Lobby the federal government to re-establish its commitment to social housing through a 

National Housing Strategy; 


C-114 LOCAL 703, COMPONENT 3 


 

Demand full restoration of the funding and services of the Legal Services Society; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-115 LOCAL 1009 


Lobby the provincial government to enact the Auditor General’s recommendation to return 2 

highways maintenance service contracts back into the public sector under control of the Ministry 

of Highways; and 

 

Push the government that one of the service areas to be returned will be service area 9; the Grand 

Forks area; 


C-116 LOCAL 601 


 

Lobby the Provincial Government to stop outsourcing BC jobs to other provinces and countries; 




 

 

 

 

Continue to support initiatives at the national level to increase public awareness about the value 

of public services; and 

Campaign provincially to build support for increased public services, particularly in rural areas; 


Take measures to increase public awareness that taxes support necessary public services, and to 

increase awareness of what a fair tax system would look like in Canada and BC, and 

Also lobby NUPGE to increase its work to publicize the need for tax fairness, and to educate 

members and the public on what a fair tax system at the national level would include; 




 

Support the establishment of a fair tax commission for British Columbia to research, consult and 

advise on a fair, progressive tax regime for our province; and 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

 

 

 

Work with other unions, civil society groups, citizens, economists and fair-minded business 

leaders to launch a sensible dialogue and develop common ground on fair taxation; and 

Through our national union, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), call 

on the Canadian Labour Congress to support a fair tax commission for Canada to research, 

consult and advise on national taxation policies; and 

Continue to support the Robin Hood Tax on speculative financial transactions; 




 

Through our national union, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and 

the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) voice our profound concerns about aspects of the Harper 

Conservative government’s policies on refugees and human-trafficking, including: 

• The declining acceptance rate of refugee claimants from Columbia, a country with whom 

Canada has signed a free trade agreement but which continues to have a humanitarian crisis 

with over 3.4 million internally displaced persons and a horrendous track record on 

protecting the human rights of it citizens; and 

• New proposed regulations that truncate the appeals process for refugee claimants who appeal 

a negative decision; and 

• Incarcerating refugee claimants without cause (as in the case of the asylum seekers on the 

M.V. Sun Sea). 


C-120 LOCAL 601 


 

 

In conjunction with NUPGE and the B.C. Federation of Labour will continue to expose abuse of 

immigration and temporary foreign worker programs by any employer; and 

In conjunction with NUPGE and the B.C. Federation of Labour will launch a public campaign to 

ensure that immigration and temporary foreign worker programs are a key election issue during 

the next federal election with the purpose of amending “temporary foreign worker” programs so 

that those who choose to work in Canada have the opportunity to become full Canadian Citizens; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-121 amended COMPONENT 3 


 

 

Continue to support organizations working to expose child labour in developing countries and to 

eliminate the poverty that causes child labour; and 

Continue to work with other unions and community partners to demand changes to the 

Employment Standards Act and regulations to prevent employers from easily hiring children 

aged 12 to 15 years, and to put in place safeguards to protect children’s health and education; 


Composite #5 to cover C-122, C-123, C-124, C-125, C-126 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 403, 803 


 

 

 

 

Stand in solidarity with the people of Tunisia, Syria, Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world who 

are struggling for freedom, human rights, democracy and dignity; and 

Express our support for free and democratic trade unions in Arab world seeking to represent the 

interests of working people; and 

Lobby the federal government to oppose the arrest, imprisonment, execution of trade unionists in 

Iran and support the international campaign to support imprisoned labour leaders and human 

rights activists; and 

Ask the International Solidarity Committee of the BCGEU to actively support trade union 

activists in the Middle East; 




 

 

Stand in solidarity with the people of Tunisia, Syria, Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world who 

are struggling for freedom, human rights, democracy and dignity; and 

Express our support for free and democratic trade unions in Arab world seeking to represent the 

interests of working people; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-123 LOCAL 403 


 



rights activists; 


C-124 LOCAL 803 


 



rights activists; 


C-125 LOCAL 403 


 




C-126 LOCAL 803 


 




C-127 to cover C-76 COMPONENT 3 


 

 

Continue to stand in solidarity with workers and their unions in Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan and 

elsewhere in the United States who are under an unprecedented attack from right-wing 

politicians and their corporate backers; and 

Monitor developments in the US and be prepared to respond to further attacks, including an 

expansion of this war on workers into Canada; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-128 LOCAL 406 


 

Continue to make every effort to promote the value of union membership and participation to 

youth in BC; 




 

Continue to make every effort to promote the value of union membership and participation to 

youth in BC; 




 

Jointly fund a Continue to financially support film festivals with other Unions and 

organizations, dedicated to furthering education on environment, economics and human 

rights; 


C-131 LOCAL 503 


 

 

With other unions and human rights organizations, like the Council of Canadians, will publicize 

and educate members, their families and communities about the dangers of the Canada-European 

Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA); and 

Make it a priority for Cross Component Committees to fund and stage educational events and 

rallies to raise such awareness and that HQ will sufficiently fund these activities as part of the 

mandate to encourage alliance building in the community; 


C-132 LOCAL 505 


 

Lobby the Provincial Government to allow a statutory holiday for every working person in 

British Columbia for the month of February and to use the same name as in Alberta “Family 

Day”. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-133 LOCAL 601 


 

Continue to lobby the BC Liberal Government to stop promoting, supporting and approving “run 

of the river” projects until such time as they have been scientifically proven to meet rigorous 

environmental standards; 


C-134 LOCAL 601 


 

 

 

Lobby the provincial government to establish a schedule and publish the regulations necessary to 

effect a successful cull of surplus ungulates; and 

Further lobby the provincial government to staff facilities in each region of the province, 

including the lower mainland, to store and distribute harvested animals to enhance human 

nutrition and to contribute to First Nations’ ceremonial consumption of wild game; and 

Also lobby that the provincial government will provide meat inspectors to monitor the 

preservation, cutting and wrapping of these meat products; 


C-135 LOCAL 601 


 

Continue to lobby the provincial government and through NUPGE the federal government to 

enact legislation that protects our watersheds and ensures that public interest overrides the 

corporate agenda and that current publicly owned watershed lands remain publicly owned and 

protected from damage; 




 

Oppose the Enbridge northern gateway pipeline project and lobby against its construction; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

C-137 LOCAL 2001 


 

 

Provide leadership to the BC labour movement on building a green economy for BC; and 

Lobby for policies at the provincial level to encourage bolder steps for BC to reduce its 

greenhouse gas emissions and develop good green jobs; 


C-138 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

Call for a comprehensive energy plan for BC that: 

- is environmentally sustainable; and 

- encourages conservation; and 

- includes non-fossil fuel sources of energy such as wind and solar; and 

- returns full public control of BC Hydro to the public sphere; and 

- protects rivers and creeks from private exploitation; and 

- does not rely on mega-projects; and 

- call on the federal government to regulate industry, including the Alberta tar sands, to 

meet our intended Kyoto protocol objectives. 


C-139 LOCAL 2001 


 

Extend and expand the Community Dialogue on Forests campaign to include more 

communities and more community partners over the next three years; 




 

 

Take an active role to educate the public and stakeholders of the risks and pitfalls of the BC 

Liberal government’s mandate to reduce staffing levels and services to the detriment of our 

public resources with less regulation while under the management of private interests; and 

Follow-up on the success and momentum of the current “BC Forests. Our Future. A 

Community Dialogue” by expanding the campaign and extending the dialogue to include 

more resource and non-resource based communities in the discussion; and 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

 

Make available the funding necessary to accomplish the goals of an expanded “BC Forests. 

Our Future. A Community Dialogue” campaign; 


C-141 LOCAL 1008 


 

Lobby provincial governments to enact legislation that would require all timber that has been 

harvested in the province to be processed within our country; 


C-142 LOCAL 705 


 

Encourage all BCGEU members, in an effort to protect job security, to protest the self checkout 

stations in any retail or public sector business; 


C-143 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

Along with the BC Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress, lobby the BC 

Government to increase funding equally across the post secondary education sector; 




 

Ask the BC Federation of Labour to set up a working group to monitor and report on the 

provincial use of training funds from the federal government; 




 

Condemn the retendering of all employment services contracts in the province which favours 

large, for-profit service providers over smaller, specialized community based social services 

agencies; and 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

 

 

Also condemn the exclusion of these Request for Proposals (issued on March 30, 2011) from the 

Continuity of Service and Employment Agreement which would have protected the frontline 

workers providing these services; and 

Call upon the provincial government to effectively use the federal monies transferred for 

employment programmes for strong, community-based programmes which meet the needs of 

citizens seeking training and employment supports, including newcomers, women experiencing 

violence in their homes and people with disabilities; 


C-146 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

 

Continue to lobby, with the BC Federation of Labour, the BC Liberal government for changes to 

the structure of the Industry Training Authority Board; and 

Recommend that the Board should have representatives from Labour, and educators who play 

strong roles in trades training in BC; 


C-147 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

 

With the BC Federation of Labour, lobby the BC Liberal government to move the entry-level 

trades training with full funding from the Industry Training Authority to the Ministry of 

Advanced Education; and 

Petition the BC Government to subsidize training and apprenticeship programs for the purpose of 

training workers; 


C-148 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

Continue to work with the Canadian Federation of Students and the BC Federation of Labour to 

demand that the provincial government: 

- Restore funding and freeze tuition for public colleges and universities. 

- Expand needs based on non-repayable grants to students. 

- Create and fund sufficient spaces for students. 

- Significantly reinvest in public colleges and universities. 

- Work with other provinces and the federal government to restore federal funding for 

post-secondary education through a distinct Canada Education Transfer and to negotiate 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

a national agreement on standards of quality, accessibility and mobility for postsecondary 

education; and 

 

 

Through the BC Federation of Labour, lobby the Provincial Government to work towards 

eliminating other tuition costs; and 

Once the freeze is reinstated, the BCGEU work with the Canadian Federation of Students and the 

BC Federation of Labour to further reduce the cost of post secondary education with an overall 

goal of eliminating tuition; 




 

Support the proposed CASFAA changes to the Canada Student Loan Program. 


C-150 LOCAL 1002 


 

 

Petition the government of the day to have Component 10/Highway workers included in the 

government’s “Move Over BC” campaign; and 

Lobby and encourage the Road Builders Association to petition the government that they also be 

included in the “Move Over BC” campaign; 


C-151 amended COMPONENT 10 


Lobby the federal and provincial government to ensure that all workers employed with benefit 

coverage continue to receive coverage until retirement; and 

Make it a top priority to negotiate and secure language to protect all members including those 65 

and older; 


D-152 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


 

Initiate a pilot project to create an elected area liaison in each of the 12 geographic areas of the 

province; and 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Each area liaison will be elected in the fall of 2011 by elected officers and stewards in each of the 

12 geographic areas; and 

Each area liaison will be entitled to union leave at the discretion of the Provincial Executive, plus 

expense reimbursement; and 

Duties of the area liaison may include assisting area locals with: 

• area campaigns 

• community action and awareness 

• city council presentations 

• political action 

• labour council campaigns 

• support for cross component committees 

• media contact, when appropriate 

• activist recruitment and retention, in consultation with local executives and staff 

• participation in the provincial executive Community and Social Action Committee 

activities 

• co-facilitation of basic stewards courses with staff 

• follow-up with delegates and participants to conventions, conferences and educational 

events from their area to encourage recruitment and retention of activists. 

Area liaisons will produce a report to each Provincial Executive meeting. The Provincial 

Executive will review this pilot project annually and will report out to the 2014 Triennial 

Constitutional Convention with recommendations concerning the project. This pilot project will 

be resourced by Workplace Leadership funds; 


D-153 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


1. Review our education program to: 

 

 

 

continue mainstreaming human rights and equity issues into all activist training; 

continue developing anti-bullying and harassment prevention tools for members and 

activists; 

ensure stewards have access to current information on the latest developments in human 

rights and the duty-to-accommodate disability and difference. 

2. Review the current environment for organizing and develop goals and strategies to extend rights 

to marginalized and exploited workers, who are most likely to be equity members. 

3. Map equity groups within our union membership. The BCGEU will continue to be an equal 

opportunity employer and actively recruit staff, stewards and activists from equity groups. 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

4. Encourage members from equity groups to become workplace leaders by carrying out M2M 

campaigns reaching out to members from equity groups prior to shop steward and local 

elections. 

5. Develop tools for staff negotiators and bargaining committees, including model language and 

checklists to advance equity in collective agreements. 

6. Self-organize Aboriginal workers, through the Aboriginal Council, and the self-organizing of 

workers of colour, disabled workers and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers into 

activist networks. 

Recruitment and training of PE Equity and Human Rights member-activists to work with 

committee and activist networks to mobilize members from equity groups. Collaboration with all 

provincial executive committees, young worker delegates and cross component committees; 

D-154 amended PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 



 

Ensure that any follow up work generated from the Ad Hoc Committee that was struck to work 

on Resolution D-104 concerning union sponsored child care centres from the 2008 Convention 

will be passed on to the Provincial Executive Child Care, Family, and Work, Life Balance 

Committee when the 2011 Convention closes; 


D-155 COMPONENT 3 


 

Work to ensure that our national union, the National Union of Public and General Employees 

(NUPGE) pays all its arrears per capita tax (dues) and assessments to the Canadian Labour 

Congress (CLC) and immediately resume paying its proper per capita tax (dues) to the CLC 

according to the CLC Constitution; and 

 

Demand that NUPGE not use the divisive tactic of withholding per capita tax (dues) from the 

CLC as a means of resolving disputes; and 

 

Also reaffirm our commitment to workers’ solidarity, membership and active participation in the 

mainstream labour movement in the interests of all working people; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-156 LOCAL 308 


 

Continue to provide direct member access to area offices in smaller communities, particularly 

offices with a single staff representative; 

Covered by D-157. 

D-157 to cover D-156 


 

Discontinue the use of call centres for the rural centres (i.e. Cranbrook); 


D-158 LOCAL 311 


 

Contact Air Canada to discuss customer service inadequacies and suggest ways to improve 

service; 




Adopt a policy that (effective the next Constitutional Convention in 2014): 

• Requires candidates for President, Treasurer and Vice-President positions to be 

nominated and to accept nomination in writing prior to the commencement of the 

convention; and 

• Permits nominations for these positions from the floor only in the case of insufficient 

nominations to fill the position(s); and 

 

Publicize this policy before each convention; 


D-160 amended LOCAL 703, 707 


Adopt a plain language method for voting directly on resolutions at all future conventions instead 

of voting on committee recommendations of concurrence or non-concurrence; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-161 LOCAL 2011 


 

Set a limit of 150 words for all resolutions being referred to the Triennial Constitutional 

Convention; 


D-162 to cover D-163 LOCAL 611 


 

Ensure that at the Constitutional Convention the Chair of the Convention points out at the 

beginning of the Convention that delegates should not speak at a “Con” microphone in order to 

state that the “resolution does not go far enough”; 


D-163 LOCALS 1201, 1206, 1211 


 

Ensure that at the Constitutional Convention, the Chair of the Convention points out, at the 

beginning of the convention that delegates should not speak at a Con microphone in order to state 

that the “resolution does not go far enough”; 




 

Adopt this new Provincial Executive policy: 

“Meetings of Union members or activists will normally be attended and chaired by an 

elected activist. This includes, but is not limited to, Component and Local Executive, 

table officer, committee, general membership, bargaining and ratification meetings.” 




 

Adopt this Provincial Executive policy: 

Policy X: Ratification meetings and votes on collective agreement settlements 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

We want members to make informed decisions. An informed decision requires having access to 

all relevant information and the opportunity to properly consider that information. The union 

will make every effort to provide members with all of the relevant information they need to make 

an informed decision prior to a ratification vote on a proposed settlement.. Ratification 

meetings will be scheduled with sufficient notice and the complete terms of settlement with all 

proposed changes to the collective agreement will be made available as well as a summary 

document. A bargaining committee may, in unusual circumstances, request that the President 

approve an alternative ratification process.” 




 

 

Make every effort to take into consideration an outside organization’s labour relations record and 

the employment conditions of its workers before make sponsorship or support decisions; and 

Strongly encourage cross component committees, committees, components and the BC 

Federation of Labour to do the same; 


Composite #6 to cover D-167, D-168 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 602 


 

 

 

 

Require staff, activists and officers who are sent by the BCGEU to participate in conferences and 

study tours to submit a report to the President’s office at the conclusion of their trip; and 

Provide financial statements that specifies which staff members and activists (including PE 

members) take trips outside of Canada on union business when HQ paid; and 

Present on a quarterly basis to the Provincial Executive members the cost and purpose of the 

above trips; and 

Develop protocols to ensure that there is accountability for out of country travels; 




 

Require staff, activists and officers who are sent by the BCGEU to participate in conferences and 

study tours to submit a report to the President’s office at the conclusion of their trip; 

Covered by Composite #6 to cover D-167, D-168 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-168 LOCAL 602 


 

 

 

Provide financial statements that specifies which staff members and activists (including PE 

members) take trips outside of Canada on union business; and 

Present on a quarterly basis to the Provincial Executive members the cost and purpose of the 

above trips; and 

Develop protocols to ensure that there is accountability for out of country travels; 

Covered by Composite #6 to cover D-167, D-168 

D-169 LOCAL 601 


 

Ensure that Components and Locals are advised of the names of BCGEU activists that attend HQ 

sponsored events and training; 




 

Adopt policy requiring cross component committees to avoid scheduling dinners in the 6 months 

before any constitutional convention; 


D-171 to cover D-172 LOCAL 403 


 

Change the Appreciation Banquet to Activist Banquet that includes OHS and Labour 

Management Committee members; 


D-172 LOCAL 803 


 

Change the Activist Appreciation Banquet to include OHS and JLM members to attend; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Annually review and report to the Provincial Executive on workplace leadership initiatives in all 

areas, and will annually report on Member to Member campaigns by components or locals; and 

• Work to increase participation in all areas in workplace leadership programs that can strengthen 

locals and ensure Local activities are meaningful to members; and 

• Work to encourage more locals in all areas to use M2M annually to recruit stewards, local 

officers and OHS committee members; 



Covered by Composite #7 to cover A-29, D-173, D-174, D-175 

 

 

Increase resources at all levels to promote workplace leadership; and 

Increase internal communications about workplace leadership; 


D-175 LOCAL 602 


 

 

Equally distribute to Locals the Workplace Leadership budget with the budget to be held in trust 

by each Area Office to ensure it is used appropriately; and 

Allow the Local Executives to use this budget to better service its members; 




 

Establish a Provincial Executive Personnel Committee, including 3 component representatives, a 

vice-president and a director to develop and recommend best-practice personnel policies, 

including hiring procedures and review employment interview questions and job descriptions. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-177 LOCAL 502 


 

 

Work with Cross Component Committees to look at what each area office needs in regards to 

staffing; and 

Will properly staff up the area offices to allow for full regular staff servicing of the membership 

by the staff assigned; 

Covered by Composite #8 to cover A-37, D-177, D-179, D-180, D-181, D-182, D-183 



 

 

 

retire the Provincial Executive Community and Social Action Committee; and 

expand the mandate of Cross Component Committees to include community and social action; 


redirect the savings to increased support for Cross Component Committees to specifically engage 

in community outreach and engagement and social action; 


D-179 LOCAL 602 


 

 

 

Review and initiate a formula for allocating the number of Staff Representatives to service 

members in each Local; and 

May consider a formula that includes but is not limited to 

4. The number of members served 

5. The number of collective agreements and components serviced 

6. The area served considering travel times; and 

Not reduce the current staffing levels in any area office because of this review; 

Covered by Composite #8 to cover A-37, D-177, D-179, D-180, D-181, D-182, D-183. 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-180 LOCAL 602 


 

Employ sufficient staff in its Negotiations Department so that Area Office Staff Reps are not 

required to do bargaining and/or provide full coverage for Staff Reps that are involved in 

bargaining; 

D-181 LOCAL 602 



 

Provide sufficient administration staff to area offices; 

D-182 LOCAL 302 



 

Ensure that our area offices are properly and consistently staffed to meet the workload and the 

need for adequate representation; 

D-183 LOCAL 2012 



 

 

Review and conduct an assessment as to the needs to source or employ full-time and/or part-time 

staff representatives in isolated areas where required; 

Create the need for sub-offices in isolated areas where identified. 

D-184 LOCAL 501 



 

Take measures to ensure that all members who are interviewed in workplace related criminal 

investigations are accompanied by lawyers; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-185 LOCAL 503 


 

 

Increase the budget for arbitration cases; 

Allow the steward who filed the grievance or a subject matter expert to be present during 

arbitration; 


D-186 LOCAL 502 


 

Work to educate and organize private liquor stores. 


D-187 LOCAL 503 


 

Retract its position on pensioners paying for their benefits; 


D-188 LOCAL 512 


 

Change the criteria for becoming a lifetime member to include members that retire before 

pension age; 


D-189 amended to cover D-190, D-191 LOCAL 611, COMPONENT 10, LOCALS 1201, 1211 


 

Remove the words "Regular Employees of the Union will not be considered under this Policy" 

from Policy H1 – Life Membership and review the criteria; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 



 

Not exclude life membership for those that meet the terms of life membership and have become 

staff of the BCGEU; 

Covered by D-189 amended to cover D-190, D-191. 

D-191 LOCALS 1201, 1211 


 

Remove the words “Regular Employees of the Union will not be considered under this Policy”. 

(Policy H1 – Life Membership); 

Covered by D-189 amended to cover D-190, D-191. 

D-192 LOCAL 601 


 

Promote the use of carpooling to attend BCGEU events including conventions. Promotion to 

include but not be limited to wage loss for travel time, hotel accommodation and meal 

allowances; 

Covered by Composite Finance Resolution 3 to cover A-2, A-19, A-18, D-192. 

D-193 LOCAL 611 


 

Allow alternates to the Provincial Executive Committees so that designates to these committees 

may send an alternate when they are not able to attend the committee meetings themselves; 


D-194 LOCAL 611 


 

Provide more resources to stewards on line for example an up to date interpretation manual, a 

question and answer section, sample grievances, sample classification appeals, etc., that would 

assist them in their work with the members; and 

 

Also produce and maintain a Steward’s manual; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-195 LOCAL 1201, 1206, 1211 


 

Provide more resources to stewards online, for example, up-to-date interpretations when they 

become available, a question and answer section, sample grievances, sample classification 

appeals that would assist stewards in their work with the members; and 

 

Produce and provide an online Stewards’ Manual; 


D-196 to cover D-194, D-195 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

 

Assist Stewards in understanding the Collective Agreement by continuing to develop 

interpretation manuals for all agreements the Stewards see and making them available online and 

in area offices; and 

Offer regular training sessions on the interpretation of the province wide Collective Agreements; 


D-197 LOCAL 611 


 

Implement something similar to the BC Government @ work website to communicate with our 

members and to facilitate our members communicating with one another; 

D-198 to cover D-197 LOCALS 1201, 1206, 1211 



 

Implement technology or a tool similar to the provincial government @work website to 

communicate with our members and to facilitate our members communicating with one another; 


D-199 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

Further reinforce, whenever possible, the electronic distribution to Components, Locals, and 

elected Officers, all notices, bulletins, current disputes, strike information, press releases, 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

campaign materials, convention material (including reports and resolutions where possible) and 

all other information instead of mailing out hard copies; 

D-200 Amended LOCAL 601 



 

 

Make available on its website a link to organizations campaigning against sweat shops; two lists, 

one of which will be manufacturers and retailers that use sweat shop labour to produce their 

goods and the other list which will be manufacturers and retailers that do not use sweat shop 

labour to produce their goods, both lists to include union certification if applicable; and 

Undertake a member education campaign on the real cost of sweat shop manufacturing; 


D-201 LOCAL 311 


 

Post all BCGEU component and local bylaws and Provincial Executive policies on our website; 


D-202 LOCAL 1203 


 

 

Seriously pilot internet and computer based ways to contact our membership and to seek out their 

concerns, opinions, and participation at the local level. This will include, but not be restricted to, 

local and committee question and answer pages, tweets, 

e-mail, online meetings, etc.; and 

Commit the necessary funding to be able to implement pilot projects and testing by the end of 

2011; 


D-203 LOCALS 1201, 1206 


 

On request, provide a local membership list to the local chairperson in secure digital format, 

compatible with MS Excel, to facilitate sorting by various criteria as required for campaigns of 

the locals; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-204 LOCAL 603 


 

Adopt an anti-bullying campaign modelled on the Component 17 anti-bullying campaign; 




 

Entrench our Union’s anti-bullying work by making it a part of a Provincial Executive Committee; 


D-206 LOCAL 707 


 

Have all offices and official functions of the BCGEU purchase and serve only certified fair trade 

coffee; 


D-207 LOCAL 707 


 

 

Increase the age limit for young workers to enable mentoring and support for the new young 

worker activists; and 

Change the age of young workers to 35 years and younger; 


D-208 LOCAL 702, 703 


 

Continue to strive for the recruitment of young workers as activists in all locals as members of all 

union committees; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

D-209 LOCAL 1206 


 

Ensure that any tickets or gifts received will be raffled off with the proceeds going to a charity, 

raffled off among the membership or donated to a charity. They will not be used arbitrarily by 

senior executive or staff; 




 

Endorse Child Find BC as an organization for Cross Component Committees and other groups 

within the BCGEU to support and work with; 


D-211 LOCALS 1201, 1206 


 

Adopt and promote use of the term “Life/Work Balance”; 


D-212 LOCAL 2010 


 

Pursue new benefits for its members; 


D-213 LOCAL 710 


 

have all members elected as Bargaining Committee Chairpersons, sit on their local executive; 

E-214 to cover E-215, E-216 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 



 

Vigorously lobby the provincial government and official opposition to develop and enshrine 

the core principles and processes included in the European Stress Code; and 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

 

Build alliances with other Labour organizations, and appropriate Advocacy groups to 

develop a Stress Code model for workers in British Columbia; 


E-215 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 304 


 

 

Vigorously lobby the provincial government and official opposition to develop and enshrine the 

core principles and processes included in the European Stress Code; and 

Build alliances with other labour organizations, and appropriate advocacy groups to develop a 

Stress Code model for workers in British Columbia; 

Covered by E-214. 

E-216 LOCAL 2006 


 

 

Vigorously lobby the provincial government and official opposition to develop and enshrine 

the core principles and processes included in the European Stress Code; and 

Build alliances with our labour organizations and appropriate advocacy groups to develop a 

stress code model for workers in BC; 


E-217 LOCAL 2009 


 

 

Enter into a timely dialogue with the government of BC as to what the government intends to 

do to reduce workplace stress on many of its remaining employees; and 

Ask the BC government to identify offices and ministries and positions where workload and 

workload stress could be high; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

E-218 to cover E-219, C-220 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 304 


 

Lobby government and the opposition to establish a workplace practices central registry that 

identifies specific locations that have been identified as containing asbestos or other substances 

known to cause cancer; 


E-219 LOCAL 2006 


 

Lobby government and the opposition to establish a workplace and practices central registry 

that identifies specific locations that have been identified as containing asbestos or other 

substances know to cause cancer; 


E-220 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


 

Lobby government and the opposition to establish a workplace and work tasks central 

registry that identifies specific locations that have been identified as containing asbestos or 

other substances known to cause cancer; 




 

With the Provincial Executive Occupational Health & Safety Committee develop a Day of 

Mourning Action Plan. The plan will mobilize BCGEU members throughout the province to 

participate in the Day of Mourning ceremonies in their communities and workplaces to pay 

tribute to workers killed on the job; 




With the Provincial Executive Occupational Health and Safety Committee, develop a Day of 

Mourning Action Plan to mobilize BCGEU members throughout the province to participate in 

the Day of Mourning ceremonies in their communities and workplaces to pay tribute to workers 

killed on the job; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

E-223 LOCAL 2006 


 

Develop a Day of Mourning plan to mobilize BCGEU members throughout the province, in 

communities where there is no labour council presence, to participate in the Day of 

Mourning ceremonies in their communities and workplaces to pay tribute to workers killed 

on the job; 




 

Work with the BC Federation of Labour and other advocacy groups to lobby the government 

and the opposition parties to restore compensation benefits, including loss of earnings and 

lifetime pensions to previous levels; 




 

Work with the BC Federation of Labour and other advocacy groups to lobby the government and 

the opposition parties to restore compensation benefits, including loss of earnings and lifetime 

pensions to previous levels; 


E-226 LOCAL 2006 


 

Work with the BC Federation of Labour and other advocacy groups to lobby the government 

and the opposition parties to restore compensation benefits, including loss of earnings and 

lifetime pensions to previous levels; 


E-227 to cover E-228 LOCAL 401 


 

Lobby WorkSafe BC and Health employers to ensure that compliance is the minimum standard 

and that the culture of safety is proactive rather than reactive and that staffing levels meet the 

needs of members working with violent patients, residents and clients; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

E-228 LOCAL 801 


 

Lobby WorkSafe BC and health employers to ensure that compliance is the minimum standard 

and that the culture of safety is proactive rather than reactive and that staffing levels meet the 

needs of members working with violent patients, residents and clients; 


E-229 LOCAL 402 


 

 

Provide locals with a full list of worksites who have OHS Committees or OHS representatives 

along with a list of worksite without committees or OHS reps; and 

Mandate and budget specifically to provide OHS representation and/or services to worksites 

requiring assistance with occupational health and safety issues whether the worksite meets the 

work-safe legislation requirement or not; 


E-230 LOCALS 1201, 1202, 1206 


 

Re-write the OH&S appointment letter to the employer to remove the reference to a term certain 

date; 


E-231 LOCAL 1201, 1202, 1206 


 

Review the current policies, procedures and practices to develop and implement a more efficient, 

cost savings and fair distribution of recruiting more members as OH&S committee 

representatives; 


E-232 to cover E-233 LOCAL 412 


 

Continue to work with WorkSafe BC and employers to ensure compliance with the Workers’ 

Compensation Act and Regulations in regards to OHS committees on worksites; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

E-233 LOCAL 812 


 

Continue to work with WorkSafe BC and employers to ensure compliance with the Workers’ 

Compensation Act and Regulations in regards to OHS Committees or worksites; 


Composite #9 to cover E-234, E-235, E-236 

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE, LOCALS 1201, 1202, 1206, 2006 


 

Review all policies particularly WCB Regulation 4.20 (Working Alone) which includes travel 

with both a lens on the health and safety of the activists and work/life balance; 


E-234 LOCALS 1201, 1202, 1206 


 

Review all policies with both a lens on the health and safety of the activists and work/life 

balance; 

Covered by Composite #9 to cover E-234, E-235, E-236 

E-235 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 


Do risk assessment to ensure that activists’ rights are protected under the WCB Regulation 4.20 

(Working Alone) which includes travel; 


E-236 LOCAL 2006 


Do risk assessments to ensure that activists' rights are protected under WCB Regulation 4.20 

(Working Alone) which includes travel; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

F-237 LOCAL 701 


 

Encourage and reinforce its commitment to ensure that every union member is either enrolled in 

one of the five main pension plans, or the BCGEU pension plan at a minimum; 

Composite #10 to cover F-238, F-239 LOCAL 505, LOCAL 707 



 

Strongly lobby both the Federal and Provincial governments, in concert with the BC Federation 

of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress: 

• for a universal pension for all citizens of British Columbia no matter 

who their employers are; and 

• to raise the Canada Pension Plan payments and the threshold amount for 

our most vulnerable citizens; 


F-238 LOCAL 505 


 

Lobby a universal pension for all citizens of British Columbia no matter who their employers 

are. 

Covered by Composite #10 to cover F-238, F-239 

F-239 LOCAL 707 


 

Strongly lobby both the Federal and Provincial governments, in concert with the BC Federation 

of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress, to raise the Canada Pension Plan payments and 

the threshold amount for our most vulnerable citizens; 

Covered by Composite #10 to cover F-238, F-239 

G-240 to cover G-241, G-243 LOCAL 101 


 

Have the bargaining principals review Factors 2, 5, 9, 12, & 13 of the Public Service Job 

Evaluation Plan (PSJEP) for all BCGEU Components 1, 2, 6, 12, & 20 Peace Officer 


cope 378

M I N U T E S 

Occupations and Occupations dealing with care that results in on the job violence in Appendix 

3C and Article 28 of the Master Agreement, and to better reflect the on the job duties for each 

family related benchmark, up to including a separate plan or rating system for all BCGEU Peace 

Officer occupations & care occupations; 


G-241 LOCAL 101 


 

Have the bargaining principals review Factors 2, 5, 9, 12, & 13 of the Public Service Job 

Evaluation Plan (PSJEP) for all BCGEU Components 1, 6, 12, & 20 Peace Officer Occupations 

in Appendix 3C and Article 28 of the Master Agreement, and to better reflect the on the job 

duties for each family related benchmark, up to including a separate plan or rating system for all 

BCGEU Peace Officer occupations; 

Covered by G-240. 

G-242 amended LOCAL 101 


 

Aggressively pursue both a substantial wage increase and other monetary increases at the next 

round of Bargaining in 2012; 


G-243 LOCAL 104 


 

Review the "factors", "reasons for classification", "degrees" and "class" points be reviewed and 

adjusted to reflect the true danger that is present in our workplaces and an increase in points to 

the factor regarding hazards be made; 

Covered by G-240. 

G-244 LOCAL 311 


 

Strongly encourage all bargaining committees to negotiate collective agreement language that 

provides members with the option of receiving new collective agreements in either a paper copy 

or on a flash drive or other electronic storage device; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

G-245 COMPONENT 3 


 

 

Develop a strategy to co-ordinate negotiations with child care employers to the greatest extent 

possible to increase our bargaining power, create efficiencies and improve the wages, benefits 

and working conditions of early childhood educators; and 

Also call for either the establishment of a labour relations organization for child care agencies or 

the inclusion of child care agencies in the Community Social Services Employers’ Association 

under the Community Services Labour Relations Act; 


G-246 COMPONENT 3, LOCAL 303 


 

 

Exercise our responsibility to undertake authentic negotiations for members in non-provincially 

funded positions in the community social services sector under the Community Living Services, 

General Services and Aboriginal Services collective agreements; and 

Exercise due diligence in these negotiations, including demanding that employers open their 

books for examination; 




 

Approach public sector negotiations in 2012 by: 

• Striving to lead public sector unions in British Columbia to stand in solidarity with each 

other to resist the wage controls of the provincial government and the Public Sector 

Employers’ Council and their mandate of “no erosion of employers’ rights”; and 

• Leading by example in coordinating negotiations to the greatest and most effective extent 

possible to increase our bargaining power and build solidarity between workers in all parts of 

the broad pubic sector; and 

• Developing a range of tactics and try new creative ways of achieving these goals, 

including possibly tabling common proposals across different negotiating tables, 

coordinating strike votes and membership engagement and mobilization; and 

• Endorsing a basic general principle of low-wage redress, fairness and standardization of 

wages and benefits. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

G-248 LOCAL 503 


 

 

Adopt a strict policy against negotiating agreements with a divisive two-tiered wage structure; 


Eliminate two-tiered wage structures in all collective agreements where it exists; 


G-249 LOCAL 601 


 

Engage in a consciousness raising initiative with all employers around various forms of eldercare 

support and develop model contract language to assist members to get paid or increased paid 

leave in order to maintain their employment and also adequately nurture their dependent elders; 




 

 

Research the feasibility of providing extended health and dental coverage for members that do 

not have coverage or have a poor level of coverage; and 

Research the feasibility of bargaining that coverage into collective agreements; 


G-251 LOCAL 103 


 

Give Component 1 the ability to bargain their own terms and conditions, with the ability to take a 

strike vote that would not bind the whole master bargaining unit in the event that it is required. 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

G-252 LOCAL 103 


 

Lobby the government to have Component 1 recognized as a separate entity under the Public 

Service Labour Relations Act, so that the Component can negotiate the terms and conditions that 

affect them. 


