Paul Finch

BREAKING: Our pressure worked! BCGEU members just won a major victory in our campaign to ensure safer workplaces. Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry made masks mandatory ...in all indoor public spaces, extending much-needed protection to thousands of BCGEU members. Thank you to the B.C. Government and Dr. Henry for listening to workers. This win is an inspiring reminder that when workers stand together, we’re powerful.

Too many BCGEU members are facing unnecessary risks of COVID-19 exposure because employers refuse to require masks. It's time to make masks mandatory to protect workers. Safe workplaces are not optional.

Through bold, self-organized action and escalating pressure, Tranquille workers in Kamloops successfully stood up to their employer and made collective demands... not just for themselves, but on behalf of their entire community. Actions like this one helped shape our union into one that practices social movement unionism. Check out the new book about the occupation, "Tranquility Lost" by Gary Steeves: https://harbourpublishing.com/products/9780889713864

There’s no reason to wait for the provincial health officer to mandate this. Any employer can do it. We’re seeing municipalities do it. I live in Richmond, and... Richmond has said mask-wearing in any public indoor space is now mandatory. Listen to BCGEU President Stephanie Smith’s radio interview today, calling on the BC Public Service Agency to protect employees with a mandatory mask policy.

The [BC Public Service Agency] has an opportunity to set a positive example of COVID safety in the workplace that all employers in the province could follow, ...said Stephanie Smith, President of the BCGEU. I’m pleased they are taking a safer approach to remote work but I believe they could and should show stronger leadership by implementing a mandatory mask policy in their workplaces. See more