�Inside: Bargaining Conference highlights • BC Fed Convention • Mental health cuts

December 2009 A Publication of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union www.bcgeu.caAgreement No. 40010201 Volume 57, Number 6

BCGEU activists develop bargaining priorities

for 2010

�

DarrylWalker

knowtheyearaheadwillprovidemanychallengesandsomedisappointmentsforworkersacrossBritishColumbia,includingBCGEUmembers.Theeconomicclimateremainsuncertain,andgovernmentrevenuesandexpendituresarenotmatchingtheneedsinourcommunities.

Likemanyofyou,Iremainconcernedtheprovinceisalreadytighteningthebeltsohardtheyaresqueezingthelifeoutofservicesthatpeopleneedatthecommunitylevel.

TherewillbeanotherbudgetonMarch�andtheBCGEUhasbeenworkingwithotherunionsandcommunityorganizationstoemphasizethatweneedtomaintainprogramsandservices.ManyoftheprogramsrepresentinvestmentsinBritishColumbians,inourenvironmentandourfuture.

IremainimpressedwithBCGEUmembersIhavemetoverthispastyearwhohavedealtwithseverecutsoreveneliminationofprogramsandincreasedworkloads,butcontinuetoshowprofessionalismandastrongpersonalcommitmenttotheservicestheydeliver.

In the first months of 2010, our union’s attention will be focused on bargaining. We’ve secured one tentative agreement — members in community health will be votingonitthroughJanuary.

Thatleavesthegovernmentmasterandcomponentagreements,collegesupportstaffandinstructors,communitysocialservices,aswellashealthfacilitiesandhealthsciences.

Iknoweverybargainingcommitteewillbeworkinghardforasettlementthathasimprovementsinwagesandworkingconditionsandwillbemakingsomeverytoughchoices.

Inadditiontothelargemulti-uniontableswhereagreementscoverthousandsofworkers,theBCGEUwillbeworkingatmanysmallworkplacestosecurefairagreements.

IwanttoexpressmythankstoalltheBCGEUstaffandactivistsfortheirworkthisyearandintheyeartocome.

Thestewards,contacts,occupationalhealthandsafetytrainers and facilitators, the Local chairs and officers, the union counsellors alongwithourstaff.

Youmakesureourcollectiveagreementscometolifeintheworkplaceandaremorethanwordsonapage.Youprovidesupporttounionmembers,andmaketheunionwork.

From the PresidentIn this issue:

4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3W3Phone: 604-291-9611

Fax: 604-291-60301-800-663-1674 (toll free)

www.bcgeu.ca

A component of the National Union of Public and General Employees. Affiliated with the B.C. Federation of Labour and

the Canadian Labour Congress

Provincial ExecutivePresident: Darryl WalkerTreasurer: Judi FilionVice-President: Michael ClarkeVice-President: Dan BradfordVice-President: Colleen JonesVice-President: Lorene OikawaComponent 1: Dean PurdyComponent 2: Susanne FrancoeurComponent 3: James Cavalluzzo Stephanie SeamanComponent 4: Brenda Brown Carla DempseyComponent 5: Craig MacKayComponent 6: Doug KinnaComponent 7: Stu SeifertComponent 10: Mike NuyensComponent 12: Sandi McLean Lori JoaquinComponent 17: Dave MacDonaldComponent 20: Byron Goerz

The Provincial is published seven times a year by Solidarity Publications Ltd., Suite 206 - 4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3W3 E-mail: theprovincial@bcgeu.ca

Contributing Editors: Brian Gardiner, Teresa Marshall, Stephen Howard, Erin Sikora, Chris Bradshaw, Mary Rowles. Design & Layout: Chris Bradshaw.

Signed articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. We cannot guarantee the return of unsolicited editorial contributions.

Members show professionalism and commitment as we enter a challenging year of bargaining

Bargaining Coference......3-10

News................. .11,14,15,20-22

First Nations profile.......... .8-9

Steward Profiles............. 16-17

Community........................ 18-19

Bargaining Update................23 I

“ I want to express my thanks to all the BCGEU staff and activists for their work this year and in the year to come... You make sure our collective agreements come to life in the workplace and are more than words on a page.”

�

“We are not going to sign deals if there’s nothing in it for us. Why would we agree to settle for nothing?”

he BCGEU’s bargaining

conference,heldNovember

�4-�5inBurnaby,refined contract

proposalsandsetastrategyfornegotiationsthatwillbegininmid-January.

“The conference was a successandwehavesetourcourse for 2010,” said Darryl Walker,BCGEUpresident.

Walkersaysthatheexpectsbargaining – difficult at the best of times – will be made even morechallengingbecauseofrigidconditionsandazerocostmandatesetbytheB.C.Liberalsbeforetalksbegin.

“We will work hard with other unions to find common

groundanddevelopcreativesolutionstoachievesettle-mentsthatworkforfront-linestaff,thegovernmentandforBritishColumbianswhodepend on public services,” hesaid.

“However,” Walker cautions, “the fundamental law of bargainingisthatittakestwosidestoreachsettlements,and if there’s not something initforbothsidesthenadealwon’t get done.

“We are not going to sign deals if there’s nothing in it for us.Whywouldweagreetosettle for nothing?”

Researchstaffprovidedinfor-mationonsomeofthehurdlestheunionwillfaceinthisroundofbargaining.

Conference sets course for 2010 negotiationsOver 53,000 members have contracts expiring in March

“The recession may be tech-nicallycomingtoanend,butthelabourmarkethasyettoturn the corner,” said BCGEU researcherChrisKincaid.

The union’s proposal for a wageincreaseisbasedonrisingcostsformembersdueto factors like the HST and carbontax,andthefactthatVictoriahasalreadysetapre-cedentbygivingathreepercentpayboosttogroupslikeregisterednursesanddoctors.

BCGEUmembersatthenegotiationtableinclude:29,000 members who work in theprovincialpublicservice,12,000 health care work-ers, 8,500 community social services workers, and 3,900 post-secondaryinstructorsandsupportstaff.

4

PROFILE

wenty-ninethousandmembersinthedirectpublicserviceworkforcewillbelookingfornewcontractsnextyear.

Talks with the Public Service Agency get underwayJanuary��fortwodays,when

theBCGEUwillexchangeproposalswiththePublicService Agency, which bargains on behalf of the provincialgovernment.

Talkswillresumetwoweekslater,withdatessetthroughtoMarch��whenthepublicservicemasteragreementexpires.Negotiationsonthesixcomponentagreementshavealsobeenscheduledformid-February,duringtheOlympics.

Thepublicservicebargainingcommitteewillputthefinishing touches on the union’s bargaining proposals overChristmasandwillensurethatthetopprioritiessetby bargaining conference delegates are covered — including employment security, benefit improvements, specialleave,andaddressingbullyingintheworkplaceandcompensation.

Direct public service bargaining dates set

T

Public Service Bargaining Committee:

BCGEUpresidentDarryl Walker

BCGEUvice-presidentColleen Jones

Component�-Dean Purdy

Component�-Susanne Francoeur

Component5-Craig MacKay

Component6-Doug Kinna

Component��-Sandi McLean,Lori Joaquin

Component 20 - Byron Goerz

Chiefstaffnegotiators:Jaynie Clark,David Vipond

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

READY FOR BARGAINING — BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee. Pictured top-bottom, l-r: 1st row: BCGEU pres. Darryl Walker; 2nd: Comp. 12 chair Sandi McLean, BCGEU VP Colleen Jones; 3rd: Comp. 5 chair Craig MacKay, Comp. 20 chair Byron Goerz; 4th: Comp. 6 chair Doug Kinna, Comp. 2 chair Susanne Francoeur; 5th: Comp. 1 chair Dean Purdy, Comp. 12 1st vice Lori Joaquin; 6th: Staff negotiators Jaynie Clark, David Vipond.P

hoto

s: J

oshu

a B

erso

n

5

CGEUhealthsectorbargainingcommittees,healthcomponentexecutiveandsolidaritypartnersfromotherhealthcareunionsmetatthebargainingconferencetohammeroutbargaining strategies for 2010 bargaining.

Over 12,000 BCGEU members in the health sector haveagreementsexpiringMarch��nextyear.

Thedelegatesattendedworkshopstoprepareforbargaininganddetermineprioritiesforeachbargainingtable,usingproposalsandsurveyinformationcollectedfrommembersoverthepastsixweeks.

Mainprioritiesacrossthehealthsectorarewages,improved benefits and job security. BCGEU will also be seeking labour market adjustments to recognize the expandedscopeofpracticeandadditionalresponsibil-itiesofsomeunionmembers.

Solidarity partners from other health care unions were act-iveindiscussionsandtheBCGEUwillworkcloselywiththeminthelead-uptobargainingandduringnegotiations.

Health service workers at the table in new yearCommunity Health Bargaining Committee

- Carla Dempsey (Chair), Local 401- Tina Pederson, Local 403- Louise Hood, Local 403- Phyllis Minks, Local 404- Bryce Walker, Local 404- Doris Erickson, Local 408- Kathy Thorbergson, Local 410- David Streb, Deb Wilson, Chief staff negotiators

Other unions at the community health table- HospitalEmployees’Union- United Food and Commercial Workers- Canadian Union of Public Employees- Health Science Association of BC - ProfessionalEmployees’Association- United Steel Workers

Facilities Bargaining Committee- Bobbi Pettett (Chair), Local 412- Diane Carter, Local 403- Brenda Brown, Local 406- Patricia Burnett, Local 407- Joanne Jordan, Local 409- Julie Eckert, Chief staff negotiator

Other unions at the facilities table- HospitalEmployees’Union- International Union of Operating Engineers- ConstructionandSpecializedWorkers’Union

Health Science Professionals Bargaining Committee- Stephen Pope (Chair), Local 407- Stephen Morgan, Local 402- Paul Komer (alternate), Local 408- Mary Partridge, Chief staff negotiator

Other unions at the health science professional table- Health Science Association of BC - ProfessionalEmployees’Association- Canadian Union of Public Employees

B

SETTING PRIORITIES — (l-r): Community Health bargaining chair Carla Dempsey, Health Services Component 4 chair Brenda Brown.

UPDATE: Tentative agreement reached in community health — facilities and health science professionals to bargain in 2010A settlement was achieved in December between the Community Bargaining Association, which includes the BCGEU bargaining committee, and the Health Employ-ers’ Association of B.C. (HEABC).

Highlights of the tentative agreement include:

• Wage increases of 3% and 3% for LPNs, and similar increases for LPN supervisors and Certified Dental Assistants,

• A weekend shift premium of $0.25/hr. for all weekendshifts,

• The establishment of a joint working group that will work with HEABC to improve scheduling practices.

The Facilities Bargaining Association met with HEABC inDecembertointroduceproposalsthatarefocusedonsolutionsthatwouldimprovehealthcareservicesinboththeshortandlongterm.

Negotiationsinfacilitieshaverecessedovertheholidayseason and will resume the first week in January 2010. Health Science Professionals are set to begin bargain-ing in early 2010 as well.

Pho

tos:

Jos

hua

Ber

son

6

embersofthe union’s post-second-aryinstructorsandsupportstaffbargaining

committeesgotdowntobusi-ness at the union’s bargaining conferenceinNovember.

The BCGEU represents 1,200 post-secondaryinstructorsand2,700 support staff members.

The committee identified a numberofpriorityareasthatwillgoforwardasresolutions

at the upcoming joint BCGEU-FPSE Bargaining Council conference in January 2010.

Prioritiesforcommontablebargainingincluderegulariza-tionimprovements,wages,pensionpost-retirementbenefits, regaining de-listed extended health benefits, and professionaldevelopmentfundincreases.