H-253 LOCAL 401 


 

Bestow upon Sister Donna Verdiel the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-254 LOCAL 406 


 

Bestow upon Brother Tim Dunphy the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-255 LOCAL 404 


 

Bestow upon Sister Margaret Walden (Walters) the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-256 LOCAL 504 


 

Bestow upon Brother Wilf Brodrick the Union's highest honour of life membership; 


H-257 LOCAL 503 


 

Bestow upon Brother John Tregilges the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

H-258 LOCAL 511 


 

Bestow upon Brother Ron Edgar the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-259 LOCAL 503 


 

Bestow upon Brother Glen Kary the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-260 LOCAL 611 


 

Bestow upon Sister Karen Taylor the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-261 LOCAL 607 


 

Bestow upon Brother Bill Downey the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-262 LOCAL 607 


 

Bestow upon Brother Bob Barten the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-263 LOCAL 709 


 

Bestow upon Sister Jackie Chapin the Union ‘s highest honour of Life Membership; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

H-264 LOCAL 709 


 

Bestow upon Brother Al Walker the Union’s highest honour of Life Membership; 


H-265 LOCAL 703 


 

Bestow upon Sister Drena McCormack the Union’s highest honour of Life Membership; 


H-266 LOCAL 703 


 

bestow upon Sister Joanne Fox the Union’s highest honour of Life Membership; 


H-267 LOCAL 1212 


 

Bestow upon Sister Rusty Blanes the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-268 LOCAL 1208 


 

Bestow upon Sister Helga Knote the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-269 LOCAL 1203 


 

Bestow upon Sister Elizabeth (Lou) Washburn the Union's highest honour of Life membership; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

H-270 LOCAL 1701 


 

Bestow upon Brother Edwin Navas the Union's highest honour of life membership; 


H-271 LOCAL 1701 


 

Bestow upon Sister Josie Bezaire the Union's highest honour of life membership; 


H-272 LOCAL 2004 


 

Bestow upon Sister Laurie Evans the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-273 LOCAL 2004 


 

Bestow upon Sister Carol Armstrong the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-274 LOCAL 2007 


 

Bestow upon Sister Dolly Zawaduk the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-275 LOCAL 2001 


 

Bestow upon Brother Robert Nijman the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 



cope 378

M I N U T E S 

H-276 LOCAL 2010 


 

Bestow upon Brother Brian Taylor the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-277 LOCAL 2006 


 

Bestow upon Brother George Foisy the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 


H-278 LOCAL 2008 


 

Bestow upon Sister Karen Brown the Union’s highest honour of life membership; 



cope 378

Consolidated financial statements of 

B.C. Government and 

Service Employees’ Union 

December 31, 2010

B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union 

December 31, 2010 

Table of contents 

Independent auditors’ report ............................................................................................... 1 

Consolidated balance sheet ................................................................................................. 2 

Consolidated statement of revenues and expenses ................................................................. 3 

Consolidated statement of changes in fund balances .............................................................. 4 

Consolidated statement of cash flows ................................................................................... 5 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements ....................................................................... 6-14 

Consolidated schedule of expenses ....................................................................................... 15

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

TO THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE OF 

B.C. GOVERNMENT AND SERVICE EMPLOYEES’ UNION 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of B.C. Government and 

Service Employees’ Union, which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 

2010, and the consolidated statements of revenues and expenses, changes in fund balances and 

cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other 

explanatory information. 

Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial 

statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and for such 

internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated 

financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

Auditors’ Responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our 

audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. 

Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit 

to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from 

material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and 

disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the 

auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the 

consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk 

assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair 

presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are 

appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 

effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness 

of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by 

management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial 

statements. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 

basis for our audit opinion. 

Opinion 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the 

financial position of B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union as at December 31, 2010, 

and the results of its operations, changes in its fund balances and its cash flows for the year then 

ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. 

Chartered Accountants 

Vancouver, British Columbia 

May 3, 2011 

Page 1


Consolidated balance sheet 

As at December 31, 2010 

2010 2009 

$ $ 

Assets 

Current assets 

Cash 5,544,958 3,915,414 

Accounts receivable 3,938,637 4,509,706 

Prepaid expenses 348,624 476,489 

Due from components (Note 3) 50,051 - 

Short-term investments (Note 4) 54,216,472 44,602,448 

64,098,742 53,504,057 

Investments (Note 5) 103,251 103,251 

Cash held in trust (Note 6) 2,851,000 236,792 

Property and equipment (Note 7) 17,307,913 16,586,053 

84,360,906 70,430,153 

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3,378,985 3,369,233 

Due to affiliate (Note 8) 174,472 151,572 

Due to components (Note 3) - 63,916 

Current portion of capital lease obligations (Note 9) 215,675 190,128 

3,769,132 3,774,849 

Capital lease obligations (Note 9) 241,807 343,858 

Amounts held in trust (Note 6) 2,851,000 236,792 

Supplemental leave benefits liability (Note 10) 10,573,388 10,232,730 

17,435,327 14,588,229 

Fund balances 

Invested in property and equipment 16,859,596 16,059,819 

Unrestricted (Note 11) 6,893,627 3,659,358 

Internally restricted (Note 11) 

Fightback and campaign reserve 2,603,367 2,581,122 

Area office land and building reserve 376,255 - 

Convention reserve 1,000,000 500,000 

Bargaining reserve 1,774,000 1,774,000 

Restricted – Defence Fund 37,418,734 31,267,625 

66,925,579 55,841,924 

84,360,906 70,430,153 

Commitment (Note 12) 

Approved on behalf of the Provincial Executive 

________________________________ 

President 

________________________________ 

Treasurer 

See notes to consolidated financial statements. Page 2


Consolidated statement of revenues and expenses 

Year ended December 31, 2010 

Revenues 

Operations 

(General Fund 

and Solidarity 

Holdings Ltd.) 

Defence 

Fund 

Consolidated 

2010 

Consolidated 

2009 

$ $ $ $ 

Members’ dues 47,416,387 - 47,416,387 47,799,569 

Less: 

Allocations to Defence Fund, 

6.06% of dues revenue (2,873,433) 2,873,433 - - 

Allocations to Components, 

6.00% of dues revenue (2,844,983) - (2,844,983) (2,867,974) 

41,697,971 2,873,433 44,571,404 44,931,595 

Investment income (loss), net 434,924 824,633 1,259,557 (584,818) 

Affiliation remittances and other 147,372 - 147,372 271,358 

Rent 112,711 - 112,711 79,644 

Expenses 

42,392,978 3,698,066 46,091,044 44,697,779 

Salaries and employee benefits 

(Note 13) 21,054,518 - 21,054,518 20,888,970 

Building and administration 

(Schedule) 5,705,259 - 5,705,259 5,923,395 

Affiliation fees 2,049,915 - 2,049,915 2,056,439 

Bargaining 1,741,212 - 1,741,212 865,907 

Supplemental leave benefits 

(Note 10) 1,475,803 - 1,475,803 1,469,622 

Campaigns, coalitions and 

communications (Schedule) 1,380,864 - 1,380,864 1,752,688 

Education 1,073,081 - 1,073,081 1,487,531 

Provincial executive and committees 973,015 - 973,015 934,970 

Travel and relocation 783,712 - 783,712 782,011 

Conventions and conferences 702,956 - 702,956 286,239 

Hearings, arbitration and legal 580,186 - 580,186 561,215 

Automobile 477,594 - 477,594 394,430 

Other member services (Schedule) 288,358 - 288,358 293,080 

Professional fees 241,014 - 241,014 228,316 

Donations 89,927 - 89,927 44,039 

Joint committee meetings 81,602 - 81,602 127,641 

Strike expenses, net - (1,331) (1,331) 262,977 

38,699,016 (1,331) 38,697,685 38,359,470 

Excess of revenues over expenses 3,693,962 3,699,397 7,393,359 6,338,309 



Consolidated statement of changes in fund balances 


Operations (General Fund and 

Solidarity Holdings Ltd.) 

Invested in 

property 


equipment 

Unrestricted 

Internally 

restricted 

Restricted 

Defence 

Fund 

Consolidated 

2010 

Consolidated 

2009 

$ $ $ $ $ $ 

(Note 11) 

Fund balances, 

beginning of year 16,059,819 3,659,358 4,855,122 31,267,625 55,841,924 44,252,676 

Excess of revenues over 

expenses - 3,693,962 - 3,699,397 7,393,359 6,338,309 

Unrealized gain on 

investments at 

December 31, 2010 - 1,108,391 - 2,077,598 3,185,989 3,317,370 

Transfer of net realized loss 

on investments - 130,193 - 374,114 504,307 1,933,569 

Amortization of property 

and equipment (1,661,951) 1,661,951 - - - - 

Purchase of property and 

equipment 2,249,155 (625,410) (1,623,745) - - - 

Equipment under capital 

leases 212,573 (212,573) - - - - 

Interfund transfers 

(Note 11) 

Transfers: 

2009 unrestricted fund 

balance - (2,000,000) 2,000,000 - - - 

2010 operating 

budget - (522,245) 522,245 - - - 

Fund balances, end of 

year 16,859,596 6,893,627 5,753,622 37,418,734 66,925,579 55,841,924 



Consolidated statement of cash flows 


2010 2009 

$ $ 

Operating activities 

Excess of revenues over expenses 7,393,359 6,338,309 

Item not involving the outlay of funds 

Amortization 1,661,951 1,597,769 

9,055,310 7,936,078 

Net changes in operating working capital 

Accounts receivable 571,069 (234,417) 

Prepaid expenses 127,865 (218,819) 

Due from/to components (113,967) (36,555) 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 9,752 (570,153) 

Due to affiliate 22,900 24,368 

Supplemental leave benefits liability 340,658 340,877 

10,013,587 7,241,379 

Investing activities 

Purchase of short-term investments, net (5,923,728) (4,466,063) 

Repayment from NAPE - 577,284 

Purchase of property and equipment (2,252,983) (2,028,690) 

(8,176,711) (5,917,469) 

Financing activity 

Principal repayments, capital lease obligations (207,332) (199,093) 

Net cash inflow 1,629,544 1,124,817 

Cash position, beginning of year 3,915,414 2,790,597 

Cash position, end of year 5,544,958 3,915,414 

Supplemental cash flow information 

Purchase of property and equipment by capital lease 147,197 255,483 

Interest paid on capital lease obligations 38,218 42,365 



Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Year Ended December 31, 2010 

1. Nature of organization 

The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (the “Union”) is a democratic union 

providing services to its members who work for the Government of the Province of British 

Columbia, or its boards, agencies, commissions and Crown corporations, or in the broader 

public and private sectors. As a labour organization, the Union is exempt from income taxes 

under Section 149(1)(k) of the Income Tax Act. 

2. Significant accounting policies 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally 

accepted accounting principles and reflect the following significant accounting policies: 

(a) 

Principles of consolidation 

These financial statements include the accounts of the General and Defence Funds of 

the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union and the Union’s wholly-owned 

company. All transactions between the General Fund, Defence Fund and the Union 

have been eliminated. 

These financial statements do not include the assets, liabilities, revenues and 

expenses of the Components and Locals. 

(b) 

Fund accounting 

The Union prepares its financial statements using the concept of fund accounting. A 

description of each fund is as follows: 

The General Fund reports the Union’s unrestricted resources and the following 

internally restricted reserves. The balances and transactions of the Union’s whollyowned 

company are also reflected in this fund. 

 

 

 

 

The Fightback and campaign reserve 

The Area office, land and building reserve 

The Convention reserve 

The Bargaining reserve 

The Defence Fund reports restricted resources to be used in the event of job action. 

(c) 

Financial instruments 

The Union is continuing with the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (“CICA”) 

Section 3861, “Financial Instruments – Disclosure and Presentation”, as permitted for 

not-for-profit organizations. 

Financial instruments, for recognition and measurement, are all classified as one of the 

following: held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, held-for-trading, available-for-sale 

or other financial liabilities. 

Financial assets and liabilities held-for-trading are measured at fair value with gains 

and losses recognized in operations. 

Financial assets held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, and other financial liabilities 

are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. 

Page 6




2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

(c) 

Financial instruments (continued) 

Financial assets available-for-sale are normally measured at fair value, with changes in 

fair value recorded in changes in fund balances until the investments are sold, at 

which time any resulting gains or loss would be recorded in operations. The exception 

is for equity investments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market 

and are therefore recorded at cost. 

The Union’s financial instruments are classified as follows: 

Held-for-trading 

Cash 

Loans and receivables 

Accounts receivable 

Due from components 

Available-for-sale 

Short-term investments 

Investments 

Other liabilities 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Amounts held in trust 

Due to affiliate 

Due to components 

(d) 

Property and equipment 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. 

Amortization is calculated on the declining balance basis at the following annual rates: 

Buildings 5% 

Parking lot and road 4% 

Furniture and equipment 20% 

Computer equipment 30% 

Equipment under capital leases is amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of 

the lease of three to five years. 

Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line basis over the initial term 

of the lease (five years) and one renewal period (five years). 

(e) 

Impairment of long-lived assets 

The Union reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or 

changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be 

recoverable as compared to expected undiscounted future cash flows. 

The Union records an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the 

carrying amount of the asset exceeds the undiscounted estimate of future cash flows 

from the asset. Any impairment loss is measured as the difference between the 

carrying amount and estimated fair value of the asset. 

Page 7




2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

(f) 

Revenue recognition 

The Union follows the deferral method of accounting for members’ dues. Restricted 

contributions are recognized as revenue in the same year in which the related 

expenses are recognized. Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue when 

received or receivable if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and 

collection is reasonably assured. 

Interest and investment income is recognized in the period earned. Realized gains 

and losses on the sale of investments are included in the determination of investment 

income. 

(g) 

Supplemental leave benefits 

The Union provides supplemental leave benefits under a defined benefit plan and 

accrues its liability under the plan. Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in 

actuarial assumptions are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected 

remaining service life of plan members (Note 10). 

(h) 

Income taxes 

As a not-for-profit organization, the Union is not subject to income taxes under Section 

149(1)(k) of the Income Tax Act. However, its wholly-owned company follows the 

asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, current 

income taxes are recognized as incurred and payable in the current year. Future 

income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the 

carrying amounts of balance sheet items and their corresponding tax values as well as 

for the benefit of losses available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes 

to the extent that they are likely to be realized. The wholly-owned company computes 

future income taxes using the substantively enacted corporate income tax rates for the 

years in which the differences will likely reverse. The amount of future income tax 

assets recognized is limited to the amount of the benefit that is more likely than not to 

be realized. 

(i) 

Measurement uncertainty 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally 

accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and 

assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of 

contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the 

reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Areas 

requiring the use of estimates include the recoverability of accounts receivable, the 

useful lives of property and equipment, valuation of investments, net recoverable 

amount of property and equipment, accrued liabilities, capital lease obligations and 

supplemental leave benefits liability. The Union believes the estimates are reasonable; 

however, actual results could differ from those estimates and could impact future 

results of operations and cash flows. 

3. Due from (to) Components 

2010 2009 

$ $ 

Dues allocations payable (315,413) (338,403) 

Advances to cover expenses, non-interest-bearing 365,464 274,487 

50,051 (63,916) 

Page 8




4. Short-term investments 

The Union’s investments are comprised of equity and debt securities, all of which are classified 

as available-for-sale and are carried at their fair value based on the quoted market prices of 

the securities at December 31, 2010. 

The composition of trading securities, classified as current assets, is as follows at 

December 31: 

Fair 

Value 

2010 2009 

Fair 

Cost 

Value 

Cost 

$ $ $ $ 

Treasury bills 103,733 103,750 - - 

Fixed income funds 26,027,238 26,174,670 16,186,941 16,697,236 

Common stock 28,085,501 23,979,154 18,001,518 17,222,602 

Term deposits - - 10,413,989 10,413,989 

Represented by 

54,216,472 50,257,574 44,602,448 44,333,827 

General Fund 18,231,804 16,987,001 16,428,326 16,422,106 

Defence Fund 35,984,668 33,270,573 28,174,122 27,911,721 

54,216,472 50,257,574 44,602,448 44,333,827 

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the total realized loss on the sale of marketable 

securities was $504,307 (2009 - $1,933,569). 

5. Investments 

The investments noted below do not have quoted market prices in an active market and are 

therefore recorded at cost. 

2010 2009 

$ $ 

Working Enterprises Ltd. 1 1 

United Labour Mutual Holding Society 88,000 88,000 

West Kootenay Labour Centre Holding Society 15,250 15,250 

103,251 103,251 

Page 9




6. Amounts held in trust 

2010 2009 

$ $ 

Public Service Employees’ Benefit Trust 39,160 39,160 

For training of members covered by the Master Agreement 

between government of the Province of British Columbia 

and the Union 

Health Science Professionals Professional Development Fund 171,948 197,632 

For professional development of members covered by the 

Health Sciences Professionals collective agreement 

Joint Community Health Retraining Fund 2,639,892 - 

For retraining members of the labour organizations 

consisting of the Community Bargaining Association, of 

which BCGEU is a member 

7. Property and equipment 

2,851,000 236,792 

Cost 

2010 2009 

Net book 

value 

Accumulated 

amortization 

Net book 

value 

$ $ $ $ 

Land 2,541,522 - 2,541,522 2,030,022 

Buildings 15,569,795 5,973,092 9,596,703 8,931,008 

Furniture and equipment 5,946,995 4,706,405 1,240,590 1,168,069 

Computer equipment 2,101,719 1,627,956 473,763 453,827 

Equipment under capital 

leases 895,582 460,309 435,273 510,311 

Parking lot and road 100,865 31,513 69,352 72,242 

Leasehold improvements 5,980,461 3,029,751 2,950,710 3,420,574 

33,136,939 15,829,026 17,307,913 16,586,053 

No impairment losses have been identified by the Union for the year ended December 31, 

2010. 

8. Due to affiliate 

The amount due to an affiliate union, with which BCGEU has a memorandum of agreement, is 

unsecured, non-interest-bearing and is payable on demand. 

Page 10




9. Capital lease obligations 

Future minimum lease payments on capital lease obligations are as follows: 

2011 240,912 

2012 192,589 

2013 52,413 

2014 9,968 

Total minimum lease payments 495,882 

Less: Imputed interest at 6.8% (38,400) 

$ 

457,482 

Less: Current obligation (215,675) 

Long-term obligation 241,807 

Interest of $38,218 (2009 - $42,365) on account of capital leases was recognized during the 

year and is included in office expense. 

10. Supplemental leave benefits liability 

The Union is committed to provide certain supplemental leave benefits under a defined benefit 

plan. The benefits are based on length of service and final earnings. 

An actuarial report prepared in early 2010 provided the Union with a valuation of the total 

benefits liability at December 31, 2009 and a projection of the current service cost for 2010 

and total benefits obligation at December 31, 2010. Both the valuation and projection were 

based on assumptions regarding discount rates and employees’ compensation levels during 

their active period of employment. 

In March 2011, the actuaries revised their projection of the December 31, 2010 obligation to 

reflect a discount rate of 4.25%, as compared to the discount rate of 5.25% used in their 

earlier report. The resulting actuarial loss of $406,630 will be amortized over 9.51 years 

starting in 2011. 

2010 2009 

$ $ 

Total benefits obligation 12,219,856 11,779,393 

Unamortized actuarial loss (1,646,468) (1,546,663) 

Supplemental leave benefits liability 10,573,388 10,232,730 

Supplemental leave benefits expense consists of the 

following: 

Interest cost on accrued benefit obligation 619,306 762,773 

Current service cost 549,673 523,483 

Amortization of actuarial gains/losses 306,824 183,366 

Supplemental leave benefits expense 1,475,803 1,469,622 

Benefits paid in the year were $1,135,145 (2009 - $1,128,744). 

Page 11




10. Supplemental leave benefits liability (Continued) 

Actuarial 

adjustments 

Amortization 

period 

Initial 

amortization 

2010 2009 

Total 

Unamortized Unamortized 

actuarial Accumulated actuarial loss actuarial loss 

loss (gain) amortization 

(gain) 

(gain) 

$ $ $ $ 

2003 9.74 2003 1,487,550 1,221,808 265,742 418,468 

2004 9.74 2005 224,281 138,161 86,120 109,147 

2005 9.74 2006 606,911 311,556 295,355 357,666 

2006 9.50 2007 333,705 140,507 193,198 228,325 

2007 9.50 2008 (213,599) (67,452) (146,147) (168,631) 

2008 9.50 2009 (639,731) (134,680) (505,051) (572,390) 

2009 9.51 2010 1,174,078 123,457 1,050,621 1,174,078 

2010 9.51 2011 406,630 - 406,630 - 

3,379,825 1,733,357 1,646,468 1,546,663 

The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring and projecting the supplemental 

leave benefits liability are as follows: 

2010 2009 

% % 

Discount rate 4.25 5.25 

Rate of compensation and benefits increase 3.00 3.00 

11. Internally restricted fund balances 

Fightback 


campaign 

reserve 

Area office 

land and 

building 

reserve 

2010 2009 

Convention Bargaining 

reserve reserve Total Total 

$ $ $ $ $ $ 

Fund balance, 

2,581,122 - 500,000 1,774,000 4,855,122 3,696,951 

beginning of year 

Purchase of 

property and 

equipment - (1,623,745) - - (1,623,745) (877,964) 

Operating 

expenditures - - - - - (41,829) 

Transfers: 

2008 unrestricted 

fund balance - - - - - 285,383 

2009 unrestricted 

fund balance - 2,000,000 - - 2,000,000 592,581 

2010 operating 

budget 22,245 - 500,000 - 522,245 1,200,000 

Fund balance, end 

of year 2,603,367 376,255 1,000,000 1,774,000 5,753,622 4,855,122 

The fightback and campaign reserve includes $26,231 (2009 - $3,986) in reserve for political 

action and contributions. 

In 2010, the Provincial Executive approved the transfer of $2,000,000 from the 2009 

unrestricted fund balance to the internally restricted area office land and building reserve. 

Page 12




11. Internally restricted fund balances (Continued) 

On January 19, 2011, the Provincial Executive approved the transfer of an additional $350,000 

from the 2009 unrestricted fund balance to the internally restricted area office land and 

building reserve. The transfer approved in 2011 is not reflected in these financial statements. 

12. Commitment 

Leases 

The Union is committed to operating lease payments on premises and office equipment over 

the next five years as follows: 

2011 288,788 

2012 202,318 

2013 149,702 

2014 130,221 

2015 121,820 

13. Multi-employer pension plan 

$ 

892,849 

Employees of the Union are members of the Public Service Pension Plan, a multi-employer 

contributory defined benefit plan. The regular employer contribution for 2010 was $1,469,955 

(2009 - $1,481,802) and is included in salaries and employee benefits expense. 

14. Financial instruments 

(a) 

Fair value 

The Union’s financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, due to/from 

components, short-term investments, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and 

due to affiliate, the carrying values of which approximate their fair values due to their 

immediate or short-term maturity or their market-related interest rates. 

The fair values of investments in trade union holding societies are not determinable as 

the investments are equity instruments with no quoted market prices in an active 

market. 

(b) 

Interest rate risk 

The Union is not exposed to significant interest rate risk on its short-term monetary 

assets and liabilities. 

There is a financial risk to the Union’s earnings that arises from fluctuations in interest 

rates and the degree of volatility of these rates. The Union does not use derivative 

instruments to mitigate this risk. 

Page 13




14. Financial instruments (Continued) 

(c) 

Credit risk 

15. Income taxes 

The Union’s exposure to credit risk with respect to its cash and short-term investments 

is minimized since these items are held at well-capitalized Canadian financial 

institutions. In addition, the Government of the Province of British Columbia, with its 

Financial Institutions Act, has, through the Credit Union Deposit Insurance 

Corporation, guaranteed the full value of the Union’s cash, all of it held at credit 

unions in British Columbia. 

The Union’s exposure to credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is minimal since 

over 92% (2009 - 97%) of the accounts receivable, as at December 31, 2010, are 

receivable from well established employers for members’ dues deducted from 

members’ wages. Member dues are received from employers on a regular basis. 

The Union is not subject to income taxes. Its wholly-owned company has no taxable income 

for the year (2009 - $nil). No recognition has been made in the consolidated financial 

statements for any potential tax benefits arising from timing differences between the 

company’s net book value and tax basis of property and equipment, which amounted to 

approximately $384,000. 

16. Capital disclosures 

The Union’s objective when managing its capital is to safeguard the Union’s ability to continue 

as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide benefits for members consistent with its 

Constitution. 

The Union has no externally imposed capital requirements. 

The Union allocates a certain portion of the members’ dues that it collects to both the Defence 

Fund and the Components. 

17. Reclassification 

Certain of the prior year’s figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s 

presentation. 

Page 14


Consolidated schedule of expenses 


2010 2009 

$ $ 

Building and administration 

Amortization of property and equipment 1,456,086 1,400,949 

Office 1,039,441 1,043,727 

Building 995,525 1,362,359 

Telephone and utilities 876,643 818,556 

Rent 480,622 437,846 

Information technology 348,418 369,522 

Postage 302,659 293,616 

Amortization of property and equipment under capital lease 205,865 196,820 

5,705,259 5,923,395 

Campaigns, coalitions and communications 

Defending jobs and public services 677,232 819,496 

Internal and external communications 550,841 621,548 

Political action and contributions 152,791 311,644 

1,380,864 1,752,688 

Other member services 

Stewards and local officer recognition events 144,017 138,752 

Cross component committee expenses 68,137 81,439 

Scholarships and welfare 55,375 53,810 

Union observers 20,829 19,079 

288,358 293,080 

Page 15

unions 

matter 

BCGEU FORTY-EIGHTH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 

JUNE 15 TO 18, 2011 VANCOUVER, B.C. 

Convention Reports

BCGEU FORTY-EIGHTH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

Table of Contents 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT PAGE 1 

REPORT OF PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES PAGE 9 

Child Care, Family and Life/Work Balance Committee .........................................................................9 

Community and Social Action Committee ..........................................................................................11 

Education, Activism and Communications Committee .........................................................................13 

Environment Committee ..................................................................................................................15 

Equity and Human Rights Committee ................................................................................................17 

Finance Committee ..........................................................................................................................19 

Grievance Appeal Committee ............................................................................................................22 

International Solidarity Committee ....................................................................................................23 

Occupational Health and Safety Committee .......................................................................................25 

Resolutions Committee ....................................................................................................................27 

Scholarship Committee ....................................................................................................................27 

Women’s Committee ........................................................................................................................29 

Young Workers’ Committee ..............................................................................................................31 

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 33 

Organizing and Field Services ...........................................................................................................33 

Negotiations ...................................................................................................................................39 

Advocacy ........................................................................................................................................49 

Research, Campaigns and Communications .......................................................................................52 

Administration .................................................................................................................................69 

Human Resources ...........................................................................................................................71 

Finance ..........................................................................................................................................71 

BCGEU Organizational Structure and Staff .........................................................................................74 

BCGEU Administrative Structure .......................................................................................................78 

REPORTS OF AFFILIATES PAGE 79 

BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union .................................................................................................79 

Compensation Employees’ Union ......................................................................................................81 



Welcome! 

unions 

matter 

Executive Committee Report 

BCGEU members can look back with 

pride at the work their union has 

done for its members and the role 

it plays in the broader community. We have 

built alliances with faith groups, social policy 

groups and activist organizations – all to help 

build a better province for our members and 

the rest of the public. 

DELEGATES TO THE 48TH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 

OF THE B.C. GOVERNMENT AND SERVICE EMPLOYEES’ UNION 

This report of the Executive committee is prepared 

for the union’s 48th constitutional convention. 

It will outline the key activities of the 

BCGEU and our affiliated unions since the last 

convention in June 2008. Executive committee 

members include Darryl Walker, president; 

Judi Filion, treasurer; and vice-presidents Dan Bradford, 

Mike Clarke, Colleen Jones, and Lorene Oikawa. 

The Executive committee meets jointly with the 

Administrative committee. In addition to the president 

and treasurer, Administrative committee members 

include directors Lynn Bueckert, Jaynie Clark, Mary 

Rowles and David Vipond. The Executive committee 

deals with policy issues, the Administrative committee 

addresses operational issues. 

Introduction 

Since our last convention, BCGEU members and the 

people of British Columbia have seen political change 

unlike the province has ever seen before. 

In 2009 we saw the re-election of the Campbell government 

and immediately there was a popular revolt 

against the government’s introduction of the Harmonized 

Sales Tax. Pressure on the government was so 

intense that Premier Campbell was forced to resign 

and was eventually replaced by Christy Clark. 

Political turmoil didn’t escape the NDP either. B.C.’s 

New Democrats saw their leader, Carole James resign, 

to be replaced by Adrian Dix. 

At the federal level, Stephen Harper’s Conservatives 

were re-elected to a minority government in 2008. As 

this report is being prepared the Conservatives have 

formed a majority government, raising many concerns 

about the future of many government services and 

programs. 

At the same time there was political upheaval provincially, 

there was a continual reworking of the public 

service, especially in the resource ministries. Adequate 

funding of social service agencies and other service 

providers were a constant struggle for workers to face. 

Through all of this upheaval, be it in government, the 

broader public service, or in our private sector certifications, 

BCGEU members did their jobs every day, 

providing services to the public we are noted for. Our 

political leaders may have thrown our economy and 

our governments into disarray, but workers in B.C. 

continue to do their job. 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT 

PAGE 1

account, B.C.’s public sector wages have increased by 

0.15 percent over the last decade. 

The BCGEU is working with the BC Federation of Labour 

and its affiliates to ensure we can make gains at 

the bargaining table, not fall behind. We will continue 

to work with our brothers and sisters across the border 

in building international solidarity to fight efforts 

by governments and employers to rollback our rights. 

No Easy Path for Bargaining 

The 2010 negotiation year saw the expiry of major 

collective agreements covering a majority of BCGEU 

members. 

All is not calm, though. There are clouds on the 

horizon as governments and employers blindly follow 

an ideological approach that puts workers in second 

place. The public service is targeted as a scapegoat for 

declining revenues and all workers are being told their 

pensions are “gold-plated” and they have to be rolled 

back, along with other hard-earned rights. 

BCGEU members have shown that they won’t take this 

lying down and will fight for our rights and the needs 

of those less fortunate. “Unions Matter” is our convention 

theme and the message from our convention will 

show that. 

BCGEU members can be proud of their role in determining 

the future of our union and the future of British 

Columbia. 

Unions Matter 

Despite our hard-earned gains and their promises of a 

better approach, it’s not hard to hear the rumblings of 

a developing attack on workers. 

Whether it’s the scrapping of collective bargaining rights 

for public employees in Wisconsin or the constant refrain 

from conservative commentators in Canada of the 

need to scale back pension plans, working people will 

be facing one of our biggest fights over the next few 

years. Governments and employers, blaming workers 

and their unions for being greedy and inflexible, are 

clearly gearing up to take back many of the rights and 

benefits working people have fought for and earned. 

Blaming workers and their wages is always the 

easy way out. But it’s not right. Taking inflation into 

It was, and remains, a difficult climate to bargain in. 

The provincial government set out a strict net zero 

bargaining position that forced unions in all sectors to 

fund improvements to contracts by making changes 

from within existing agreements. 

Faced with this mandate, the BCGEU’s negotiations 

with employers, including the provincial government, 

were difficult, but agreements were reached with 

improvements. 

A major sector, community social services, have not 

yet reached agreement with employers and strike 

votes were being taken to send a message to employers 

and the government that workers in this sector 

were serious about reaching a collective agreement 

with some positive changes around job security and 

the continuity of care. 

College instructors are working on local agreements 

but have yet to reach a settlement with colleges 

around the province. 

College support bargaining has come to a standstill 

given the government’s net zero mandate and the employer’s 

unwillingnes to improve job security language. 

This fall we will have bargaining conferences, as we 

will be back at the table in early 2011 with the majority 

of our agreements. The BCGEU has made it clear 

to employers that our members will not settle for 

zeros in the next round of bargaining. 

Settlements Reached Included: 

PUBLIC SERVICE – temporary market adjustments 

continued and employment security negotiated. Some 

PAGE 2 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

health benefits extended and a new process for dealing 

with bullying. 

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES – agreement negotiated 

three percent increase for licensed practical nurses 

in 2009 and 2010, a three percent increase based on 

Grid 8 wages for certified dental assistants, including a 

direct pay drug card and improved vision care. 

work. The creation of the component gives health 

care workers another voice at the union’s provincial 

executive. The new component was created with the 

full support of our existing health care component – 

Component 4. 

Overall, the BCGEU represents 17,000 health care 

workers – approximately 25 percent of all members. 

FACILITIES HEALTH SERVICES – LPNs, supervisors and/or 

techs, ortho techs, lab assistant, sterile supply, buyers, 

accountant 1 and 2 and unit clerks received increases 

and expanded job security language. There is an a 

dditional $1,000,000 for the education fund. 

HEALTH SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS – an agreement was 

reached in early March 2011 that saw improved employment 

security language and significant improvements 

to the benefits package. A new joint working 

group for benefits and classifications was established. 

LAKE CITY CASINO – members voted in April 2011 to 

ratify a new collective agreement. The three-year 

agreement includes wage increases and improvements 

to dental benefits. 

LIFELABS – agreement was reached on a three percent 

increase along with increases in meal allowances and 

an increase in premium pay for training. 

CANADA LINE (PROTRANS) – After months of bargaining 

and a strike vote, agreement on a first collective 

agreement was achieved. The agreement includes 

improvement to wages, pensions and health benefits. 

A New Component 8 for 

Community Health Workers 

A growing membership of health care workers led to 

the creation of Component 8, our new community 

health component. 

Because of the size and complexity of our membership 

in the health care sector, the new component will 

give members in this sector a direct focus on their 

A Growing Union 

Since our last convention the union has made a strong 

commitment to organizing. We have led all B.C. unions 

in organizing new members. Just over 3,307 members 

have joined the BCGEU since mid-2008. 

We have steadily expanded our membership at casinos 

and we have made strong inroads in the health sector, 

including organizing workers at InSite (176 new 

members), Retirement Concepts/Well Being (639 

members), Baltic Properties (260 members) and 

Advocare (180 members). 

It is exciting to see so many new workers join our 

union. It is a testament to our work and the reputation 


PAGE 3

of the BCGEU that we have been able to organize so 

many new workers. 

Reaching Out to Members 

Annual Member-to-Member campaigns allow stewards, 

local and component executives to visit workplaces 

and meet with members. 

Recent work by the union has resulted in the re-appointment 

of health and safety committee members at 

worksites around the province. The OH&S committee 

has also developed OH&S ENews, an email bulletin on 

health and safety issues which is sent to stewards and 

committee members. 

Child Care 

Pressing government to establish affordable, accessible, 

high quality child care continues to be a key 

campaign for the union. 

We have used federal, provincial and municipal 

elections as platforms to raise the issue and make it 

a centrepiece of debate. 

We will continue to work with our partners in child 

care to ensure that the issue does not slip off the 

agenda. 

Steward networking, conferences, campaign schools 

and education courses like the BCGEU Labour Institute 

help increase member participation and provide tools 

for activists to become advocates in their workplaces 

and communities. 

Campaigns put Union’s Issues 

on the Public Agenda 

The BCGEU is recognized in the labour movement for 

the work we do on our campaigns. Our campaigns 

reach out into the community, linking with faith groups, 

social policy groups, community activists, and others. 

Here is a brief sketch of some of our campaigns. Each 

campaign involves considerable planning, research, 

building contacts, reasonable and non-discriminatory 

(RAND) relationships and creating communications 

materials. We are proud of our legacy of work in many 

of these areas. 

Ending Poverty 

We are a member of the B.C. Poverty Reduction Plan 

Coalition, using our voice to raise concerns about the 

continuing and outrageous levels of poverty in British 

Columbia. It is unforgiveable that B.C. has the highest 

rate of child poverty in Canada. 

