We Care Home Health Services employees vote to join BCGEU

“We are overjoyed that We Care employees have voted to join our union for a real voice at work. — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President

Vancouver (07 June 2016) — On June 1, home support workers employed by We Care Home Health Services in the Fraser Valley voted to join the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).

Home support workers fight for fairness and respect by joining BCGEU/NUPGE 

In doing so, the 221 employees rescinded their previous membership with the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC). CLAC is not a member of the BC Federation of Labour due to its undermining of prevailing employment standards and failure to represent workers effectively.

“We are overjoyed that We Care employees have voted to join our union for a real voice at work,” said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President. “As the largest union of home support workers in B.C., the BCGEU/NUPGE is proud to welcome them into our campaign for fairness and respect for caregivers across the province.”

Staff at We Care have the voice to bargain improved working conditions and wages

In the past year, over 1,800 employees in B.C. have joined the BCGEU/NUPGE through elections at their worksite, growing the union’s total membership to over 70,000 workers in B.C.

“Employees at We Care understand that joining a democratic union is the best way to make positive changes at work,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer. “Being a union member gives B.C. workers a real voice on the job and the power to stand together for better wages, benefits and working conditions.”

In the coming weeks, We Care employees will work with the BCGEU/NUPGE to bargain a new collective agreement for their workplace.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 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