Dates Confirmed for Provincial-level Union Meetings

February 16, 2022

Council announces October and November dates for provincial bargaining conference and annual convention

BCNU is pleased to announce two new dates for the following provincial-level union events:

The provincial bargaining conference will take place October 3 to 5, 2022 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The annual BCNU convention will be held November 2 to 4, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver.

The scheduled dates were confirmed following the provincial health officer's February 15, 2022, announcement of the gradual reopening of the province. Both events will take place in-person.

The needs of the entire membership remain the union's top priority. The decision to move these meetings to later in the year recognizes the staffing pressure and instability that has landed directly on members.

In addition to staffing pressures on the health-care system, the transmissibility of COVID-19 has also had a direct impact on BCNU staff capacity, which has proved to be a significant consideration when planning these important events. BCNU has an obligation to ensure members' dues are spent responsibly. In doing so, Council has seriously weighed the risk of further postponements and agreed that the loss of non-refundable deposits associated with venue booking would not be reasonable.

This unanimous decision from Council is strategically tied to our approach to bargaining. Ensuring the physical and psychological health of BCNU members in the short term will allow for more focused provincial gatherings. President Aman Grewal and interim CEO Jim Gould look forward to meeting with members and activists face-to-face in the fall.

The postponement of the provincial bargaining conference will in no way impact the union's negotiating position. Likewise, the hosting of the annual convention later in the year will not impede the business of the union. Submission deadlines for proposed resolutions and constitution and bylaw amendments will be announced at a later date.

BCNU stands in solidarity with all members and is committed to providing support and ongoing opportunities to connect with all regions across the province.

For more information, please contact your local steward or regional council member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Provincial Bargaining Conference are answered here.

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BCNU Council made the decision to move convention to later in the year. This 25-member board is BCNU's governing body between conventions, and it is responsible for developing strategy, setting policy and budgeting. BCNU Council is directly elected by members to make decisions on their behalf and in their interest. In addition to staffing pressures on the health-care system, the transmissibility of COVID-19 has also had a direct impact on BCNU staff capacity, which has proved to be a significant consideration when planning this important event. BCNU has an obligation to ensure members' dues are spent responsibly. In doing so, Council has seriously weighed the risk of further postponements and agreed that the loss of non-refundable deposits associated with venue booking would not be reasonable. The decision to postpone was made after considerable discussion and only after it was determined that the delay would not impede the governance of the union.

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BCNU is advising that you notify your employer that the convention has been postponed and that you have a bone fide reason to cancel your union leave. You will also need to submit new union leave dates for the fall convention dates. Please contact your regional council member directly to confirm. BCNU is advising that you notify your employer that the convention has been postponed and that you have a bone fide reason to cancel your union leave. You will also need to submit new union leave dates for the fall convention dates. Please contact your regional council member directly to confirm.