A way out of the poverty trap is a living wage, and we 

are active members in the “Living Wage” campaign, 

launched to help lift working families and children 

out of poverty. The “Living Wage” campaign calls 

for a higher standard than the minimum wage, 

ensuring that wages reflect the needs of families in 

their communities. 

The BCGEU is proud to be a living wage employer. 

Is That Truck Safe? 

The union and the Component 20 Executive have 

pooled resources to engage in a public campaign to 

increase awareness of the union’s commercial vehicle 

inspectors, and the impact of continuing budget cuts 

on road safety across the province. 

The campaign’s goal is two-fold – to increase the 

profile of the role commercial vehicle inspectors play in 

ensuring road safety, and to pressure the government 

to fill dozens of vacant inspector positions and increase 

operational hours of commercial vehicle weigh 

scales. 

The campaign, which is being developed, will include 

billboards, radio and newspaper ads, a campaign web 

page (roadsafebc.ca), and a municipal lobbying effort 

in key communities across the province. 

The key message of the ad campaign is: “That truck 

may not be roadsafe: numerous inspectors’ jobs 

remain unfilled.” 

George Foisy, a recently-retired commercial vehicle 

inspector with 38 years public service, serves as the 

campaign’s spokesperson and voice of our inspectors. 

PAGE 4 


Mental Illness and Addictions 

There is growing recognition of just how underfunded 

mental health and addictions services are in our 

province. 

The BCGEU represents frontline workers in many sectors 

that work with people who have mental illness 

and addiction problems and we are working with them 

to provide support and assist the union in responding 

to the provincial government’s Mental Health Plan. 

12 BCGEU activists, called “Champions for Change” who 

have been out in the communities at union meetings, 

labour councils and other events to generate a national 

debate on the need for public services and tax fairness. 

The campaign continues and staff can arrange for a 

“Champion” to speak to your group. 

We will work with our members and other organizations 

and providers to ensure there is a proper response 

in place for workers and clients alike. 

Community Living 

Sweeping cuts and service redesigns in community living 

are negatively affecting adults with developmental 

disabilities. BCGEU members working at agencies contracted 

by Community Living BC are losing their jobs, 

as group homes around the province are being closed. 

The union has developed a Community Living campaign 

to raise awareness about the issue, including by 

organizing two community forums in the fall of 2010. 

The BCGEU has taken the lead in organizing a network 

of stakeholders in the sector, and releasing a report 

highlighting the impact of the cuts, and calling for a 

moratorium on group home closures. 

Justice For All 

The union conducted an active campaign around the 

provincial government’s cuts to legal aid. 

Cuts forced the Legal Services Society to cut staff 

in the Lower Mainland alone by 38 positions. The 

cuts have a dramatic impact on low-income people, 

especially women and their children. 

The union worked with its allies in the Coalition for 

Public Legal Services, holding hearings and gathering 

information from people around the province. 

Providing for Seniors 

Providing quality care for seniors is key to helping seniors 

live a long and productive life. Improved funding 

for home support and other services is the basis of the 

BCGEU’s seniors’ campaign. 

We are one of the largest unions representing health 

care workers in the province – especially those who 

care for seniors. It is clear that home support improves 

the quality of life for seniors and helps them 

stay out of hospitals. Seniors and those needing acute 

care would benefit from increased funding to home 

support programs. 

The BCGEU is pushing the government on a number 

of issues including expanding home support services, 

investing in training for seniors’ care work and ending 

the contracting out of staff. 

We have developed an active communications plan to 

build on this activity and put seniors’ care at the top of 

the health care debate. 

Community Social Services Matter! 

The union continues to follow the situation closely. 

Quality Public Services and Tax Fairness 

We are an active participant in the NUPGE “All Together 

Now!” campaign talking to workers, friends 

and family members about the need for quality public 

services and tax fairness. 

The campaign is an outreach effort to talk to as many 

people as possible. We have participated by recruiting 

Every day, BCGEU members who work in community 

social services go to work to help the most vulnerable 

in our society. They help people deal with some of the 

basic things in life that most of us take for granted. 

Community social service workers provide help to 

people with developmental disabilities, people who 

need child care and employment and housing, and 


PAGE 5

and Prince George, with participants 

from our members, the industry and 

elected officials at all three levels of 

government. 

they work in support programs for women who are 

dealing with violence, substance abuse and addiction 

related problems. Their work is critical to the daily 

lives of many, and yet they often go unrecognized. 

That’s the impetus behind “Community Social Services 

Awareness Month,” a campaign by unions in the sector 

to promote the work of workers in this field. 

The BCGEU leads the campaign supporting community 

outreach events and getting local councils around 

the province to proclaim Community Social Services 

month. Events wrap up with a march in Victoria. 

Be sure and check out the website at: 

www.communitysocialservicesmatter.ca. 

B.C. Forests – Our Future 

Since 2002, the Liberal government has cut more than 

1,100 forestry workers’ jobs from the 

Forests and Range ministry, eroded 

the government’s compliance and 

enforcement capabilities in public 

forests and has ushered in an era 

of self-regulation that threatens the 

sustainability of B.C. forests. 

Faced with severe cuts to the provincial 

government’s ability to properly 

manage our forests, the union has 

launched an extensive campaign to 

reach out to members and the public 

in forest-based communities around 

the province. We have held forums in 

Castlegar, Campbell River, Kamloops 

We have also worked closely with 

our members, community groups, 

and First Nations to assist them during 

the transition to the creation of the 

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural 

Resource Operations. This was a 

significant change within government 

and created many challenges, with 

members not knowing which branch 

of government they were in months 

after the ministry was created. We are 

continuing to monitor the development 

of the new ministry through Article 29. 

The public shares our concerns as well. In a poll 

conducted by the union, a large majority supported 

more investment in the forest sector and an overwhelming 

number of respondents acknowledged the 

need for good regulation and public oversight of the 

forest industry by people who work for the forest 

service. 

The union is compiling the information collected from 

the community meetings and will be putting together 

a policy document later in the year. 

Day of Mourning – April 28th 

Every year, on April 28th, workers around the world 

pause for a moment to pay tribute to workers who 

were injured or killed on the job. There are around 

140 workplace deaths each year 

in B.C. 

The BCGEU has always participated 

in Day of Mourning events and has 

revamped its communications materials, 

including a new poster and 

a fridge magnet outlining workers’ 

rights. 

Shop Public 

The union is continuing it’s campaign 

to draw attention to the value 

of “shopping public” at public liquor 

stores. The campaign includes advertizing 

and other communications 

work, especially around holiday 

PAGE 6 


periods, to encourage consumers to shop at 

public stores. The message is clear: shopping 

at the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) 

means profits on alcoholic beverages go 

back to government to help fund public 

services including health care and education. 

We will be building on the “Shop Public” 

campaign by working more closely with 

other unions to make sure their members 

understand the importance of shopping at 

the LDB. 

The union works with the Consumers’ 

Association of Canada (CAC) on reports and 

other information to promote shopping at 

public liquor stores. 

International Solidarity 

The BCGEU continues to build links and work with international 

labour and non-government organizations. 

The union contributes 10 cents per member per month 

to the BCGEU Diane L. Wood International Solidarity 

and Humanity Fund which helps support a number 

of projects and partners different unions, community 

groups and non-governmental organizations. 

The union partners with CoDevelopment Canada 

(CoDev) on four projects in Latin America and works 

with partners in the Horn of Africa and the Stephen 

Lewis foundations on projects in Africa. 

Other work is done with the Burma Labour Solidarity 

Organization and the Adopt an Organizer in the 

Philippines (an initiative of the Vancouver and District 

Labour Council). 

The union’s Tom Kozar Scholarship Fund provides 

education scholarships through the CoDev partners. 

The union has also provided emergency funds to Haiti, 

Chile and Japan. 

A Green Union 

The BCGEU is a member of the Jobs, Justice and 

Climate Coalition which works with the labour movement 

and environmental groups to develop a “bluegreen” 

economy. The coalition sponsored a successful 

conference in September 2010 and representatives 

from the BCGEU attended a similar conference in 

Washington, D.C. The goal of the movement is to 

ensure good environmental practice is followed while 

encouraging economic development. 

The union’s “Cool Communities” campaign has helped 

make food security and climate justice issues at the 

municipal level and elsewhere. The campaign continues 

to be the centrepiece for the union’s work on 

climate change. 

Internally, the union continues to take steps to reduce 

its carbon footprint. The union’s environment officer 

is mandated to look at new ways and techniques to 

reduce, reuse and recycle. 

An annual review of steps taken at headquarters and 

the Lower Mainland area office to reduce our carbon 

footprint is reviewed and recommendations implemented. 

Initiatives such as new paper dispensers in washrooms 

to reduce the amount of paper used and the installation 

of motion sensor water taps all help the union 

meet its ongoing goal of being a “green” union. 

The work of the union in choosing more environmentally 

proper products is reflected in the certificate 

presented to the union by one of our paper suppliers. 

The union has also sponsored a number of gardening 

workshops for members, bringing in experts to help 

members establish gardens and grow more of their 

own produce. 


PAGE 7

Embracing Social Media 

The union is now using social media more than ever to 

reach out to members. 

While the union’s website is the anchor for new initiatives, 

even it has gone through some changes. Popular 

new videos such as “In Conversation” have been 

well-received and the “President’s Blog” provides an 

opportunity for the president and members to have a 

dialogue on issues of the day. 

The union’s email list has grown substantially, with 

around half the membership included. This makes it 

easy to send out the weekly e-bulletin, a summary of 

the news, and for different parts of the union to have 

their own e-bulletins, such as the new occupational, 

health and safety e-news. 

We have a growing following on Facebook and Twitter, 

using these tools to quickly get messages out to members 

and the media and to hear directly from members 

on their concerns. 

Internal Strength 

The union continues to improve on its ability to service 

members. A key development has been the establishment 

of BCGEU Direct, a centralized resource centre 

to help answer questions from members. Questions 

about collective agreements, stewards and other 

membership issues are answered quickly and consistently 

by the staff. 

A new office has been opened in Castlegar (May 2010) 

and the new Nanaimo office will open in May of this year. 

Joining the executive were Susanne Francoeur 

(Component 2), Stephanie Smith (Component 3 

second member), Craig MacKay (Component 5), Stu 

Seifert (Component 7), Carla Dempsey (Component 8) 

and Louise Hood (Component 8 second member). 

Other members of the executive: Darryl Walker (president), 

Judi Filion (treasurer), Mike Clarke (vice-president), 

Colleen Jones (vice-president), Lorene Oikawa 

(vice-president), Dean Purdy (Component 1), James 

Cavalluzzo (Component 3), Brenda Brown (Component 

4), Doug Kinna (Component 6), Mike Nuyens (Component 

10), Sandi McLean (Component 12), Lori Joaquin 

(Component 12 second member), Dave MacDonald 

(Component 17), Byron Goerz (Component 20). 

We want to thank the following for their service: 

Anthony Dodds (vice-president), Helen Lindsay 

(Component 2) and Betty Reid (Component 5). 

All of our members and staff have worked to be a 

strong voice at the bargaining table and to provide 

ongoing service for our members. We are first among 

unions when it comes to working with our community 

allies to achieve a better life for all British Columbians. 

Video conferencing is now available in all area offices. 

This has reduced travel costs and allowed much 

greater opportunity to have resource people available 

at meetings around the province. 

Thanks to All 

Since our last convention, the Provincial Executive has 

seen a number of changes. Anthony Dodds stepped 

down as vice-president. His position was filled by Dan 

Bradford, who was chair of Component 7. 

PAGE 8 


unions 

matter 

Reports of Provincial 

Executive Committees 

CHILD CARE, FAMILY AND LIFE/WORK BALANCE COMMITTEE 

The committee’s mandate is to: 

• develop BCGEU policy for the Provincial Executive 

on workplace and employer-provided child care; 

• develop a position for the Provincial Executive, 

to lobby government for funding and bargaining 

structures; 

• develop policy for BCGEU’s child/dependent care; 

• encourage and support the participation of BCGEU 

activists and members in community and public 

awareness campaigns for Child and Family Care; 

• review union policies and practices with a life/ 

work balance lens and amend as required; 

• research and recommend ways to negotiate life/ 

work balance concerns into collective agreements. 

British Columbia’s children and families have 

faced increasing challenges over the last 

three years. Fortunately there are many 

caring advocacy organizations in B.C. alive to these 

challenges and have dynamic public campaigns aimed 

at changing the status quo. Much of the work of the 

Provincial Executive Child Care Family and Life/Work 

Balance committee has been to support and work 

closely with these groups. 

Over 120,000 children, one in seven, live in poverty in 

British Columbia. B.C.’s child poverty rate has improved 

slightly but is still the worst in Canada, the seventh 

year in a row. The Human Early Learning Project 

(HELP) has determined that nearly one in three B.C. 

kindergarten children are at risk of failing to develop 

into healthy, well-educated and productively employed 

adults. Almost 20 years ago, the federal government 

committed to ending child poverty by the year 2000. 

Canada contributes less to young families than all 

other developed countries with the exception of 

Mexico. And, at a time when life expectancy continues 

to grow, the infant mortality rate in Canada has 

increased by 0.1 percent since 1996. 

The BCGEU works closely with First Call, a B.C. 

coalition supporting children through public education, 

community mobilization and public policy advocacy. 

Among First Call’s many projects is the Living Wage 

Campaign. First Call and the Canadian Centre for 

Policy Alternatives have calculated that a living wage 

for persons who reside in Vancouver is $18.17 per 

hour. However, the minimum wage in B.C. remains the 

lowest in Canada at $8.00 per hour. 

First Call also reports that workplace injuries for child 

workers have increased over four times since the workstart 

age was lowered to 12 years in 2006. Brother Mike 

Clarke is actively involved in First Call, including sitting 

on the Early Childhood Development committee. 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS 

PAGE 9

affordable community based non-profit child care 

system in B.C. and across Canada. Sisters Stephanie 

Smith and Caroline Kent participate on the Executive 

Board of the coalition. 

Families continue to struggle to find accessible group 

child care during a time when more and more child 

care spaces have closed. In June of 2010, the provincial 

government announced that they were creating 

new spaces for before and after-school care to accommodate 

those families who may be re-entering the 

workforce due to the introduction of all-day kindergarten 

for four-year-olds. The provincial government’s 

main strategy to opening up new before and afterschool 

spaces is to increase group sizes from 20 to 24, 

effectively reducing the quality of care. At the end of 

June of the same year, the Champlain Heights Community 

Association, a BCGEU certification, was forced 

to close 45 before and after-school spaces because 

their funding was cut by the Vancouver Parks Board. 

Four BCGEU members lost their jobs as a result. 

Champlain Heights’ Kidstreet Clubhouse Out-of-School 

program provided quality care for school-aged children 

for more than 30 years. 

Corporate, for-profit child care has made its way back 

to B.C. Although ABC Learning Centres filed for bankruptcy 

in the fall of 2008, Kids and Company, another 

corporate, for-profit child care provider, has signed 

agreements with both WorkSafeBC and the University 

of British Columbia to provide offsite child care for staff 

and students. The BCGEU and the Coalition of Child 

Care Advocates (CCCABC) have condemned these 

agreements, citing poor quality care at the expense of 

profit margins. 

NUPGE has appointed Sister Stephanie Smith to sit on 

the board of the Child Care Human Resources Sector 

Council (CCHRSC). CCHRSC is a federally funded body 

addressing human resources in the child care sector 

across Canada. Sister Smith was recently appointed 

to the Executive committee of CCHRSC. The CCHRSC 

has completed a major project developing occupational 

standards for early childhood educators (ECEs). Over 

1,000 ECEs were interviewed during the development 

of the standards, including many BCGEU members. 

Other current projects include conducting an employer/ 

employee workforce survey and developing a human 

resource tool kit for employers. There are concerns that 

the work of the CCHRSC has been compromised by a 

reduction of labour seats on the council from six to four. 

Additionally, the CCHRSC faces funding cuts in the imminent 

budget. 

There remains much work to be done to improve the 

lives of B.C’.s children and families and the committee 

eagerly anticipates that work. 

Members of the committee are: Mike Clarke 

(chairperson), Stephanie Smith (vice-chairperson), 

Samantha McDonough (203), Caroline Kent (303), 

Judy Fox-McGuire (610), Steve Kitcher (701), Richard 

Schaeffer (703), Bob Kary (1208), Holly Page (asst. 

secretary), Chris Mullen (secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: 

John Cantlon, Rachel LeBlanc, Jocelyn Lewis. 

The BCGEU actively supports the work of the CCCABC. 

The purposes of the coalition are to promote and 

support quality community-based child care services 

that benefit children, families and the public in the 

best interests of society. The coalition advocates for 

the development of a comprehensive, accessible and 

PAGE 10 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE 

The Provincial Executive Community 

and Social Action committee has as 

its mandate: 

IDENTIFY AND RECOMMEND to the Provincial 

Executive, social, community and political actions 

as well as potential alliances appropriate 

to advancing the workplace and community 

interests of BCGEU members. These include 

lobbying, impacting public policy, defending 

workers’ interests, coalition building and 

related activity. 

COMMUNICATE WITH COMPONENTS and liaise 

with representatives of cross-component committees 

and with BCGEU representatives to the BC Federation 

of Labour Community and Social Action committee 

(and other committees as appropriate) to: 

• address the development of strategies to implement, 

at the community level, social and political 

action initiatives consistent with Provincial Executive 

policies; 

• provide feedback on these initiatives; and 

• consider proposals for initiatives and alliances 

in the formulation of recommendations for the 

Provincial Executive. 

ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT the participation of BCGEU 

activists and members in community, social and political 

action initiatives and alliances. This broad mandate 

is meant to encourage, promote and foster community 

activism amongst our membership. 

Since the last constitutional convention, the Provincial 

Executive Community and Social Action committee 

continued to focus its energies around poverty and 

related issues, especially the lack of affordable housing 

and the appalling conditions faced by the increasing 

number of homeless citizens in our communities. 

Homelessness is at crisis levels in our province. It is 

estimated that as many as 15,000 British Columbians 

are homeless. And it’s not just a big city problem. 

Communities small and large, urban and rural, are 

confronted with a growing number of individuals and 

families who do not have a place to live. 

People with severe addictions and/or mental illness 

make up anywhere from 33 percent to over 60 percent 

of the homeless population. Women who are victims 

of abuse and violence and are single parents are often 

homeless and the shelter system is not always a safe 

place for them. Family breakdown and abuse has contributed 

to an increase in youth homelessness. Many 

immigrants who have left their families and support 

networks behind in their home countries live in poverty 

and are homeless. Half of all refugees in Canada are 

at risk of becoming homeless because they don’t have 

access to settlement services or financial assistance. 

It’s estimated that 41 percent of B.C.’s Aboriginal 

people are at risk of homelessness and 23 percent 

are absolutely homeless. Still others are unemployed, 

unemployable, or working poor. 

But homelessness doesn’t just affect marginalized 

high-risk people. The homeless population is becoming 

increasingly diverse. Reduced eligibility for social 

assistance, cutbacks in government housing and social 

programs, uncontrolled rents, non-existent rental units 

and zero vacancy rates have forced many more people 

into unstable housing – couch-surfing, emergency 

shelters, or the streets. 

Access to good, affordable housing has a huge influence 

on the social, economic and political aspect of society. 

Studies in Canada indicate that the average lifespan 

of those who are homeless is 45 years – just over 

half the average lifespan of the general population 

(80 years). Housing – or lack thereof – is one of the 

key determinants of people’s health and well-being, 

and governments could save billions of dollars a year 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 11

in health care 

dollars by investing 

in housing. 

Those who are 

homeless put a 

disproportionate 

demand on police, 

ambulance, 

emergency room 

and justice-related 

resources. 

A 2007 study 

puts this cost 

to B.C. in excess 

of $55,000 

per person per 

year, compared 

with $37,000 to 

provide the same person with appropriate housing and 

supports. 

Even the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has recognized 

the importance of housing and has called for an 

end to homelessness. And yet Canada remains the last 

major developed nation without a national housing plan. 

In March 2009, B.C.’s Auditor General released a 

scathing report criticizing the B.C. government for 

having no clear strategy when it comes to reducing 

and preventing homelessness. In the report, Homelessness: 

Clear Focus Needed, John Doyle said the 

province had failed to take the lead in dealing with the 

homelessness issue that requires a coordinated effort 

by all three levels of government. 

This is an issue that touches everyone. It affects our 

members, the people they work with and provide 

services to, in every community in the province. 

We continued to educate ourselves by meeting with 

representatives from community agencies, anti-poverty 

groups and housing advocates to give their perspectives 

on the continuing struggle against poverty and 

homelessness. These included the Carnegie Community 

Action Project, Citywide Housing Coalition, United 

Way, Pivot Legal, W2 Community Media Arts, and First 

United Church. We also learned how to use visual art 

to promote social justice by participating in a hands-on 

workshop with Favianna Rodriguez. 

We then took action. We distributed sturdy foam bed 

mats, moisture barrier material, and “space blankets” 

to homeless citizens. We sponsored the purchase of 

a tent as part of Pivot Legal’s Red Tent campaign, 

providing a practical, easy-to-transport tent for someone 

in need of shelter while also calling for a funded 

national housing strategy. 

In March 2009, we supported province-wide “stands” 

for housing and a Grand March for Housing in Vancouver 

and other communities around the province. During 

Homelessness Action Week 2009, we volunteered 

at Burnaby Homeless Connect by serving breakfast to 

approximately 150 people at the Southside Community 

Church. In November 2010, we toured shelter and 

transitional housing sites on Vancouver’s downtown 

eastside, talking with our members, housing advocates 

and clients about the challenges and issues around 

homelessness. 

We worked to put homelessness on the political 

agenda. We brought in campaign staff from the 

BCGEU and BC Federation of Labour to brief us on 

plans for political action around the municipal and 

federal elections. We held a training session on 

member-to-member contact, then set up a phone 

bank to contact our members about the importance of 

voting in the Vancouver-Burrard provincial by-election. 

We devised a list of housing-related questions to pose 

to candidates in the 2008 municipal elections. 

Our goal is to continue to hold politicians at all levels 

accountable for the lack of affordable housing and 

educate ourselves and our members about homelessness 

and other poverty-related issues, while working 

in partnership with advocates and allies in the community 

to effect change. 

Members of the committee are: Colleen Jones (chairperson), 

Susanne Francoeur (vice-chairperson), Pam 

Schneider (308), Kristi Heinbuch (503), Frankie Kelley 

(601), Annette Taylor (703), Jim Manson (1008), Paul 

Finch (1201 and young worker rep), Linda Sonmor 

(1204), Wendi Lawrence (past member), Frank 

Anderson (asst. secretary), Carol Adams (secretary). 


Shannon Beckett, Mike Eso, Larry Jandu, Helen 

Lindsay, Paul Lloyd, Charlene Smythe, Pam St. 

Thomas, Christine Vanlerberg, Margaret Walters. 

PAGE 12 


EDUCATION, ACTIVISM 

AND COMMUNICATIONS 

COMMITTEE 

T 

he committee has a broad mandate to 

promote awareness of union education 

programs and to make recommendations 

to the education officer and Provincial Executive on 

union educational programs and communications. 

This committee is the only Provincial Executive committee 

that is comprised of members elected from each 

area cross-component committee and then confirmed 

by the president. Each member is the “education liaison” 

for their area. Their role is to report on activities 

related to education and activism and provide feedback 

and information to locals on course and training needs. 

They work through the cross-component committee 

and are the link to the area staff, the education officer, 

locals and members in their area. Education is a standing 

agenda item at all cross-component meetings. 

The committee meets twice yearly and regularly 

uses email for updates and communication with the 

education officer. 

The Education committee, communications staff and 

education officer have had a very busy three years 

with many new initiatives, opportunities for member 

education and new course development. The BCGEU 

has had more requests for training, courses and 

opportunities in education than ever before and the 

committee is committed to meeting the needs of 

members in new and exciting ways in the future. 

Two specific resolutions from the 2008 constitutional 

convention were successfully met. 

Resolution D-125 

To increase opportunities in labour history 

BCGEU’s Labour Institute (Academic Stream) includes 

a full day on labour history. We were involved in the 

75th anniversary of the “On to Ottawa Trek”, and a 

presentation was held for members about this historic 

mobilization of working people. A section on labour 

history is included in the basic stewards’ course and 

some area offices have held “labour history evenings”. 

Also, BCGEU sits on the advisory committee of the BC 

Labour Heritage Centre. 

Composite Resolution D-9 

Develop a strategy to address bullying in the 

workplace, including tools to assist members and 

stewards ... educate the membership 

Anti-bullying has been one of the main priorities for 

the union. Immediately after the 2008 convention, an 

anti-harassment and anti-bullying course was developed 

and sent to all area offices. The course consists 

of a two-and-a-half hour anti-harassment session and 

a three-hour anti-bullying session. 

This course was widely requested, not only from our 

own membership, but from numerous employers. Many 

of these employers have adopted it as mandatory for 

all employees, including excluded employees. Our staff 

representatives facilitate the course directly in the workplace. 

We also have presented it to Aboriginal worksites 

(union and non-union), the Occupational Health and 

Safety Agency, health care facilities, child care centres, 

educational institutions, municipalities, community social 

services, and our own cross-components, locals and 

components. Recently the Public Service Alliance (PSA) 

has contacted us and we are looking at a joint education 

offering in the public service. This course has also 

been used in the human rights course at the Canadian 

Labour Congress (CCL) Winter School. 

Education Initiatives/Opportunities 

Since 2008, the education officer upgraded and updated 

many of the existing courses such as the basic 

stewards’ and advanced stewards’ courses. As well, 

the following new courses have been developed: 

• Speak Up, Speak Out: Communicating Assertively; 


PAGE 13

extremely effective and very popular. We have held 

three basic campaign’s courses, in addition to one strictly 

for young workers, and one for members from equity 

seeking groups. We also held one advanced campaign’s 

course. The partnership with Capilano University continues 

to grow and some of the best labour instructors in 

the province teach these courses to our members. 

• Conflict Resolution; 

• Effective Labour Management Committee Meetings; 

• Union Observer Training; 

• Public Speaking; 

• Oh No! Not Another Meeting; 

• Stress in the Workplace; 

• Member Facilitator Training; 

• Harassment and Bullying: 

Keeping it out of the Workplace; 

• Developing Resolutions to Convention. 

The education officer and Research, Campaigns and 

Communications (RCC) staff also developed various 

courses in leadership, local development, effective 

communication, lobbying, running effective committee 

meetings and social media for various components 

over the past three years. 

The education officer has trained members in all areas 

of the province to assist in co-facilitating courses with 

staff such as the basic stewards’ course. This has been 

successful with over 30 members trained. These members 

have used their facilitation skills in area-training 

initiatives as well as the CLC Winter School, weekend 

schools and various conferences. 

The BCGEU Labour Institute continues to be one of 

the most popular educational opportunities for component 

executive members and for members who have 

an interest in developing and carrying out issue-based 

union campaigns. Seven institutes have been offered 

since the last convention with over 200 members 

participating. The Academic Stream, open only to 

component executive members, is the best labour training 

in the province for leaders in our union. They spend 

three days on labour history, social policy and labour 

economics, with each course keeping current with B.C. 

events and politics. The campaign’s stream has been 

The union’s newest education initiatives are the 

regional conferences. At the 2008 convention, delegates 

voted to eliminate the policy convention and to 

dedicate those resources toward member education. 

It was felt that educational opportunities needed to 

reach out to the members, and that members within 

their own regions needed an opportunity to meet 

and network. In keeping with this, regional conferences 

were developed. The first conference was held 

in Region 3 (Kamloops) in 2009, and the second was 

held in Region 4 (Prince George) in 2010. Criteria for 

attending a regional conference was set as follows: 

• Local chairs attended by right; 

• Each local was entitled to two additional delegates 

who had to be one of the following: a new steward, 

a bargaining committee member identified as 

a newer activist, a long-time member who had not 

had the opportunity to attend education outside 

their area, an equity-seeking member, and/or a 

young worker. 

This approach was very successful, with well over 

80 percent of delegates to the regional conference 

attending a union function for the very first time. The 

format for regional conferences was also different, 

using short informative sessions with renowned speakers, 

followed by “open space” discussions which are 

led by the participants themselves. World-renowned 

speakers such as Charlotte Yates from McMaster University, 

and Wade Rathke, from ACORN International, 

were some of our presenters. Members were able to 

talk with others from their own region who had the 

same issues and concerns they did. Members felt connected 

and heard. Following the conferences, all participants 

were sent a data stick containing all conference 

material. The regional conferences will continue 

with Region 1 and 2 slated in the next two years. 

The BCGEU continues to be involved with the BC 

Federation of Labour and CLC in providing courses 

and instructors to women’s conferences, young worker 

training events, equity events, and Harrison Winter 

School. On average 135 BCGEU members attend the 

PAGE 14 


annual CLC Winter School, with BCGEU offering young 

worker and equity scholarships to ensure broad 

participation. 

Information on upcoming events, course listings and 

registrations are accessible on the BCGEU website. The 

Provincial Executive Education committee has a page 

with a list of committee members, committee terms of 

reference, and all the links to the course listings and 

conference registrations. Registration for conferences, 

Winter School and Labour Institute are all done online. 

Members can also access the course descriptions, video 

library and audio conference library online. Work has 

been done with communications and advocacy staff 

to ensure that information for stewards and members 

is on the web page. BCGEU weekly e-communications 

also include upcoming education and conference events 

that all members on email will receive. 

Members of the committee are: Dan Bradford 

(chairperson), Carla Dempsey (vice-chairperson), 

CJ Conroy (101), Tina Pederson (403), Doris Erickson 

(408), Kathy Thorbergson (810), Trudi Versteeg (411), 

Roberta Pettett (412), Stu Seifert (702), Gregory 

Fjeltand (707), Ian McAlpine (709), Rory Smith (1004), 

Darlene Joaquin (1206), Gary Hall (asst. secretary), 

Lynda Morrice (secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Mary 

Jane Anderson, who was a strong activist committed to 

education and has since passed away, Ann Chambers, 

Anthony Dodds, Helen Kormendy, Lorene Oikawa, Kim 

Phillips, Margaret Walden, Mike Walden. 

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE 

The Environment committee: 

• promotes environmental awareness and 

responsibility; 

• works with other unions and organizations to find 

areas of cooperation on environmental matters; 

• provides a forum for opinions and voice of 

members; 

• evaluates and comments on government policy; 

• provides policy advice and recommendations to 

the Provincial Executive on environmental matters; 

• defends the interests of our members; 

• monitors environmental issues; 

• promotes institutional change. 

Since the creation of the committee at our 

2005 constitutional convention, the Provincial 

Executive Environment committee has continued 

to be a focal point for an array of environmental 

initiatives and campaigns. 

The committee has provided the impetus for discussion 

and educational opportunities within the committee 

and, through a variety of Cool Communities 

activities, has reached out to the broader BCGEU 

membership. 

The committee has met on average twice a year along 

with conference calls as needed. 

Global Warming 

Environmental issues such as global warming continue 

to be high on the BCGEU’s environment agenda. We’ve 

worked closely with groups and organizations around 

the province who work on protecting the environment 

as their mandate. 

The union brings a special experience to this issue, 

since its members work with government ministries that 

have a mandate to protect and preserve our environmental 

heritage. The Environment committee provides 

direction to the union on this critical issue. 

Global warming threatens us all – our environment, 

our health, our economies, our social services, and our 

children’s future. Significant reductions in greenhouse 

gases are required if we are to slow and reverse the 

warming trend in our atmosphere. 

The BCGEU embarked on a major, 

long-term campaign to fight 

global warming. We are taking 

action to reduce our union’s 

carbon footprint. Along with 


PAGE 15

conference is a leading forum for sharing ideas and 

strategies to create good jobs while preserving our 

economic and environmental security. In addition we 

attended and also participated in the Green Jobs 

Advocacy Day – working with our American counterparts 

to meet with Congress to urge them to support 

the creation of clean energy jobs (e.g. Green Jobs 

Act); boost America’s economy with 21st century 

transportation investment; and protect the health of 

communities and workplaces. 

other groups, we’re pressing government and corporations 

to take action to turn down the heat. And we’re 

working to ensure that the consequence and cost 

of global warming is shared equally so that working 

people are treated fairly. 

The BCGEU has participated with the BC Federation 

of Labour and a number of other national unions to 

develop a workshop – “Climate Change – It’s a Union 

Issue” – prepared to help explore the important role 

for unions in responding to climate change. In late 

2010 the Environment committee participated in a fullday 

pilot of the workshop and offered a number 

of positive suggestions to fine tune it. 

Outreach 

Committee representatives have participated in a number 

of events related to the environment with coalition 

partners. These include: 

Jobs, Justice, Climate – Building a Green 

Economy for B.C. 

On September 10-11, 2010, B.C.’s environmental and 

labour movements hosted a conference on creating 

green jobs and building a green economy in British 

Columbia. The conference brought together representatives 

from all sectors of the province to find solutions 

to create green jobs and build a green economy in 

B.C. 

Sustainable Communities Initiatives 

The BCGEU is regularly meeting with other unions and 

local municipal politicians in the Metro Vancouver area 

to discuss regional issues. 

Good Jobs Green Jobs National Conference 

The BCGEU was in Washington D.C. where more than 

2,500 people gathered to attend this conference. The 

Cool Communities 

Through our Cool Communities campaign, we’re 

working to create concrete opportunities for BCGEU 

members to be part of the solution. From expanding 

recycling programs to promoting more local food 

production, BCGEU’s Cool Communities campaign is 

our way of trying to make a difference. 

Dozens of BCGEU members and family members 

participated in gardening workshops at BCGEU headquarters 

and in Victoria during 2010. There were three 

in a series of free organic gardening workshops organized 

as part of the union’s Cool Communities campaign 

which included sessions on organic gardening 

designed to help take action against climate change. 

As well, a workshop “Beneficial Insects” – taught participants 

how to provide natural pest control for their 

garden and eliminate the need for toxic pesticides. 

Internal Initiatives 

The committee helped to initiate and/or promote a 

number of internal union targets and initiatives. We 

have achieved Gold LEED status for the George 

Heyman Union Organizing Centre in Langley. As well, 

we have worked with our environment officer to look 

at our processes (transportation, paper use, composting, 

community garden, etc.) and procurement (office 

supplies, food, etc.). As a committee, we are also looking 

to reduce our carbon footprint, including the use of 

video conferencing for meetings. 

Other Projects 

The BCGEU is committed to ensuring that climate policy 

is addressed with a social justice lens. The Canadian 

Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) is leading The 

Climate Justice Project which is looking at research, 

education and citizen engagement in transformative 

change with an eye to the social and economic effects 

of climate change. The BCGEU is a community partner 

PAGE 16 


in this project. The BCGEU is also working with other 

community organizations to support climate change 

events, campaigns and initiatives. 

Our Work for Good Green Jobs and 

Communities Continues 

Whether it’s our work within the community, the 

labour movement, or our union, the Environment 

committee is determined to inform, educate and assist 

people to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote 

healthy, safe, sustainable communities and to speak 

out for legislation and policies to ensure fair treatment 

for all members of society. 

Members of the committee are: Lorene Oikawa (chairperson), 

George Butcher (vice-chairperson), Derrick 

Goodwin (103), Lynn Meskas (203), Katrina McGee 

(303 and young worker rep), Diane Droski (502), Rory 

Smith (1004), Pam St. Thomas (1209), Peter Mehling 

(financial controller), Helga Knote (past member), 

Colleen Forshaw (environment officer), Cliff Stainsby 

(resource person), Mike Eso (secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Janice 

Closson, Bill Downey, Nicola Firstner, Cameron Gerard, 

Chris Kinkaid, Michelle MacDonald, Cindy Miraftab, 

Svend Robinson, Shalane Syvertsen, Darryl Walker. 

