Bulletin
BCGEU – Winter Holiday Closure Volunteers
October 28, 2026
To: All MoveUP Members at BCGEU
We heard concerns about the employer’s expression of interest for winter office closure coverage. We want it to be clear that volunteering to work on the days between Christmas and New Year’s 2026 (excluding statutory holidays) does not undermine our rights outlined in Article 7.1 of our collective agreement.
The employer’s request for staff stemmed from a BCGEU member resolution adopted in 2024 to provide coverage for emergencies. Only one MoveUP member is required to cover the province each day. Those selected for these days will work remotely during office hours. In lieu of the existing paid days off, they will be provided paid time off in 2027.
Please respect our colleagues if they decide to volunteer their time during the holiday office closure. If you still have concerns, please reach out to a steward, executive councillor, or our Union Representative, Phil Bargen, for clarification at pbargen@moveuptogether.ca.
Thank you to everyone who came out to Wednesday’s general membership meeting! If you know a coworker who was unable to attend, please share what you heard! Likewise, if you were unable to attend, please reach out to your colleagues who could attend or your bargaining committee for details.
We look forward to continuing to build momentum and solidarity in the coming months!
In solidarity,
Doris Stowe, Executive Councillor
Shu Leung, Executive Councillor
Liam Kennedy-Slaney, Executive Councillor
Eddie Mishra, Bargaining Committee Member
Hope Aurum, Bargaining Committee Member
Phillip Bargen, Union Representative