Localbargainingtableswillfocusonissueslikeworkload(hours of work, scheduling, class size), distributed learning,

Post-secondary instructorsandsupport staffnaildownbargainingpriorities

BCGEU Post-secondary Instructors Bar-gaining Committee:

- Stu Seifert (Committee Chair, Van. Is. Univ.), Local 702- Steve Iverson (Camosun), Local 701- Jeannie Maltesen (Van. Is. University), Local 702- Cory Langford (BCIT), Local 703 Cam McRobb (Okanagan College), Local 707- Ian McAlpine (Selkirk College), Local 709- Dan Bradford (BCGEU vice-president, Selkirk College), Local 709- John Turner (Northern Lights College), Local 710- Lianne Gagnon (Northwest Comm. College), Local 712- Mike Orders (Chief staff negotiator)

BCGEU Post-secondary Support Staff Bargaining Committee:

- Rick Schaeffer (BCIT), Local 703- Mark Ferley (Douglas College), Local 703- Kim House (Justice Institute Of BC), Local 703- Shawn Cahill (Kwantlen Univ. College), Local 703 - Dianne Crommer (Okanagan College), Local 707- Robyn Mallia (Northern Lights College), Local 710- John Ross (Northwest Comm. College), Local 712- Gary Bennett (Chief staff negotiator)

The following elected members sit on the support staff bargaining council but repre-sent stand-alone certifications:

- Kathy Weaver (School District 59)- Kathleen Hanson (School District 81)- Karen Whitehouse (UBC-Okanagan University College), Local 707

Mandsafetyequipment.

Thepost-secondarysupportstaffbargainingcommitteealsometwithCUPEsupportworkerstoprepareforbargain-ing at the joint provincial table. Support staff collective agree-ments expire June 31, 2010.

Key issues include job se-curityandcompensation.Membersarebeingsurveyedfortheirviewsonbargainingpriorities.Thenextcommitteemeetingwilloccurearlyinthenewyear.

INSTRUCTORS (back,.l-r): John Turner, Northern Lights College; Cory Langford, BCIT; Cam McRobb, Okanagan College; Stu Seifert, Component 7 chair; Ian MacAlpine, Selkirk College; Mike Orders, BCGEU negotiator (front,.l-r): Lianne Gagnon, Northwest College; Jeannie Malteses, Van. Is. University.

SUPPORT STAFF (back,.l-r): Rick Shaeffer, BCIT; John Ross, Northwest College; Shawn Cahill, Kwantlen University College; Gary Bennett, BCGEU negotiator. (front,.l-r): Dianne Crommer, Okanagan College; Kim House, Justice Institute; Mark Ferley, Douglas College; Robyn Mallia, Northern Lights College.

“Key issues include job security and compensation. Members are being surveyed for their views on bargaining priorities.”

�

ontractsfor 200,000

publicsectorworkersex-pirenextyear.

Here’s who is at thebargainingtable

tonegotiatenewdeals:

•53,00 members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Unioninthepublicservice,commun-ityhealth,healthfacilities,healthscienceprofessionals,communitysocialservicesandpost-secondaryeduca-torsandsupportstaff.

•47,000 members of the Canadian Union of Public EmployeesfromanumberofsectorsincludingpublicschoolKto��supportstaff,collegeanduniversitysupportstaff,universitysessionalinstructors,communitysocialservices,communityhealthandtheB.C. Assessment Authority.

•40,000 members of the Hospital Employees’ Union/CUPEinhealthcarefacilities,communityhealthandcom-munitysocialservices.

•16,600 members of the Health Sciences Associa-tion of B.C.drawnfromtheranksofhealthscienceprofessionals,communityhealthandcommunitysocialservices.

•10,000 members of the Federation of Post-Second-ary EducatorswhoarepostsecondaryeducatorsinB.C.

•7,500 university faculty and administrative and profes-sional staffbargainingwithanumberofB.C.universities.

•7,000 members of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378intalkswith ICBC, B.C. Hydro, otherCrownagenciesplustransitandpost-secondaryeducation.

•3,000 members of the United Food and Commer-cial Workers Local 1518incommunityhealthandcommunitysocialservices.

•More than 1,500 members of smaller unions,fromtheInternationalBrotherhoodofElectricalWorkersLocal�58,Canadian Auto Workers, and theInternationalUnionofOperatingEngineers.

• Close to 5,000 public sector workers arestillintalkstorenegotiatecontractsthatexpired in 2009. Thisgroupincludes3,500 CUPE ambulanceparamedicsand 1,200 membersofCOPE��8whoarebargain-ingwithAccenture.

2010 Bargaining: Who’s at the table?

How do I get bargaining news?The union will be sending out regular bargaining updates by e-mail, so it is important that you provide your e-mail address to Headquarters.

It’s easy to do. Just go to the union’s web site (www.bcgeu.ca), click on “Contact Us” at the top of the main page and click on the link to update your contact information.

8

AT THE TABLE — Community Social Services bargaining. Top: Commmunity Social Services Component chair James Cavalluzzo. Middle (l-r): Gale Engstrom (Local 306), Vicky Dalton (Local 308), Patricia Harmston (Local 309), Karen Wickham (Local 301), Cameron Gerard (Local 304). Bottom (l-r): Joanne Dyck (Local 305), Chris Mikulasik (Local 311), Andrea Duncan (Local 303), Stephanie Seaman (Comp. 3 1st vice chair), Loanne Pickard (Local 307).

eetingsheldinNovemberandDecem-berbetweenunionsincommunitysocialservices and the Community Social Services Employer’s Association (CSSEA) produced little but frustration.

Theemployershadapproachedtheunionswithapro-posal for reaching an early contract for 15,000 workers inthissectorandputforwardacomplexproposalforsharingfundsthatcouldarisefromworkersdecliningenrolmentinthenewpensionplan.

TheBCGEUbargainingcommitteeandrepresentativesfrom the other 10 unions in the sector met for days to compare priorities identified by members within each union,andtoreachanagreedsetofbargainingproposalstotablewiththeemployer.

ThetenunionsinthissectorworktogetherintheCommunity Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA). The BCGEU has most members or 60 per cent of the sector. Other unions include CUPE, HEU, Health Sciences Association, United Food andCommercialWorkersandseveralunionswithlimitednumbersofmembersinthesector.

Ourmemberstoldustheyarelookingforrealimprove-mentsinappointmentpolicies,shiftpremiumsandthe transportation allowance, sick leave and benefits on unpaid leave of absence,” says James Cavalluzzo, BCGEU bargaining committee chair. “The employer was notrespondinginanymeaningfulwaytoanyofourpro-posals.Theyonlywantedtotalkabouttheirownideas,and didn’t have many details available on those either.”

Some progress was made on language to address bullyingandharassmentintheworkplaceuntiltheemployerinsistedthatagencyExecutiveDirectorsbeshieldedfromharassmentcomplaints.

“We have a number of housekeeping changes needed intheagreement,buttheEmployerwasevenunwillingto consider these,” says Cavalluzzo.