EQUITY AND 

HUMAN RIGHTS 

COMMITTEE 

Equity Networks 

S 

ince the last convention the committee 

has worked on building the 

equity network and continued to 

implement the participation and representation 

of groups seeking equity in our 

union, workplaces and communities. The committee 

has also worked to build allies with other organizations 

who have the same interests. 

Equity network members participated in dozens of 

events and rallies building a relationship with community 

members and other organizations. 

By mapping our equity network members we have 

been able to include them in other BCGEU events. 

This should help increase the representation of equity 

network members. 

We have emailed hundreds of event notices, event 

invitations, community campaign information, union 

campaigns, human rights legislation and decisions, 

and notices to all equity network members and members 

of each group. These are some of the actions and 

common ground the committee and networks build on 

to create more inclusivity within the union. 

Through our equity network, members are encouraged 

to take on leadership roles and participate in union 

activities including educational conferences and likeminded 

community events. 

Since the last convention the equity network has 

grown to over 400 members from the four equity 

groups: Aboriginal, Workers of Colour, Workers with 

Disabilities, and Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and 

Bi-sexual: 

• encourage and work with BCGEU cross-component 

committees, officers, and activists to 

participate in annual events in communities 

around the province, including Pride Day and 

Aboriginal Solidarity Day; 

• ensure equity network members are aware of 

dates and events in their community and update 

the established commemorative list and BCGEU 

website calendar; 

• produce alerts, articles and other communications 

to highlight issues and other specific commemorative 

dates. 


PAGE 17

Community Building 

Committee members and equity network members 

have organized or participated in some of the following 

events over the past 

three years: 

ABORIGINAL 

Walk4Justice, February 

14th Women’s 

Memorial March, 

Aboriginal Solidarity 

Day, 8,000 Drums, 

Truth & Reconciliation, 

Bright New Day 

Conference, Red 

Slam Jam. 

WORKERS OF COLOUR 

Asian Heritage Month, Asian Canadian Labour Alliance, 

Anniversaries of Change, Vaisakhi parades, Surrey 

Vaisakhi Gala, DIVERSEcity Awards, domestic workers, 

Diwali. 

GAY, LESBIAN, TRANSGENDER, BI-SEXUAL 

Georgina Byers – members were able to attend the 

event as well as watch it live-streamed on the internet, 

Pride parades, Pride fundraisers and events, Outgames. 

DISABILITY 

Working with disability organizations and sharing 

information, promoting International Day of Disabled 

Persons, sharing information about court cases and 

legal challenges. 

Members and activists interacted and worked on a 

number of visioning exercises to identify ways to share 

ideas on how they have overcome anti-equity issues. 

The committee continues its work with affiliates and 

provincial and national organizations, BC Federation 

of Labour, National Union of Public and General 

Employees (NUPGE), and the CLC on human rights 

information-sharing, campaigns and conferences. We 

are committed to ongoing communications with our 

members of the four equity networks to advance their 

representation, recruit new members and activists, 

and provide updates throughout the network. 

Though our work is not done yet we look forward to new 

and innovative ideas to build on in the next few years to 

move our union to being more inclusive and diverse. 

Members of the committee are: Lorene Oikawa (chairperson), 

Lori Joaquin (vice-chairperson), Roger Street 

(103), Bhajan Tathgar (201), Myra Reyes (303), Gale 

Engstrom (306), Binny Sivia (410), Sue Powell (602), 

Nancy Naylor (703), Russell Katzer (1201), Pam 

Desjardine (1201), Keith Cameron (asst. secretary), 

Catherine Sullivan (asst. secretary), Holly Page 

(secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Keith 

Cameron, Janice Closson, the late Don Philpott, Mahen 

Ramdharry. 

Take It On BCGEU Human Rights Conference 

The Equity and Human Rights committee organized a 

BCGEU Equity and Human Rights conference November 

29 and 30, 2008. 

Approximately 60 BCGEU equity network members 

from all regions attended. Members from grassroots 

organizations such as Committee of Domestic Workers 

and Caregivers and the Trans Alliance Committee of 

Vancouver also participated. 

The conference was dedicated to the memory of 

Brother Don Philpott, Local 611, a member of the 

Provincial Executive Equity and Human Rights committee 

who passed away a few weeks before. 

PAGE 18 



The Finance committee carries out duties 

specified under Article 9.9(a)(iv) of the 

union’s constitution. In general, it is 

responsible for the union’s finances. 

As of April 18, 2011, the committee has met 18 times 

since our last report to the constitutional convention. 

One of those meetings was a conference call and two 

were video conferences. Work done at these meetings 

is reported to each Provincial Executive meeting 

and recommendations are submitted for review and 

approval. 

Implementation of Convention Decisions 

2008 Constitutional Convention 

• Composite Finance Resolution #2 requested the 

elimination from financial policies of any reference 

to in-province and out-of-province meal rates and 

the increase of meal allowance rates effective July 

1, 2008. 

• Resolution A-20 requested financial policies be 

revised to allow, where possible and when requested, 

single accommodation for members on 

headquarter-sponsored union business. 

• Substitute Resolution A-11 tasked the Provincial 

Executive with a review of the operation of our 

union leave policy known as G3 and ensuring that 

entitlement to such leave is better known and 

utilized. 

• The committee recommended changes to the 

Provincial Executive Policy G-3 “Union Leave of 

Absence” that resulted in the application of the 

policy being expanded to allow members to have 

one day of leave, as a break, after seven or more 

days of union business/regular work and before 

returning to work. 

• The committee also ensured that the policy was 

raised at component executive meetings and 

bargaining conferences. 

• The committee approved a new G3 form which is 

prepared by union staff based on information from 

members. The forms are used to monitor usage of 

G3 days and adherence to policy. 

• Various resolutions required the Provincial Executive 

to annually review and adjust, as required, 

certain maximum expense reimbursement rates/ 

allowances. The Finance committee annually 

reviewed the rates/allowances and made recommendations 

to the Provincial Executive. 

Monitoring the Financial 

Position of the Union 

• Monthly financial statements of the union are 

reviewed at each committee meeting prior to 

presentation for adoption by the Provincial Executive. 

The Defence Fund investment portfolio 

market value is reviewed prior to each Provincial 

Executive meeting. 

• The union’s Annual Audited Consolidated Financial 

Statements are reviewed prior to presentation for 

adoption by the Provincial Executive. 

• The Finance committee monitors the receipt of 

financial statements and supporting financial 

records from the components, locals and crosscomponent 

committees to ensure that the statements 

and records are filed in accordance with the 

Financial Policy and reviewed on a regular basis. 

• The Finance committee monitors the progress of 

the component audits. 

• The status of BCGEU contributions to the National 

Union Defence Fund is reviewed on a regular basis. 

Budget Review and Development 

The committee provides early input into the development 

of the union’s annual operating budget. 

The union’s draft annual operating budget and draft 

mid-year budget revisions are reviewed prior to presentation 

for adoption by the Provincial Executive, 

and are monitored on an ongoing basis. 


PAGE 19

that “alcoholic beverages are not an allowable 

expense.” 

• Amended FM Article 9.5(e) “Meal Allowances” to 

document that when group meals are claimed, a 

list of members and staff who attended the meal 

must be submitted along with an itemized receipt 

listing the cost and description of each meal and 

beverage. 

The committee ensures that annual component budgets 

are prepared in order to provide for an allocation 

of funds among components. 

Financial Policies and Procedures 

The committee reviews component financial procedures 

to ensure they support union financial policies 

and recommends revisions to the travel expense policy 

and the rates for good and welfare, private dwelling 

accommodation, meal allowances, incidental expenses 

and automobile expenses. 

It initiates and reviews all financial policies to ensure 

they meet the needs of all members of the union. 

Significant changes to Provincial Executive (PE) Policy 

and the Financial Manual (FM), which resulted from 

committee recommendations to Provincial Executive 

are as follows: 

• Revised FM Schedule A meal allowance rates to 

allow for the costs associated with the implementation 

of the HST and the rise in Canada’s 

Consumer Price Index. 

• Amended FM Article 8.5 “Emergency Financial 

Assistance” to extend emergency financial assistance 

to associate members or their survivors in 

the event of the death of an associate member or 

the loss of an associate member’s home by fire, 

flood or other natural disaster. 

• Amended FM Article 9.2(b) “Expense Claims” 

to document that detailed/itemized receipts are 

required when claiming expense reimbursement. 

• Added FM Article 9.2(c) “Expenses” and amended 

FM Article 9.5(e) “Meal Allowances” to document 

• Revised FM Article 9.7(d) “Travel Expenses” so 

that members are required to submit a completed 

airfare equivalency form (available on the BCGEU 

website) when they choose to drive their private 

vehicle instead of using available public transportation. 

• Amended FM Article 9.7(d) “Travel Expenses” to 

clarify that when members choose to drive their 

private vehicle and carpool with members, 

the maximum claimable amount will take into account 

airfare equivalency amounts for both 

the driver and member passengers. 

• Revised FM Article 9.7(f) “Travel Expenses” 

so that the requirement to submit a medical 

certificate (in order for a member to be authorized 

for leaves of absence and related meal/ 

accommodation expenses when they use an 

alternate method of transportation approved by 

the union), is no longer an annual requirement. 

• Amended FM Articles 9.16 “Personal Effects/Expenses” 

to note that while the cost of a passport 

is normally considered a personal expense, a 

component may reimburse a member for such 

an expense when it can be demonstrated that a 

passport is required solely for the member to travel 

on union business. 

• PE Policy G-25 “Special Group Meals” created to 

allow the Provincial Executive and Component 

Executive to have special group meals, including 

guests, executive members and their spouses/ 

partners which exceed the standard meal allowance 

rates to a maximum of twice the standard 

rate. The policy applies the same maximum to 

cross-component committee organized activist 

recognition events, or, at the discretion of 

components, to local executives or other elected 

component bodies. Alcoholic beverages are not 

an allowable expense at group meals. 

PAGE 20 


Stewardship and Regulatory Matters 

The committee arranges for the collection of outstanding 

travel advances and other monies or assets owed 

to the union and components. 

It reviews and, where appropriate, approves FM Article 

1.3 “Extraordinary Expenses” and FM Article 9.16 

“Personal Effects/Expenses” reimbursement claims, 

and reviews the application of PE Policy G-3 “Union 

Leave of Absence” with respect to the “extra day of 

rest” leave of absence. 

It interprets existing financial policies. For example, 

it decided that airline baggage surcharges are a 

reimbursable expense under FM Article 9.7(a) “Travel 

Expenses”. 

The committee recommends the annual appointment 

of the union’s auditor to the Provincial Executive. 

During 2009 the committee received reports on the 

union’s tender process for audit services which resulted 

in the union hiring a new auditor for its fiscal year 

ending December 31, 2009. 

The committee monitors cross-component committee 

compliance with the FM and the financial policies 

contained within PE Policy J-9 “Cross-Component 

Committee”. 

The committee receives updates on significant financial 

issues including the union’s progress in negotiating 

significant financial agreements, the revision of 

Defence Fund and General Fund 

investment policies, new property 

appraisal values, and the union’s 

annual capital expenditure budget. 

The committee provided an interpretation which states 

that headquarters will pay for the cost of cab fare 

home or the cost of a hotel room, whichever is less, 

for members attending activist appreciation events. 

The committee provided an interpretation of FM Article 

8.7(d) “Good and Welfare” by deciding that family 

members are not required to reside in the member’s 

home in order for the member to be eligible to receive 

good and welfare gift or flowers. 

The committee developed agendas and attended 

annual Component Treasurer workshops. Workshops 

were held October 21 and 22, 2008, October 20 and 

21, 2009, and June 14 and 15, 2010 with another 

workshop planned for October 2011. 

The committee arranged for component audits to be 

posted on the union’s intranet available to Provincial 

Executive and staff. 

Members of the committee are: Judi Filion (chairperson), 

Mike Clarke (vice-chairperson), Brenda Brown 

(406), Doug Kinna (601), Mike Nuyens (1007), Lori 

Joaquin (1206), Dave MacDonald (1703), Byron Goerz 

(2011), Darlene Thorburn (CEP rep), Jaynie Clark 

(resource person), Carole Chan (asst. secretary), Peter 

Mehling (secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Barb 

Crowley, Sheila Knight, David Vipond, Darryl Walker. 

The committee receives regular 

reports from the Component Steering 

committee including reports on 

annual component dues allocations 

agreed to at meetings of component 

chairpersons and component 

2nd representatives. 

The committee developed a means 

by which components would not 

have to allocate each year’s excess 

component dues under a strict 

deadline. 


PAGE 21

GRIEVANCE APPEAL COMMITTEE 

A 

total of 7,080 new grievances were filed 

with the union during the period January 

31, 2008 to January 31, 2011. Of these, 

only 187 or 2.6 percent were referred to one of the 

grievance appeal procedures within the union. 

Grievance Appeal committee (GAC) decisions are 

the result of quasi-judicial hearings, based on factual 

evidence, collective agreement language and jurisprudence. 

The committee for any given panel is composed 

of three elected officers with a regional coordinator 

or director assigned as a secretary. 

There are two levels of grievance appeals provided 

for in the constitution – the area GACs in each 

area of the province in accordance with Article 11(a), 

and the Provincial Executive GAC in accordance with 

Article 9.9(b)(iii). 

Area GACs heard 154 appeals since the last convention 

report: 53 appeals in Region 1; 57 appeals in 

Region 2; 32 appeals in Region 3; 12 appeals in 

Region 4. 

The Provincial Executive GAC heard 33 appeals. 

Of the 33 appeals heard by the Provincial Executive 

GAC, four were from a classification appeal, 25 

were from Advocacy decisions and the remaining 

four were appealed a second time from an area GAC 

decision. 

In accordance with a resolution passed at the 46th 

constitutional convention in June 2005, a grievor who 

appeals the decision of the area GAC to the Provincial 

Executive GAC must set out the grounds for contesting 

the correctness of the original decision when applying 

for leave to have their appeal reconsidered. 

Since the last convention report, the Provincial 

Executive GAC has received 37 appeals of the decision 

of the area GAC committee. Of those 37, one 

was withdrawn, two are awaiting decisions, five were 

accepted, and 29 were denied on the grounds that 

there was no new evidence or irregularity to justify 

a second appeal. 

Disposition of the 33 appeals filed with the Provincial 

Executive GAC is as follows: 

• 23 appeals were dismissed ........70% 

• 9 referred back for action ..........27% 

• 1 withdrawn ...............................3% 

The committee would like to thank the area GACs and 

staff for their efforts and work well done. 

Members of the committee are: Mike Clarke (co-chairperson), 

Dan Bradford (co-chairperson), Colleen Jones 

co-chairperson), Lorene Oikawa (co-chairperson), 

Dean Purdy (101), Susanne Francoeur (201), James 

Cavalluzzo (301), Stephanie Smith (303), Brenda 

Brown (406), Craig MacKay (503), Doug Kinna (601), 

Stu Seifert (702), Carla Dempsey (801), Mike Nuyens 

(1007), Sandi McLean (1201), Lori Joaquin (1206), 

Dave MacDonald (1703), Byron Goerz (2011). 

The secretaries to the committee were Lynn Bueckert 

(intake), Mary Rowles, Jaynie Clark, David Vipond. 


Ann Chambers, Anthony Dodds, Jeff Fox, Helen 

Lindsay, Betty Reid, Darryl Walker. 

Within the regions, the disposition of the 

154 appeals is as follows: 

Region 1 (53 appeals – 34%) 

• 41 appeals dismissed ............................. 77% 

• 10 referred back for further action .......... 19% 

• 2 withdrawn ............................................4% 



• 13 referred back for further action .......... 23% 



• 5 referred back for further action ............ 16% 

• 1 withdrawn ............................................3% 

• 1 postponed ............................................3% 

• 1 resolved ...............................................3% 


• 8 appeals dismissed ............................... 67% 

• 2 referred back for further action ............ 17% 

• 1 withdrawn ............................................8% 

• 1 resolved ...............................................8% 

PAGE 22 


INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE 

In 1999 delegates to BCGEU’s convention passed APSIES does both the hands-on work of providing 

a resolution to establish the BCGEU International health care in the rural region of Valle La Esperanza, 

Solidarity and Humanities Fund. 

as well as strategic planning and advocacy for health 

care workers. 

Later, the fund was renamed the BCGEU Diane L. 

Wood International Solidarity and Humanity Fund in 

recognition of the international work done by former 

Secretary-Treasurer Diane Wood. 

The BCGEU contributes 10 cents per member per 

month to the fund to help support a number of 

projects and partners our organization with different 

unions, community groups and non-governmental 

organizations. 

Latin America 

CoDevelopment Canada www.codev.org 

The BCGEU is proud to work with CoDev to partner 

with four organizations in Latin America to bring 

about change for workers in Nicaragua, Honduras, 

El Salvador and Colombia. 

The Maria Elena Cuadra Movement of Working 

and Unemployed Women (MEC Managua) 

MEC is the Spanish acronym for the Movement for Employed 

and Unemployed Women (Maria Elena Cuadra). 

They do advocacy work for women working in the maquila 

(piecework) sector in Nicaraguan free trade zones. 

For example, in one year almost 1,000 women were 

given OH&S training and the mediation centre operated 

by MEC did mediations affecting over 1,300 workers. 

The Honduran Women’s 

Collective (CODEMUH) 

CODEMUH has campaigned successfully 

to amend that country’s labour code to 

strengthen health and safety protections 

for women workers in maquilas. As well, 

they provide training programs on labour 

rights, domestic violence, and health and 

safety. 

Salvadoran Association for Health 

and Social Services (APSIES). 

APSIES is a community led development 

organization that helps rural health care 

workers in El Salvador improve rural health 

conditions and the status of women. 

Association for Research and Social Action 

in Cali, Colombia (NOMADESC) 

NOMADESC is a human rights organization based in the 

city of Cali, Colombia. It arose out of the union movement 

and the recognized need to educate not only their 

members but also the broader community on issues of 

human rights, and public services in particular. 

Colombia remains the most dangerous country in 

the world to be a trade union leader or human rights 

activist. In October 2010, President Darryl Walker and 

Vice-President Colleen Jones travelled to Colombia and 

met with representatives of NOMADESC to see firsthand 

the conditions they work in. 

Our support has enabled NOMADESC to train and 

develop a network of activists who are willing to 

defend human rights and public services, always at 

great risk to their personal safety. 

We hope to organize a tour of our Central American 

partners in 2011. 

STIMMA 

STIMMA is the acronym for Short Term International 

Medical Missions Abroad which provides medical care, 

education and other support services to communities 

abroad, including Africa, El Salvador, Haiti and Peru. 


PAGE 23

The safe house serves multiple functions: it’s a training 

and organizing space; emergency shelter for workers 

fired from their jobs at nearby factories; a workshop 

facility; an emergency health centre; and a library. 

Adopt an Organizer in the Philippines 

This is an initiative of the Vancouver and District Labour 

Council to support labour activists in the Philippines. 

Africa 

Partners in the Horn of Africa 

www.partnersinthehorn.org 

Partners in the Horn of Africa does aid work in Ethiopia. 

All projects have an Ethiopian “partner”, usually a 

local volunteer group or village, who contribute 15-20 

percent of the cost, usually in labour or materials. We 

are currently funding a project that provides washable, 

reusable sanitary pads to young girls in school to 

enable them to attend classes during their periods. 

Stephen Lewis Foundation 

www.stephenlewisfoundation.org 

The Stephen Lewis Foundation is a registered 

Canadian non-governmental organization that funds 

community-based initiatives in Africa coping with the 

HIV/AIDS pandemic. This includes providing education 

for children and adults, supporting grandmothers 

caring for orphaned grandchildren, and developing 

the capacity to deliver services in the midst of a 

pandemic. 

Since 2005, the BCGEU has funded general programs 

through the Stephen Lewis Foundation. 

Tom Kozar Scholarship Fund 

The Tom Kozar Scholarship Fund is funding education 

scholarships of $6,000 for each of our four CoDev partners 

to be disbursed at $1,000 per year for six years. 

Other International Solidarity Projects 

The BCGEU also does international solidarity projects 

apart from the Diane L. Wood International Solidarity 

and Humanity Fund. For example, we have provided 

emergency funds to Haiti, Chile and Japan. We recently 

sent a staff representative to Wisconsin to show our 

solidarity with the public sector worker’s struggle in 

the USA. We also sent several activists to the Human 

Rights Conference at the World Outgames in 2009. 

Members of the committee are: Colleen Jones 

(chairperson), James Cavalluzzo (vice-chairperson), 

Mike Webber (203), Upma Bhadur Singh Rai (301 

and young worker rep), John Fedyk (603), Eduardo 

Aragon (703), Sandi McLean (1201), Ken Curry 

(secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Brandi 

Cairns, Ann Chambers, Jessica Equia, Nancy Gillis, 

George Heyman, Kathryn Kellow, Yvette Ortiz, Betty 

Reid, Leah Squance, Anita Zaenker. 

Asia 

Burma Labour Solidarity Organization (BLSO) 

www.burmasolidarity.org 

The Burma Labour Solidarity Organization was formed 

in 2000 to organize and help Burmese workers living 

on the Thai-Burmese border. The BLSO has its headquarters 

in MaeSot, Thailand, where there are thousands 

of Burmese migrant workers living in precarious 

conditions. 

Since 2006, the BCGEU has provided funding for a safe 

house for workers in MaeSot. This funding has gone 

towards the construction, furnishing, and day-to-day 

operations of a safe house. 

PAGE 24 


OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE 

Mandate 

The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) committee: 

• promotes OH&S awareness at all levels of the union; 

• reviews, develops and recommends union policy 

in OH&S; 

• assists in identifying problem areas needing priority 

attention or action plans; 

• recommends, promotes and assists in the development 

of OH&S collective bargaining proposals; 

• reviews and makes recommendations concerning 

OH&S training needs and assists in the budgeting 

process for training; 

• acts as a resource for the OH&S officer; 

• acts as a contact group for and receives and acts 

on information and requests from component 

OH&S committees; 

• recommends topics and assists in the development 

of the quarterly OH&S bulletins; 

• receives and reviews major problems referred from 

worksite reports, exchanges information regarding 

OH&S issues, and coordinates the OH&S activities 

of all components and areas; 

• raises awareness on pension plans; 

• accepts membership input on pension arrangements. 

these fallen workers by participating in the annual Day 

of Mourning ceremonies held around the province. 

For 10 years the BCGEU Provincial Executive OH&S 

committee, along with other unions and the BC Federation 

of Labour, has persistently advocated for improvements 

to health and safety and to compensation legislation. 

We have lobbied the government for changes in 

compensation legislation, for more prescriptive health 

and safety regulations and for better enforcement of 

health and safety requirements. 

Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) 

Policy and Regulation Review 

Each year, with the exception of 2009, the WCB releases 

a number of regulatory amendments for public 

hearings. Working with the BC Federation of Labour 

OH&S committee, Provincial Executive committee 

members participated in the public hearing process 

through pre-consultation meetings, oral presentations 

and written submissions. In the 2010 regulatory 

review process we recommended the WCB not rollback 

safety requirements for late night workers. Unfortunately, 

the WCB made the change under pressure from 

a small group of employers. 

Every worker in B.C. has a legislated right to a 

safe workplace. Yet in 2009, 174 worker fatalities 

were reported (121 were accepted by Work- 

SafeBC) and in 2010 an increase to 209 fatalities was 

reported (143 were accepted). Although these numbers 

will vary from year-to-year, the average fatalities per year 

from 2001 to 2010 is 225. 

Workers are not making a lot of progress in reducing 

these unacceptable deaths. For the past three years the 

number of deaths from occupational diseases outnumbers 

the traumatic injury deaths. This is due in most 

part to workplace asbestos exposures that happened 

years ago. On April 28th, BCGEU members honour 

The committee also wrote submissions on a number of 

prevention policy discussion papers. We wrote in support 

of the WCB proposal to consider resource roads 

as workplaces. This policy change clarified the health 

and safety responsibilities of owners, contractors and 

employers involved in the use of these roads. The policy 

would have made these dangerous roads safer for the 

many BCGEU members who work on them everyday. 

The WCB has put the proposed change in abeyance. 

OH&S Committee Recruitment Campaign 

In every workplace with more than 20 workers the employer 

is required by the Workers Compensation Act and 


PAGE 25

y collective agreements to have a joint OH&S committee 

and, in smaller workplaces, a worker representative. 

The legal requirement for an OH&S committee guarantees 

workers the right to participate in health and 

safety at the workplace. 

Committee members are appointed by the union to 

serve a three-year term. The first three-year term 

ended November 30, 2010. Working with the local 

chairs and the local area offices your Provincial Executive 

committee spearheaded the fall 2010 recruitment 

campaign to appoint and reappoint union OH&S committee 

members. To help promote the campaign an 

online survey was developed. Members were directed 

to the survey via the president’s blog, e-bulletins and a 

special bulletin sent to all stewards. Over 300 surveys 

were submitted. A recruitment poster and a new handbook 

for committee members were also developed. 

A database is being created to register all OH&S 

committee members and the health and safety courses 

they have taken. This database will prove invaluable in 

our ongoing outreach to and support of our committee 

members. The BCGEU recognizes the valuable contribution 

that our OH&S committee members and worker 

representatives make to ensure that the workplace is 

safe for all workers. 

is posted on the BCGEU website. A train-the-trainer 

course was held in May 2011 with over 20 new facilitators 

trained to deliver the health and safety courses. A 

joint facilitator’s conference is scheduled for fall 2011. 

Communications 

The Provincial Executive OH&S committee has also 

developed the OH&S e-news, an e-bulletin with news 

about occupational health and safety issues. The bulletin 

will be issued on a regular basis. The union has 

also developed a new Day of Mourning poster and a 

magnet with information on worker’s safety rights. 

OH&S Conference, 2011 

Our Committees: Leaders in Safety 

On March 11 and 12 , 2011 the Provincial Executive 

OH&S committee held a health and safety conference 

with the Compensation Employees’ Union and other affiliates. 

The goal of the conference was to send committee 

members back to their workplaces with increased 

skills and knowledge and with renewed commitment 

and enthusiasm for the important work they do. 

All participants were committee members and the 

two-day conference provided them with the opportunity 

to discuss the issues of bullying and violence in 

the workplace, to share their successes and challenges 

and to develop strategies for more successful committees. 

The conference wrapped up with a discussion on 

political action. 

Your Provincial Executive OH&S committee looks forward 

with enthusiasm to continuing the important work of 

ensuring that all BCGEU workplaces are safe for workers. 

OH&S Education 

The OH&S education program continues with increased 

numbers of courses and participants. In 2009 and 

2010, a total of 2,200 committee members attended 

their annual health and safety training in communities 

around the province. Currently, 68 sessions have been 

scheduled from January to June, almost double the 

total number for 2010. 

In 2010, the BCGEU worked with the PSA to develop an 

investigations course. In 2011, the two-day ergonomics 

and workplace violence courses are being revised and 

updated. Committee members are being encouraged 

and reminded to take their annual training entitlement 

through regular e-bulletins and the course schedule 

Members of the committee are: Mike Clarke (chairperson), 

Craig MacKay (vice-chairperson), Tony Tessari 

(105), Kim Keys (203), Cameron Gerard (304 and 

young worker rep), Patsy Harmston (309), Joanne 

Jordan (409), Sandy Terlecki (609), Stu Seifert (702), 

Mike Prystae (1009), Barb Peters (1202), James Swank 

(1703), George Foisy (2006), Katherine Ackerman 

(BCFMWU), Jan Florian (BCFMWU), David Clarabut 

(CEU), Gerry Gault (GWU), Sheila Moir (secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Charles 

Ballantyne, Maureen Darragh, Kamal Dhami, Dean 

Draper, Susanne Francoeur, Steve Lisik, Carlene Lucke, 

Dave MacDonald, Betty Reid, Mona Sykes. 

PAGE 26 


RESOLUTIONS 

COMMITTEE 

Since the 2008 BCGEU constitutional convention, 

the committee prepared and reviewed 

resolutions for conventions of NUPGE and the 

BC Federation of Labour. 

In 2008 the committee dealt with resolutions to the 

BC Federation of Labour convention, and in 2009, the 

committee processed resolutions to the BC Federation 

of Labour Policy convention. 


BC Federation of Labour and the NUPGE conventions. 


CLC convention and processed resolutions to the 

BCGEU 2011 constitutional convention. 

Members of the committee are: Colleen Jones 

(chairperson), Dean Purdy (vice-chairperson), 

Brenda Brown (406), Mary Rowles (secretary). 

SCHOLARSHIP 

COMMITTEE 

T 

he Provincial Executive Scholarship committee’s 

purpose is to assist students who are 

BCGEU members, relatives of BCGEU members 

or staff in good standing, or relatives of deceased 

or retired members, by annually awarding scholarships 

of $2,000 for full-time and $1,000 for part-time 

students. 

The union allocates $36,000 annually to the scholarship 

fund. 

The committee used a new application process on 

a trial basis for 2008, allowing students with special 

needs to apply by submitting alternative media, including 

taped or video applications based on the scholarship 

subject. This was done as a written essay may be difficult 

for some students with special needs to achieve. 

Essay topics deal with current issues chosen to 

promote active learning and a higher level of social 

conscience. 


(co-chairperson), Judy Steele (co-chairperson), 

CJ Conroy (101), Christine Vanlerberg (309), Kathy 

Thorbergson (810), Lynda Morrice (secretary). 

See next page for scholarship essays that were 

accepted. 


PAGE 27

2009 Essay Topics (262 essays accepted and evaluated) 

• What are the positive and negatives of the 2010 

Olympics in a social justice/labour context? 

• If you were running as a candidate in the next 

provincial election what would your campaign 

strategy be to win the votes of the labour community? 

• You are a Canadian factory worker in the 1930s and 

1940s. Describe the union organizing process before 

and after the union arrived. 

Scholarship Recipient Member Relationship Member’s Local 

Gagan Baidwan (part-time) member 804 

Rachel Constanzo Janine Breathet – mother 1201 

Michelle Coxon Philippa Coxon – mother 405 

Tracy Davison member 305 

Rolena deBruyn Martin Venables – step-father 1009 

Lindsay Joy Tom Joy – father 1008 

Mary Kenwood John Kenwood – father 201 

Rachelle Leblanc-Quiney Anne Marie Roy – mother 601 

David Lee Richard Lee – father 503 

Kristy Lineham (part-time) Charlene Lineham – mother 710 

Sheridan Mohammed member 303 

Trenton Moniuk Rod Moniuk – father 2005 

Ryan Pasqua Kathy Pasqua – mother 1208 

Janine Reeves Michele MacIntyre – aunt 601 

Gregory Smith Robert Smith – father 703 

Chaitanya Spencer Bimala Spencer – mother 603 

Sydney Stafford Krista Stafford – mother 601 

Samuel Stevenson David Stevenson – father 2011 

Graeme Sutton R.E. Wiedeman – grandfather 1201 

2010 Essay Topics (336 essays accepted and evaluated) 

• You have just been told that you have to live green 

for one year. What does living green mean to you? 

What does this look like? 

• The BC Liberals have been elected to a third term. 

What policies and directions do you think they 

should take over the next four years to affect 

positive change for B.C.’s working families? 

• Bullying is rampant, not only in our schools, but in our 

workplaces. How can we stop the cycle and what can 

we as workers and students do? What can employers 

and governments do? Talk about your own experiences/ 

observations related to these questions. 

Scholarship Recipient Member Relationship Member’s Local 

Zoe Sehn member 407 

Denan Bosk Val Bosk – mother 307 

Brian Stephenson Paul Stephenson – father 707 

Kyla MacPhail Nancy MacPhail – mother 1207 

Giselle White (part-time) Rory White – spouse 707 

Madeleine Althammer (part-time) member 1706 

Jackie Zelt member 2006 

Daniel Hunt member 2006 

Emma Raatz Deanna Raatz – mother 1706 

Riley Djoric Renee Sheard – mother 804 

Kimberley Dahl Norman Dahl – father 1204 

Chanel Hebert Jackie Hebert – mother 703 

Murray Martin Laarni de los Reyes – spouse 703 

Lorne McMillan Bill McMillan – father 601 

Sarah Silvers Cawker Douglas Cawker – father 503 

Christine Lawson member 303 

Trisha Rennie Mary Ellen Rennie – mother 401 

Emily Ann Kazanowski Karen Lightbody – mother 601 

MinJung Kwon (part-time) Zeb King – spouse 1201 

Bret Anne Enemark Peggy Enemark – mother 1211 

PAGE 28 


WOMEN’S COMMITTEE 

The Provincial Executive Women’s committee has as its 

mandate: 

• to promote awareness of women’s issues within 

the union; 

• to encourage the participation of women at all 

levels of union activities; 

• to recommend to the Provincial Executive the 

elimination of specifically identified systemic 

barriers to the full participation of women in the 

BCGEU; 

• to promote, through the Education, Activism and 

Communications committee and other Provincial 

Executive committees the continuing education of 

our members on areas of gender equity within the 

union; 

• to develop bargaining proposals on issues of 

concern to women; 

• to recommend educational programs which 

address the needs of women; and 

• to develop and submit resolutions to the Provincial 

Executive for the BCGEU and labour affiliates. 

T 

his broad mandate is meant to encourage 

progress and the advancement of women in the 

BCGEU and throughout the labour movement. 

The Women’s committee met six times since the 2008 

constitutional convention. 

Our energies have concentrated on raising awareness 

within our union and in the broader community of the 

critical issues facing women today, especially poverty, 

homelessness, violence and abuse, lack of affordable 

child care and seniors’ care, life/work balance, and 

more. 

We also continued to speak out about the devastating 

impacts of the BC Liberals’ severe cuts to women’s 

services and regressive policy changes that have 

collectively turned the clock decades backwards on 

women’s rights and equality. 

The committee’s political activism subcommittee 

continued its work to recommend ways to get more 

women involved in the political process at all levels 

to ensure women’s issues are at the forefront of the 

political agenda. 

Regional Women’s Conferences 

Regional women’s conferences have enabled the Women’s 

committee to provide information and education, 

promote the union’s activities and engage members in 

their own communities. These conferences have been 

very popular with members and attendance has been 

at capacity, with registrations filling up within days of 

announcement. 

Regional women’s conferences around the theme, We 

Want Our Piece of the Pie, were held in Region 4 (Fort 

St. John) in October 2008, Region 3 (Kelowna) in June 

2009, and Region 1 (Parksville) in October 2009. Participants 

took part in sessions around women in politics, 

financial planning, women’s health, violence against 

women, women and poverty, and green initiatives. 

In October 2010, a record 100 members attended a 

Region 2 women’s conference, Double Duty: Finding 

Life/Work Harmony, in Richmond. The day-and-a-half 

conference featured guest speakers, panel discussions 

and the chance for BCGEU members and community 

women to share ideas to better achieve balance in 

their busy lives. A similar Region 3 women’s conference 

was held in Castlegar in April 2011. 

Working With Our Allies 

The Women’s committee joins in sisterhood with our 

affiliates, other unions and labour bodies, as well 

as community organizations and women’s advocacy 

groups, to tackle critical issues facing women in the 

home, workplace and society. 

The committee met with Toxic Free Canada around 

its work to educate women about the need to reduce 

exposure to toxins linked to breast cancer, and the 

Canadian Women’s Foundation, a national public foundation 

that raises money to fund, research and share 

approaches to ending violence against women, moving 

women out of poverty, and empowering girls. 


PAGE 29

We participated in an important “Quality of Women’s 

Lives” survey focused on life/work balance conducted 

by the NUPGE Women’s Advisory committee, supported 

the CLC Women’s Economic Equality Campaign, 

and joined in various activities to raise public awareness 

and seek justice around B.C.’s murdered and 

missing women. 

