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January 9, 2002
Premier Campbell is preparing to break his promise to not rip up collective agreements, cut health care and privatize services and programs
Over the next few days you will read and hear ads from the BC Federation of Labour (BC Fed) challenging the Campbell government to keep its promise to respect collective agreements negotiated in good faith. Premier Campbell and his ministers are currently preparing to open up your contract in the interests of "flexibility" and "to create a system that we can manage."
This media blitz by the BC Fed is part of a broader labour campaign to mobilize union members and community organizations in direct opposition to cuts in health, education and other public services.
BCNU Regional Meetings for Action
Your BCNU Provincial Council has developed an action plan for members and is supporting joint initiatives being coordinated by other unions through the BC Fed.
Throughout January and February in each of the 16 BCNU regions a half-day meeting will be held that will focus on developing an action plan against the "cuts" with other key unions and community groups. To find out how you can attend these meetings or get involved in the plan contact your Steward, BCNU regional chairperson or education coordinator in your region. Watch for notices on your bulletin board at work.
Support for BC Teachers
The BC legislature will likely be called into session the next two or three weeks to impose a contract on teachers and force concessions on them. The Liberals may use this opportunity to introduce legislation to open up your collective agreement. Nurses must be ready to organize in their workplaces on a moment's notice if this happens.
The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) plans to organize spontaneous rallies throughout the province if and when legislation is announced. They will also be holding study sessions and community events.
You can support the teachers by contacting the BCTF local president in your community to find out what action is planned in response to imposed legislation. To find out who the local president is log on the BCTF website at www.bctf.ca. Your BCNU regional chairperson also has a list of all BCTF local presidents.
On January 12, teachers in Vancouver will gather at Canada Place at 10:30 am and march to the Vancouver Art Gallery for a rally and speeches at 11:30 am. At the same time, BCTF locals outside of Vancouver will be organizing events in their communities.
The BC Fed and its affiliates including; HEU, BCGEU and CUPE have already been holding community forums and other events to discuss the "cuts" over the last few weeks. Many other initiatives are being planned throughout the province over the next few weeks. To find out what's happening in your community contact your local Labour Council or representatives of the other health-care union BC Fed affiliates.
Provincial Budget Response - Rally in Victoria and Town Hall Meetings
In response to the Provincial Budget, which will be announced February 19, the BC Fed, affiliates, BCNU and BCTF, are planning a large rally in Victoria on Saturday February 23. The intent is to get at least 10,000 people out. Please watch for information about the rally on your BCNU bulletin board.
Outside of Victoria, on the same day, community "town hall" meetings will be held. Local MLAs will be invited to come and discuss the Provincial Budget and its implications on the community and public services, including health care. You can find out more about the proposed community "town hall" meetings and how to get involved by contacting the Labour Council in your community.
BCNU Actions against the CUTS
A BCNU action plan has been distributed to your Provincial Council and regional lobbyists. The evolving action plan is posted on the BCNU website at www.bcnu.org. You can log on to find out what other actions are planned across the province.
Many British Columbians voted for Gordon Campbell. But they didn't vote for health care cuts and privatization. And they didn't vote for an attack on front-line workers who deliver the services. It's no surprise that this government's approval rating has plunged dramatically and that the public believes the government is heading in the wrong direction on health care policy.
BCNU recognizes that these are trying times for everyone. But we also know that BCNU members have shown themselves to be at their best defending health care services they deliver to the public when these services are threatened in any way. By working together with others in our community we can build a strong opposition to Premier Campbell's agenda.
Get involved in local actions against the "cuts" and support initiatives to save health, education and other public services. Health care is worth it!
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