Union environmental initiatives

March 16, 2018
BCGEU members size up B.C.'s worst summer of natural disasters
In 2018 to the B.C. government undertook a significant review of the provincial wildfire and flood response. The BCGEU initiated a wide consultation of members to document the various ways they had been affected by 2017's unprecedented fire and flood season and the union submitted the cumulative findings to government. The report is based on the direct experience of those who lived and worked on the front lines of the floods and wildfires and will be a useful resource for future disaster relief and planning efforts.

January 26, 2018
BCGEU submission to review of professional reliance model in the natural resource sector

December 11, 2017
BCGEU disappointed by decision to complete Site C dam, urges government to employ unionized labour in completion of project

November 2017
The BCGEU is excited to announce it has installed ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations in two of its busiest parking lots – at Headquarters in Burnaby, and at the Fraser Valley Area Office in Langley. Considering the benefits – like saving on gas, purchase rebates, reducing your environmental footprint, and even access to the HOV lane – British Columbians are increasingly going electric. In fact, researchers predict that by 2040, up to 90% of vehicle production worldwide will be electric vehicles. Our union is committed to improving environmental sustainability and as technology for electric vehicles continues to advance, and demand grows, charging stations will be installed at additional area offices.

July 2017
BCGEU energy policy paper (PDF)
The Provincial Executive Environment committee aims to examine and provide recommendations to update the union’s approach to energy policy. To inform the committee’s work, this paper outlines the union’s existing approach to energy policy, explores current issues, and identifies potential next steps for the BCGEU. The paper also makes the following recommendations that the BCGEU:

Continue to take action to reduce the union’s own greenhouse gas emissions.
Reaffirm the general principles laid out in past resolutions on energy policy—sustainability, reducing GHG emissions, conservation, public ownership, just transition for workers, and develop renewables.
Develop a plan to engage with BCGEU members on energy and climate issues with the goal of refining the union’s approach to energy policy.
Re-energize and enhance ongoing efforts to educate BCGEU members on climate change and emerging sustainability initiatives.

November 30, 2016
BCGEU welcomes BC Parks investment and urges reinstatement of traditional funding levels

February 4, 2016
BCGEU signs First Nations Solidarity Accord opposing oil sands pipelines and tankers

July 28, 2015
BCGEU announces its opposition to Site C