Since the last constitutional convention, BCGEU 

women activists attended a number of empowering 

women’s forums and schools, including BC Federation 

of Labour and NUPGE women’s conferences. The 

Women’s committee also attended as observers to the 

2nd ITUC World Congress in Vancouver in June 2010 

which saw Sharan Burrow elected the first woman 

General Secretary of the ITUC since its foundation. 

We continued to strengthen our solidarity with our 

sisters across the border by participating in the 

AFL-CIO Western Regional Women’s Institute held 

annually in different cities in the Pacific region. 

Continuing Our Work 

Increasingly, women of the BCGEU are taking on leadership 

for change. Although there have been setbacks, 

we can count a number of victories and achievements 

in organizing, at the bargaining table, in the workplace, 

and in the labour movement overall. 

March 8th is marked every year as International 

Women’s Day to celebrate and assess those gains. 

We remember Bread and Roses and women in the 

struggles before us to make a better world for our 

daughters and other loved ones. 

This year marked the 100th anniversary of International 

Women’s Day (IWD). In celebration, the Women’s 

committee purchased handwoven scarves in the 

suffragette colours produced by indigenous women 

living in refugee camps on the Thai-Burma 

border. We issued a special anniversary 

version of our popular IWD poster, and 

held an evening of celebration at the Region 

3 women’s conference in Castlegar. And 

we participated in IWD events around the 

province, including a parade, festival, and 

annual breakfast in Vancouver. 

For Women’s History Month in October, we continue 

to appreciate the “herstories” of women’s activism 

throughout B.C. and across Canada to address discrimination 

and create positive social and political change. 

Every year, the Women’s committee recognizes 

December 6th, the National Day to End Violence 

Against Women. In 2009, we distributed postcards 

produced by the CLC to mark the 20th anniversary of 

the Montreal Massacre. 

Whether it’s preparing breakfast for marginalized 

women on Vancouver’s downtown eastside, marching 

in the streets, supporting women candidates, 

or proudly wearing our BCGEU women’s pin in our 

workplaces and communities, we continue to press 

for change so that all women can one day achieve full 

equality and participation in our society. 

Members of the committee are: Judi Filion (chairperson), 

Colleen Jones (vice-chairperson), Lorene 

Oikawa (vice-chairperson), Jan Wilson (104), Susanne 

Francoeur (201), Audrey Todd (203), Stephanie Smith 

(303), Kiran Tiwana (304), Rose Chee (403), Brenda 

Brown (406), Valorie Ellis-Peet (505), Sonja Haigh 

(611), Victoria Zalamea (707 and young worker rep), 

Kathy Weaver (710), Carla Dempsey (801), Louise 

Hood (803), Kathy Thorbergson (810), Sandra Fellers 

(1010), Sandi McLean (1201), Lori Joaquin (1206), 

Sussanne Skidmore (1211), Susan Stroud (1701), 

Dolly Zawaduk (2007), Alice Albert (BCFMWU), 

Elizabeth Spees, (GWU), Kate Campbell (asst. 

secretary), Carol Adams (secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Ria 

Anderson, Beverly Beaurone, Ann Chambers, Terri 

Lee Chisholm, Helen Lindsay, Teresa Marshall, Mandi 

McDougall, Bobbi Pettett, Betty Reid, Linda Sonmore, 

Karen Wickham. 

Young women and women of equity-seeking 

groups have brought new ideas and vitality 

into our exchanges. 

PAGE 30 


YOUNG WORKERS’ COMMITTEE 

I 

n the spring of 2008 the Young 

Workers’ steering committee was 

changed to a Provincial Executive 

committee. With this change the 

committee was appointed by President 

Walker in consultation with the Component 

chairs. Vice-President Anthony 

Dodds sat as the chairperson of the 

committee. 

The committee’s first order of business 

was to brainstorm and develop a working 

terms of reference, and to decide 

what, if anything, would happen with the network of 

area young worker representatives. 

The committee began work on the terms of reference 

during the first meeting. A thorough brainstorm took 

place with a focus on young worker recruitment and 

retention in the activist ranks, as well as broadening 

the horizons and linking with other young worker 

activist organizations and unions. 

The terms of reference accepted by the Provincial 

Executive read as follows: 

1. Encourage and support the participation of BCGEU 

young workers in the mainstream activism of the 

BCGEU; 

2. Encourage the BCGEU to continue to support young 

workers in becoming and remaining active; 

3. Research and recommend ways that locals, 

components, and the Provincial Executive can 

better recruit young activists; 

4. Research and recommend ways that the BCGEU can 

enable young workers to continue their activism 

once involved, including reviewing union policies 

and procedures and making recommendations, 

where needed, to encourage the enhancement of 

young worker activism; 

5. Liaise with area young worker representatives; 

6. Monitor and promote awareness of young worker 

issues within the union – provincially, nationally, and 

globally; 

7. Promote our union to young workers; 

8. Encourage increased opportunities on a local, 

provincial, and national scale in the labour 

movement with our affiliates for young workers. 

The second item of business was to decide what to 

do with the area young worker representatives around 

the province that had belonged to the Young Workers’ 

steering committee. It was noted early on that these 

members provided a vital link to each area around 

the province, and further, were vital in their respective 

areas in terms of bringing young worker issues forward 

to the broader BCGEU membership. 

The Provincial Executive approved the retention of 

this position with several area duties. The duties 

became as follows: 

• to liaise with the Young Workers’ Provincial 

Executive committee; 

• to continue to attend the area CCC meetings and 

bring young worker issues forward; 

• to continue to plan and carry out young worker 

educational/recruitment conferences in their areas 

with the assistance of local activists and staff. 


PAGE 31

During the intervening time between the last convention 

and this convention, the committee has met on six 

occasions to plan and advance young workers’ issues 

using the terms of reference as a guideline. 

The committee began to immediately form a strategic 

plan around young worker communications. To this 

end the committee worked with the BCGEU Communications 

department to advance ideas with respect to 

refreshing the young workers’ website page. The committee 

also actively promoted young worker activists 

in the province through profiles in the Provincial. The 

committee is currently in the early stages of developing 

and writing a young workers’ newsletter with the 

assistance of the Communications department. 

The committee has worked very closely with the BC 

Federation of Labour Young Workers’ committee and 

the BC Federation of Labour young worker liaison. Our 

committee has recommended two young workers to sit 

on this committee and the president appointed Brother 

Cameron Gerard and Sister Juliana Buitenhuis to this 

post. The committee has been involved with a number 

of BC Federation of Labour campaigns. 

The Young Workers’ committee has reviewed the call 

for participants and delegates to several events and 

put forward a number of names in the last three years. 

The committee recommended Brother Cam Gerard 

attend the BC Federation of Labour Camp Jubilee in 

2009 along with four other BCGEU members, and 

recommended Sisters Jaimee Wilson and Meghan 

Marchand to attend in 2010. The committee also 

recommended four members to attend the ITUC Youth 

committee meetings in Vancouver in 2010: Chelsea 

Vaneck, Jaimee Wilson, Davy Dosanjh, and Meghan 

Marchand. 

Workers’ conference in 2009, and the Area 5 conference 

in 2010. Each of these events was planned and 

carried out in part by young workers from the membership. 

Sister Echo Bellerose played an integral part 

in the planning and participation portions of the Area 

5 conference. Area 10 was planning a young workers’ 

event in May of 2011. The committee members 

have also been involved in several other young worker 

socials, namely Brother Paul Finch in Area 1. 

The committee also supported and recommended 

attendance at the inaugural Young Workers’ Labour 

Institute in November of 2009, which was a profound 

success and was attended by several of the committee 

members. 

The committee was very involved in several mainstream 

union issues from fun activities such as participation 

in the “12 Cuts of Christmas” music video in 

2009, to contributions to the structural review committee 

in preparation of their report for convention 2011. 


(chairperson), Juliana Buitenhuis (303), Cameron 

Gerard (304), Chelsea Vaneck (311), Davy Dosanjh 

(312), Meghan Marchand (401), Lisa Laffrenier (501), 

Jaimee Wilson (504), Echo Bellerose (605), Amanda 

Downing (606), Victoria Zalamea (707), Jeff Wolgram 

(1004), Paul Finch (1201), Leah Friesen (1710), 

Kris Garneau (2012), Katie Riecken (asst. secretary), 

Doug Dykens (secretary). 

The committee thanks these former members: Ria 

Anderson, Anthony Dodds, Darcy Page, Hilary Porter, 

Binny Sivia, Kandace Stoneman, Christine Vanlerberg, 

Jolene West, Anita Zaenker. 

Each year the committee has been 

asked to review applications of 

young workers to attend at Harrison 

and has in turn democratically 

chosen 10 of those members to 

attend Harrison on BCGEU scholarships. 

The committee has supported a 

number of BCGEU young worker 

conferences including a Region 4 

conference in Prince George in 

2009, the Component 7 Young 

PAGE 32 


unions 

matter 

Administrative Committee Reports 

ORGANIZING AND FIELD SERVICES 

Organizing 

T 

he BCGEU has made a strong commitment to 

organizing and, as a result, has consistently 

led all B.C. unions in organizing new members. 

Although this is a difficult organizing climate, the union 

welcomed a total 767 members in the last half of 2008. 

In 2009 an additional 1,520 members were signed up. A 

further 968 members were organized in 2010 and in the 

first months of 2011, an additional 52 members joined 

the union. As a result of unfair labour practice complaints 

at the Labour Relations Board (LRB), the Organizing 

department succeeded in recovering $172,132 from 

employers in 2009. In 2010 the department recovered 

$43,340 from employers through successful unfair labour 

practice complaints to the board. 

In 2008 the campaign at Starlight Casino wrapped up 

and the second largest casino in the Lower Mainland 

joined the BCGEU. In 2009 we began a campaign at 

ProTrans, the managing company for the Canada Line, 

and succeeded in signing up 175 new members. In 

2010 we faced a new challenge when Cantest, a nonunion 

employer, took over one of our long-standing 

certifications, Maxxam, and fought a prolonged battle 

to avoid unionization after the merger. The department 

has also made strong inroads in the health sector with 

several employers including InSite (176 new members), 

Retirement Concepts/Well Being (639 new members), 

Baltic Properties (260 new members), and Advocare 

(180 new members). Our organizing efforts continued 

at VanCity branches across the Lower Mainland and we 

ended 2010 with a successful campaign at Atira Property 

Management in Vancouver (179 new members). 

Child Care – Special Associate Members 

Organizing child care workers into either traditional 

certifications and to attract child care providers into 

special associate members continued in parallel with 

a public campaign for childcare funding organized by 

the Research and Campaigns department. 

By 2010 the Organizing department had signed up 

over 1,400 special associate members, most of them 

providing in-home childcare. There were chapters in 

eight different communities where providers were 

meeting regularly to explore shared problems and plan 

political action to pressure for better funding. In the 

summer of 2010 responsibility for maintaining chapters 

was assumed by the RCC department, and Organizing 

put a focus on certification drives at centres. 

Field Services 

The 79 staff representatives and administrative staff in 

12 area offices throughout the province support activists 

in resolving grievances, enforcing the collective agreement 

in the workplace, labour management sessions, 

bargaining, training, and taking community and solidarity 

action. 

Contract Turnover and Funding Cuts 

Turnover and cuts in home support contracts, 

contracting out of residential health care services, 

business collapse in call centres, and ongoing cuts 

in funds for community social services has created 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS 

PAGE 33

considerable turbulence for workers in community 

health, general services, community social services, in 

particular, since the last convention. Staff have used 

Section 54 of the Labour Relations Code to push, in 

long negotiations, for pragmatic solutions that reduce 

or mitigate job loss and reductions in hours of service. 

Job Shadow 

Area offices continue to offer as many educational 

opportunities as possible to our activists interested 

in exploring the responsibilities of servicing staff 

representatives. Job shadows may also provide the 

first steps for those activists who wish to follow a path 

toward temporary or even full-time work as a staff 

representative. This becomes more important as our 

staff retire or approach retirement. 

Tracking Worksite Visits 

In recent months, all area office staff representatives 

have started tracking worksite visits by component 

or local chairs, elected officers, vice-presidents, and 

themselves to ensure worksites are not overlooked or 

left in isolation. 

OH&S Committees 

Office staff throughout the province in 2010/2011 

completed the three-year re-appointment process for 

hundreds of OH&S committee members. Administrative 

staff in particular worked very hard in many area offices 

with local chairs and staff representatives to identify 

gaps on committees, keep records, prepare information 

for Unionware and issue the letters. Through this 

process the union identified many activists who need 

training. Administrative staff in area offices provided 

support for OH&S training and the number of courses 

has grown significantly this year. 

Grievance Handling 

Area offices have dealt with thousands of grievances 

in the past three years, and, in addition, they provide 

support to stewards to resolve issues in the workplace. 

In the last half of 2008 the area offices dealt with 1,154 

new grievances and concluded 1,147. In 2009 there 

were 2,750 new grievances and area offices concluded 

2,197. In 2010 there were 2,916 new grievances and 

area offices concluded 2,369. In the first months of 2011 

there were 562 new grievances and 356 were concluded. 

The sheer volume, particularly in areas serving a large 

membership, has meant it is challenging for area offices 

to keep ahead of the curve. Since the last convention, 

area office staff have also supported 154 area grievance 

appeal committees. Area staff participate in expedited 

arbitrations and the numbers have steadily grown from 

35 in 2008 to 59 expedited arbitrations in 2009; 62 in 

2010, and nine in the first few months of 2011. 

Bargaining 

Contract talks in 2010 and 2011 for key sectoral 

agreements, the government master and component 

agreements, were supported by area office staff who 

arranged for information meetings, strike votes, and/ 

or ratification votes. In addition to major bargaining, 

there has been significant bargaining over the past 

three years for stand alones in all components, including 

many new certifications, and several of our 

certifications have been at the table twice since the 

last convention. 

Vancouver Island – Area 1 – Victoria 

The area office welcomed new members at Scho’s Line 

Painting and Kaatza Daycare. There was significant 

bargaining for stand alone agreements in the last three 

years and, with support of member bargaining committees, 

staff concluded agreements for members at 

Amica (Beechwood, Somerset), Growing Together Child 

& Parent Society, Need Crisis and Information Line, BC 

Aboriginal Network on Disabilities Society, Douglas Care/ 

Niagara Care Community Ltd., Eagle Bluff Lodge, NIL 

TU/O, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, IMAX Destination 

Theatres, Sherwood House, Telus Sourcing Solutions 

(TSSI), EDS Advanced Solutions, Salvation Army, 

Well Being Senior Services Ltd. (Wellesley), Esquimalt 

Drydock, Precision Orthotics, Salvation Army (ARC & 

Recycling Warehouse), The Wellesley, ISM Canada, NDP 

(caucus workers, constituency assistants), Arcadian Day 

Care Centre, Business Practices & Consumer Protection, 

Emergency Health Services Commission, Greater Victoria 

Women’s Shelter Society, Maximus BC Health Benefits, 

Themis Program Management, Tourism BC, Capital 

Families, Kaatza Daycare, Nigel House, Saanich Indian 

School Board, Camosun College Local Agreement, WSA 

NEC (SISB), Cerwydden Care (AdvoCare), Scho’s Line 

Painting Ltd., and Resthaven. 

PAGE 34 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS

The North Island CCC continues to host stewards’ banquets 

and participate in Labour Day events in addition 

to supporting BC Child Find, where they have staffed 

weekend booths in area malls. The CCC also participates 

in Miners Memorial Day in Cumberland every 

year, sponsoring the BCGEU pancake breakfast to raise 

funds for the Cumberland Museum. In addition, family/ 

children’s initiatives are coordinated every December. 

The Area 1 cross-component committee (CCC) continues 

to organize steward banquets and educational 

workshops, and participate in Labour Day events, as 

well as support BC Child Find. The CCC also hosts a 

children/family December seasonal event every year 

and participates in annual Pride parades. 

The area office held 13 basic and 14 advanced stewards’ 

courses. In addition, courses or workshops were 

held on topics such as: anti-bullying; IT union/management 

training; duty to accommodate; facing management; 

enhanced steward training; how to write 

a will; and suicide risk assessment and prevention. 

Additionally, there were 27 area GAC hearings. Staff 

presented numerous cases at expedited hearings and 

participated in a number of mediations with arbitrators 

or LRB mediators. 

Vancouver Island – Area 2 – North Island 

The area welcomed new members at Ocean Crest 

(Salvation Army), Huckleberry House, Nanaimo 

Seniors Village, and Comox Valley Daycare Society. 

With member bargaining committees, staff concluded 

agreements for Port Alberni Hostel Society, North 

Island Infant Development Society, Vancouver Island 

Library, Island Crisis Care Society, Forest Circle Society 

for Families, Haida Way Inn, North Island Women’s 

Services Society, Port Alberni Family Guidance, Vancouver 

Island University, Ocean Crest (Salvation 

Army), Comox Valley Children’s Daycare Society, Huckleberry 

House, and First Credit Union. 

Lower Mainland – Area 3 

The LMAO has welcomed over 1,800 new members 

since the last convention including Gateway Casinos, 

ProTrans (Canada Line), Atira, People’s Law School, 

Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families, 

and Nurseline, as well as the Justice Institute 

Bookstore. There have been 31 GAC hearings since 

the last convention, and staff presented cases at 32 

expedited arbitrations, as well as participating in 14 

mediations. Staff also investigated 11 complaints of 

workplace harassment. 

Stand alone bargaining was very active, and with the 

support of member bargaining committees staff concluded 

agreements at Kids Cottage, JR Silliker Labs, 

Maxxam, Renew Crew, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship 

(Sundance Child Care), JM Project Management 

Ltd., Healing Our Spirit, Interlock EFAP, Shannon Daycare, 

Town of Gibsons, District of Sechelt, SPARC, Legal 

Services Society of BC, Gibson’s Garden Inn, BCIT 

Instructors, BC Human Rights Coalition, Land Title & 

Survey Authority of BC, L’ecole Bilingue Kindercare 

Society, VanCity, Citizen’s Bank, Everett Rest Home, 

Blue Ocean Contact Center, Justice Institute Bookstore, 

Shannon Daycare, Servomation (Centerplate) at 

BC Place, Native Education College, Amica at Mayfair 

on the Green, Community Living BC, and Sodexho at 

George Pearson Centre. 

The area office offered 39 sessions for either basic 

or advanced, and trained 760 stewards. The local 

officer course was offered four times and trained 74 

There have been seven area GAC hearings and staff 

have presented a number of cases at expedited hearings 

and participated in mediations at the LRB. Staff 

have held six basic and three advanced stewards’ 

training courses. In addition, educational workshops 

were facilitated on topics such as facing management; 

conflict resolution; steward refresher; joint union/management, 

and Local 302 education seminars. 


PAGE 35

Home support units experienced an avalanche of 

Section 54 notices during 2010. Servicing staff and 

activists had to be imaginative and skillful to stay in 

communication with affected members while negotiating 

to keep jobs. 

activists. Anti-bullying and anti-harassment training has 

been offered for Components 4 and 6, as well as at BC 

Centre for Ability, and VCHA Burnaby Mountain. Significant 

training has been provided for health care workers, 

including a seven-day workshop initiative that included 

sessions on facing management, joint labour management 

training with employer representatives, and the 

same course without the employer. 

During 2009, Member to Member (M2M) activists 

visited members at home in the Burnaby/Lougheed 

and Port Moody electoral areas to encourage members 

to register to vote and to vote for change. In 2009 and 

2010 Local 1203 conducted M2M to recruit stewards 

and contacts, and the chair and executive members 

from Local 503 visited all worksites to recruit new 

stewards and OH&S committee representatives. 

In addition to organizing the annual stewards appreciation 

dinner, the CCC hosted a summer BBQ for activists 

who are not stewards or local officers, and hosts a 

skating party. The CCC supports the Labour Day picnic, 

and participated in the BC Needs Childcare rally held 

in 2009. They have also organized distribution of foam 

sleeping mats to the homeless, put together 200 supply 

kits for distribution to the homeless and did a penny 

drive for the Children’s Hospital. The CCC has sponsored 

seminars on harassment, pensions, STIIP, grievance 

handling, anti-bullying, and facing management. 

Lower Mainland – Area 4 – Fraser Valley 

With member bargaining committees, staff have 

negotiated at IDEXX Laboratories, FRMT (Albion 

Ferries), BC Dairy Herd, Fleetwood Villa, BC Milk 

Marketing Board, Mainroad Pavement Marking, Surrey 

Community Services, Core Education & Fine Arts Inc., 

TransLink Mobility Agreement, NCO, Brookside Lodge, 

Cobra Electric, Valleyhaven Retirement Community 

Ltd., Guildford Seniors Village, Kwantlen Polytechnic 

University, Well Being Services (GSV) Ltd., and Peninsula 

Resort Retirement Living. 

Since the last convention, the area office has offered 

20 courses in either basic or advanced stewards, one 

course for union observers, six courses on joint labour 

management committees, and one course for local 

officers. There were 19 area GAC hearings. 

The CCC has worked with the new Fraser Valley Labour 

Council in several joint community events and has 

actively supported the growth of this new labour council. 

The CCC has held annual stewards’ banquets and, in 

conjunction with BCGEU members at the Fraser Valley 

Fish Hatchery in Abbotsford, has sponsored a half-day 

event for members and their children to teach them 

about fish, the hatchery and sport fishing. The CCC also 

supports Child Find and has sponsored workshops on 

effective communications and effective meetings. 

The Area 4 CCC also purchased a number of sleeping 

mats and distributed them throughout the Fraser 

Valley area to the homeless. 

Interior – Area 5 – Kamloops 

The area office has been active in a number of 

actions and campaigns against government downsizing, 

especially in the Ministry of Forests. The office has 

also worked with members on legal aid cuts, supported 

members affected by the BC Ambulance strike 

of 2010, and assisted members with the BC Federation 

of Labour forestry and minimum wage campaigns. The 

area office has done outreach to health care workers 

to ensure members signed up for the community 

health care worker registry, and to connect with LPNs 

during the raid by the nurses’ union. The area office 

held a successful young workers’ conference in 2010. 

The area welcomed new members at Insite with worksites 

in Ashcroft, Sicamous and Revelstoke, as well 

as Children’s Circle Daycare and Apple Lane, a new 

tertiary mental health centre opened in 2009. 

With member bargaining committees, staff concluded 

agreements at Interior Savings Credit Union. Negotiations 

with the TNRD Library system benefitted the 

communities of Blue River, Clearwater, Barriere, 

Chase, Savona, Cache Creek and Ashcroft because 

the libraries are now open for longer hours. 

PAGE 36 


The CCC actively coordinated M2M campaigns in each 

year, and was particularly active in the 2008 fall municipal 

elections. The CCC also held two winter festival 

events for members and families. As part of the area 

office participation in the United Way, the BCGEU 

hosted a labour forum on the Homelessness Action 

Plan in Kamloops. 

The area office has put a focus on ensuring active 

labour management committees are up and running in 

non-government worksites. Eleven GAC hearings have 

been held since the last convention. 

Two hundred and one members have been trained 

in either basic or advanced stewards’ courses. Other 

education has included anti-harassment, anti-bullying 

and discrimination, facing management and sick leave 

entitlement. 

North – Area 6 – Cariboo 

Together with member bargaining committees agreements 

were reached at InSite, Cariboo Regional District, 

Barkerville Heritage Trust and BREC Traffic Control. 

Staff provided strong support to Step Up House in 

an effort to prevent the closure, assisting in organizing 

two large rallies and a presentation to the city 

council. The CCCs, in addition to the annual steward 

appreciation dinners, has participated each year in the 

Heart and Stroke and the Big Bike Team events in the 

community. The CCC also organized an International 

Women’s Day event and a Job Solidarity Fair for laidoff 

forestry workers. 

Sixty-six activists completed either basic or advanced 

steward courses and 40 local officers were trained. 

The area office has put on anti-bullying workshops and 

a workshop on duty to accommodate. There was only 

one GAC since the last convention. 

Interior – Area 7 – Kelowna 

The area welcomed members at Brandt’s Creek, Lake 

Country Manor and Willowbrook. 

strike by members and good community support to 

get an agreement. 

Two hundred and twenty-seven activists received basic 

and advanced stewards’ training, and 26 local officers 

were trained. Staff have organized significant numbers 

of anti-harassment and anti-bullying workshops, 

for example at PD Community Living, and held joint 

training on labour management issues, and a health 

and safety day with members and managers at InSite. 

They also offered a workshop on resolution writing 

and facing management. 

The CCC has sponsored workshops including antiharassment 

and anti-bullying training. They hosted 

a CLIFF film festival showing, and provided a BBQ 

for striking Dorchester workers. With the Labour 

Council and WorkSafeBC, the CCC participated in 

Day of Mourning events and sponsored an IWD event. 

Area activists participate in the labour council, and 

have two members on the labour council executive 

and are active in United Way campaigns. 

Interior – Area 8 – East Kootenay 

The CCC is actively involved in the annual Day of 

Mourning events, the Pride parade, the AIDS walk, 

and the Labour Day picnic. They also participate in 

community events like Remembrance Day and the 

candle light vigil on December 6th, the National Day 

of Violence Against Women. 

The area office has trained 58 stewards in either basic 

or advanced, and trained 16 members in local officers 

courses. Locals 308 and 309 combined to hold an East 

and West Kootenay Labour conference in April 2009, 

and there has been workplace leadership planning and 

training for members of 408 and 409 together. 

Staff provided support for BCGEU affiliate the Interior 

Brewery Workers’ Union in their negotiations. 

With member bargaining committees, negotiations 

took place at Okanagan Indian Band, Students Union/ 

UBC-OK, Creekside Landing, Penticton and District 

Community Skills Centre, Regional District of Central 

Okanagan, UBCO (support staff), Okanagan College 

(support staff and vocational instructors), Kelowna 

Child Care, Interior Savings, Advocare worksites, 

Valleyhaven and Creekside Landing. Bargaining at 

Dorchester was significant because it took a five-week 


PAGE 37

Interior – Area 9 – West Kootenay 

With the support of member bargaining committees, 

settlements were reached with Western Pacific Marine 

covering Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes, Sunshine 

Valley Childcare and Grand Forks and District Credit 

Union, Golden Bear Children’s Centre and Selkirk College. 

There were two GACs since the last convention. 

Ninety activists took stewards training and 31 participated 

in the local officers’ course. In addition, activists 

received training on rules of order and conducting 

meetings. The CCC, along with West Kootenay Labour 

Council, co-sponsor the Rank and File Voice on Kootenay 

Co-op Radio. The Rank and File Voice is a weekly 

program about labour and is produced by activists, 

including BCGEU activists. 

North – Area 10 – Peace River 

With the support of member bargaining committees, 

staff conducted negotiations in the City of Fort St. 

John, Chetwynd Women’s Resources Centre, the Fort 

St. John Public Library, Nawican Friendship Society, 

Lakeview Credit Union, District of Hudsons Hope, the 

Oil and Gas Commission, Northern Lights Faculty and 

Support (local issues), and School Districts of Fort Nelson 

and Dawson Creek. Bargaining committee training 

was also offered for many of these certifications. 

There have been three area GAC hearings. 

The area office trained 55 stewards in either the basic 

or advanced course. Thirty-three activists took local 

officers training. Anti-bullying workshops were offered 

for four different employers at the City of Fort St. John 

– it seems to be an annual event. 

The CCC holds a planning session annually. In addition 

to organizing the stewards’ appreciation dinner, 

the CCC participates in International Women’s Day, the 

Day of Mourning, and an Administrative Appreciation 

Day breakfast as well as hosting a young workers’ 

picnic, and making contributions to the Santa Claus 

parade in each of the major towns in this area. 

North – Area 11 – Prince George 

The area office has trained 138 stewards in either basic 

or advanced stewards’ courses, and 22 local officers. 

The office held education sessions on anti-harassment, 

discrimination and anti-bullying, facing management, 

effective strike planning, and public speaking as well 

as a violence in the workplace course for community 

health and social services. Area staff have made presentations 

on the BCGEU to the LPN class at the local 

Sprott Shaw College, made presentations on employment 

standards, and participated in a community forum 

on crime in Prince George. Bargaining was concluded 

for Active Support Against Poverty Housing Society 

(new), AXIS Family Resources, Northern John Howard, 

and AWAC or Association Advocating for Women and 

Children, and Carefree Society. There have been five 

area GACs. 

The CCC has been very active in community events 

including rallies protesting loss of forestry jobs, homelessness, 

EI changes and the HST, as well as taking 

part in a forum on protecting our rivers, and a town hall 

meeting on the future for forestry communities. In addition 

to the annual stewards’ appreciation dinner, the CCC 

has also participated in a Chili and Blanket rally and holds 

a luncheon at the homeless shelter four times a year. 

North – Area 12 – Northwest 

This area welcomed Haida Child and Family Services and 

the Coast Tsimshian Academy of Port Simpson in 2010. 

With the support of bargaining committees, negotiations 

occurred at Nisga’a Child Family Services, Kitimat 

Education department (instructors and support), Terrace 

Campus Daycare, Haida Child and Family Services, 

Waterbridge, and Northern Savings Credit Union, Coast 

Tsimshian Academy, and Northwest Community College 

(instructors and support). There have been three GAC 

hearings. 

Eighty-four activists have taken either the basic or 

advanced stewards’ training and 15 people have 

attended local officers training. Staff have also offered 

EIP/return-to-work training for health and community 

social services members. 

The CCC has participated in the Haida Gwaii Children’s 

Christmas lunch program, which has been organized 

by Ministry of Forests’ members, with funding and acknowledgement 

of the CCC. The CCC has also participated 

in the Day of Mourning and the annual Kitimat/ 

Terrace and District Labour Council picnic on May Day. 

The CCC sponsors the annual stewards’ banquet and 

this event was particularly special in 2009 since this 

was the first time the Donald Philpott Memorial Award 

was presented in honour of this Component 6 activist. 

The CCC also co-sponsored a Green-Fair at the Northwest 

Community College, with active participation by 

Local 712 members. The area office supports the work 

of Component 3 activists during Community Social 

Services Month, which in most years includes a mall 

display and presentation to the city council. 

PAGE 38 


NEGOTIATIONS 

TIntroduction 

he Negotiations department provides services 

to BCGEU members in three major areas: 

negotiations, benefits and classifications. 

The department is responsible for multi-employer 

or stand alone collective agreements in 10 sectors, 

covering 30,443 members. They negotiate and assist 

with the administration of the collective agreements. 

They also negotiate and administer all of the plans 

related to job classification, benefits, early intervention 

and rehabilitation programs from the public 

service master and the multi-employer sectoral and 

stand alone agreements. 

The 10 sectors for which the Negotiations department 

bargains agreements, coordinates bargaining with 

area offices and provides job evaluation and benefits 

services are: 

SECTOR 

MEMBERS 

College Instructors .................................... 1,473 

College Support......................................... 3,906 

Community Health Services & Support ........ 8,083 

Community Social Services ......................... 7,959 

Childcare (multiple certifications) ...................513 

Facilities Health Services & Support ............ 1,800 

Health Science Professionals ...................... 1.851 

Independent Health ................................... 1,192 

Highways .................................................. 2,214 

Hospitality ................................................ 1,452 

TOTAL ................................................30,443 

Negotiations 

Net Zero Mandate Proves to be Frustrating 

and Unfair to Many BCGEU Members 

The 2010 round of sectoral bargaining occurred 

following a deep worldwide economic recession and 

a government imposed net zero mandate. Many 

sectors were able to make modest improvements 

through trade-offs but every public sector agreement 

signed to date has been held to the net zero mandate 

imposed by the BC Liberals. This austere mandate 

denied workers real wage increases for 2010 and 

2011. Some sets of bargaining were delayed for over 

a year and some have come to a standstill over this 

issue. 


The BCGEU represents approximately 8,000 members 

who work under the Community Living, General 

Services and Aboriginal Services collective agreements. 

The Community Living group includes 5,474 members; 

the General Services group includes 2,380 members 

and the Aboriginal Services group includes just under 

200 members. 

The BCGEU has the majority of members in the 

Community Social Services Bargaining Association 

(CSSBA) and this association commenced bargaining 

in November 2009. This was well in advance of the 

March 31, 2010 expiry date. Despite tremendous 

effort by the union bargaining committee we have 

been unable to achieve a collective agreement. 

The Provincial Executive has given the committee 

approval to conduct a strike vote. Strike votes 

commenced in April 2011. 

Prior to taking strike action, unions and employers in 

the sector must establish essential service levels. The 

unions made timely and continued efforts to get the 

employers to provide necessary information and to 

meet and discuss essential services. The employers 

remain steadfastly uncooperative. 

During the term of the previous collective agreement 

the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP) was implemented 

for all positions in the sector. Enrolment in the MPP is 

greater than 80 percent of eligible employees. 


PAGE 39

Community Health Services and Support 


who work under the terms of the Health Services and 

Support Community subsector agreement. In February 

2011, BCGEU members along with the members of the 

other unions who belong to the Community Bargaining 

Association (which includes UFCW, CUPE, HSA, 

HEU and PEA) voted to accept the terms of a two-year 

agreement which expires on March 31, 2012. Highlights 

include: 

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs): 

2009 – 3% increase and 

2010 – 3% increase; 

• Certified dental assistants: 

3% per year based on the 2009 Grid 8 wages; 

• LPN supervisors: 

new benchmark and wage increases; 

• Direct Pay drug card and improved vision care; 

• weekend premium of $0.25/hour for all hours 

worked; 

• agreement to establish new joint committees 

to deal with home support scheduling issues, 

STIIP, benefits and developing a single method 

of accruing seniority. 

Facilities Health Services and Support 


who work under the terms of the Health Service and 

Support Facilities subsector agreement. In February 

2010, BCGEU members along with the members of the 

other unions who belong to the Facilities Bargaining 

Association voted to accept the terms of a two-year 

agreement which expires on March 31, 2012. 

Highlights include: 

• LPNs and LPN supervisors are now paid on a wage 

grid with a number of increments. Under the new 

wage grid most LPNs will see a wage increase of 

3 to 7%; 

• expanded job security, renewed transfer agreement, 

enhanced severance and consolidation of 

seniority for casuals; 

• additional one million dollars for education fund. 

Health Science Professionals 


who work under the terms of the Health Science 

Professionals collective agreement. In March 2011, 

BCGEU members along with the members of the other 

unions who belong to the Health Science Professionals 

Bargaining Association voted to accept the terms of a 

two-year agreement which expires on March 31, 2012. 


• improved employment security and employment 

mobility through health authority wide seniority 

lists; 

• significant improvements to the benefits package; 

• establishment of new joint working groups for 

benefits and classifications; 

• establishment of a disability management 

program. 

PAGE 40 


Independent Health Certifications 

There are currently 40 Independent Health agreements 

negotiated throughout the province which apply 

to members working at private care facilities such as 

seniors independent living facilities. Since the last convention 

in June 2008, our Independent Health certifications 

have negotiated average increases as follows: 

Average Percent 

Year Increase to Grid 

2008 ........................ 2.58% 

2009 ..........................2.6% 

2010 ........................ 2.88% 

2011 ........................ 2.34% 

LifeLabs 

The 700 members at LifeLabs who work in the medical 

diagnostic testing field voted to renew their collective 

agreement which expires on December 31, 2011. 


• 3% wage increase; 

• increase in meal allowance; and 

• increase in premium pay for training. 

Due to the government imposed net zero mandate 

and a general reluctance by employers to make any 

meaningful improvements bargaining has been slow. 

Despite these obstacles, the BCGEU achieved agreement 

on local issues at Vancouver Island University 

(VIU). The improvements to the VIU collective agreement 

provide protection for bargaining unit work and 

improvements in the application of seniority. 

College Support 

The provincial compensation template table had a 

rocky start when the Post Secondary Employers’ 

Association cancelled key bargaining dates early in the 

process and set the parties back three months. The 

provincial template table has yet to settle and local 

issues negotiations continue at each college with no 

final agreements in place. 

The application of the government imposed net zero 

mandate and the employer’s refusal to agree to changes 

in working conditions have brought negotiations to 

a standstill. 

