Public sector workers lauded, challenged during UN’s Public Service Day

On June 23, the BCGEU will join our national union NUPGE and other labour organizations to celebrate Public Service Day, honouring the valuable contributions of public sector workers around the world.

The annual event was first celebrated in 2002, when the United Nations General Assembly passed a formal resolution designating the occasion, recognizing that democracy and governance are built on a foundation of competent, committed public service.

“The ability of a society to maintain safety and essential public services, protect human rights, maintain and efficient framework for market activities and to hold free and fair elections draws on the skills and sense of purpose of public servants working as a team,” says Guido Bertucci, the director of the UN’s division for public administration and development management.

In British Columbia, public service workers are challenged to maintain quality services and fulfill their public mandate. Eight years of massive budget cuts, layoffs, reorganization and contracting out has placed significant stress on B.C.’s public service.

More than 1,100 jobs cut in the Forests and Range ministry – just part of some 8,000 positions eliminated since 2002 – are eroding our public service’s ability to deliver quality public services.

B.C. Public Service Agency’s annual Work Environment Survey shows the effects – including a dramatic drop in employee satisfaction and an 8 point drop in workers’ measurement of the government’s “vision, mission, and agenda.”

Working for government and the broader public service is a calling, and one that should be celebrated. My hope is that the current government and the public will recognize how important these services and the people who provide them are in all our day-to-day lives.