BCGEU

“It’s important that health employers recognize the sacrifices that workers have had to make in previous rounds of bargaining and that we reach a fair deal that compensates these losses.”

“Over the last two years, our members have suffered a real wage cut of five per cent. What we need this time around is a fair and reasonable agreement for our members that takes into consideration the sacrifices that they had to make in 2010 bargaining,” said Walker.

"We’re prepared for any action we have to take to get our members the improved contracts they’ve earned,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

“The zero mandate is affecting recruitment and retention of instruction staff, and needs to be addressed in 2012 bargaining.” BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

New contract improves job security and fair work practices.

Key items identified for 2012 bargaining by BCGEU/NUPGE members.

Hotel closure puts 36 members of BCGEU/NUPGE out of work.

Child care workers negotiate a historic gain: enrollment in a pension plan.

After months of negotiations, members have reached a new collective agreement.

BCGEU members want to improve job security conditions in bargaining.

"Violence is not part of our members' jobs. They have the right to go to work without fear of being punched, stabbed, kicked or spit on. And their employer has a legal obligation to ensure their workplace is safe."

“The quality of care and support we are able to provide is directly impacted by the workers’ job security and working conditions, which is why we had to take a stand at the bargaining table,” says James Cavalluzzo, CSSBA chair.

Majority of essential service levels now established, remainder by August 5.

“What a great and motivating experience,” remarked bargaining committee member Pamela Pye, of the workshops. “Activists are fed up and ready to take a stand.”

Rally in support of a fair deal for community social services workers.

“This strike vote comes at a time of deepening crisis in community social services,” says James Cavalluzzo, bargaining association chair.

Grievance settlement a victory for BCGEU/NUPGE home support service workers.

"We are very disappointed these talks have failed," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU/NUPGE president. "We have been at the bargaining table with the employer for over 18 months where the issues have been debated extensively."

BCGEU/NUPGE members employed at the Vancouver Island University negotiate improved working conditions in new tentative settlement.

“For the past two and a half years the government has been working on a 10-year strategy for mental health,” says Kim McDowell, President of OPSEU Local 152 (RMHC). “While they have been talking about improving the system, the reality on the ground has been one of program closures and layoffs.”

“There is no question that the frustration felt by the bargaining committee, which was forced to deal with a government-imposed ‘net-zero’ mandate, was also felt by health science professionals who voted on the tentative agreement,” said HSABC President Reid Johnson.

March is the month for British Columbians to take the time to learn how community social service workers contribute to making communities better all across the province.

'Our hope is that the employer will now re-engage in productive bargaining discussions. We look forward to resolving this impasse.' - Darryl Walker.

15,000 community-based workers have been without a contract since March of 2010.

'There is a commitment from both the union and the government to work together to see that the changes can be implemented in as smooth a way as possible.'

'The bargaining association is satisfied that there is forward momentum in negotiations.'

'A rights-based system makes sense, because it removes politics from the justice system.' - Darryl Walker.

Unanimous vote by Metro Vancouver Environment and Energy Committee welcomed by BCGEU and COPE.

Discussions planned this week on key issue of essential services.

'Our members need to see real gains after years of concessions and crumbs. We won't settle for an agreement that includes no improvements and no employment security.'

'We’re looking forward to working with employers to reach a fair settlement that improves the working lives and conditions of our members.'

BCGEU also negotiates new collective agreement at St. James Daycare Society.

'Laid-off workers have not received their severance entitlements despite an employment standards regulation requiring the employer to pay out all wages within 48 hours.' - BCGEU.

Ratification recommended after two-year deal reached by parties with assistance from a provincial mediator.

BCGEU says settlement provides stability during transition of ownership.

'No one should doubt our members’ resolve to make employment security our top priority in this round of bargaining."

'We look forward to working with the bargaining committee to negotiate a first collective agreement. - Darryl Walker.

'These types of changes are very stressful for workers but fortunately this isn't the end of the road for affected members.' - Darryl Walker.

'This leisurely approach to negotiations is very frustrating.' - BCGEU.

BCGEU recommends acceptance following difficult round of negotiations.

'The results show that employment security was key for our members, but they have also said that when we are at the table in two years they will want us to negotiate a wage increase.' - Darryl Walker.

'Unless the government mandate changes soon we will be at an impasse.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

'We see this round of bargaining as an opportunity for a thoughtful process that will strengthen the system.' - Reid Johnson, HSABC president.

'Our proposals will focus on winnable issues that resolve long standing inequities.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

Underfunding and no-deficit policy at BC Institute of Technology means students and staff have fewer options.

"The Work Ability Centre is renowned for the quality of their programming. If anything, it should be expanded, not closed down." Darryl Walker, president BCGEU/NUPGE

"We're honoured that they have chosen to join our organization for the security and certainty of a union contract." BCGEU president Darryl Walker

'Both sides worked together to make the work site a better place for the staff and clients.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

Union now represents almost 700 employees at B.C.’s second largest casino.

What will re-elected Campbell government do with proposal to radically dismantle public services?

Preparations now underway in all sectors to reach new agreements before the expiry of current contracts in 2010.

'It means that they will now have protections like a grievance procedure, shop stewards, strong health and safety language and, of course, higher wages."' - Darryl Walker.

'Be reassured though that your collective agreements contain some very strong employment security provisions that the government is legally bound to respect.' - Darryl Walker.

New union members from the casino are drop team workers and supervisors who are responsible for collecting money from gaming tables and slot machines, transporting it to the casino's count room, and - under both audio and video surveillance - counting the proceeds.

'The work by our members and support from the public helped us reach this deal.' - Darryl Walker

Breakthrough means plan will be in place by April 1, 2010

Employer made controversial change in the way gratuities are divided among employees

Three-year deal goes to ratification vote on March 19

New contract affects employees at several locations on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland

After years of lobbying, the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) has won full benefits for seasonal auxiliary workers employed by B.C.'s forest and range protection branch. The change takes effect with the 2008 fire season.

'This strike has been about equity.' - Ursula Clark, BCGEU

Employees have fallen far behind others working in the same sector.

Mediation ends as employer continues to demand rollbacks

Deal with Argo Road Maintenance could set pattern for settlements with other private contractors

Provincial labour board decision brought down against Emcon Services Inc.

Balloting across province over the next three weeks