Provincial talks are expected to resume in the fall. 

College Instructors 

BCGEU and Federation of Post-Secondary Educators 

(FPSE) jointly negotiate the College Instructors Common 

Provincial Agreement. This agreement expired 

March 31, 2010 and due to a number of procedural 

delays, bargaining did not commence until May 2010. 

In October 2010, the BCGEU and FPSE bargaining 

committees agreed to adjourn negotiations at the 

common table and seek local agreements from the 

individual bargaining units. No dates are presently 

scheduled with the employer for the common table. 


PAGE 41

2011 – Highways Maintenance Workers Preparing for 

Bargaining – Collective Agreements Expire in Fall 2011 

The majority of the Highways Maintenance collective 

agreements expire in the fall of 2011 and highways 

workers are preparing for the 2011/2012 round of bargaining. 

This round follows a five-year deal where long 

strikes in 40 percent of highways contract areas were 

required to achieve collective agreements. 

The 2011 round of bargaining will prove challenging 

because the Ministry of Transportation has signalled 

their intent to remove successorship provisions from 

the 2013 maintenance contract tendering process. 

The Highways Bargaining Council met on April 7 – 8, 

2011 to formalize a plan and develop a strategy for 

the 2011 bargaining. 

Pavement Marking 

BCGEU members work around the province keeping 

our roads safe by painting the lane separation lines 

on the highways in B.C. This is demanding work 

requiring long hours often in the hot sun. The government 

privatized this service and there are now two 

companies that employ our members. Mainroad Pavement 

Marking works in the Lower Mainland and on 

Vancouver Island. Lafrentz Pavement Marking has the 

contract to mark interior and northern highways. 

Our members went to the table with both of these 

employers in 2009 and both came away with similar 

collective agreements. 

Lafrentz Pavement Marking 

Agreement to expire March 31, 2013: 

• 2009 – $1,200 signing bonus; 

• 2010, 2011 and 2012 – a minimum of 2.5% or the 

Labour Index Adjustment, whichever is greater; 

• industry adjustment for foreman at $1.50 per hour; 

• new classification for buffer truck; 

• meal allowance increases. 

Mainroad Pavement Marking 

Agreement to expire March 31, 2013: 

• 2009 - $1,200 signing bonus. 

• 2010, 2011 and 2012 – a minimum floor of 2.5% or 

the Labour Index Adjustment, whichever is greater; 

• new classification for painter and buffer truck; 

• full health and welfare benefits for fourth year 

employees. 

Canada Line 

(ProTrans BC) 

In August 2009, 

our Organizing 

department 

organized the 

180 workers who 

operate Canada 

Line. This is the 

transit line which 

transports travellers from the Vancouver International 

Airport to the Vancouver waterfront. The operating 

company is ProTrans BC. 

Following 15 months of bargaining and a strike vote 

of 95 percent in January, the employer applied for 

mediation under section 55 of the Labour Relations 

Code. This provision which is only available for first 

collective agreements involved a mediator who, after 

hearing from both our union and the employer, wrote 

a report which contained the recommended terms of 

settlement. 

Following additional discussions, our union was able to 

recommend to our members they ratify their first collective 

agreement. A counting of the ballots on March 

24, 2011 revealed that 87 percent of the members 

voted in favour of the collective agreement. In addition 

to having a first collective agreement which contained, 

among other things, a grievance procedure, employment 

security, and language that enshrines seniority 

rights, the agreement also provided for improvements 

to wages, benefits, overtime, scheduling, pension and 

sick leave. 

BC Pavilion Corporation (BC Place Stadium) 

The members at BC Pavilion Corporation approved a 

long term collective agreement to accommodate the 

Olympics and subsequent temporary closure of BC 

Place Stadium. The four-year agreement covers the 

period from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011. Highlights 

include: 

• wage increases: 

...... June 2007 – 3% 

...... June 2008 – 2.5% 

...... June 2009 – 2% 

...... June 2010 – 2% 

• part-time and event-time employees became 

entitled to benefits after three years (as opposed 

to five years) 

PAGE 42 


BC Place has been closed for extensive construction to 

provide for a retractable roof. Negotiations commence 

in the spring of 2011. 

Grand Villa Casino (Gateway Casinos) 

During the period from July 2008 and continuing into 

May of 2009 employees at the Grand Villa casino 

joined the BCGEU. By December 2009 these new 

members voted to ratify their first collective agreement 

which covers approximately 800 members. This twoyear 

agreement expires on December 31, 2011. 


• wage increases in both years ranging from 6% to 

18%; and 

• market adjustment increases for slot attendants 

and security staff. 

Lake City Casinos (Gateway Casinos) 

BCGEU members at Lake City Casinos voted in April 

2011 to ratify a renewal collective agreement. This 

three-year agreement expires on September 4, 2013. 


• wage increases: 

• 2010 – 2% to 4%, subject to years of service, 

2011 – 2%, 2012 – 2%; 

• designated first aid attendants to receive $0.50 

per hour; 

• improvements to Dental – Plan A & B. 

Starlight Casino (Gateway Casinos) 

In the fall of 2009, approximately 400 employees of 

Starlight Casino joined the BCGEU and in the spring of 

2010 they voted to ratify their first collective agreement 

which expires on March 31, 2012. This two-year agreement 

was similar to the one negotiated at the Grand 

Villa. 


• wage increases in both years ranging from 6% to 

18%; 

• market adjustment increases for slot attendants; 

• red-circled employees will receive lump sum payments 

in each year of the agreement. 

BC Safety Authority (BCSA) 

In July 2009, the 270 members ratified a continuance 

of their collective agreement. This agreement is effective 

from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011. 


• 2% general wage increase in the first pay period 

in January of each year of the agreement; 

• implementation of a new job evaluation plan 

which will provide further wage increases of up 

to 3% per year; 

• 4% temporary market adjustment for safety 

officers – elevating; 

• health and welfare benefits enhancements. 

Benefits 

Rehabilitation Committee – Public Service 

The Joint Rehabilitation Committee reviews cases of 

absence from work due to illness or injury and makes 

recommendations for a safe and sustainable return to 

gainful employment. There is an emphasis on providing 

accommodation to allow workers to return to their 

own jobs; however, if that is impossible, there are 

training opportunities available to access alternate 

placements. The access to available vacancies remains 

limited by the ongoing government cuts to the public 

service. 

Early Intervention 

The Early Intervention Plans (EIP) in the Community 

Social Services and Health sectors are designed to 

help our members during periods of illness or injury. 

They provide eligible members with access to 

therapies and treatments at an early point in their 

illness, allowing a safe and timely return to work. Staff 

representatives assist members who have difficulties 

in returning to work. In order to ensure that EIP 

remains relevant and that the plans continue to assist 

our members, negotiations staff play an active role 


PAGE 43

in the EIP process. Through their attendance at EIP 

Working Group and Steering committee meetings they 

advocate for improvements to the plans and provide 

feedback from members to the plan administrators 

and the employers. 

2008 

Active rehabilitation & LTD cases ..................... 519 

Health Services EIP referrals ........................... 473 

Social Services EIP referrals ............................ 283 

2009 




2010 




LTD appeals continue to be concluded at a high 

success rate: 

2008 

LTD appeals won ...........................................81% 

2009 


2010 


Community Health Benefits Joint Working Group 

In the last round of Community Health negotiations, 

joint working groups were established in the areas of 

Benefits and Enhanced Disability Management and 

Short Term Illness and Injury Plans (STIIP.) 

The mandate of the Benefits Working Group is to review 

the terms of the extended health and dental benefit 

plans and identify benefit plan changes that will 

improve the quality of benefits available to members. 

The goal of the Enhanced Disability Management/ 

STIIP Working Group is to examine options for 

short-term disability models, review the disability 

management process and make recommendations to 

the Community Bargaining Association and HEABC for 

improvements to the management of disability claims. 

Classifications 

Staff representatives review the job descriptions submitted 

by employers under the three sectoral collective 

agreements: Health Facilities, Community Health and 

Community Social Services. The staff often challenge 

the description of the work performed and the rate of 

pay or classification the employers assign. 

The colleges and a number of other units perform this 

work by a joint job evaluation committee either with or 

without the direct involvement of staff. The Public Service 

Master and Health Sciences Professionals have a 

complaints-based compliance framework, so no changes 

are reviewed until a member appeals. Since the 

last convention our union has reviewed and appealed 

classifications as follows (note: outstanding reviews and 

appeals are carried forward from one year to another): 

Colleges Joint Committees 2008 

Reviewed (member initiated) ............................42 

New positions (employer initiated) .....................15 



New positions (employer initiated) .......................2 



New positions (employer initiated) .......................2 

Community Social Services 2008 

New & changed jobs (employer initiated) ......... 105 

Concluded ..................................................... 116 

Appeals (member initiated) .................................3 

Concluded .........................................................3 

Community Social Services 2 009 

New & changed jobs (employer initiated) ...........75 

Concluded .......................................................66 


Concluded .........................................................2 

Community Social Services 2010 

New & changed jobs (employer initiated) ...........84 

Concluded .......................................................86 


Concluded .........................................................2 

Health Services (employer & member initiated): 

Reviewed (2008) ............................................ 121 

Reviewed (2009) ..............................................88 

Reviewed (2010) ............................................ 522 

PAGE 44 


Community Health 

During 2010 negotiations we agreed to establish a 

new benchmark for LPNs who supervise other LPNs 

and unregulated staff. Where LPNs are not supervised 

by an LPN supervisor, employers are combining the 

LPN position with the home support supervisor. This 

new benchmark only impacts LPN supervisors in the 

Community Health subsector. 

Since the last convention, approximately 200 activists 

and members at eight different employers received 

training. 

A number of Support Worker 2s have filed classification 

reviews. Regrettably, these have not been 

successful as the changed work remains with the 

broad banded. 

Facilities – Clerical Benchmark Series 

Staff representatives continue to review the Facilities 

benchmarks. Recently the College of Pharmacists 

began certifying and regulating the pharmacy technicians 

and employers can opt to employ regulated 

pharmacy technicians. The regulated workers will 

have an increase in their level of responsibility and 

will be able to sign in the place of a pharmacist for 

prescriptions that are dispensed from a pharmacy. 

We are presently reviewing the benchmarks for the 

pharmacy technicians to ascertain whether this change 

in responsibility will impact on rates of pay. 

Health Sciences 

Individual classification grievances and group grievances 

continue to be assessed and resolved. At the 

present time we are working to resolve the issue of 

supervision with a group of audiologists and speech 

pathologists. Many social program officers have 

complained that the employer has downgraded their 

positions from Grade 2 to Grade 1. In many instances 

we have been successful in red-circling the members 

rate of pay at the higher rate. 

Devolved Government 2008 

Our members whose work has been privatized or who 

were devolved from the direct government service 

have also filed classification appeals. In 2008, three 

classification appeals were filed. 

Joint Job Evaluation Committees 

In some worksites, the job evaluation is done by a 

joint committee made up of both union and employer 

representatives. Members need training, which is 

provided by the staff representative, to be able to 

undertake this role. In some cases the training has 

been made available to the general membership. 

Master Agreement 

Our members working under the Public Service Master 

agreement file appeals when the work they are assigned 

to perform does not match their classification. 

Since the last convention, the BCGEU has reviewed 

and disputed classification appeals as follows: 

2008 

Master: Active ..................................................49 

Master: Concluded ...........................................26 

Onsites and Reviews .........................................41 

Classification adjustments were also made through 

temporary market adjustments (TMAs) for the sheriff’s 

and corrections classifications. The deputy sheriff sergeants 

received a classification increase from grid 18 

to grid 21 and correctional supervisors increased from 

21 to grid 24. 

2009 

Master: Active ..................................................25 



Video teleconference ..........................................6 

2010 

Master: Active ..................................................22 



Video teleconference ........................................20 


PAGE 45

From April 2010 to March 2011, the fund distributed 

approximately $525,000 to 240 members in Community 

Health. The average disbursement 

was $2,000 per member. 

In November, 16 members of Locals 

403 and 404 participated in the health 

care assistant/resident care attendant 

upgrade program (HCA/RCA), which 

was conducted by Vancouver Community 

College (VCC). A 10-week exam 

preparation course for community health 

workers was developed and offered to 

our VCC participants. The first session 

started in January 2011 at BCGEU Headquarters. 

The joint committee was a new option for dispute 

resolution in the 14th Master Agreement that provided 

an alternative to classification hearings. This committee 

met to give ratings on three appeals with the 

union winning one of those. 

Health Science Professional Bill 29 Education Fund 

The Health Science Professionals Bill 29 Education 

Fund awarded $113,301 in education funds to members 

in the first offering of funds in 2009. The committee 

reviewed all of the 2010 applications and $96,000 

has been committed to individual applications for funding 

and just over $28,000 has been committed 

to group training for Interior and Northern Health 

authorities. As a direct result, a successful contract 

course on Community Planning for environmental 

health officers was held for 30 BCGEU members 

February 22 – 23, 2011 in Vernon. The committee will 

meet again this year to determine whether there are 

sufficient funds to offer additional courses. 

The committee has also formed a 

scheduler training working group and 

in conjunction with the committee we are developing 

a one-week train-the-trainer scheduler training program. 

The committee has agreed to partner with other 

groups in order to bring this training to members in 

spring 2011. 

The committee has also identified a group of UFCW 

workers on Salt Spring Island that may also require 

the HCA/RCA upgrade program. 

Funds for general training were offered in May 2011 

and a new offering of funds will likely be made this 

fall. The fund has been a success story and many 

members have and will continue to benefit from the 

training paid for by this fund. 

Joint Community Health Retraining Fund 

The Joint Community Health Retraining Fund (fund) 

was created as a consequence of the Bill 29 Settlement. 

This fund provides retraining monies for 

members who work under the Health Services and 

Support Community subsector collective agreement. 

The BCGEU administers this fund on behalf of the 

Community Bargaining Association. The disbursements 

from the fund are allocated to members by a joint 

union/employer committee. 

PAGE 46 


BC Safety Authority 

BCSA implemented the Hay Classification Plan. 

Since this is a new plan, the union reviewed it 

to ensure that it complied with pay equity. A 

joint committee of three employer and three 

union representatives engaged in writing job 

descriptions and implementing the plan. 

This work is now complete and all jobs have 

been rated and the Job Evaluation Maintenance 

Manual has been finalized. 

Pensions 

The public sector pension plans that BCGEU 

members participate in have been jointly 

trusteed since 2001. These include the Public 

Service Pension Plan (PSPP), the Municipal Pension 

Plan (MPP), and the College Pension Plan (CPP). 

In the last report to convention the challenges facing 

pensions plans were acknowledged. It is safe to say 

that the challenges have only exacerbated. Low rates 

of returns, declining interest rates, enormous global 

upheaval in financial markets, environmental disasters 

and global security concerns give rise to poor 

returns. 

The continuing improvement of service to members 

by the plan administrative agent, the BC Pension 

Corporation, is worth noting. Plan member enquiries 

and service levels are dealt with efficiently and 

promptly. The BC Pension Corporation is involved in a 

major systems replacement for retired members data 

and payment that will come into effect in late 2011. 

The provision of retiree group health benefits continues 

to be one of the most challenging issues facing 

the respective pension boards. The fixed contributions 

earmarked for purchasing the benefits is constrained 

by the amount of funding available. In an era of 

increasing numbers of retirees and accelerating 

health care costs this situation can not be expected 

to improve. 

The trustees of the pension plans understand that 

inflation protection is the primary purpose of Inflation 

Adjustment Accounts. Unfortunately, the provision 

of the group health benefits are funded from the 

employer contributions that are intended for inflation 

protection thereby putting pressure on the plans’ 

ability to provide indexing over the long term. 

BCGEU Pension Plan 

The BCGEU Pension Plan was created in 1988. Its plan 

membership is 1,361. The plan remains in the top 

40 (by assets) of defined contribution pension plans 

in Canada. Its assets as of December 2010 stood at 

slightly under $130 million. It is safe to say that the 

plan is mature and while plan member growth is 

possible, the plan asset base continues to shrink. 

The Board of Trustees recently approved the implementation 

of an immunization fund designed to limit 

the exposure plan members age 60 and over have to 

the equity markets. The one year rate of return for 

2010 was 6.92 percent. Like all plans, it is making 

good progress, coming back from the lows experienced 

in 2008. 

The trustees of the plan are Judi Filion, treasurer 

(chair), Jim Manson (1008), Kelly McDonald (1006), 

Peter Mehling (BCGEU controller), Mike Nuyens 

(Operational Services Component chair), Rory Smith 

(1004) and Stephanie Smith (303). Paul Martin left the 

board in April 2011. 

College Pension Plan 

The CPP has recently had to make some very difficult 

but important decisions. Aside from a modest 

pension contribution increase, it has announced the 

complete discontinuance of any subsidies for retiree 

group health benefits which took effect in 2010. In an 

attempt to ensure sustainability of inflation protection, 

the plan announced a cap on indexing that can not be 

exceeded. The cap is currently at 1.83 percent, which 

was above the rate paid in January 2011. The board 


PAGE 47

assumption and a requirement under 

the Pension Benefit Standards 

Act. 

will re-evaluate that cap in early 2013 once the 

triennial valuation has been performed. 

The union has two trustees on the CPP board, Jean 

Maltesen (Education, Scientific, Technical and Administrative 

Component) and Dan Bradford (representing 

retirees), jointly appointed by the BCGEU and FPSE. 

Municipal Pension Plan 

The MPP remains the largest of the BC public sector 

pension plans, and the BCGEU’s membership in the 

plan continues to increase. In the last report it was 

acknowledged that the Community Health Subsector 

enrolled in the plan. In the intervening period, the 

Community Social Services sector has seen all the 

employers enrolled as of April 2010. The union is very 

pleased with the member participation rate for this 

sector. The MPP board announced a contribution rate 

increase of 0.81 percent to take effect in July 2011. 

The reason for this increase parallels that which was 

given regarding the PSPP. 

The second important issue was 

the acknowledgement by the plan 

partners (the BCGEU and the 

province of B.C.), to adjust the 

amount of employer contributions 

that would be allocated to subsidizing 

retiree group health benefits. 

A recent announcement limits the 

subsidy to only the retired plan 

member who will be entitled to 

extended health care coverage on 

a subsidized basis. Access to all other programs will 

be the responsibility of the member or spouse on a 

voluntary unsubsidized basis. 

The plan also changed its methodology for calculating 

the cost of living allowances paid each year. Starting in 

January 2011, the amount paid was calculated on the 

same basis as that of the Canada Pension Plan. This 

method provides a less volatile and a superior measurement 

than the past practice. 

The union has four trustees on the board of the PSPP. 

They include, Lori Joaquin (Administrative Services 

Component 1st vice-chairperson), Lorene Oikawa 

(vice-president), Paul Martin (staff), David Vipond, 

(director). 

In addition, Paul Martin serves as the PSPP director 

on the board of the BC Pension Corporation. This 

appointment expires June 30, 2011. 

Judi Filion, BCGEU treasurer, became an 

alternate trustee on the MPP board effective 

January 2011. The union continues its 

participation in the Municipal Employees’ 

Pension Advisory committee. 

Public Service Pension Plan 

Since the last report the PSPP has had to 

face two important issues including a small 

increase of 0.15 percent in pension contributions 

arising from the actuaries recommendation. 

That recommendation was premised 

on declining investment returns, the need for 

the plan to use a more conservative earnings 

PAGE 48 


S ADVOCACY 

ince our last report to convention in February 

2008, we have received 1,277 new grievances 

in Advocacy and concluded 1,376. During this 

period, 43 published arbitration awards were issued 

and hundreds of settlements were negotiated, resulting 

in $3,824,664.00 paid out to our members. 

As at December 31, 2010, we had conduct of 508 

active grievance files, representing 33 per cent of the 

union’s active grievances, including 110 termination 

grievances. 

Advocacy 

also handles 

matters 

such as 

Labour Relations 

Board 

applications, 

sexual and 

personal 

harassment 

complaints, 

opinions, provincial and federal court actions, Employment 

Insurance umpire appeals and Human Rights 

complaints. We have received 912 files since our last 

report to convention in 2008. The breakdown of these 

files are as follows: 

Advocacy opinions ............................................. 9 

Association grievances ....................................... 3 

BC Human Rights Code ...................................... 9 

BC Labour Relations Board ................................70 

Court matters...................................................10 

Misuse of managerial/ 

supervisory authority ........................................12 

Employment Insurance 

umpire appeals ................................................. 2 

Employer filed grievances .................................49 

Exclusions ......................................................705 

Discrimination complaints .................................. 2 

Legal opinions ................................................... 5 

Miscellaneous ...................................................36 

TOTAL ...........................................................912 

Workers’ Compensation 

The current caseload of Advocacy’s Workers’ Compensation 

appeal representatives is 382 active appeals. 

We receive an average of 23 new appeals each month. 

Since our last report to convention, we have received 

836 appeal files and we have concluded 906. 

Cases of Note 

REJECTION ON PROBATION 

BCGEU and Ministry of Forests – July 11, 2008 #970 

In September 1994, the member began working as a 

forest technician. In June 2006, pursuant to a settlement 

agreement he returned to work with probationary 

status. On February 21, 2007, he was rejected 

on probation. The arbitrator found for the union and 

reinstated the member. The suitability test requires 

the employer to establish and communicate reasonable 

standards to probationary employees and to give 

them a fair opportunity to prove their abilities. The 

employer did not show it had advised the member of 

the expected standards, or that it had told him he was 

not meeting those standards and that failure to meet 

those standards could result in removal from the 

position. 

CONVERSION 

BCGEU and B.C. Pavillion Corp – June 18, 2008 #969 

The arbitrator accepted the union’s argument that 

part-time and event-time employees met the test for 

eligibility to be converted to regular positions (having 

worked at least 1800 hours in 12 months). The members 

were entitled to be converted to full-time positions 

and entitled to compensation for the employer’s 

failure to convert them. 


PAGE 49

TERMINATION 

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and 

BCGEU – June 25, 2009 and August 31, 2009 

#986 and #986A 

The 10-year service member was terminated for 

releasing unauthorized information to the media. 

At the time of termination he was a corrections 

supervisor and had a discipline free record. 

The union argued discharge was an excessive penalty. 

He acknowledged his mistake, was remorseful and his 

actions were motivated by health and safety concerns. 

CLAIMS REVIEW COMMITTEE (CRC) APPEAL 

Government of BC and BCGEU – June 13, 2008 

#BCLRB B91/2008 

The union applied under Section 99 of the Labour 

Code for an appeal of a CRC decision. 

The union argued the member was denied a fair hearing 

because the CRC panel relied on documents that 

had not been disclosed or provided to him during the 

hearing. 

The board found in the union’s favour and ordered 

that the matter of the member’s qualification for long 

term disability benefits be referred to a different CRC 

panel. 

CLASSIFICATION 

BCGEU and Mainroad East Kootenay – 

June 30, 2010 #1006 

The member was a road foreman (RF) who 

worked in an RF1 position. He moved to an 

RF4 position and shortly after the move, the 

employer reclassified his position as an RF2. 

The union grieved the reclassification and 

argued the position was properly classified 

as an RF4 position. The union called 

evidence to establish the member was 

performing the same duties as other RF4s 

and the same duties as the previous employee 

in that position. The arbitrator accepted 

the union’s argument and the member was 

reclassified back to the RF4 classification and 

received the increase in pay on a retroactive 

and ongoing basis. 

The arbitrator concluded the member should be 

reinstated and referred the issue of the appropriate 

penalty back to the parties. 

The parties were unable to reach agreement on the 

remedy and a second hearing was held. The employer 

argued the member’s dishonesty was so severe that 

he had destroyed the trust relationship and should be 

awarded damages in lieu of reinstatement. The union 

argued the appropriate penalty was a short period 

of suspension and/or if a demotion was ordered, it 

should be for a specific period of time. 

The arbitrator concluded the employment relationship 

was incapable of being restored and awarded three 

weeks of pay for each year of service. 

The union filed two unsuccessful appeals on the case 

to the LRB. 

PAGE 50 


JURISDICTION 

Okanagan College and Okanagan College 

Faculty Association & BCGEU – April 26, 

2010 #BCLRB No. B66/2010 

The Faculty Bargaining Association applied 

for a declaration that certain vocational 

instructors in the BCGEU bargaining unit 

should be moved to the Association bargaining 

unit due to certain changes in the 

Human Services Work program including 

the move from a one-year certificate to a 

two-year diploma program. The sole issue 

was whether the instructors’ work continues 

to be vocational in nature. The board 

dismissed the application, finding that 

the Faculty Association failed to establish 

that the instructors, despite the program 

changes, had ceased to be vocational 

instructors. 

JURISDICTION 

NIL/TU,O and BCGEU – November 4, 2010 

Supreme Court of Canada 

The union applied for certification at the provincial 

LRB on behalf of members who provide family and 

child services to First Nations’ families. The employer 

objected arguing that labour relations are federal 

because the services were provided to First Nations’ 

families. The union’s position was that the provision of 

family and child services is a provincial responsibility 

therefore the provincial Labour Relations Code applied. 

The BC LRB agreed with the union but the employer 

appealed to the BC Supreme Court who found that the 

Canada Labour Relations Board had jurisdiction. The 

union appealed that decision to the BC Court of Appeal 

who reinstated the provincial certification. The employer 

then took the case to the Supreme Court of Canada 

who agreed with the union that the presumption in 

favour of provincial jurisdiction over labour relations 

applied considering that the provision of family and 

child services is a provincial responsibility. 

award. This was the first 100 percent loss of earnings 

award for any BCGEU member since the legislative 

changes in 2002. 

Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) 

Award – November 18, 2009 #2009-03000 

The union successfully challenged the 2002 legislative 

changes and the WCB practice directive that the 

threshold for a loss of earnings pension should be 25 

percent. The worker is an LDB merchandise clerk who 

was injured after the 2002 changes to the WCB 

legislation. The worker was not able to perform her 

clerk position, but was trained and placed through 

the Joint Rehab committee into a receptionist position. 

The difference in her loss of earnings was approximately 

13 percent. The union argued, and the vicechair 

agreed, that the 13 percent difference was a 

significant financial loss and allowed the appeal for a 

loss of earnings pension assessment. 

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD (WCB) 

BCGEU and Fraserview Community Services – 

June 5, 2008 WCB Appeal 

The member was a residential care worker who was 

injured on the job in 2004. The union has filed many 

appeals since 2004 fighting for recognition of his 

physical and psychological injuries. On June 5, 2008, 

the WCB issued a decision letter stating his permanent 

functional impairment award would be 46.78 percent 

and he will receive a 100 percent loss-of-earnings 


PAGE 51

RESEARCH, CAMPAIGNS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

The work of the Research, Campaigns and Communications 

department includes: 

• development of campaigns and materials on 

behalf of components; 

• research on public policy issues, and research to 

support organizing, bargaining and advocacy; 

• media relations, advertizing, publications, website 

and other communications initiatives; 

• coordination, support and development of joint 

labour-management committees with a provincial 

mandate and labour adjustment work to minimize 

involuntary job loss for members affected by 

government downsizing; 

• specialized work in member education, occupational 

health and safety, aboriginal liaison and 

equity; 

• monitoring the legislature, lobbying, and preparation 

of public policy submissions to all levels of 

government and crown agencies; 

• working with labour, environmental, health and 

other social justice groups and coalitions on a 

wide range of issues. 

Child Care 

W 

orking families need affordable, accessible, 

high quality child care, and our 

governments must take bold steps to 

make this a reality in B.C. 

As the largest union of child care workers in B.C., 

we have a strong voice on this issue. But our voice 

becomes stronger through working in coalition with 

other organizations, including: 

• Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC (CCCABC), 

to build support for a universal, publicly funded 

child care system in B.C.; 

• Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada 

(CCAAC) and Code Blue for Child Care, to lobby 

for a national, publicly funded, inclusive, quality, 

non-profit child care system; 

• Child Care Advocacy Forum, to work on advocacy 

campaigns and political action to achieve a provincial 

publicly funded universal child care system; 

• Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC), to 

support professional development and recognition 

for child care workers, including supporting their 

annual conference. 

We continued our strong partnership with the CCCABC 

on the joint “Child Care: Let’s Make It Happen!” provincial 

campaign focused on coalition-building, outreach 

and lobbying for affordable, accessible, publicly 

funded and quality child care for all B.C. families. 

In 2008, the RCC department produced a joint community 

tool kit – a set of easy-to-read materials outlining 

speaking points on concrete child care solutions, 

as well as actions that people can take – that was distributed 

to activists, members and community groups. 

The tool kit is accessible on the BCGEU website. 

We worked to ensure child care was front and centre 

in every election at all three levels, through earned 

media, paid advertizing, lawn signs, questions to 

candidates, email/web information to members and 

the public, and member and community-based events. 

In the lead-up to the 2009 provincial election, we organized 

two “BC Needs Child Care to Work” events 

in Vancouver and Kamloops that saw over 120 

enthusiastic supporters taking it to the streets to 

demand universal child care. 

We made formal submissions to municipal, provincial 

and federal governments calling for a universal child 

PAGE 52 


care system. We advocated for universal child 

care as a key component of a poverty reduction 

plan for B.C. We spoke out against the corporatization 

of child care and we worked with the 

CCCABC to promote its emerging plan for child 

care in B.C. called “Moving to a System of 

Integrated and Early Learning.” 

Special Associate Members (SAMs) 

BCGEU is proud to have workers who provide 

child care services from their home as Special 

Associate Members (SAMs) of our union. 

SAMs benefit from a relationship to the union 

that gives them organizational support, training, 

a political voice, and member benefits that 

enhance their role as workers providing child care 

services in B.C. In 2009, we negotiated a special 

discount for SAMs with Pacific Blue Cross on an 

individual plan for extended benefits. 

Since the last convention, SAMs have continued 

their self-organizing with the assistance of staff 

mentors from the union. Staff from the RCC 

department, along with staff from other departments, 

acted as liaisons with SAMs chapter leaders, 

providing support and advice. 

We assisted SAMs in putting child care on the 

political agenda during the federal and provincial 

elections. 

In the 2008 federal election, the RCC department 

worked with the Organizing department on a 

one-day event which saw over 80 SAMs and 

Component 3 members going door-to-door at 

BCGEU households in Burnaby to engage members 

about the importance of voting for child care. 

In the lead-up to the 2009 provincial election, a 

delegation of staff, SAMs and representatives of 

Component 3 and the Provincial Executive met with 

the B.C. Minister for Child Care, Linda Reid, to lobby 

for more funding for child care. 

Staff assisted SAMs to organize a “SAM2SAM” campaign, 

with SAMs going to the homes of other family 

child care providers, talking to them on the doorstep 

about the importance of voting for child care in the 

provincial election, encouraging them to put “BC 

Needs Child Care to Work” signs on their lawns, and 

recruiting new activists. 


Thousands of British Columbians rely on the critical 

services our members provide in communities around 

the province, and yet these services are often marginalized, 

or invisible. Community living, child care, 

aboriginal services and services to women are chronically 

under-funded, and the provincial government has 

made further funding cuts, resulting in loss of service, 

understaffing and excessive workloads. 

Working with other unions, the BCGEU continued to 

raise awareness of the vital role community social 


PAGE 53

services play in our communities as part of our 

Community Social Services Awareness campaign. 

A key element of the campaign is to have the month 

of March declared as Community Social Services 

Awareness Month throughout B.C. The RCC department 

worked with our activists to make presentations 

to municipal councils and provincial representatives to 

achieve this declaration. In 2009, 30 B.C. municipalities 

proclaimed March as Community Social Services 

Awareness month. In 2010, that number grew to 40 

municipalities. In 2011, nearly 50 municipalities proclaimed 

Community Social Services Awareness Month. 

In all three years, the province of B.C. officially declared 

March to be Community Social Services Month. 

Throughout the month of March, the RCC department 

supported our members and other activists to organize 

local awareness events in their communities, including 

an annual Community Social Services Walk in Victoria. 

The website www.communitysocialservicesmatter.ca 

is used as a campaign tool to highlight the issues and 

activities related to the multi-union campaign for community 

social services. 

We also used opportunities to highlight the need for 

more community social services in our province, often 

in partnership with other advocacy and community 

groups. As an example, in October 2009 we joined 

“Moms on the Move” in early morning demonstrations 

to protest funding cuts to children with special needs. 

In 2010-2011, we stepped up our presence in communities 

and the media to support community social 

services bargaining. At the BC Federation of Labour 

convention in the fall of 2010, we coordinated a 

phone-blitz which saw convention delegates jamming 

the office phone lines of Kevin Kruger, then Minister 

of Social Development, and Mary Polak, then Minister 

of Children and Family Development, to demand a fair 

contract for community social services workers. 

Community Living 

Our members working in agencies contracted with 

Community Living BC (CLBC) continue to face a great 

deal of uncertainty about their working conditions, and 

the future of their work providing services to vulnerable 

British Columbians. Massive budget cuts and 

organizational turmoil have resulted in crises for our 

members and the clients and families they support. 

In December 2008, RCC staff and representatives of 

Components 3 and 6 met with the consultant hired by 

the provincial government to outline concerns regarding 

governance, policies and spending related to CLBC. 

In May 2009, staff and representatives of Component 

3 met with Rick Mowles, CEO of CLBC, which resulted 

in an agreement to have ongoing discussions about 

issues in the contracted services. 

In the summer of 2010, the RCC department 

developed a campaign to highlight the massive 

cuts to CLBC and the resulting closure 

of community living group homes. We liaised 

with advocates, employers, family members, 

Opposition critics and other allies around the 

closure of these group homes and the resulting 

impact on individuals and families. 

We organized two successful community forums in 

Vancouver and Victoria in the fall of 2010, and coordinated 

the work of sector stakeholders to share information 

on group home closures and plan future collective 

action. This work included the release of a report 

calling for a moratorium on group home closures, and 

improvements to community living services. 

Environment 

Our union is proud to be a leader in environmental 

advocacy in the labour movement. We have long 

supported environmental protection and sustainability 

while maintaining good, family-supporting jobs. 

RCC staff brought focus to the union’s campaign 

initiatives on environment and climate change issues, 

including efforts by the Provincial Executive Environment 

committee to green our union, our workplaces, 

and our province. 

We continued to build our working relationship with a 

number of environmental organizations including: 

• BC Food Systems Network 

• Toxic Free Canada 

• Voters Taking Action/Bridge to a Cool Planet 

• BC Campus Climate Network 

PAGE 54 


• Vancouver Food Policy Council 

• WeCAN alliance of labour / environment partners 

in the Western Climate Initiative 

• Pembina Institute 

• Sierra Club BC 

• David Suzuki Foundation 

• Ecojustice 

• Western Canada Wilderness Committee 

• ForestEthics 

• West Coast Environmental Law 

• goBeyond 

Cool Communities Campaign 

Since the last convention, the BCGEU Cool Communities 

campaign has focused on food security as a key 

issue related to climate change. The RCC department 

encouraged and supported local projects spearheaded 

by member activists, including: 

• the award-winning school garden at McTavish/ 

Kelset School in Victoria; 

• specialized, complete educational resource kits 

for middle schools on food security and climate 

change issues developed with The Society Promoting 

Environmental Conservation (SPEC BC). 

a green economy supported by research and policy 

development. 

We co-authored a climate justice technical paper 

published by the CCPA, Greenhouse Gas Emission 

Reduction Scenarios for BC: Meeting the Twin Objectives 

of Temperature Stabilization and Global Equity, 

intended to help provide an understanding of the basis 

and scale of global warming problem and the kind of 

contribution B.C. might make to its solution. 

We also worked as part of the BC Federation of Labour 

with other Canadian and American unions on “Take the 

Lead”, an organized approach to ensure the Western 

Climate Initiative (to which B.C. is a party) deals both 

effectively with global warming and fairly with workers 

and their communities. 

