In May, we reached an exciting milestone by ratifying our very first Collective Agreement! After more than a year and a half of hard work, dedication, and collaboration by the Bargaining Committee, votes have been cast, and we have entered the post-ratification stage. The seeds have been planted.
Our first Collective Agreement includes many significant achievements that will strengthen our workplace for years to come, including fair wages, improved vacation and sick leave, maternity and parental leave top-ups, and a pension plan. What feels most significant, though, is what we learned through the process. Bargaining challenged us to listen deeply, have difficult conversations, and work together toward a common goal. In a world that is constantly driving people into an ‘us vs them’, we are trying to do this together.
Like any garden, growth takes time, and there are challenges along the way. But our union has taken root, and we’re already seeing the first signs of what we’ve built together. We look forward to seeing these investments grow and continue to benefit workers, our organization, and our community in the months, years, and decades ahead.
Being part of the BCGEU connects us to a broader labour movement and gives us the collective strength to build a fairer, more resilient workplace. The work of implementing our first Collective Agreement is laying a strong foundation for the future—a future where we can continue serving our community in a sustainable, equitable, and supportive way.
Pride Film Screening: As Labour Day approaches, we’re celebrating the power of solidarity with a film screening of Pride, a true story of striking miners and LGBTQ+ activists standing together to support on another. Join us on August 24th, 7pm, Fernwood NH Gym, 1240 Gladstone Avenue.