Unionsinthebargainingassociationwillmeetsoontodecidehowtoproceedandwhentoreturn.TheBCGEUwillbeholdingmeetingsforcommunitysocialserviceworkersacrosstheprovincetotalkaboutbargainingandtoencouragesignupinthepensionplan due to come into effect after March 31, 2010.

Community Social Services employerscollapsetalks

M

Photos: Joshua Berson

�

AT THE TABLE — Community Social Services bargaining. Top: Commmunity Social Services Component chair James Cavalluzzo. Middle (l-r): Gale Engstrom (Local 306), Vicky Dalton (Local 308), Patricia Harmston (Local 309), Karen Wickham (Local 301), Cameron Gerard (Local 304). Bottom (l-r): Joanne Dyck (Local 305), Chris Mikulasik (Local 311), Andrea Duncan (Local 303), Stephanie Seaman (Comp. 3 1st vice chair), Loanne Pickard (Local 307).

Public Service bargaining table workshop BCGEU Treasurer Judi Filion makes a point during debate

Comp. 7 Instructors delegates John Turner (left), Jean Maltesen Component 7 Instructors work on bargaining proposals

Component 4, Health Services (l-r): Diane Carter, Julie Eckert (Staff Rep) and Shalane Sylversten

Component 4 Health Services - Paul Komer (right) with delegate

Pho

tos:

Jos

hua

Ber

son

10

Public Service (l-r): Byron Goerz (Comp 20), Craig Mackay (Comp. 5) Health Services - Facilities bargaining chair Bobbi Pettett

Component 7 - Support Staff, with representatives from other post-secondary union bargaining associations.

Component 4, Health Services delegates

Public Services — BCGEU pres. Darryl Walker listens to delegates Public Services (l-r) - Catherine Sullivan (Staff Rep), Comp. 12 1st vice chair Lori Joaquin

Pho

tos:

Jos

hua

Ber

son

��

NEWS

rganizing successes at Starlight Casinodidnotcomeeasy.JustaskWeiChen.

Earlierthisyear,theBCGEUwasactivelyengagedinaunionorgan-

izing drive at Starlight Casino, and Wei — a dealer at Starlight — was a key person on the BCGEUinsidecommittee.

In mid-February, Starlight decided to lay off Wei and five of his coworkers, all of whom openly supportedandorganizedfortheunion.

After the BCGEU complained totheLabourRelationsBoardthatthelayoffofitssupporterswas not for “proper cause”, theboardorderedthattheybereturnedbacktowork.In addition, Starlight was orderedtoreimbursetheseemployeesforanylostwages,tips and benefits.

Whenthesesixemployees– informally known as the “Starlight Six” – returned back towork,therewasalotofexcitementintheworkplace.Winning this case confirmed to Starlight workers that the BCGEUisontheirsideand

wouldworkhardtostandupfortheirrights.

“I signed my BCGEU membership card because I wanted the respect, better wages and benefits, andstrongeffectivevoicethataunioncanpro-vide,” says Wei. “Employees at Starlight deserve avoicesothatourbosseslistentoourcon-cerns.Ifyouhavenootherplacetogo,andifhigher management won’t listen, the union will.”

Nearly every Starlight Casino department has now joined the BCGEU. Dealers, slot attend-ants,security,guestservices,cashiers,andfoodandbeverageworkersnowhavethefairness,respect, job security and better working condi-tionstheydeserve.

“We’re proud to be the union of choice for all ournewmembers,andwewelcomethemas

they join the 65,000 BCGEU members across the province,” said BCGEUpresidentDarrylWalker.

The BCGEU has signed up over 1,400 new members in 2009. ThenewmembersincludeworkersattheCanadaLine,themajority of departments at Gateway Starlight and Gateway Villa casinos,BrooksideLodge,ElimVillage,OceanCrestCommun-ity Ministries (Salvation Army), Maple Ridge Seniors Village, Comox Valley Seniors Village, and UBC Child Care Services.

O

Winning this case confirmed to Starlight workers that the BCGEU is on their side and would work hard to stand up for their rights.

BCGEU goes to bat for casino workers laid off after supporting organizing drive

BACK ON THE JOB — Starlight Casiino employee Wei Chen and 5 colleagues are back at work after the BCGEU secured an LRB order reversing their layoffs and reimbursing them for lost wages, tips and benefits.

����

t’s lunch at the Haisla

School in KitamaatVil-

lageandteachersSamantha Stone

andLeanaBradyareenjoying a quiet moment

before the school’s 70 stu-dentsreturnfortheafternoon.Stone and Brady are BCGEU members.

Togetherwithunionshopsteward Stan Omjec, the teachersandadozencolleaguesworkatanarchitecturallystrikingcommunityschoolbuildinglocatedacrossDouglasInletfromthetownofKitimat.

Staff at the school were one of the first aboriginal institutions intheareatounionizeaboutadecadeago.

Since then, BCGEU has made progressbuildingpositiverelationships with the Haisla andotherFirstNationsgov-ernments.Workersatthedevolvedchildandfamilyser-vice agencies for the Nisga’a and Haida Nations have also recently joined our union.

KnowingaboutFirstNationscustomsandculturalissues,andthedifferentdecisionmakingstructuresisapriorityandkeythingslikebargainingacontracthavetobedonedifferently.

Theprocessmustbemoreparticipatoryandallowforbroaderdiscussionsinvolvingcommunityleaders.

Ittakestimeandpatienceonboth sides to build trust—and therecentcontractsettlement

for Haisla school staff is a signofamaturingrelationshipbetweenthebandcouncilandourunion.

School principle Larisa Tarwicksaysthecommunityisrelativelyprosperousandthe council’s leadership has beenveryproactiveinsecur-ingfundingforanarrayofservicesandfacilities.

There’s a new housing complexforeldersandanew band council office. A Haisla language program willsoonstartattheschool.Tarwick says the Haisla councilmakeseducationfundingapriority.

“They say children are their futureandtheyarereallyworkinghardtomakeithappen,” she says.

Working with First NationsContract settlement at the Haisla Community School in Kitamaat Village signals maturing relationship with band council

profile

Knowing about First Nations customs and cultural issues, and the different decision making structures is a priority and key things like bargaining a contract have to be done differently.

����

Buttherearechallenges.