Staff supported the Columbia Institute’s “Jobs, Justice, 

Climate – Building a Green Economy for B.C.” conference 

in September 2010. This conference brought 

together environmentalists and labour activists to 

develop a common vision for a green jobs strategy in 

B.C. that supports just transition policies. 

We put food security on the political agenda in the 

November 2008 municipal elections through an online 

questionnaire for municipal candidates to determine 

their position and support for food security-related 

issues. We also attended the 2008 Union of BC 

Municipalities (UBCM) convention to promote the 

Cool Communities campaign and food security issues 

to mayors, councillors and municipal and regional staff 

from across B.C. 

The union also organized well-attended Build Your 

Own Garden (BYOG)) workshops in Victoria and the 

Lower Mainland for BCGEU members. 

Climate Justice 

RCC staff continued work to ensure workers’ perspectives 

are considered in policy options related to climate 

change. 

The RCC department worked with the CCPA as part 

of the Climate Justice Project, the BC Federation of 

Labour and in coalition with environmental and other 

organizations, to advance our vision of good jobs in 

AirCare 

Over several months in 2010, the RCC department 

worked with environmental groups, municipal allies, 

and the Sustainable Communities Initiative labour 

partners to push for the extension and expansion of 

the AirCare program (vehicle emissions regulation), 

which was set to expire in 2011. Approximately 115 

BCGEU members work at AirCare facilities across the 

Lower Mainland. AirCare inspectors perform green jobs 

that drive economic growth and limit our collective 

environmental footprint at the same time. 


PAGE 55

progressive candidates. A total of 180 

labour-endorsed candidates were elected 

around the province, including 20 BCGEU 

members and one BCGEU special associate 

member in 20 communities. 

Following the 2008 elections, staff compiled 

a list of labour and BCGEU-endorsed 

municipal councillors and school board 

representatives. This tool has been shared 

with other unions through the CLC to aid 

in identifying allies in our municipal lobbying 

campaign activities. 

Our campaign included a direct appeal to municipal 

and regional district representatives, a letter-writing 

campaign with environmental groups, alerts to members, 

and engaging an air quality expert to help assess 

the program review. In November 2010, the board 

of Metro Vancouver unanimously recommended to 

extend AirCare to 2020, and to enhance the program’s 

focus to include emissions from heavy duty vehicles. 

Our work continues, however. At the time of writing 

of this report, we learned the contract with EnviroTest, 

which provides AirCare, is only being extended for a 

year and may be put out to tender, potentially impacting 

our members who work there. 

Municipal Outreach 

Over the last three years, BCGEU activists, elected 

officers and staff appealed to local governments on 

issues of critical importance to our members and their 

communities. We lobbied hundreds of elected officials 

through personal conversations, formal presentations, 

letters, emails, and hosting meetings. As senior levels 

of government continue to download responsibility for 

programs and services to the community, and municipal 

governments become increasingly outspoken on 

public policy issues, it is critical that we elect people 

to local office who support public services and issues 

important to our members. 

The RCC department worked to identify and promote 

candidates endorsed by the labour movement, many 

of whom are our own members. In 2008, the BCGEU 

endorsed 30 BCGEU members running as municipal 

candidates. Using mail, email and phone, the department 

organized member contact – reaching over 

18,000 members to encourage them to vote and 

to consider supporting BCGEU members and other 

We continued to work with the BC Federation of Labour 

and the CLC Municipal Working Group to coordinate our 

political action activities following the 2008 municipal 

elections, networking with labour-endorsed representatives 

on issues affecting our members, and ensuring 

key resolutions are debated at the annual convention of 

the UBCM. We also supported opportunities for training 

and growth through the Columbia Institute for BCGEU 

members who sit on local governments. 

Highways Maintenance 

RCC staff worked with Component 10 to conclude the 

successful “You be the Judge” municipal lobby campaign 

in the fall of 2008. Thirty-nine municipalities passed the 

union’s resolution calling on the Ministry of Transportation 

to properly monitor and audit highways maintenance 

in the province. The UBCM also passed this resolution at 

its 2008 convention. 

We worked with auditor Ron Parks on an analysis of 

highways maintenance in the 20 years since privatization. 

Parks concluded there were significant barriers to 

obtaining the information necessary to do a financial 

comparison, and recommended the provincial government 

take back direct delivery of highway maintenance 

in a small number of service areas in the next 

round of contracts which would enable a sound public 

sector comparison. 

We also obtained a legal opinion that trade agreements 

like the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility 

Agreement (TILMA) are not an obstacle to governments 

who want to resume highway maintenance as 

a direct government service. 

We continued to draw attention to the failure of 

private highways contractors to ensure safety and 

PAGE 56 


oadworthiness of maintenance vehicles and equipment. 

Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) 

inspection reports and other records obtained under 

Freedom of Information revealed a number of contractors 

received large bonuses from the provincial 

government despite appalling safety records with 

vehicles pulled off the road and fines. 

In response to cuts to provincial funding for the CVSE 

inspection service, in early 2011, the union launched 

“Road Safe BC,” a campaign to make B.C. roads safer 

through a re-invigorated CVSE program. 

Forestry Campaign 

This decade has been a hard one for B.C.’s forests 

and the men and women who manage them. Since 

2002, the BC Liberal government has slashed more 

than 1,000 B.C. forest service jobs, eroded monitoring, 

compliance and enforcement, and ushered in an 

era of self-regulation that endangers the environment, 

encourages resource waste, and threatens the sustainability 

of B.C. forests. 

BCGEU members who work in the Ministry of Forests 

have felt the impact of job loss, reduced budgets and 

excessive workloads. And our members who live in 

forest-dependent communities are struggling from the 

negative social and economic impacts of the mismanagement 

of our forests sector. 

Working with our activists, the RCC department set 

out to raise public awareness about the decimation 

of our forest sector and the need for better protection 

and management of our province’s most vital public 

resource. 

In January 2010, we published a policy paper jointly 

with the CCPA, “Managing BC’s Forests for a Cooler 

Planet,” which highlighted a decade worth of cuts 

to the public forest management service and made 

recommendations for investing in the public service 

and managing our forests for the future. 

Later that year, staff began work on the development 

of a BCGEU campaign to engage community leaders 

and the public around the impact of severe cuts to the 

BC Forest Service and the need for more government 

accountability and better stewardship of our forests. 

In January 2011, we launched “BC Forests. Our 

Future”, a series of community dialogues in forestdependent 

communities (Castlegar, Campbell River, 

Kamloops, Prince George) with community leaders 

from labour, community, government, and industry. 

Participants identified issues and solutions for the forest 

sector in their areas. These dialogues served as 

the basis for a platform for use in lobbying in the leadup 

to the municipal, provincial and federal elections. 

Newsletter for BCGEU members working in health care 

Issue #1 - April 2011 

Health Care 

The BCGEU’s membership in the health care sector 

has grown significantly in the last decade. In 2011, 

BCGEU welcomed its newest component – Community 

Health Services, Component 8 – to the union’s 

structure. The BCGEU is now a key health care union 

in B.C., and we continue to find new ways to support 

our members and the critical health care services they 

provide in communities across the province. 

Fighting contracting-out continued to be a challenge 

in the seniors’ care sector. Health authorities have not 

increased funding for residential care facilities to cover 

workers’ negotiated contracts and facilities, in turn, 

have responded by contracting-out care and support 

services. From Cerwydden Care Centre in Duncan to 

Kinsmen Place Lodge in Surrey to Heritage Square 

in Vernon, this contracting-out hurts seniors, their 

families, workers, and their communities. 

In response, the RCC department worked with our 

health care components to develop the “Building a 

Better Future for Seniors” campaign. This campaign 

highlights the challenges in seniors’ care in B.C., and 


PAGE 57

calls on governments to invest in public seniors’ care. 

The campaign tool kit is used to mobilize community 

support for public seniors’ care in communities facing 

contracting-out. 

We prepared a presentation to the BC Ombudsperson 

in November 2008, as part of the office’s systemic 

investigation into seniors’ care. The Ombudsperson 

released part one of the report in December 2009 and 

recommended 10 positive steps government could 

take to improve seniors’ care. The BCGEU joined with 

other organizations in calling on the government to 

implement these recommendations. 

Staff also provided input into the development of the 

BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry 

to ensure that our members receive appropriate and 

current training and have a fair process when it comes 

to registration and removal from the registry. 

We worked to support innovations in health care that 

improve the working conditions of our members. In summer 

2008, we completed a pilot project with Vancouver 

Coastal Health involving rehab assistants and presented 

on this at the “Re-imagining Health Services: Innovations 

in Community Health” conference in November 2008. 

In summer 2009, we held a training day for BCGEU 

LPNs to build skills and develop strategies around 

workload, scope-of-practice and training needs. 

Staff continued to work with the B.C. Health Coalition 

(BCHC) to promote public health care, including the 

BCHC’s “Friends of Medicare” campaign highlighting 

the privatization of our public health care system. 

During the 2009 provincial election, the BCHC worked 

to make public health care an election issue, particularly 

seniors’ care. Staff worked with BCGEU members 

and researchers on a comprehensive report from the 

CCPA, “Towards an Enhanced and More Accessible 

Home Support System for BC’s Seniors,” released in 

May 2009. The report offered a plan for expanding 

home support that supports service integration and 

continuity of care, and pairs quality of service for 

clients and working conditions for staff. 

Mental Health and Addictions 

BCGEU represents thousands of front line workers 

in the health, social services, community, and direct 

government sectors, including the correctional system, 

who support people living with mental illness and 

addictions in B.C. 

Sadly, mental health services in our province are 

woefully inadequate and under-funded. Communities 

have responded to the failure of de-institutionalization 

through a patchwork of services, and our criminal 

justice system is struggling to deal with the mental 

health and addictions issues behind criminal acts. The 

scheduled closure of provincial psychiatric hospital 

Riverview in spring 2012 will exacerbate a system 

already in crisis unless more is done by government to 

improve the delivery of mental health and addictions 

services to the estimated one-in-five British Columbians 

who need them. 

In early 2011, staff began to develop a multi-component 

campaign to highlight the issues facing our 

members who directly or indirectly provide services 

to people with mental illness and addictions. The 

campaign is intended to respond to the provincial 

government’s 10-year Mental Health Plan announced 

in November 2010, identify our members’ concerns 

about funding levels, workplace conditions and gaps in 

services, and engage and mobilize all of our members 

around this critical issue. 

Opposing 

Privatization 

Legal Services 

Campaign 

In 2010, the BC Liberal 

government mandated 

deep cuts to an already 

beleaguered legal aid 

system in our province, 

forcing the Legal 

Services Society (LSS) 

to reduce staff in the 

Lower Mainland by 

38 positions, cut core 

services and special 

projects, and close all remaining offices except Terrace 

and Vancouver. 

These cuts followed the massive 40 percent cut to 

legal aid by the BC Liberal government in 2002-2005. 

The effect of these cuts will be devastating for lowincome 

people, particularly women and their children, 

who will be unable to access the justice system. 

Staff worked with our members and the Coalition for 

Public Legal Services to launch the “Justice for All” 

PAGE 58 


campaign to stop legal aid cuts. The campaign included 

motions passed by Vancouver, Nanaimo, Kamloops and 

Victoria city councils, a letter-writing campaign to the 

provincial government and LSS, and rallies at the legislature 

and LSS offices in downtown Vancouver to mark 

the closing of legal aid offices around the province. 

The BCGEU made a formal submission to the Public 

Commission on Legal Aid which released its report in 

March 2011 calling on the government to make legal 

aid an essential service, re-open regional legal aid offices 

and dramatically increase funding for legal aid to 

meet public need. 

NUPGE “All Together Now” 

The RCC department coordinated the activities of 12 

BCGEU activists who, from September 2010 to June 

2011, campaigned in their communities as part of our 

national union’s “All Together Now!” national campaign 

for quality public services and tax fairness. 

“All Together Now!” is a Member-to-Member campaign 

involving hundreds of “Champions for Change” across 

the country. Champions talk to co-workers, friends, 

families and the public about the need for fair tax 

policies and providing quality public services to reduce 

income inequality and achieve greater prosperity, 

opportunity and living standards for Canadians. 

Our union’s 12 champions made hundreds of local 

presentations and gathered over 1,800 signed 

equality pledges and proclamations from BCGEU 

members, other union members, community leaders, 

municipal councillors, MLAs, MPs and the general 

public. 

Liquor Privatization 

Where you shop does make a difference. That’s the 

message of the BCGEU “Shop Public!” campaign to 

support our members who work in B.C.’s public liquor 

stores and warehouses. The RCC department worked 

with the Retail Stores and Warehouse Component to 

encourage people to patronize public liquor stores 

for better selection and lower prices – as much as 

35 percent less than private stores – while generating 

revenue for government to fund health, education and 

other public services, supporting union jobs, and 

promoting responsible alcohol consumption. A key 

part of the campaign was paid advertizing during the 

holiday festive season to remind people that where 

you shop makes a difference. 

We continued to promote the improvement of 

government liquor stores and oppose the closure 

of existing stores. In fall 2008, we worked with 

Component 5 activists to oppose the closure of a 

store in East Vancouver. 

Other 

We supported the efforts of other organizations to 

fight privatization in their communities. In fall 2008, 

the RCC department assisted with the Oceanside 

Coalition for Strong Communities conference on antiprivatization. 

Public Education 

The RCC department continued its work to promote 

trades training, apprenticeship and post-secondary 

education. 

We worked as part of the Coalition for Public 

Education to speak up for our public schools and 

post-secondary institutions in the lead-up to the 2009 

provincial election. In February 2009, the coalition 

called on the government to adopt a five-point plan 

for renewed investment in elementary, secondary, and 

post-secondary education, including funding and expanding 

trades programs. We commissioned a public 

opinion poll that showed an overwhelming 86 percent 

of British Columbians believe investment in public 

education should be a key part of any stimulus plan, 

and organized all-candidates’ debates on public 

education. 


PAGE 59

Political Action 

The RCC department continued to develop and implement 

political action programs to engage our members 

on issues that affect them personally, their families 

and communities, and encourage them to participate 

in the electoral process. 

Our members used the opportunity of the 2009 provincial 

election to get out and talk to other members 

about their views on their work, their union, and the 

future of their province. We created a “M2M@home” 

campaign that trained and worked with BCGEU activists 

in 10 constituencies. Over 120 members knocked 

on over 2,100 doors and spoke to over 900 members 

on their doorsteps in the first two months of 2009. 

This direct contact enabled activists to hear about 

specific workplace issues, which were followed-up by 

local officers or staff, as well as other member concerns, 

including the impact of the 

economic downturn on their jobs 

and their families, public sector bargaining, 

privatization of public liquor 

stores, contracting out of health 

services, lack of affordable child 

care, and the fact that government 

isn’t properly regulating highways 

maintenance contractors. The union 

spoke up on those issues during the 

provincial election campaign. 

BCGEU canvassers also recruited new stewards and 

activists, and updated membership contact lists. 

The successful “M2M@home” campaign reinforced 

that when union members talk to their fellow members, 

those conversations have power. 

We also engaged activists in political action around the 

October 2008 federal election and the November 2009 

federal by-election in New Westminster-Coquitlam. 

And we participated in the BC Federation of Labour’s 

“Count Me In” union member outreach campaigns. 

As this report was written, planning is underway to 

mobilize our members around the looming provincial, 

federal and municipal elections. 

Women’s Rights 

Women’s rights are workers’ rights. Our union continues 

to advance the equality of women at the bargaining 

table and in our communities. We work to make 

our union more democratic by strengthening and 

developing our women leaders. We take time to 

celebrate the achievement of women in our union and 

in our communities, and to support them in making 

our province more equitable for women. 

The RCC department organized successful regional 

women’s conferences for our members in Kelowna 

(2009), Parksville (2009), Richmond (2010), and 

Castlegar (2011). These conferences explored the 

themes of life/work balance, and how to remove 

barriers to women’s participation in the workplace, in 

the union, and in society. 

We organized International Women’s Day events and 

other actions for women’s rights and supported organizations 

like the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre 

who highlight the struggles of women living in violence 

and poverty. 

We continued to assist the Vancouver Committee for 

Domestic Workers and Caregivers and the West Coast 

Domestic Workers Association in their struggles to recognize 

the work of their members who provide child care, 

elder care, and domestic work in B.C. In June 2009, we 

organized a successful forum attended by more than 100 

domestic workers in Vancouver to discuss concerns about 

reforms for Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program. 

Child Protection 

Our members who work in child protection do critical 

work keeping B.C.’s vulnerable children safe and free 

from harm – in conditions that have gone from very 

difficult, to worse. 

The RCC department worked with Pivot Legal Society 

to undertake a survey of former child protection social 

PAGE 60 


workers in the Ministry of Children and Family Development 

to understand the issues facing workers. We 

looked at why workers are leaving the system, and 

found reasons like excessive caseloads, lack of support, 

and low morale. President Walker and Pivot representatives 

released the report of the study, called “Hands 

Tied” in May 2009. 

We continued to support the work of the BC Child and 

Youth representative, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, to advocate 

for systemic changes that will improve the lives 

of B.C’.s children and youth. We organized meetings 

between the representative and our members to share 

first-hand experiences of working in child protection. 

We worked with Component 6 activists on responses 

to government initiatives and changes to B.C’.s child 

protection system, as well as critical incidences. 

Open Government 

A cornerstone of any democracy is freedom of information 

and transparency of government. In conjunction 

with the Freedom of Information and Privacy 

Association (FOI), the RCC department worked on 

a range of public interest advocacy issues, including 

changes to FOI legislation. We also were involved in 

the coalition campaign and legal challenge to B.C.’s 

Bill 42, the Election Amendment Act, which placed 

extreme limits on public interest advertizing and 

communication from February 2008 until the May 

2009 provincial election. 

Ending Poverty 

No matter what method is used to measure poverty, 

too many people in our province struggle to make ends 

meet, and too many children start their lives living in 

poverty. We all pay for poverty through increased health 

care costs, higher crime, higher levels of homelessness, 

and higher demand for community services. The RCC 

department continued to work in coalition with other 

organizations to end poverty in B.C. and Canada. 

employees. Living wages are an important part of 

economic prosperity because they foster a dedicated, 

skilled and healthy workforce. The living wage is different 

from the minimum wage, which is the legislated 

minimum set by the provincial government. The living 

wage calls on employers to meet a higher standard for 

both their direct staff and major contractors – it reflects 

what people need to support their families based 

on the actual costs of living in a specific community. 

The BCGEU is a part of the advisory committee for the 

Living Wage Campaign – as the campaign slogan says, 

“We believe work should lift you out of poverty, not 

keep you there.” 

Poverty Reduction Coalition 

The BCGEU is a member of the BC Poverty Reduction 

Plan coalition. In 2010, the RCC department worked 

with municipal councillors in Parksville, Vancouver and 

Victoria to pass council motions and submit resolutions 

to the UBCM calling for a provincial poverty reduction 

plan. 

Other Anti-Poverty Work 

We support Canada Without Poverty’s “Dignity for All” 

campaign: a multi-year, multi-partner, non-partisan 

campaign calling for federal action to build a povertyfree 

and more socially secure Canada by 2010. 

The RCC department also worked with housing advocates 

around the closure of emergency “HEAT” shelters 

in City of Vancouver, including one of our certifications. 

Anti-bullying 

Since 2008, the RCC department has worked with Component 

17 to develop and implement an anti-bullying 

campaign to stop bullying in the workplace and in the 

community. In 2011, the hugely successful campaign, 

Living Wage Campaign 

The Living Wage Campaign was launched by First Call 

and the CCPA in 2009 to lift working families, children 

and youth in B.C. out of poverty. 

The campaign’s aim is to encourage employers in 

both the public and private sectors to adopt the living 

wage as a benchmark for improving the lives of their 


PAGE 61

“Take a standlend 

a handstop 

bullying 

now!”, drew 

the attention of 

members across 

the union with 

its vibrant pink 

scarves, materials 

and strong 

messages. 

Ministry Committees 

Article 29 Committees 

The RCC department provides staff support to the 

joint ministry/union committees set up under Article 

29 of the public service master agreement. Article 29 

committees play an important role in problem-solving 

workplace issues, as well as undertaking critical workforce 

adjustment for members impacted by downsizing, 

reorganization, privatization and contracting-out. 

Issues the committees have taken on since 2008 

included: 

• placement of members impacted by the closure of 

the Coquihalla Toll Plaza; 

• employee performance and development plans 

(EPDPs); 

• transfer of staff from the children’s component 

of Community Living Services to the Ministry for 

Children and Family Development; 

• transfer of Labour Market Development Agreement 

staff from the federal to the provincial 

government; 

• transfer and placement of staff affected by the 

closure of Riverview Hospital; 

• transfer of aquaculture staff in the ministries 

of Agriculture and Lands, and Environment, to 

federal jurisdiction; 

• workforce adjustment resulting from provincial 

budget impacts in 2009, particularly in the Forests, 

Citizens Services and Energy, Mines and 

Petroleum ministries. 

Government Liaison 

The RCC department monitors government activity 

including new legislation, cabinet and ministerial 

changes, Question Period and legislative committees 

in order to respond to government initiatives and track 

issues of concern to our members. 

Department staff prepared submissions to the Finance 

and Government Service Committee, which conducts 

pre-budget hearings. Staff also reviewed and analyzed 

budget documents from federal and provincial governments, 

and prepared submissions on policy reviews. 

Lobbyist Registration 

The RCC department developed an internal process 

to ensure the BCGEU is compliant with new lobbyist 

registration requirements. 

Occupational Health and Safety 

Throughout its history, the BCGEU has worked hard to 

protect its members from injury, illness and death on 

the job. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) is an 

important issue for the union. 

The RCC department continued to coordinate the 

OH&S work of our union. We ensured the recruitment, 

training and support for members who take on the 

important role of health and safety committee members 

and worker representatives in BCGEU workplaces 

around the province. 

Since last convention, we undertook a complete review 

of our training courses and facilitator materials. We developed 

a health and safety handbook for our representatives 

on OH&S committees and revamped the website 

to include more information and forms for our members. 

The RCC department coordinated a union-wide 

OH&S recruitment campaign in fall 2010 to ensure 

the appointment of BCGEU OH&S committee and 

worker representatives to three-year terms effective 

December 1, 2010. 

APRIL 28 

NATIONAL 

DAY OF MOURNING 

FOR WORKERS 

KILLEDA 

N 

D 

t bl 

INJURED 

ON THE JOB 

PAGE 62 


We continued to train member facilitators to meet 

the increasing demand for OH&S courses scheduled 

throughout the year in all areas. We updated existing 

courses to ensure they meet the needs of members 

and their worksites, and developed new courses to 

address specific training needs, including for community 

health and community social services workers. 

Together with the BC Public Service Agency (PSA), 

in 2009 we developed a one-day training course for 

accident investigations for members who work in 

direct government. 

In conjunction with our affiliate, the Compensation 

Employees’ Union, we held two successful two-day 

OH&S conferences for members in March 2009 and 

March 2011. 

The RCC department also worked with the PSA and the 

University of British Columbia to develop a prevention of 

violence (POV) on-line risk assessment tool to efficiently 

assess the risk of violence in workplaces in order to 

implement workplace violence prevention plans. 

including an outbreak of tuberculosis in Port Alberni in 

2008. 

Equity and Human Rights/ 

Aboriginal Liaison 

The BCGEU is a strong advocate for equity and human 

rights, both within our union and in society. 

In our union, the RCC department continued to 

support our equity networks to involve members 

of equity-seeking groups in all aspects of the union. 

Equity Networks provide outreach, information on 

union and community events and activities, and 

current information on developments in human rights 

and related policies, legislation, duty-to-accommodate 

and disability, and human rights issues. 

We continued to work with other members of the 

labour community to build public support for improved 

health and safety conditions. This included submissions 

to government and the WCB on proposed regulatory 

and policy changes that affect workplace health 

and safety, including compensation for asbestos exposure 

in the workplace and the designation of resource 

roads as workplaces. 

We participated in the BC Federation of Labour’s lobby 

to the provincial legislature in spring 2010 which called 

for a reinstatement of loss of earnings and lifetime 

pensions for injured workers; the establishment of an 

asbestos registry for buildings and tumours; and the 

implementation of all the jury recommendations in the 

farm workers van accident of 2008. 

We received funding for a research project, in partnership 

with UBC and the PSA, to review the impact of 

training on the effectiveness of joint OH&S committees. 

This project began in September 2010. 

We coordinated our union’s participation in the annual 

April 28th Day of Mourning for workers who have been 

killed or injured on the job. 

On an ongoing basis, we work with area staff and 

activists to address emerging issues in the workplace, 

As a result of email networking, in-person meetings 

and other forms of outreach, the Equity Networks 

increased to over 420 members. 

In November 2008, the RCC department organized 

“TakeItOn!,” a two-day equity conference in Vancouver. 

The conference was dedicated to the memory of 

Brother Don Philpott, a long-time BCGEU activist and 

champion of equity rights. Participants heard from 

inspirational speakers who have taken action on equity 

issues, and identified ways the union can help overcome 

barriers to equality. 

The RCC department also held a campaigns’ course 

at the 2010 BCGEU Labour Institute for equity 

network members and coordinated the election of 

equity delegates to the 2011 convention. 


PAGE 63

Education 

Education and training of union members 

continued to be a core function of 

the RCC department. 

Since 2008, staff have updated many 

of the existing courses such as the 

basic stewards’ and advanced stewards’ 

courses, and developed new 

training modules, including: 

We produced materials and organized actions to commemorate 

national and international days promoting 

equity and human rights, including Aboriginal Solidarity 

Day, Day Against Homophobia, Pride, International 

Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, World 

AIDS Day, and Asian Heritage Month. We also coordinated 

the union’s participation in annual pride celebrations 

and major cultural events in the Lower Mainland 

such as Vaisakhi, Diwali and Chinese New Year. 

The RCC department continued to work with the Aboriginal 

community to promote understanding of 

the labour movement and to address common goals. 

We worked with other union staff and leadership to 

support our members in Aboriginal certifications. In 

2009, we participated in negotiations for a first agreement 

with Nisga’a Child and Family Services, and facilitated 

cultural understanding in discussions between 

the union and the Haida Child and Family Services 

Society, and the Native Education College. 

Since 2008, we supported the “Walk4Justice-Highway 

of Tears,” an annual event to demand justice for 

murdered and missing Aboriginal women. BCGEU 

members participated in various stops along the 

walkers’ journey through B.C., and the dedicated 

walkers wore bright yellow BCGEU t-shirts with the 

“Walk4Justice” logo on them. 

In September 2010, we assisted with the Lytton First 

Nation/Bright New Day workshop which promoted 

cooperative approaches and solutions to build bridges 

between the people of TlkemchEEn and the broader 

community. 

• Speak Up, Speak Out: Communicating 

Assertively; 

• Conflict Resolution; 

• Effective Labour Management Committee 

Meetings; 

• Union Observer Training; 

• Public Speaking; 

• Oh No! Not Another Meeting; 

• Stress in the Workplace; 

• Member Facilitator Training; 

• Harassment and Bullying: Keeping it out of the 

Workplace; 

• Developing Resolutions to Convention. 

Staff also developed courses specifically for components, 

including leadership, local development, effective 

communication, lobbying, running effective 

committee meetings, and social media. 

The RCC department trained member co-facilitators 

in all areas of the province and the union now has 30 

members able to deliver courses such as basic stewards. 

These members have further used their facilitation 

skills in other area-training as well as the CLC 

Winter School, weekend schools and various conferences. 

PAGE 64 


Since the last convention, the department held seven 

sessions of the BCGEU Labour Institute in partnership 

with Capilano University. Over 200 members participated 

in these institutes, taking either the academic 

stream (labour history, social policy and labour economics) 

or the campaigns stream. We have held three 

basic campaigns courses. We also held a campaigns’ 

course for young workers, equity-seeking members, 

and for members who had completed the basic campaigns’ 

course. 

www.betterbc.org 

The communications staff develop public relations and 

advertizing strategies and materials on a wide range 

of public policy and social justice issues that affect 

members and their families. 

Campaigns 

Over the past three years, communications officers 

have produced hundreds of alerts, email notices, 

bulletins and thousands of buttons, stickers, lawn 

signs and leaflets in support of the union’s campaigns. 

The BCGEU has been featured in opinion 

editorials in the Vancouver Sun, The Tyee, 

and other topics ranging from forestry 

cuts to the attacks on collective bargaining 

rights in Wisconsin. 

Rally at noon 

April10A 

VANCOUVER ART 

GALLERY NORTH SIDE 

Communications also secured (free) 

media coverage on CBC News and Current 

Affairs, CKNW, CFAX, CHNL, News 1130, 

The Province and the Times Colonist, to 

name a few. 

The communications department has 

produced radio, TV and print ads, speakers’ 

notes, information kits, issue sheets, 

talking points, and billboards. 

Staff also coordinated two regional conferences: 

Region 3 (Kamloops) in 2009 and Region 4 (Prince 

George) in 2010. Over 80 percent of delegates to the 

regional conferences were attending a union function 

for the very first time. The conferences focused on 

short informative sessions, followed by open discussions 

led by the participants themselves, and featured 

keynote speakers from across Canada and the U.S. 

The BCGEU continued to be involved with the BC Federation 

of Labour and the CLC in providing courses and 

instructors to women’s conferences, young worker training 

events, equity events, and Harrison Winter School. 

On average, 135 BCGEU members attend the annual 

CLC Winter School, with BCGEU offering young worker 

and equity scholarships to ensure broad participation. 


The BCGEU communications program strengthens 

public support for our union and our members; 

provides timely information to the members and the 

media, and supports the union’s organizing, bargaining 

and campaign goals. 

Additionally, staff have designed promotional materials 

for the union that includes banners, flags, trinkets and 

picket signs. 

The communications department was responsible for 

designing and implementing the communications 

components of the following campaigns: 

COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES AWARENESS resolutions, 

member profiles and promotional materials. Communications 

officers also redesigned and administer the 

joint union website at: www.CommunitySocialServices- 

Matter.ca. 

CLBC CAMPAIGN brought community stakeholders 

together to combat cuts to group homes by CLBC. 

ALL TOGETHER NOW work with the NUPGE to raise 

awareness of the need for tax fairness in Canada. 

“Champions for Change” were trained to speak at 

union and other events. A section of the BCGEU web 

site was developed to promote the campaign. 

ANTI-BULLYING materials were produced for Component 

17’s popular campaign. 


PAGE 65

SENIORS – ”Building a Better Future for Seniors’” is the 

title of the union’s seniors’ campaign, which includes a 

toolkit for activists to use in raising awareness around 

seniors’ care issues. 

LPN RAID – messaging and materials were produced 

to help combat the BC Nurses’ Union’s efforts to raid 

licensed practical nurses across the province. 

SHOP PUBLIC liquor store campaign materials and work 

on price comparisons. 

FORESTRY CAMPAIGN held a series of public workshops 

around the province. Communications staff helped 

prepare a website, news releases, backgrounders and 

other materials to support this campaign. Staff also 

provided media relations. 

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY CAMPAIGN was 

developed with print, billboard, radio advertizing, 

plus promotional materials. 

COOL COMMUNITIES materials – BCGEU’s climate 

change/global warming campaign. This includes internal 

work at the union to reduce our environmental 

footprint. 

BUILD A BETTER BC – working with the BC Federation of 

Labour, faith groups, community groups and others to 

develop alternative social and economic policies. 

AIRCARE lobbying and opinion editorials to ensure 

Aircare extension. 

ANNUAL MEMBER-TO-MEMBER (M2M) initiatives, including 

talking points, survey sheets, and union promotional 

materials. 

Staff also provided communications and campaign 

assistance to affiliates. 

Negotiations 

Staff provide communications support to all negotiations. 

Since the last constitutional convention, the 

majority of BCGEU certifications have gone through 

bargaining, including the public service, community 

health, facilities, health sciences, post-secondary 

education, highways bargaining and strikes, child 

care, casinos and hospitality. As we prepare for the 

convention, there may be job action in community 

social services since the talks broke down at the end 

of March. 

Staff were also active assisting bargaining in a large 

number of stand alone certifications, including Lake 

City Casinos, Land Titles and ProTrans (operator of 

the Canada Line). 

During bargaining and strikes the department prepares 

news conferences and news releases, webcasts, strike 

vote materials, bargaining updates (email notices, web 

postings), ratification vote materials, and provides 

other support materials like scarves, leaflets, buttons 

and radio and newspaper advertizing. 

The department handles all the union’s daily media 

relations activities, news releases, information and interview 

requests, and news conferences on all issues. 

Government and Elections 

Staff assisted with communications and message 

development during the many changes to the public 

service, including cuts to staff and the reorganization 

of ministries, particularly the new Ministry of Forests, 

Lands and Natural Resource Operations. 

News releases and other communications materials 

were developed for the union to respond to Throne 

Speeches and budgets. 

Communications staff assisted with background 

information on the 2009 provincial election, outlining 

a number of issues members could raise with candidates. 

Staff also produced profiles on BCGEU members 

who were running in the election. 

New Component Launched 

Communications staff assisted with the launch of 

the new Community Health Services Component 8, 

producing communications materials and revising 

the union’s website to reflect the change. 

Outreach 

Staff organized and attended booths and events at 

the annual UBCM conventions to inform delegates on 

issues of concern to our members, and to follow the 

progress of resolutions we initiated. 

PAGE 66 


Staff did similar work at BC Federation of Labour 

conventions, including the “Action Table” at the 2010 

convention where delegates could use Twitter and 

other social media tools to deliver messages to 

government about their concerns. 

The 2009 “Member to Member” campaign reached out 

to members in their homes to listen and talk about the 

issues that were important to members. 

The department assisted with communications materials 

during the raid on licensed practical nurses. 

The Communications department provided support 

to community and coalition partners, including the 

B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members, Grassroots 

Women, Council for Senior Citizens Organizations, 

BC FORUM, First Call Youth and Advocacy Forum, 

Active Voice Coalition (Prince George), CoDevelopment 

Canada, Labour Environmental Alliance Society, and 

United Way. 

Staff participate in the BC Federation of Labour’s 

labour communications and syndicate polling committees, 

the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the 

Canadian Association of Labour Media, the International 

Labour Communications Association, and other 

organizations. 

Staff also developed communications materials for 

Component 1 on violence against correctional officers 

and the need to expand duties for sheriffs. The union 

was vocal in pushing the government to consider a 

new correctional facility in the Okanagan. The government 

is now consulting with communities in the area 

to determine where a jail could be located. 

Advertizing 

Besides developing advertizing for various campaigns, 

the department coordinates and designs “goodwill 

advertizing” that helps develop the BCGEU “brand” 

throughout the province. The department works with 

Organizing and the Campaigns department to coordinate 

ad purchasing and various sponsorships with different 

organizations. Trinkets, or “swag” is being used by the 

union and its components. The department has developed 

a database of available items and works closely 

with the Mail Centre to control inventory and provide 

members and others with what they have requested. 

BCGEU Direct 

The Communications department works closely with 

staff at BCGEU Direct to notify members of its operation 

and to provide timely information on union events and 

comments so that they can answer any questions. Feedback 

from members is key and the two departments 

have a “fast track” policy in place to make sure that any 

updates for the website are done quickly. 

Polling 

Staff helped design polls for BCGEU members in a 

number of components and has participated with the 

BC Federation of Labour in a joint union poll of union 

members. 

Website and Email 

Staff continue to update the website with changes that 

make it easier to navigate. The site continues to have 

a high number of visitors. It is common for the site to 

have more than 21,000 unique visitors a month. The 

newly-designed site won an international award in the 

fall of 2008 for general excellence from the International 

Labour Communicator’s Association. 

Videos are an increasingly important feature of websites 

and the staff have used this feature on a regular 

basis, including the 2010 start of “In Conversation,” 

which features interviews with the president and other 

guests on timely issues. Thousands of members use 

the site to check their collective agreement, send in 

their change of address and to read about the latest 

activity undertaken by the union. The “Events” section 


PAGE 67

COMPONENT 12 

Administrative 

Services, BCGEU 

of the website has been upgraded, allowing for more 

convenient use. 

