BCGEU will fight hard to save public sector jobs

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

Vancouver (20 Feb. 2009) - The British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) will use every tool at its disposal — including job-security language in existing contracts — to protect members from layoff in the face of planned provincial budget cuts.

"Be reassured though that your collective agreements contain some very strong employment security provisions that the government is legally bound to respect," BCGEU president Darryl Walker said following the opening of a new session of the provincial legislature.

"Your contract also creates significant obligations on the part of the employer to provide us with information and to meaningfully consult with us about any plans that could impact the jobs of union members," Walker noted.

"With government acknowledging its responsibility to work with us, BCGEU will be moving to actively engage through the Article 29 committees in each ministry to discuss how spending reductions will impact ministries and crown agencies. We will also be working hard to find efficiencies and alternative solutions that protect jobs and services," he said.

"Public services in B.C. and the jobs of front line staff will continue to be under significant pressure because of the budget decisions made by the government. We remain extremely concerned that fewer front line staff will face more work load pressures to provide important services to the public at a time when British Columbians will need those services even more to weather the economic downturn.

"I promise to keep you informed about important developments," Walker said.

His remarks came after B.C. residents were warned in the speech to prepare for the first recession since 1982. While promising some new investment in infrastructure and job creation, as well as health care, education and services for children and families, the speech had somber news for the rest of the government.

Most other ministries will be experience "significant budget reductions," it warned.

Premier Gordon Campbell promised to avoid layoffs wherever possible, calling it "the last option" his government would choose. "We think that a significant amount of this is going to be coming through attrition," he added. NUPGE