There’s a housing shortage. About 30 per cent of students havelearningdisabilities.And the closure of the pulp mill in Kitimat — announced thesamedayBCGEUpres-identDarrylWalkervisitedtheschool — will raise unemploy-mentandlowerlivingstan-dardsformany.

Shop steward Stan Omejc helpedbuildtheschoolintheearly1990s and stayedonasthecustodian.

A Haisla, Omejc is alsopartofBCGEU’s Aborig-inalNetworkwhichbrings

togetherhundredsofaborig-inalworkerswhoarepartofBCGEU.

“It’s still a learning tool for me,” Omejc says of his involvement.

He says school staff are a cohesivegroupandtheydealwithmostissuesamongstthemselves.Thelabourrelationsclimateisreasonablygood,andonlythreeissueshavegonetogrievancesinceschool staff joined BCGEU.

Like all stewards, Omejc says hiskeychallengeistomakesure members know what’s intheircontract.

Omejc says he wears many hats and he’s working to en-couragemoreofhisteachingandsupportstaffcolleaguestogetinvolvedsothathecanpassoffahatortwotosomeoneelse.

TOP:Haisla school custodian and BCGEU shop steward Stan Omejc (left) with BCGEU president Darryl Walker who visited the school at the end of October.

RIGHT:G r a d e 2 / 3 t e a c h e r L e a n a B r a d y ( l e f t ) w i t h students and teaching assistant Liana Stevens (right). Brady incorporates Haisla culture into her lessons — like Bekwis, the Haisla name for the Sasquatch that in Haisla stories, roamed the t ide f la ts surrounding Kitamaat Village.

LEFT:Grade 4/5 teacher Samantha Stone says she’s worked an exploration of traditional Haisla clan territories into her geography curriculum.

Like all stewards, Omejc says his key challenge is to make sure members know what’s in their contract.

�4

urunionmembersfacesignificant

challengesinthecurrent

economicandpoliticalclimate.

Neo-liberalgovernmentsarefocusedondismantlingpublicservices,privatizingpublicresourcesandderegulatinggovernmentoversight.

Jobsarebeingoutsourcedandmovedoffshore.Wagesand benefits for working peopleareslipping,whilebanksandprivatecorpora-tionsarebailedoutwithbillionsinpublicfunds.

How can we work on the local

Strengthening links between working people in our communitiesConference in Interior brings it home

leveltoeffectivelyaddresssuchissues?

BCGEUmembersfromtheInteriorandKootenaystackledthiscentralquestionataninnovativeregionalconferenceinKamloopsthisFallwheretheyengagedindiscussionwithlocalandinternationalguestspeakersabouthowtoachievechangeinourcommunities.

B.C.FederationofLabourPresident Jim Sinclair, along with Seth Klein, Director of the CanadianCentreforPolicyAlternatives-BC, and Michael Crawford,FacultymemeratThompsonRiversUniversity,discussedthesocialandeconomic justice issues that

connectbothcommunityactivistsandlabourinB.C.

RichardFrick,anelectricalsafety officer andLocal2007 vice-chairfromPenticton,wasim-pressedwithworkshop

presentations. The Association ofCommunityOrganizationsfor Reform Now (ACORN) FounderWadeRathkeandtheCanadiandirectorJudyDuncandiscussedsuccessfulcommunity-unioncampaignstosecurelivingwagesinAmerican States and the ACORN style of community-basedorganizing.

TheBCGEUhasappliedACORN’s door-to-door approachtoorganizingmorethan 1,500 family home child careworkersasspecialassociatemembers.

Frickthoughtitwouldbeworthexploringopeningupthisformofmembershiptomore people. “It’s important to expandtheboundariesofourunion – maybe we could even offerspecialassociatemem-bershiptofamilymembers.Itwouldhelptoeducatemorepeopleandsupportourcampaignsforworkplacerights and social justice.”

MegMeredith,achildprotec-tionworkerfromTrail,wasinterestedinlearningaboutthelivingwagecampaigns,“because we have the highest childpovertyrateandlowestminimumwagerates

NEWS

“A living wage helps make people healthier and more functional — they can contribute more to our community.”

MEG MERIDITH, Child protection worker and conference delegate

�5

in Canada. And I’ve personally experiencedworkingtwominimum wage jobs at the same time. A living wage helpsmakepeoplehealthierand more functional — they cancontributemoretoour community.”

Chris Schenk, former Research DirectoratTheOntarioFed-erationofLabour,discussedtraditionalorganizingandreviewedeffortsbyCanadianunionstoorganizethemselvesandworkersinnewways.

TheconferencereliedonfacilitatorChrisCorrigan,tointroducetechniquesforlarge-member dialogue (Open Space, and World Café ). Chrishasworkedextensivelyasafacilitatorandnegotiator

withaboriginalfriendshipcentresandisnowbringingfacilitationandleadershiptoolsdevelopedwithinaboriginalcommunitiestonon-aboriginalorganizations.

Ashlynn Harris, a public library worker from Kamloops,saidshegainedalotfromtheinteractiveconferencediscussions.

“It was important to learn how members in otherareassharesimilarissues.WetalkedaboutsocialproblemssuchashomelessnessandschoolclosuresthattheBCGEUcanworkto address in our communities.”

DelegateswerestunnedbythereportfromColumbianpublicservicefederationleaderMariano Jose Guerra Diaz (Feneltrase), whocalmlyexplainedthechallengesandobstaclesfacingunionandcommunityactivistsinColombia.

Jean-PaulVaucrossan,astewardandLocalexecutivememberrepresentingliquorstoreworkersintheTrailarea,commentedontheimportanceofmaintaininglocalandinternationalsolidarity.

“The guy from Columbia was astonishing. His struggle is life and death. They had strong unions,butnowtheirrightsaregoneandactiv-istsareliterallybeingcutdownbychainsaws.Wehavetobediligentinmakingsurewepro-tect the things that others before us fought for.”

“They had strong unions (in Columbia) but now their rights are gone... We have to be diligent in making sure we protect the things that others before us fought for.”

BUILDING LINKS — Top (l-r): Columbian union leader Mariano Jose Guerra Diaz with BCGEU treasurer Judi Filion and BCGEU president Darryl Walker. Middle: Kamloops public library worker Ashlynn Harris. Bottom: BCGEU steward and local executive member Jean-Paul Vaucrossan.

