BCGEU conference to set priorities for 2010 bargaining for 50,000-plus members

Notice to Editors

Media invited to attend opening session 9:00 to 9:30 a.m., Nov. 26

With some 53,000 members getting set to begin public sector contract talks early next year, leaders of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union will gather in Burnaby for a two-day conference
Thursday, Nov 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 to set bargaining priorities.

Media are invited to attend the opening session starting at 9 a.m. Thursday morning to hear remarks from union president Darryl Walker about talks in provincial government public services, health care, community social services and post-secondary education.

What: BCGEU bargaining conference opening session
remarks by BCGEU president Darryl Walker

When: Thursday, Nov. 26, 9:00 to approx. 9:30 a.m.

Where: Crystal Ballroom, Burnaby Hilton Hotel
6083 McKay, Burnaby

Then about 125 delegates will roll up their sleeves to debate issues and set their priorities in what is expected to be an extremely challenging round of talks.

BCGEU is the largest union involved in 2010 public sector bargaining with contracts for more than 200,000 workers set to expire next spring.

BCGEU members involved in talks work in these sectors:

• 29,000 public service members who bargain with the provincial government;
• 12,000 health care members who bargain with the Health Employers Association of B.C.,
• 8,500 community social services workers who bargain with the Community Social Services Employers Association; and
• 3,900 post-secondary instructors and support staff who bargain with the Post Secondary Employers' Association and individual post-secondary institutes.