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BCGEU vows not to sign a new collective agreement without 'improved job security provisions.'
Vancouver (22 Jan. 2010) - The British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) says the provincial Liberal government is laying off another 135 of its members despite assurances that no more cuts would be made over the balance of the current fiscal year.
The union says the layoffs involve the ministry of forests and range and the ministry of citizens' services. Most of them will hit Shared Services B.C., a citizens' services agency.
The union is holding discussions with B.C.'s Public Service Agency (PSA) to learn further details on individuals and classifications affected. The greatest impact is expected to be in the capital region.
"I've asked the Article 29 committees in both of these ministries to work hard to help members get through this difficult time," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker.
"The cuts come at a critical time as the BCGEU and the government are at the bargaining table. (The) announcement underscores the importance of improving the job security provisions of the collective agreement."
Walker says B.C. already has one of the leanest public services in Canada.
"We won't sign a new collective agreement without improved employment security provisions. I am concerned that these layoffs are cutting these important ministries to the bone and increasing staff workloads," he added.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE