Bulletin
BCIT Student Association – We’ve Got Your Back – Every Step of the Way
May 9, 2025
To: all MoveUP members at the BCIT Student Association
You stood up for your rights by joining MoveUP — and we’ve been in your corner ever since. Now, as we fight for your first collective agreement, we want you to know that we’re taking real action to push back against unfair treatment and ensure your rights are fully protected.
We know this process hasn’t always been smooth. We’ve seen delays, pushback, and behaviours from the employer that simply aren’t okay. Most recently, we learned that the BCIT Student Association held closed-door meetings with employees — without union representation — and asked some to sign documents about actions they didn’t commit.
Let us be clear: that is not just inappropriate — it’s unlawful.
Under the Labour Relations Code, you have the right to union representation at meetings that could affect your working conditions or your rights. The employer cannot pressure, intimidate, or bypass your union. They also cannot make unilateral changes to your pay, hours, or working conditions while your first contract is still being negotiated. This is called the statutory freeze, and it exists to protect workers like you.
That’s why MoveUP sent a formal cease and desist letter to the employer. We’ve made it clear that these actions must stop immediately — and that if they don’t, we are fully prepared to take legal action. We’re watching closely, we’re acting swiftly, and we’re here to protect your rights.
Here’s what you can count on:
- Your rights as MoveUP members matters, and we’re committed to making sure they are respected.
- No one should ever feel pressured or intimidated at work — especially when it comes to signing documents or attending meetings without support. We’ve called on the employer to immediately stop any such actions and reminded them of their legal obligations.
- You have a right to union representation. Employers are required to work with your union in good faith, and that includes respecting your right to be represented when any issues arise at work.
- MoveUP does not collect any union dues from you until your first collective agreement is in place. In the meantime, you get the full backing of our union — including representation, protection, and our efforts to make your workplace safer, fairer, and more respectful.
If you notice anything shady happening — new policies, new rules, changes in hours/pay/terms — please tell us immediately. Email us at join@moveuptogether.ca or message us privately.
You joined the union to have a voice — and you have one. Thank you, again, for putting your trust in us. We are excited to be your union, and we will continue standing strong as we fight for your first collective agreement.
In solidarity,
Annette Toth
President, MoveUP