The “President’s Blog” on the website has provided an 

opportunity for the president to comment on specific 

items and to hear back from members, whose comments 

are posted. 

The union has collected over 27,800 emails from 

members. The department sends out regular bulletins 

to selected groups of members as well as the popular 

weekly e-bulletin that reports on union events in one 

place, cutting down on unnecessary emails. 

Social Media 

Staff continue to expand the use of social media, 

including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to promote 

the activity of the union. A BCGEU “app” is being 

developed for smart phones and staff will be reviewing 

the use of “QR codes” in future promotional material. 

The use of social media continues to develop as 

technology develops. A steadily increasing number 

of members view the union’s email and website on 

mobile devices. 

Conventions and Conferences 

Department staff supported the 2008 constitutional 

convention, helping with setup, displays, printed 

materials, the convention newsletter, and an interactive 

site that provided information to delegates on the 

union’s many campaigns. 

solve economic and environmental problems in the 

province. We produce materials for events such as the 

Day of Mourning, Pride Day, International Women’s 

Day, Aboriginal Solidarity Day and Community Social 

Services Awareness Month. 

Staff also assisted at the union’s labour institutes and 

regional conferences in Kamloops and Prince George. 

Training 

Staff also facilitated various workshops on message 

development and delivery, media training, and public 

speaking for components within the BCGEU. 

Organizing Support 

Communications worked closely with organizers and 

the organizing communications officer on a variety of 

organizing driven communications materials, including: 

VanCity, independent health care facilities, Gateway 

Casino and child care centres. 

Publications and Materials 

The BCGEU communications department is responsible 

for the production of a number of regular publications 

including The Provincial, The Steward, the Occupational 

Health and Safety newsletter, and component 

newsletters. 

The department has also developed e-bulletins for the 

OH&S committee and the forestry campaign. 

Awards 

In the last three years, Communications department 

work has been recognized with 15 awards from the 

International Labour Communications’ Association 

(ILCA), and several more from the Canadian Association 

of Labour Media (CALM). 

Staff worked with the union’s committees and 

components to produce materials and programs for 

conventions, policy conferences, equity and human 

rights forums, young worker conferences and regional 

women’s conferences. 

The union was an active participant in the “Jobs, 

Justice, Climate: Building a Green Economy for 

B.C.” conference which brought together labour and 

environmental groups to explore common goals to 

PAGE 68 


ADMINISTRATION 

The Administration department is responsible for 

providing overall administrative support to the 

union’s daily operations and ongoing projects. 

Areas in the department include information technology 

services, membership records, buildings and 

facility management, environment officer, conventions, 

conferences and travel administration, privacy officer, 

mail centre, BCGEU Direct, file registry and headquarters 

switchboard. 

Over the past three years, the development of 

technology and how the union processes information 

has continued to contribute to the growth and workload 

in the department. Constant review of internal 

procedures continues to streamline our systems and 

reduce the daily operating costs of the union. 

Reporting Responsibilities 

Administration department staff report to the administration 

coordinator, who in turn reports to the director 

of advocacy, administration and finance. The director 

reports to the president and treasurer. 

Information Technology Services 

The union continues to ensure that computer equipment 

remains current with a technology refresh plan. 

Computers, notebooks and file servers are refreshed 

approximately every four years. Printers are maintained 

through a cost-per-page program. 

Information technology staff are presently engaged 

in the second phase of the UnionWare database implementation. 

Phase two will incorporate the “Leave of 

Absence” system into the UnionWare membership system. 

UnionWare is a unified database system using the 

membership database as the core of information structure. 

All secondary database systems look to the central 

membership system for membership information, thus 

reducing the need for duplicate member records. 

Video conferencing equipment was deployed to every 

area office. This was a large project completed last 

year. Video conferencing will give the area office the 

ability to conduct face-to-face meetings over the 

internet, reducing the need for travel. The project has 

been a great success, with more meetings each month 

being scheduled via video conference. 

Building and Facilities Management 

Responsibilities of staff in this area include purchasing, 

inventory control, insurance, security, daily building 

maintenance, telephone systems, leasehold improvements 

and leasing space in the union-owned facilities 

in Burnaby, Victoria, Prince George, Langley, Nanaimo 

and Kamloops, as well as negotiating lease space in 

other area office locations. 

The union headquarters is located in the Norman T. 

Richards Building (Burnaby). This is the location of the 

Executive Offices and the departments of Administration, 

Finance, Human Resources, Advocacy, Negotiations, 

and Research, Campaigns and Communications. 

• The Lower Mainland area office is located in the 

Nancy Hamilton Building (Burnaby). Meeting and 

training rooms are located on the first floor along 

with work space for local officers. The BCGEU 

Direct is located in this building. 

• The Victoria area office is located in the John T. 

Shields building (Victoria). 

• The Fraser Valley area office and organizing staff 

are located in the George Heyman Union Organizing 

Centre (Langley). 

• The Prince George area office is located in the 

Diane L. Wood Union Centre. 

• The Kamloops area office provides workspace for 

local officers, staff and meeting rooms. 

• The new North Island area office is located in 

Nanaimo. The building was completed spring 

2011 and provides state-of-the-art workspace and 

meeting rooms for staff and members in the area. 

• Area offices that are leased are Fort St. John, 

Terrace, Kelowna, Castlegar, Cranbrook, and Williams 

Lake. 

Membership Records 

Membership records is responsible for updating 

member, steward, officer and worksite information, 

and processing strike assistance. The number of new 

certifications requires more manual updating of pay 

lists, processing of membership applications and 

production of membership cards. 


PAGE 69

Staff continue to work with employers to secure 

member information electronically. Email addresses 

continue to be tracked for all members who volunteer 

them. Email lists for stewards and members by area 

and component are updated daily. 

Conventions, Conferences 

and Travel Administration 

Staff in this area are responsible for the administration 

of the union’s triennial constitutional convention, 

affiliates conventions, conferences and delegations 

to working sessions/seminars, and general travel 

administration for the union, including researching 

unionized hotel facilities. Delegates/members attending 

functions are able to register online which results 

in a more efficient process. 

Privacy Officer 

The privacy officer processes requests from members 

concerning the Personal Information Protection Act 

(PIPA). The purpose of PIPA is to govern the collection, 

use and disclosure of personal information by 

organizations in a manner that recognizes both the 

right of individuals to protect their personal information 

and the need of organizations to collect, use 

or disclose personal information for purposes that a 

reasonable person would consider appropriate in the 

circumstances. The privacy officer has processed 124 

requests from members since the Act was proclaimed. 

The BCGEU is committed to protecting the privacy, 

confidentiality, accuracy and security of members’ personal 

information. Information is used and retained for 

the purpose of conducting our duties as a trade union. 

Mail Centre 

Staff in this area process and mail numerous work 

orders for general information including FYIs, The 

Steward, bargaining bulletins, minutes, meeting notices 

and agreements. They are also responsible for 

stationery and stock inventory. The mail centre also 

handles kit preparation and assembly for the various 

education courses being held throughout the province 

such as training for stewards, OH&S, local officer training, 

women’s conferences, leadership conferences and 

bargaining conferences. 

In the interest of environmental awareness and the 

department’s ongoing efforts to reduce the volume of 

paper processed, we continue to monitor our distribution 

procedures and alter these wherever feasible. The 

use of electronic mail and the iNet continues to reduce 

paper usage and postage costs. 

Environment Officer 

The mandate of the environment officer is to reduce 

the carbon footprint of the union. The environment 

officer works with staff in all offices to reduce, reuse 

and recycle. By implementing small changes in daily 

workflow, big gains can be achieved. The environment 

officer monitors the carbon footprint of the union, by 

tracking and analyzing data on an annual basis. The 

environment officer focuses on the six areas used for 

baseline analysis: energy use, air emissions, water use, 

solid waste, procurement and sustainable business. 

File Registry 

This area’s primary responsibility is to centrally maintain 

the union’s files and records. The computerized 

record management system allows for streamlined and 

efficient processes to perform file maintenance and 

quickly retrieve information as requested. 

File registry staff have the continuing task of purging 

old files and providing more space for active files. They 

also prepare material for archiving and microfilming. 

Orientation sessions for this area are periodically given 

to Provincial Executive members and staff to acquaint 

them on file procedures. 

BCGEU Direct 

The member’s resource centre 

is a centralized resource 

to answer members concerns 

and to add service to all area 

offices. All area office calls go 

through the resource centre 

to ensure consistent service for all members of the 

BCGEU. 

Staff are trained to handle a wide variety of questions 

covering all areas of a collective agreement. The calls 

are tracked to ensure no query goes unanswered. Members 

can call to get information, change their address, 

find out who their steward is, or learn how they can 

be more involved with their union. The resource centre 

can also assist activists on the ground with up-to-date 

information on events and union campaigns. 

PAGE 70 


HUMAN RESOURCES 

T 

he Human Resources department is responsible 

for personnel and collective agreement 

administration for all staff covered by the 

CEP 467 and COPE 378 collective agreements, and 

the full-time officers and excluded staff terms and 

conditions. 

The Human Resources department administers and 

maintains personnel records, negotiates and administers 

benefit plans and collective agreements, recruits 

support staff and monitors pension enrolment. 

The Human Resources department oversees the 

Employee Wellness plan, the Occupational Health 

and Safety Program that covers all BCGEU worksites, 

and staff development. 

FINANCE 

T 

he Finance department of the union 

maintains the books of account for the 

General Fund, Defence Fund, Solidarity 

Holdings Ltd. and components. 

Functions Carried Out 

• processing of expense claims, strike pay and 

related expenses; 

• processing direct billings for supplies and services; 

• processing of requests for reimbursement of 

imprest accounts from area offices and crosscomponent 

committees; 

• following up on annual financial reports from 

locals, components and cross-component 

committees; 

• administering the leave of absence system which 

facilitates time off for union business; 

• preparing staff payroll and related pay period, 

monthly and annual reports; 

• dues and monies owed to the union; 

• remitting monthly/quarterly payments to 

components, labour affiliates and labour 

councils; 

• preparing and filing tax returns and other 

reports to government agencies; 

• preparing a union-wide annual operating 

budget and budget revisions as required; 

• preparing monthly financial statements for 

the union and components; 

• revising and distributing the Financial Manual and 

the Component and Local Treasurer Manual based 

on Finance committee and Provincial Executive 

adopted recommendations; 

• monitoring the submission of completed 

component change of signing officer forms 

with Vancouver City Savings Credit Union; 

• providing assistance with the components’ delivery 

of educational courses for local treasurers; 

• administering insurance policies and ensuring 

coverage; 

• preparing for and coordinating year-end union and 

component audits; 

• analyzing the financial implications of proposed 

activities; 

• negotiating banking and financial arrangements; 


PAGE 71

• monitoring Defence Fund and General Fund 

investment returns; 

• assisting other departments in dealing with 

financial issues that effect members and/or staff; 

• setting up systems to meet the accountability 

needs of the union as determined by the 

Provincial Executive; 

• chart of accounts and chart of accounts dictionary 

are revised regularly and distributed. 

Monitoring and Internal Controls 

In order to ensure the protection of assets and 

reliability of accounting and financial reports, a 

number of control systems are maintained by the 

Finance department. 

Examples: 

• all claims/requests for payment are checked for 

authenticity, accuracy and appropriate authorization 

prior to being processed for payment; 

• duties are divided amongst staff so no one person 

is responsible for a transaction from beginning to 

end; 

• monthly budget variance analysis reports are 

prepared; 

• verification procedures are used to determine if 

leaves of absence are taken or not; 

• departmental income and expense statements are 

distributed monthly to the Administrative committee 

and to all coordinators for their review and 

monitoring of expenditures compared to budget; 

• strike pay and related expenses are broken out 

by bargaining unit and reported to the Provincial 

Executive by the treasurer; 

• monthly leave of absence commitment lists are 

sent to each component chairperson and treasurer 

for review; 

• monthly dues remittance reports are produced for 

all bargaining units and reviewed by the treasurer; 

• all special projects approved by the Provincial 

Executive are given separate chart of account 

codes and expenditures are reviewed monthly; 

• financial statements for the General Fund, 

Defence Fund and Solidarity Holdings Ltd. are 

produced monthly and are reviewed by the 

union’s finance committee prior to being presented 

to the Provincial Executive. 

Reporting Responsibilities 

The Finance department staff report to the assistant 

controller, who reports to the financial controller, who 

reports to the director of finance, who reports to the 

president and treasurer. 

The financial controller is also assistant to the treasurer. 

The financial controller acts as secretary to the 

Finance committee and a trustee for the BCGEU 

Pension Plan. The assistant controller acts as the 

assistant secretary to the Finance committee. 

Pursuant to the constitution, the union provides grants 

in aid to our membership for death or loss of home 

by fire or flood. A list of these grants from January 1, 

2008 to December 31, 2010 is appended. 

Significant Changes Giving Rise to Efficiencies 

• The Finance department started using new financial 

software in early June 2008 for headquarters, 

and effective January 2008 for components. This 

new software allows for more efficient tracking of 

revenues and expenditures. 

• The Finance department now pays the majority of 

headquarters-paid Provincial Executive and staff 

expense claim reimbursements by electronic funds 

transfer, rather than by cheque. There are plans 

to expand this service in 2011 to all members for 

headquarters-paid expense reimbursements. 

• The Finance department plans to provide staff 

access to biweekly payroll stubs electronically 

rather than by paper copy. 

PAGE 72 


Grants in Aid 2011 

No. Comp # Amount 

1491 4 400 

1492 1 200 

1493 20 400 

1494 3 200 

1495 6 400 

1496 1 200 

1497 4 400 

1498 4 400 

1499 2 200 

1500 12 200 

1501 20 400 

1502 7 400 

1503 20 300 

1504 12 250 

1505 12 400 

1506 2 250 

1507 6 750 

1508 10 500 

1509 6 500 

1510 20 625 

1511 17 500 

1512 3 250 

1513 17 500 

1514 10 400 

1515 12 625 

1516 10 500 

1517 4 625 

1518 20 500 

1519 17 500 

1520 12 500 

1521 12 500 

1522 4 250 


1523 4 250 

1524 10 625 

1525 12 500 

1526 20 500 

1527 6 375 

1528 12 500 

1529 17 500 

1530 4 750 

1531 4 750 

1532 2 500 

1533 2 250 

1534 20 250 

1535 1 500 

1536 10 625 

1537 7 750 

1538 17 250 

1539 4 750 

1540 12 250 

1541 3 500 

1542 5 375 

1543 6 625 

1544 20 500 

1545 6 500 

1546 3 500 

1547 3 500 

1548 7 250 

1549 6 250 

1550 1 750 

1551 1 250 

1552 6 500 

1553 4 875 

1554 3 500 


1555 7 500 

1556 12 250 

1557 12 500 

1558 4 750 

1559 10 250 

1560 3 250 

1561 20 500 

1562 3 625 

1563 7 250 

1564 12 250 

1565 4 250 

1566 4 250 

1567 12 250 

1568 3 500 

1569 7 250 

1570 12 625 

1571 10 625 

1572 4 875 

1573 12 500 

1574 4 375 

1575 20 250 

1576 6 750 

1577 6 250 

1578 4 500 

1579 6 250 

1580 7 375 

1581 7 750 

1582 12 375 

1583 5 500 

1584 3 250 

1585 1 250 

1586 20 500 


1587 3 750 

1588 3 750 

1589 6 500 

1590 3 250 

1591 1 250 

1592 20 500 

1593 4 250 

1594 12 500 

1595 10 625 

1596 7 500 

1597 3 250 

1598 7 250 

1599 12 250 

1600 4 500 

1601 10 500 

1602 3 875 

1603 12 625 

1604 20 250 

1605 10 500 

1606 12 750 

1607 20 500 

1608 4 500 

1609 3 250 

1610 12 500 

1611 4 250 

1612 10 750 

1613 6 1,250 

1614 10 250 

1615 8 250 

1616 4 750 

57,275 


PAGE 73

PAGE 74 



PAGE 75

PAGE 76 


TEMPORARY STAFF AND RETIREES from May 2008 to April 2011 

Temp Rep 

Staff List 

Anne Armstrong 

Jessica Asch 

Megan Ashbury 

Gilbert Astorga 

Abudi Awaysheh 

Jim Baglot 

Andres Barker 

Will Beale 

Shannon Beckett 

Catherine Bell 

Laurel Bischoff 

Carol Bjarnason 

Julie Brassington 

Wilf Brodrick 

Keith Cameron 

Debbie Campbell 

Kathryn Campbell 

Ann Chambers 

Jonathan Chapnick 

Rose Chee 

Sabrina Chen 

Wei Chen 

Gina Cherubini 

Pai-Ping Chew 

Ursula Clark 

Patrick Coghlan 

MJ Colquhoun 

Alan Compagnon 

Anita Cote 

Dulce Cuenca 

Vicky Dalton 

Anthony Davies 

Emet Davis 

Scott deLong 

Oliver Demuth 

Tria Donaldson 

William Downey 

Stephanie Drake 

Diane Droski 

Cathy Dunn 

Carrol Edwards 

Cynthia Egli 

Aaron Ekman 

Jenny Ewing 

Sarah Fawns 

Chris Flatekval 

Bobbi Flint 

Ann Forrest 

Colleen Forshaw 

David Fox 

Ernie Gorrie 

Melodie Greco 

Sunshine Gudlaugson 

Maureen Guenette 

Brandee Hannah 

Patricia Harmston 

Kristina Hayes 

Patrick Hayes 

Sam Heppell 

Kim Howse 

Raj Hundal 

Alex Hutt 

Narvair Jandu 

Alicia Jenks 

Tamara Kamachi 

Charlene Kamensek 

Russell Katzer 

Peter Kerek 

Sheila Kerfoot 

Chris Kinkaid 

Nicolas Kirby 

Selena Kongpreecha 

Daniel Kruk 

Heidi LeFaive 

Lori Leung 

Helen Lindsay 

Robert Logue 

Thomas Lou 

Ken Macaulay 

Lori MacNair 

Wendy Mah 

Angela Mahlmann 

Jason Mann 

Robert Marcoux 

Darren McLeod 

Chris Mikulasik 

Cindy Miraftab 

Eddie Mishra 

Earl Moloney 

Amir Nazary 

Marilyn Nelson 

Hartinder Nijjar 

Jan O’Brien 

Lea Oliver-Cross 

Chantel O’Neill 

Yvette Ortiz 

Jamie Paige 

James Papadopoulos 

Brenda Potter 

Craig Proctor 

Cheryl Prowse 

Mike Prystae 

Jeremy Radick 

Samantha Rapoport 

Holly Reid 

Laura Reinke 

Katie Riecken 

Wayne Roberts 

Oliver Rohlfs 

Phillip Rowe 

Linda Rowley 

Cathy Rutherford 

Stephanie Ryan 

Brenda Savoie 

Carlo Sayo 

Megan Scott 

Seagris, Cathy 

Stephanie Seaman 

Will Shaw 

Kim Shelley 

Shirley Shiagetz 

Erin Sikora 

Sussanne Skidmore 

Brittany Skinner 

Doreen Smith 

Kevin Staneland 

Evan Stewart 

Jackie Stewart 

Mike Swetlikoff 

Karen Tankard 

Sheila Temple 

Sandy Terlecki 

Danae Theobald 

Richard Tones 

Lisa Trolland 

Heather Turner 

Scott Van der ree 

Mike Walden 

Brenton Walters 

Cameron Wardell 

Shannon Watkins 

Kathy Weaver 

Jacqueline White 

Lynda Willson 

Thom Yachnin 

Anita Zaenker 

Temp Support 

Staff List 

Kevin Barclay 

Christopher Bell 

Corinne Bjorge 

Anna Brooks 

Amy Campbell (Wang) 

Nancy Cataford 

Isaac Chavez 

Joan Choo 

Bradley Clark 

Lanna Clements 

Patrick Coghlan 

Barb Cousineau 

Melody Cross 

Grewa Dalwinder 

Ken Darch 

Penny Der 

Aman Dhaliwal 

Darleen Doherty 

Davy Dosanjh 

Surena Dosanjh 

Deidre Drobot 

Brandy Dudas 

Carrol Edwards 

Lora Ekkel 

Donna Eldred 

Devray Evans 

Meghan Ford 

Pat Frederiksen 

Stacey Funk 

Sarah Georgetti 

Laura Gibbons 

Natalie Gidora 

Caitlin Gilroy 

Dal Grewal 

Gwen Groening 

Kerry Hackwell 

Jeff Hook 

Sue Howe 

Cheryl Hunter 

Pauline Jackson 

Alison Jay 

Ruby Johnson 

Kelsey Kainer 

Kristina Kavanagh 

Janet Knight 

Shirley Lewis 

Christina Libera 

Ann Lu 

Sandy Lyons 

Chyme MacGregor 

Aiko Maekubo 

Kathy Martyn 

Haley Mathisen 

Marie Mayer 

Carmen McChesney 

Audrey McDowell 

Lori McKellar 

Brenda McQuay 

Michelle Medeiros 

Teresa Medeiros 

Dawn Monsen 

Shirley Mooy 

Angela Munro 

Sherry Murdoch 

Sharlet Noronha 

Linsea O’Shea 

Cindy Paiva 

Nicole Pallone 

Jeannie Pasteuning 

Kathy Plant 

Kristy Plante 

Annette Platana 

Elizabeth Ponto 

Inder Powar 

Heather Prince 

Zelda Prokosh 

Jeremy Radick 

Donna Ratcliffe 

Laura Reinke 

Tanis Ridout 

Linda Rivard 

Paul Roopra 

Susan Sanderson 

Mary Jean Schmunk 

Joan Schochenmaier 

Jo-Anne Shields 

Jay Skazlic 

Doreen Smith 

Jennifer Smith 

Doris Stowe 

Zahra Tashkini 

Danae Theobald 

Shawna Tolhurst 

Christopher Torok 

Jonathan Torok 

Tricia Tringham 

Christine Unger 

Merna Watkins 

Donna Weiss 

Gail White 

Tanya Wood 

Servicing Staff 

Retirees 

Poul Bech 

Debbie Boles 

Sharon Bronson 

Colleen Fitzpatrick 

Jeff Fox 

Jim French 

Paul Johnston 

Roz Kennedy 

Wes Law 

Betty Liddle 

Linda Lyttle 

Paul Martin 

Debby Offermann 

Lynda Reid 

Cliff Stainsby 

Mona Sykes 

Lorna Waghorn-Kidd 

Joe Whitman 

Support Staff 

Retirees 

Donna Baker 

Judy Bradley 

Anita Miotto 

Marj Owen 

Louise Parent 

Jackie Stewart 


PAGE 77

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE 

BCGEU Administrative 

Structure 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE 

President, Treasurer, Vice Presidents President, Treasurer, Directors 

Executive 

Assistant 

Angela Mahlmann 

PRESIDENT 

Darryl Walker 

Director 

David Vipond 

Director 

Mary Rowles 

Director 

Lynn Bueckert 

Negotiations 

Coordinator 

David Streb 

Human 

Resources 

Coordinator 

Nancy Gillis 

Field Services 

Regional Coordinators 

Chris Anderson 

Dan Cahill 

Lloyd Glibbery 

Wiho Papenbrock 

Janet Seccia 

Organizing 

Coordinator 

Chris Anderson 

Research 

and Campaigns 

Coordinator 

Carol Adams 


Financial Controller 

& Asst. to Treasurer 

Peter Mehling 

Collective Agreement 

Negotiations, 

Bargaining of Standard 

and Pattern 

Agreements, 

Benefits, 

Job Evaluation, 

Classification Appeals, 

Pensions 

Human Resources 

Staff Development & 

Labour Relations 

cope 378 

\Template\InfoTech\Organization Charts\orgchart.vsd 

Rev. April 7, 2011 

Distribution: Provincial Execcutive, All Staff 

Area Offices: 

Victoria 

North Island 

Lower Mainland 

Fraser Valley 

Kamloops 

Cariboo 

Okanagan 

East Kootenay 

West Kootenay 

Peace River 

Prince George 

Northwest 

Government Liaison, 

Aboriginal Liaison, 

Equity & Human 

Rights, 

Research, 

Occupational Health & 

Safety, 

Member Education, 

Campaigns, 

Restructuring & Joint 

Committee Support 

Accounting, 

Payroll, 

Accounts Receivable, 

Component Books, 

Expense Claims, 

LOA Administration 

TREASURER 

Judi Filion 

Director 

Jaynie Clark 

Administration 

Coordinator 

Christopher Firstner 

Administration, 

Facilities Management, 

Membership Records, 

File Registry, 

Switchboard, 

Mail Centre, 

IT Services, 

Unix System, 

Conventions, Conferences 

and Travel 

Advocacy 

Coordinator 

Catherine Sullivan 

Arbitrations, 

Labour Relations Board, 

Advocacy, 

WCB Appeals 

Staff Counsel 

Legal/Court Work 

and Opinions 

PAGE 78 


unions 

matter 

Affiliates’ Reports 

BC FERRY AND MARINE WORKERS’ UNION 

Over the past three years the dominant issue 

for our union is the negative fallout from 

the Ready Award and the changes that 

have been forced onto our membership 

from Vince Ready. 

Our union elected a new Provincial Executive and 

Ships’ Officers’ Component (SOC) Executive, 

respectively, in the spring of 2009. 

The membership elected Brother Richard Goode 

to lead them through what promised to be a very 

difficult time. The union is still dealing with the ramifications 

of the Ready Award and have begun to fight 

the company’s request for exclusions which would 

see the potential loss of up to 600 positions from the 

Bargaining Unit and a loss of membership. 

Brother Brett Joyce was elected by the Ships’ Officers 

to lead the SOC as part of the new Executive. The 

main focus of his term has been exclusions. Brother 

Joyce has provided a report on behalf of the SOC. 

Along with Brothers Goode and Joyce, the rank and 

file membership elected Brother Robert Downey, 1st 

vice-president, Provincial Executive, and Brother John 

Macdonald, 2nd vice-president, Provincial Executive. 

Sister Kelly Carson took over the post of secretarytreasurer, 

Provincial Executive. Brother Nelson Vega, 

Deas Dock Component president sits as a provincial 

officer. Brother Vega has provided a report on behalf 

of the Deas Dock Component. 

BCFMWU has spent time, money and human resources 

fighting the exclusions awarded to the employer by 

Vince Ready. When faced with such a challenge to the 

foundations of our rights as a labour organization, we 

have to make sure we set a course for strength and 

leadership for the future of our union. 

Young Workers’ Committee 

We are proud to report that our Young Workers’ committee 

has been revitalized. The committee chair, Brother 

Jeremy Bryant along with Sisters Lukowska, Lajoie 

and Brothers Maynard, Newman and Gano are working 

very hard to encourage young workers to participate in 

BCFMWU and the labour movement as a whole. 

Members have participated in the BC Federation of 

Labour Young Workers’ conference, CLC Harrison 

Winter School, CLC weekend workshops, and were 

delegates to the BC Federation of Labour Convention. 

Brother Bryant represents BCFMWU on the BC Federation 

of Labour Young Workers’ committee and Brother 

Gano is a delegate for BCFMWU at the Nanaimo and 

Duncan District Labour Council. 

Our Young Workers’ committee members are enthusiastic, 

creative and strong unionists. We know our 

future is in good hands and we will continue to 

support and mentor our young members. 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – AFFILIATES’ REPORTS 

PAGE 79

Human Rights Committee 

BCFMWU established a Human Rights committee. It is 

their mission to uphold the principle that: 

All Human Rights Legislation in Canada 

establishes the right of every Canadian to 

equality of opportunity in employment and 

the right to be free of discrimination and 

harassment in the workplace. 

Sister Trippell, chair of the committee, along with 

Sister Albert and Brothers Wulff and Schulze are 

passionate about the committee and plan to bring 

awareness to issues faced by minorities and other 

groups within the union and society at large. Through 

education of the members and working with the 

employer, they hope to create a more positive working 

environment and a deeper understanding and celebration 

of our differences and commonalities. 

Stress is a major factor in many of our workplaces. 

How our members interact with each other, their 

supervisors and the travelling public plays an important 

role in reducing and/or dealing with stress. With 

the efforts of the Human Rights committee, our 

members should have better tools to deal with the 

difficult situations they may face. The safety of our 

members is our first concern. 

Education Committee 

Sister Lynn Morin-Lust stepped down from the 

committee after many years of service to our union. 

We are grateful for the time and expertise she gave 

to educating our members. 

We are fortunate to have a new chair, Brother Stuart 

Pelly, and Sister Robinson, as new additions to the 

committee joining Sisters Davis, and Keller. Our union, 

like many others, understands the importance of an 

educated rank and file. With today’s challenges we 

have to look at a broad range of education options, 

not only as representatives for our members in the 

workplace, but as activists and future leaders. 

BCFMWU Convention 2012 

Plans have begun for our bargaining and constitutional 

convention set for April 2012. There is a tremendous 

amount of planning and preparation prior to the event 

and we have no doubt that our planning committee 

along with our office staff will do a great job. 

SOC Report – Brother Brett Joyce 

At the end of a long non-prosperous set of negotiations 

we were legislated back to work and required to 

accept the services of a mediator, Vince Ready, who 

took several years to provide an Award. Part of that 

Award was giving himself the opportunity to hear and 

make decisions on the make-up of our bargaining unit. 

It seemed fairly straight forward in the Award that 

he would be following the Traditional Management 

Responsibilities Test or the contemporary test of 

“Management Team”. In 2008 BC Ferry Services 

contacted the union for permission to turn over 600 

bargaining unit positions into excluded positions. We 

turned them down. 

They took their request to Vince Ready who began 

a process starting with written submissions called a 

“Will Say” followed by hearings and ending with final 

arguments. His final Award allowed the employer to 

exclude five categories that equaled just over 150 

people. 

The union, of course, has challenged his decision as 

we see that his Award did not follow the process he 

defined in his C/A Award. His decision to exclude does 

not seem to be based on the previously mentioned 

criteria but, as we see, a predetermined decision to 

give the company something. 

The union has filed a section 99 with the Labour 

Relations Board as well as a Stay of Execution 

supporting irreparable harm if it needs to be overturned. 

The vice-chair was not convinced of our 

reasons and ruled against the Stay. We have also filed 

with the BC Court of Appeal regarding a possible 

Charter of Rights challenge. 

We have also requested that the BC Federation of 

Labour seek intervenor status on behalf of labour 

as this decision goes far beyond BC Ferries and the 

BCFMWU. As of the writing of this report no response 

has been received on the intervenor status or our 

section 99 appeal. 

We have been required to work with the employer in 

implementing these exclusions to mitigate the negative 

impact on our members. Our C/A was woefully 

inadequate to answer the situations that this award 

presented to us. Our membership is actively working 

to ensure that we continue to advance their needs 

while continuing to support a broader union agenda. 

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BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – AFFILIATES’ REPORTS

Deas Dock Component Report: 

Brother Nelson Vega 

The following items of concern relate not only to our 

members at Deas Dock, but to workers throughout our 

province. 

APPRENTICESHIPS – Our workforce is getting older and 

many are ready to retire, we will find ourselves with a 

shortage of skilled trades people. We need to fund our 

apprentice programs, increase availability and access 

to trade training; we need to train our young workers. 

HEALTHY WORKPLACE – We live in the 21st century 

and we have achieved many great things. Medical 

advances, space exploration, just to name a couple of 

topics, but it seems that society has forgotten about 

the safety of the worker. 

We are still dealing with asbestos, lead and the use of 

epoxy paints that contain carcinogens, known cancer 

causing agents; maybe we should have a look at what 

is going on in California where the epoxy paint was 

banned, and find a substitute paint product that does 

not contain carcinogenic agents. We should launch a 

campaign ban, from the province, on any product that 

contains carcinogenic agents, or at least to agree to 

minimum usage levels that will allow workers to enjoy 

retirement and save lives. 

CONTRACTING OUT – This is one of the biggest issues 

facing organized labour today, companies are contracting 

out more and more work. This is a problem at 

Deas Dock and perhaps BCGEU and its affiliates should 

look at forming a committee to look at ways to fight 

this. 

In Closing 

Congratulations to BCGEU executive, members, and 

staff for organizing this convention. BCFMWU is a 

proud affiliate and we are committed to working 

together on common concerns and issues, to put our 

members first and promote labour’s concerns locally, 

provincially, nationally and globally. 

COMPENSATION 

EMPLOYEES’ UNION 

The Aftermath of the Big Bang 

O 

n May 11, 2009 the WCB cut the ribbon on 

its new, web-based Claims Management 

System for processing all injured workers’ 

claims and related payments. The new 

multi-million dollar program had been promoted as 

a more secure system that would clear claims faster, 

track costs better and give stakeholders more accurate 

information on claims status. 

Amidst evidence of significant payment errors, the 

CEU called for an independent audit by the provincial 

Auditor General. We also met with the Labour Critic to 

express our concerns with the lack of actions by board 

management to address the service failure for stakeholders 

and the impact on employees. 

But within days of the launch, it was clear that 

something was seriously wrong. Computer crashes, 

errors, and missed payments for workers and service 

providers brought the system to a virtual halt. The 

sheer magnitude of the change-of-work processes 

proved overwhelming for many CEU members. They 

became unable to provide the degree of service 

they wanted to, and many hours of overtime and 

distressing workdays took its toll on members’ 

health. 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – AFFILIATES’ REPORTS 

PAGE 81

Now, nearly two years later, the system is still far from 

perfect. Members continue to have challenges with the 

slower work processes; they spend time “feeding the 

machine” rather than meeting with injured workers. 

The refrain from the staff is that quality and customer 

service are suffering. 

Early Bargaining to Achieve Gains 

In December of 2008, the CEU went to the table early 

to secure another three years of employment security. 

We received modest wage increases for the 2008 and 

2009 years, wage reopeners in 2010 and 2011, and 

some significant gains in benefit coverage. 

The CEU has completed bargaining early the last 

couple of rounds and has no plans to undergo this 

type of bargaining next round. While there may be a 

place for early bargaining in some climates, it does 

cause a degree of disengagement from the membership 

and PSEC guidelines make it very difficult to 

achieve meaningful gains without a strike mandate. 

Working With Our Friends and Allies 

The CEU co-hosted a second joint health & safety 

seminar with the BCGEU. Events of this nature enrich 

the relationship between the two unions, and we hope 

to continue this collaborative work. 

We have also had three young workers selected to act 

as facilitators for the BC Federation of Labour Health 

and Safety. This opportunity has spiked an interest 

in the union with young members, and one of these 

facilitators has already stepped forward to become a 

shop steward! 

Looking Forward 

The Public Compensation Coalition (PCC) was a mechanism 

for the CEU to work with allies outside the WCB to 

protect the public workers’ compensation system. While 

not perfect, we believe that this type of system, when 

fairly balanced, protects injured workers’ rights more 

equitably than the private insurance or legal system. We 

have set the PCC on stand-by for now, but would like 

to thank all the affiliates and the BCGEU for the support 

of this coalition in its fight to restore adequate pensions 

to injured workers. It is clear that without a change 

in government, there will be no appetite in Victoria to 

address the negative impact of the 2002 legislative 

changes to the Workers Compensation Act. 

And, in the meantime, the CEU is watching with unease 

the predicted impact the new CMS is having on worker’s 

entitlements as discretion is slowly narrowed or eliminated 

to fit the parameters of a computer program. 

We may need to reactivate the coalition, to take on 

new challenges on behalf of all injured workers in the 

province. 

Other affiliates include the Brewery, Winery & Distillery Workers’ Union, the 

Interior Brewery Workers’ Union and the Grain Workers’ Union, Local 333 

PAGE 82 

BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION – AFFILIATES’ REPORTS

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BCGEU 2011 CONVENTION 

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