�6

Christina Lucas works at the Legal Services Society

in Nanaimo and has been a steward for a year.

Even though it has been a short time, she’s already

being asked by members for help. She gives the

example of helping a member who was sick and

needed to get home.

“I think almost every staff member has approached

me with either questions or concerns,” she said.

“Members have thanked me for my involvement

in different issues.”

Lucas sees being steward as an extension to her job:

“Taking on the role of Steward offers a person an

interesting extension to their job and gives a person

a much broader perspective on being an employee,”

she said.

A steward for over ten years, Fred Street has seen a lot on his job working for VSA Highways Maintenance in Merritt.

“I have worked with a good number of the people in our area for a very long time and I believe that the members do look to me for help and to know that I am on their side.”

What about advice to someone who wants to be a steward? “I say go for it! There is no better way to educate yourself on your collective agreement than to help investigate possible grievances for those who don’t understand their rights. If it was easy, everyone would do it but there is a good support system and a very good educational resource with the BCGEU. You just have to access it.”

Street also has some excellent advice for young workers: “We need you! Just give it a try. It is very rewarding and a way to give back,” he said. “You are the future.”

�6

��

Gary Harvey, a Local 1005 member, works out of

Merritt for VSA Highways Maintenance, mostly on

the Coquihalla.

He’s put in 16 years as a steward and enjoys the

“satisfaction of helping a brother or sister through

the misunderstanding of the collective agreement

on the employer’s side.”

Dealing with employers has become a challenge,

says Harvey, as he feels that workers are under

fire these days.

Being involved as a steward has helped him gain a

better understanding of how the agreement works

and has enabled him to get involved with his local

and the component.

Harvey also has some basic advice to new stewards:

“Read the collective agreement over and over, until

you know it. And do not let the employer intimidate

you. Most of the time, they’re full of crap.”

A steward since 1981, Jo Ann Fowler brings a keen perspective to her job in Salmon Arm at the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

“Although incredibly meaningful, work within MCFD is tough. Workers have a deep desire to assist the most vulnerable members of society, but are limited by high workload, limited resources, lack of professional development opportunities, shifts in ministry direction, and sometimes unattainable standards,” Fowler says. “A steward provides a necessary bridge between the employer and staff facilitating communication in as safe and supportive a manner as possible.”

Fowler also commends the training stewards get. “I have received outstanding training that has assisted me in my union service and in my general professional development. I have had the satisfaction of working with many different people and in supporting them as they meet the challenges of the workplace.”

She encourages signing up as a steward: “Union membership and stewardship safeguards each one of us and allows a unified voice; working together we can and have achieved great things!”

��

�8

oungworkersintheBCGEUaregettingactiveintheirunion,attendingcoursestohelpthemtake

theirplaceintheunionandthelargerlabourmovement.

InearlyNovemberaspecialcampaignscourseforyoungBCGEUmemberswasheldduringtheFallLabourInstitute.

Fourteenyoungworkersfromaround the province joined the Institute,whichisheldtwiceayearinpartnershipwithCapilanoCollegeLabourStudies program.

The young workers’ course wasdesignedtoprovidethetoolstheyneedtoplanandcarryoutacampaign— whether on an issue like climatechangeorhousingorpoverty,acommunityissueoracommunitycampaign.

Thecoursecombinedcam-paignplanningtoolsandintroduceduseofsocialmediaandvisualartsforsocialchange.

“I loved this course,” said MeghanMarchand,youngworkerrepresentativeforLocal 401, the lower Vancou-verIslandhealthcarelocal.

“It was energizing to work

withotheryoungworkerswhosharemypassionforsocialjustice issues.

“Definite highlights were the poster-makingwithFaviannaRodriguez,whereweusedcreativevisualarttostrengthenour activism, and April Smith’s presentationonherexperi-ences using social media.”

“This campaigns course was interactive,veryeducationalandwelldelivered.Iwoulddef-initelyrecommendthecoursetoanyofmyunionbrothersand sisters,” said Chris Jack, from Local 104, the Correc-tionslocalintheFraserValley.

TheBCGEUhasbeenencour-agingparticipationbyyoungmembersforseveralyears.

Theunionyouthcommitteehasbeenworkingtoincreasecommunicationbetweenyoungworkersintheunionandtoidentifyopportunitiesforyoungworkerstohavetheirvoicesheardandincreaseparticipa-tioninthelabourmovement.

If you’re a young worker under 30 years of age and are inter-estedinunioneducation,andmakinglinkswithotheryoungBCGEUmembersacrosstheprovince,emailBCGEUstaffrepresentativeDougDykensatdoug.dykens@bcgeu.ca .

Labour Institute takes on a youth focus

Y

GETTING ACTIVE — 14 young BCGEU members joined the Young Worker campaign course at the Fall Labour Institute. Top (l-r): Grace Griffith (Local 304), Christina Biley (Local 304). Bottom (l-r): Brenton Walters, BCGEU staff rep. at a roadside rally to protest family service cuts; Amy Slimon, Local 1201.

��

GETTING ACTIVE — 14 young BCGEU members joined the Young Worker campaign course at the Fall Labour Institute. Top (l-r): Grace Griffith (Local 304), Christina Biley (Local 304). Bottom (l-r): Brenton Walters, BCGEU staff rep. at a roadside rally to protest family service cuts; Amy Slimon, Local 1201.

TheB.C.Government

and Service Employees’ Union

is offering $36,000 in schol-arship awards, $2,000.00 for

full-time students, and $1,000.00 topart-timestudentswhoareBCGEUmembersorrelativesofBCGEUmembersorstaff.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

�. MembersoftheBCGEUingoodstandingareeligibletoapply.RelativesofBCGEUmembersorstaffingoodstandingorrelativesofdeceasedorretired members are eligible to apply. Definition of arelative:aspouseofsameoroppositesex,parent,child,includingastep-childorfosterchild,brother,sister,grandchild,nieceornephew.

2. Applicants must be registering in either full-time orpart-timepost-secondaryprogramsataneducational institution in 2010. Winners will not beawardedmoneyuntilproofofpostsecondaryregistrationisreceived.

�. ForstudentswithspecialneedswhohaveanIEP(Individual Education Plan) you have the choice of submittingyouressayasperthecriteriaoralternatively,youcansubmitinDVDformat,video(i.e. acting/skit) or audio (reading). It must be at least�5minutesinlength.

