Public sector workers hope to rebound, says BCGEU chief; Library Workers Settle
The Daily News (Kamloops)
October 22, 2008
By: Mike Youds

Public-sector contracts will have to notch out higher wages over the next few years to better recruit and retain government workers, BCGEU president Darryl Walker said Tuesday.

… Recruitment and retention of workers, particularly in health care and the community/social services areas, is an ongoing problem as a result of lower wages.

"And they're at the bottom of the pay scale."

As well there are sectors, notably community health and social services, that had their wages pushed back when Gordon Campbell's Liberal government gutted collective agreements during its first term of office.

"We will be looking for government to get us back there."

… The union also has ongoing campaigns rallying support for universal child care, public health care, labour rights, action on global warming and the controversial Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).

TILMA is a concern because it attempts to harmonize regulations across provincial borders.

"It was created in a back room. I'm not sure it's ever been in the House in Victoria. The only information people get is through media outlets like this one.

"What we're concerned about is what it we'll do about deregulation of our rights under the system."

Teacher-trainees in Alberta, for example, can enter the classroom after only three years, whereas more training is required in B.C.

"Is that good or is it bad for children? I think that's something that needs to be answered by society."