Steward Fundamentals is a two-day foundation-level course for all Local 304 stewards. It focuses on the essential skills every steward needs to know. Through discussion and interactive group activities, you will be introduced to the key roles and responsibilities of a steward as advocate, educator, organizer and communicator. Stewards will leave feeling more confident, effective in their role, and skillful in their interactions with members and the employer. Please bring your copy of the collective agreement with you.

Steward Fundamentals: Steward Fundamentals is a two-day foundation–level course for all stewards. It focuses on the essential skills every steward needs to know. Through discussion and interactive group activities, you will be introduced to the key roles and responsibilities of a steward as advocate, educator, organizer and communicator. Stewards will leave feeling more confident and effective in their role and skillful in their interactions with members and the employer.

This course is for elected stewards and local officers who have not previously taken the Basic Steward Training in the past five years.

· A union-paid leave-of-absence is provided for this course.

Please note that BCGEU Covid-19 protocols remain in place. Participants will be required to provide proof of full vaccination at BCGEU OHS courses. Staff will scan your vaccine passport and confirm your identification upon arrival.

The use of high quality masks also continues to be required in all BCGEU buildings, and at BCGEU courses hosted in other venues. Upon arrival, BCGEU members will be provided with KN95 masks for use during the course. Employer representatives or members of other unions will need to bring their own KN95, N95 or equivalent mask.

Participants will also need to follow other measures in our Covid-19 safety plan for our BCGEU OHS courses, which includes health screening and physical distancing.

As you know, Covid-19 public health measures are regularly updated, so more changes to the requirements for our courses may occur in the weeks and months to come. We will do our best to keep you informed and up to date.

The Area 03 Cross Component Committee is honored to be hosting a webinar: Truth and Reconciliation in British Columbia, Past – Present – Future with Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, OC, OBC & David Paterson. The two panellists will go over a brief history of Truth and Reconciliation in B.C. How we got to where we are today, what still needs to be done and what the future holds. The panelists will answer questions for a brief period near the end of the session. We hope you can join us for this webinar.

DATE: Wednesday, October 5, 2022

TIME: 6:00pm to 8:00pm

WHERE: Via Zoom Webinar

Panellist Biography:

Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, OC, OBC. is a true peace-builder whose life and work are examples of his personal commitment. A Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, Chief Joseph has dedicated his life to bridging the differences brought about by intolerance, lack of understanding and racism at home and abroad. His insights into the destructive impacts these forces can have on peoples' lives, families and cultures were shaped by his experience with the Canadian Indian Residential School system. As one of the last few speakers of the Kwakwaka'wakw language, Chief Joseph is an eloquent and inspiring Ceremonial House Speaker. He shares his knowledge and wisdom in the Big House and as a Language Speaker with the University of British Columbia, an internationally recognized art curator and as co-author of "Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast". 

David Paterson is a Vancouver lawyer who has spent more than 35 years practicing in the field of Indigenous rights. He has been counsel on many significant cases including the Delgamuukw case which established the existence of Aboriginal Title in BC. From 2000 to 2004 and since 2019 he has been Chair of the Committee on Indigenous Peoples for the International Bar Association where he is also a member of the steering committee for the Goal One Initiative on the Elimination of World Poverty. He was part of the legal team which brought the class action concerning Indian Residential Schools which resulted in the settlement of residential school claims and was a member of the All-Parties Advisory Committee to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Oversight Committee for the residential school compensation process.

On behalf of the Area 03 Cross Component Committee

The RSVP closing period has ended as of September 26, 2022 at 5 p.m.

2022 Area 04 Cross Component Committee cordially invites you and 1 guest to attend the 2022 Activists Appreciation Banquet dinner and dance. This year's theme is Your Dream Winter Vacation in the Sun. $20 deposit is required to secure you r registration & accommodations. Make your cheque payable to BCGEU and send to the attention of Kevin Hagglund or Ann Soucie at the BCGEU Fraser Valley Area Office 8555 198A Street, Langley V2Y 0A9 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 12, 2022.

The union will be providing all local 802 stewards and local executive a day of training to enhance your knowledge and skills.

Build your local network! Bring your questions! Build your skills! Have fun!

· You deserve a day to feel appreciated for the work you do representing your co-workers as a BCGEU steward.

· Did you know that you have an entire group of people with union experience and expertise who want to help and mentor you in your steward role?

· We would like you to build more skills and knowledge to help you become an even more empowered and effective steward.

Learn more about:

· Grievance and Complaint procedure

· Respectful Workplace, Bullying, Harassment and Misuse of Management Authority –Recognizing the difference

· Investigation Meetings – the role of the Steward

Area 02 Executive Member

We are very excited to announce that your Local Executive Training & Strategic Planning Session has been confirmed for Friday, October 21, 2022. This is a very important session and we hope that you will make every effort to attend.