4. PreviousBCGEUscholarshipwinnersarenoteligible.

DETAILED CRITERIA:

1. A typed personal letter addressed to the Scholarship Committee explaining applicant’s goalsandcareerplans.

2. Applicants must have a letter-grade standing of Corbetter.Copiesofthegradestandingmustbeincludedwiththescholarshipapplication.MaturestudentsandstudentswithanIEPwillhavethisrequirementwaived.

3. A double-spaced, typed essay of 1,250 (minimum) to 1,750 (maximum) words from one of the follow-ingtopicsshallbethebasisforawardingtheschol-arship.Nohand-writtenessayswillbeaccepted.

ESSAY TOPICS:

a) You have just been told that you have to live greenforoneyear.Whatdoeslivinggreenmeantoyou?Whatdoesthislooklike?

b) The BC Liberals have been elected to a third term,whatpoliciesanddirectionsdoyouthinktheyshouldtakeoverthenextfouryearstoaffectpositive change for BC’s working families?

c) Bullying is rampant not only in our schools, but in our workplaces. How can we stop the cycle andwhatcanweasworkersandstudentsdo,whatcanemployersdoandwhatshouldgov-ernments do? Talk about your own experiences/observationsandrelateittothisquestion.

4. Thecommitteewillbelookingforcreativityintheessays such as personal experiences, discussions/interviewswithothers;wearenotlookingforastatisticalresearchessay.

5. A bibliography/list of resources and personal inter-views,writtenandwebbased,mustbeincluded.

6. Deadline for the receipt of the criteria is Friday, February 26, 2010. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

7. Scholarship recipients may be required to have theirphotosappearinthe“Provincial”magazineand/or in the local newspapers in their area.

8. All essays (both hard copy & disc) and criteria referencedabove,aretobesentwithacompletedApplication Form and Cover Sheet to:

Education OfficerAttention: Scholarship CommitteeB.C. Government & Service Employees’ Union4911 Canada WayBurnaby, BC V5G 3W3

2010 BCGEU Scholarship Awards

Application forms and scholarship information is available from any Area Office of the

B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union, and on the BCGEU website: (www.bcgeu.ca).

COMMUNITY

20

NEWS

he numbers say it all. Around 882,000 British Columbians each yearwillsufferfromsomeformofmentaldisorder.

Yetamazingly,theprovincialgovernmentandhealthauthorities

arecuttingsomeoftheservicesmostneededbythosesufferingfrommentalillnessandaddictions.

West Coast Alternativesisanexampleofhowthesecutsaregoingtohurtthosemostinneed.ThisVancouveragency,whichprovidesaward-winningcounselingtochildrenofaddicts,willbelosingalltheirfunding.

Waddell’s Haven Guest HomeinMission,whichprovidesservicestopsychiatricpatientsanddrugandalcohol-addictedclientsinasettingawayfromthedangersofthecity,hasbeen given one year’s notice of closure.

TheVancouver Island Health Authorityiscuttingeightfull-timestaffwhoprovideongoingmentalhealthandaddictionscounseling.

InTerrace,ATLAS (Youth Residential Sup-portive Recovery),aprogramfundedforthelast nine years by the Northern Health Author-ity (NHA), which provides counseling to young peoplewithaddictions,willbeclosingitsdoors.

A community forum on the future of the ATLAS YouthTreatmentFacilityonNovember�5inTerracebroughttogetherconcernedcommun-ity members and activists, along with ATLAS staffmembersandseveralyouthwhohadbeenthroughtheprogram.

“The four speakers of the evening took different approachesbutallspokequiteeloquentlyandwith passion about the difficulties youth face in accessingtreatment,thehardshipsyouthfaceonthestreets,thestrainthisputsonfrontlinehealth services, and the vital role that ATLAS plays in the community,” said BCGEU Vice

PresidentMikeClarkewhointroducedthespeakers.

A lively discussion followed the speakers’ statements.

Movingstoriesweretoldbypeoplewhohave been through the ATLAS program. The difficulties of parenting was discussed by participants,alongwiththoughtsonmovingforward,adviceoncommunicatingwithelectedofficials, opportunities for collaboration, andmanyotherideas.

“Community members are extremely upset that thisvitalservicemaydisappearattheendofthe year, with no replacement,” said Clarke.

“People are banding together to take meaning-fulactiontotrytoreversetheseill-consideredfunding cuts.”

Workers from ATLAS traveled to Prince George onDecember�4tomakeapresentationtothe NHA. NHA board members thanked them forahighlyprofessionalandwellthought-outpresentationandadvisedthattheywouldtakethematterunderfurtherconsideration.

Mental health and addictions cuts a ‘disturbing trend’

TWORKING TOGETHER TO FIGHT THE CUTS — The BCGEU organized a community forum on the future of the ATLAS Youth Treatment Facility in Terrace on November 25. Pictured (l-r): Robert Hart, advocate with the BC Association of Social Workers, Sandy Watson, youth and family counsellor with Terrace and District Community Social Services, BCGEU VP Mike Clarke, and André Ledoux, paramedic.

“Community members are extremely upset that this vital service may disappear at the end of the year with no replacement.”

��

NEWS

CGEUdelegatesjoined over 500 otherunionmembersfromacrosstheprovincetoparticipateinthe

B.C. Federation of Labour’s 5�rdconvention,heldinVan-couver from Nov. 23-25, 2009.

Jim Sinclair, Fed president,kickedofftheproceedingswithaspeechabouttheimportantrolesofthepublicandprivatesectorsinmakingajust transition toward a sustainableeconomy.

On the floor, delegatesexpressedtheirstrongdesiretochangethedirectionof B.C.’s economy towardsonethatismore socially just and createsandsustainsjobs in all regions oftheprovince.

Threeworkshopswereheld,aimedatpreparingdelegatestohelppromoteaprogressiveeconomicagenda:Building an Economy that Works – The Role of BC’s Private Sector;Building an Economy that Works – The Role of BC’s Public Sector and Engaging Our Members;andBuilding Our Movement and Creating Unity in Tough Times.

Delegatesvotedinfavourofaresolutiontoimplementaten-pointprogramaimedatpromotingaprogressiveeco-nomicandsocialagenda.

