In Neil Godbout’s editorial in the Prince George Citizen from Wednesday, August 24, he argues that the BCGEU is giving the BC NDP a “rough ride” in their current bargaining process, and they should take it easy on a government that has brought us through COVID-19, etc. In a strange reversal of logic, Godbout seems to also be saying that, as a friend to organized labour, the NDP should not be held accountable by the unionized workers who elected them.
First and foremost, the BCGEU is a union of public sector workers who are in the middle of bargaining for wage increases that are long overdue. This union includes, for example, forest firefighters who are currently holding the line, keeping our communities standing throughout this fire season. When they are not working overtime, most of them are making less than $25/hour, with no extended healthcare benefits because they are seasonal workers. Simply stating that fears about inflation are exaggerated does not provide relief to those families who cannot afford to buy groceries.
Secondly, if the BC NDP truly “embraces its ties to organized labour,” they should be negotiating in good faith and providing a reasonable offer so that our public sector workers can make a living wage and not experience burnout from working excessive overtime hours. If we have learned anything through our experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that the government can provide funding when funding is needed – it is a matter of political will and setting certain priorities.
Lastly, to make the argument that the BCGEU should go easy on the current government because the alternative party (Kevin Falcon and the soon-to-be-renamed BC Liberals) would hypothetically issue lockout orders, does not make sense. The BCGEU is bargaining with the current government, not with the BC Liberals, so their negotiation strategy is based on that fact. If the BC NDP provide an offer that is acceptable to our public sector workers, they may be rewarded in the next election and we will not have to worry about what Kevin Falcon would do in this, or any other, situation.
Taxpayers are people too. People need a living wage.
Angela Kehler
Prince George