By joining us, you will enjoy a full day dedicated to your role as a local executive member that will include some fun, education/training and dedicated time to work on strategic planning for your local. This will be a perfect opportunity for you to connect with executive members from other locals, discuss common issues and build your activist network.

Please RSVP, no later than September 20, 2022 by clicking the link below and ensure you complete the form in its entirety.

The Area 03 Cross Component Committee is hosting an appreciation event to honour and recognize your hard work on behalf of the BCGEU members in Area 03.

You and one guest are cordially invited to attend the Activists Appreciation Event:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2022

PLACE: Vancouver Sheraton Airport Hotel in Richmond

7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC, V6X 1A3

TIME: Cocktail Hour 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Doors open at 6:00pm

Dinner at 6:30pm

Entertainment & Dancing to follow

Cocktails available via cash bar

DRESS: 1970'S Disco Glamour – STUDIO 54 themed attire is encouraged!

NO MINORS. THIS IS A 19+ EVENT. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES.

Masks are encouraged when not eating, drinking or speaking

Space is limited, so please register online to reserve your seat(s):

Deadline to register for this event is Friday, October 7, 2022

Taxi vouchers for the trip home will be available at the venue. Taxi to the venue can be expensed using the online expense claim form only and will require a receipt.

A limited number of hotel rooms are available for members traveling from outlying areas.

 If you require childcare re-imbursement for this event please contact [email protected]

 The BCGEU Code of Conduct is in effect at all Cross Component Events. Any participant engaging in unacceptable behaviour may be asked to leave and not invited to future events.

 You must pre-register online for this event and you also must return the registration form with your payment by the deadline of October 7, 2022 to confirm your seat(s).

 The registration is on the bottom of the FYI to be printed and mailed along with your payment to the Lower Mainland Area Office.

Please return the registration form with your $10.00 per person payment to the Lower Mainland Area office:

#130-2920 Virtual Way, Vancouver, BC V5M 0C4.

You must pre-register for this event. The event was SOLD out last year, so submit your registration early! Deadline to register is October 7, 2022. All registered guests will receive a written confirmation by email. The $10.00 registration fee (per person) will be returned when you check in at the event. Cancellation deadline is October 13, 2022. No refunds will be given if you do not attend and check in. Please direct any enquiries to [email protected] or 604-215-1499.

The East Kootenay (Area 08) Cross Component Committee invites you to attend our activist appreciation banquet to honour and recognize the hard work BCGEU stewards, local executives and OH&S worker representatives do on behalf of the BCGEU Members in Area 08.

We hope that you and a guest will join us for an evening of dinner, dancing and door prizes!

Cockatils (4:45 p.m.)
Introductions (5:45 p.m.)
Dinner (6:15 p.m.)
Door Prizes (7:30 p.m.)
DJ and Dancing (8:00 p.m.)

We invite you to bring 1 guest, but ask no children please as this is an adult only event. Please provide the name of your guest and make sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions you or your guest may have.

STEP UP: An intro to the BCGEU for all new Stewards and new Members 

This introductory, one-day course will introduce you to the BCGEU; explore our common values, union culture, and our diverse community of members. Through stories of solidarity and courage, you will gain the strength and support you need to begin your journey as a new or returning steward. Along the way, you will learn about your fundamental union rights and useful union tools and strategies for getting started in your role. Newly elected and returning stewards will leave feeling more informed, confident and ready to support a member through a Step 1 grievance. This course is the first step on our new learning pathway for stewards.

As in the past, you will be eligible for a leave of absence. Please get approval from your supervisor to attend the training prior to registering. Note the number of 'paid working hours' you will miss in order to attend this training event when requesting your LOA.

Lunch will be provided. When registering online, please advise if you have any allergies with special dietary requirements.

If you require virtual training, please contact the Area Office to be placed on our waitlist.

Travel advances and dependent care forms are available on request.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  BCGEU COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR DAY OF COURSE – With no exceptions

• Proof of vaccination is required and verified by the office using the BC Vaccine card verifier app 

• Each participant must complete a rapid test prior to entering the meeting room, test provided at the office and verified upon arrival.

• Members are required to wear a face mask while entering the building. A KN95 protective face mask will be provided to you upon arrival, which must be worn while in attendance at the BCGEU. No other facemasks will be permitted while in attendance except for the provided K95 face mask. 

• Prior to entry to the building, all attendees are required to complete the following self-assessment by answering the questions at: https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en. Please follow any directive of the self-assessment.

Please register by Monday, October 3, 2022