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.
Vancouver(19 Oct. 2007) - "We are pleased by the government's response on this issue," says union president George Heyman. "We have been pursuing greater recognition for auxiliary protection staff for many years. This was also discussed in-depth as part of my ongoing meetings with Jessica McDonald in her role as deputy minister responsible for public service."
Component 20 Chair Byron Goerz adds: "This is great news. BCGEU members who work in the protection branch made resolutions to every local in a concerted effort to have their voices heard in bargaining. This victory is testament that their voices have been heard."
As of April 1, 2008, the eligibility requirement will apply to workers who have "three consecutive years without loss of seniority" while "maintaining 700 hours worked at the straight time rate within the previous 26 pay periods."
Auxiliary employees will be eligible for basic medical insurance, extended health care, dental, group life and employee and family assistance program benefits.
The employer will pay 100% of these benefits while the BCGEU member is employed. A BCGEU member can choose to continue to pay premiums personally for three months following the fire season.
Close to half of the 1,500 BCGEU members affected will be eligible from the outset. Most are in Component 20, but the change also affects members in Component 12.
"The government has done the right thing, but our work isn't finished," Heyman says. "Our union and components will continue to strive for further benefits and job security for long-term auxiliary members."
(Published as n19oc07a.htm)
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