Theprogramincludes:producingmaterials,lobby-ing opposition MLAs, working withcommunitypartners,

co-ordinatingcollect-ivebargainingstrat-egies,acampaignagainst the HST, holding a Summit on Poverty in 2010, supportingtheYoungWorkercampaigntoorganizefornon-union workers’ rights,andastrategicplanningcommitteemadeupofmembersfrom all affiliates toimplementtheprogramandreportback to the 2010 convention.

Theresolutionwasacomposite,andincludedtheBCGEUresolutioncallingforcreative,sustainableand just economic

solutionsforourcitizens.

Another BCGEU resolution endorsedbydelegatesaddressesthegrowinginequalitygapbypromoting“significant public investments to rebuild the province’s social infrastructureandcreateafair,green, people’s economy.”

CoNFroNTINg THE CrISISAn Economy that works for BC — 2009 BC Fed Convention

A PROGRESSIVE VISION — Top (l-r): BCGEU president Darryl Walker and BCGEU treasurer Judi Filion; BCGEU VP Lorene Oikawa (centre). Middle (l-r): BCGEU delegates Pat St. Thomas and fellow delegates from Administrative Services, Component 12. Bottom (l-r): B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair; BCGEU delegate Stu Siefert (Component 7 chair).

B

A BCGEU resolution endorsed by delegates... promotes “significant public invest-ments to rebuild the province’s social infra-structure and create a fair, green, people’s economy.”

Photos: Joshua Berson

��

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40010201RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3W3Email: theprovincial@bcgeu.ca

heneconomictimesgettough,manypeopleturntopost-secondaryeducationtoupgradeskills,changecareers, or find a new direction in life.

Butsky-hightuitionfeesandtheprospectoflifelongstudentdebtwillkeepmanyworkingpeopleandtheirchildrenoutoftheclassroomandunabletorealizetheirpotential.B.C.needsahighlyskilledworkforceandthatmeansweneedfairaccesstopostsecondaryeducation.

TheB.C.componentoftheCanadianFederationofStudents (CFS) has launched a campaign called “Education Shouldn’t be a Debt Sentence” to draw attentiontothecrushingcostsofpost-secondaryeducationforstudentsinB.C.

Tuitionfeeshaverisensteadily,anddoubledsince2001. In 2011 tuition fees will ring in more revenue to theprovincialgovernmentthancorporatetaxes.The average student debt is now $27,000 and the average student will pay more than $7,000 in interest before paying off their loan. Shamus Reid, CFS-BC chair pointed out, “the B.C. student grants program was eliminated in 2004 and this summer, student aid was cut by an additional 14 per cent.”

“This is the worst possible time to be cutting financial aid. Young workers are usually the first to be laid off andwerelyonstudentaidprogramstogetthroughrough patches,” Reid continued.

Therearefourdemandsinthecampaign.TheCanad-ian Federation of Students-BC is calling on the B.C. governmentto:

• reduce tuition fees to 2001 levels, • re-establish a provincial grants program, • restore per-student funding to our public

institutions to 2001 levels, and • eliminate the interest on student loans.

The CFS is asking for support from the public. Visit theirwebsiteatwww.debtsentence.ca whereyoucansignthepetition,downloadacopyofthepetitiontodistributearoundyourworksite,orsendanemailletterdirectly to the Minister of Advanced Education.

Education shouldn’t be a debt sentence

NEWS

W

��

Bargaining Update

numberofsmallerhealthcareagencieshaveconcludedorareactivelypreparingfor

bargaininginthenewyear.

WorkersattheMapleRidgeSeniors Village have ratified their first collective agreement.

The 90 members voted 92 percentinfavouroftheagree-ment. The ratification comes after the workers voted to join theBCGEUinJulyofthisyear.

“Bargaining was fun and rewarding,” said Angie McMillan,anLPNandmemberofthebargainingcommittee.“I feel privileged to have been part of it.”

“I found the bargaining experience to be very enjoy-able as well as educational,” saidCrystalLukacs,anothercommitteemember.

Highlights of the three year agreement,whichexpireson August 31, 2012, include a�percentwageincreaseeachyear,shiftdifferentialsfornightsandweekends,twoadditionalstatutoryholidaysandimprovementsinhealthandsafetylanguage.

Thestaffprovidecareandsupportservicesforseniorsin a 200-unit facility which opened in April.

Theyincludelicensedpracticalnurses,careaides,supportworkersindietary,housekeep-ingandlaundry,andrecreationworkers.

Otherhealthcareworkplacesinvolvedwithbargaining:

Salvation Army – Harbour Light

Harbour Light in Vancouver employs approximately 90 memberswhoprovideshelteranddrugandalcoholrehabilitationservicesforthehomelessonthedowntowneastside. A ratification meet-ing was held September 28, 2009 and members voted 90 percentinfavourofthenewcontract.

The contract runs from April 1, 2009 to October 31, 2010 and includesa�percentgeneralwageincrease,asigningbonus,newlanguageonovertimescheduling,casualcall-inandhealthandsafetymeasures.

Whitecliff

Whitecliffisacongregatecarefacility in Surrey employing approximately 60 members. Thebargainingcommitteemetinmid-Junetoprepare

fornegotiations.Whitecliffhasemptybedssobargainingwillbescheduledwhenthefacilityisfullyoccupied.

Brookside Village

ThisnewLangleyretirementfacilitywasorganizedinAugust. The facility opened inOctoberandisexpectedtobuildfromcurrentstafflevelsto as many as 90 members. Themembersarenowintheprocessofelectingabargainingcommittee.

LifeLabs (formerly MDS Metro)

TheLifeLabscollectiveagree-mentexpiresDecember��,2009. As the Provincialwasgoingtopressworkwasbeingdoneonputtingabargainingcommitteetogether.LifeLabsprovidesmedicaldiagnostictestingservices.Morethan700 BCGEU members work in approximately 80 locations acrosstheprovince.

Negotiations active at smaller health care agencies

A

“I found the bargaining experience to be very enjoy-able as well as educational.”

FIRST AGREEMENT — New stewards and bargaining committee members, Registered Care Aide Crystal Lukacs (left) and Licensed Practical Nurse Angie McMillan (right) review their collective agreement.

Pho

to:J

oshu

aB

erso

n

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40010201