Labour Day Celebrations Set for Downtown P.G.
Prince George, B.C. – Labour organizations in Prince George will be celebrating Labour Day today in the downtown core. The celebrations start at 11 at the Veterans Plaza in front of Prince George City Hall. (click here for the full schedule)
BC’s Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Development, Shirley Bond sends along a message of thanks. “First of all it’s a message of gratitude to the working men and women in British Columbia who have built this incredible Province” says Minister Bond. “Government’s have a role to play, but its the men and women who, everyday, go out to make British Columbia the place that it is. It’s the reason why our economy is leading the country, it’s the reason why we have 2.3 million people working in British Columbia and it’s also about trying to create more respectful relationships between Government and organized labour. I have been very honoured to work constructively ( with labour), we have agreed to disagree at times, but I never lack appreciation for the gains that have been made when it comes to safer workplaces, when it comes to fairer treatment in the workplace, efforts on behalf of women in particular and under represented groups. The labour movement has been a critical player in assuring those changes that have been necessary have been made. I know they would remind me there is more work to be done, and I’m always open to that discussion.”
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“we have 2.3 million people working in British Columbia … I have been honoured to work constructively ( with labour), we have agreed to disagree at times, but I never lack appreciation for the gains that have been made when it comes to safer workplaces, when it comes to fairer treatment in the workplace, efforts on behalf of women in particular and under represented groups. I know they would remind me there is more work to be done, and I’m always open to that discussion”
“gains that have been made when it comes to safer workplaces, when it comes to fairer treatment in the workplace, efforts on behalf of women in particular and under represented groups”
Safety, fairness and equality apparently not the government’s priority so when “labour” gets a new piece of legislation to keep us safer it’s a “gain”? wow
“The labour movement has been a critical player in assuring those changes that have been necessary have been made.” Big thank you to the labour movement from this non-union worker for getting those “necessary” changes made!
“I know they would remind me there is more work to be done, and I’m always open to that discussion”
Well, if there’s “more work to be done”, how about the government pro-actively draft legislation that makes ALL of the “2.3 million people working in British Columbia” safer at work and treated more fair and equal by our employers instead of just “always open to that discussion” with “labour”, agreeing to disagree?
Disagree with this part; “… but I never lack appreciation for the gains that have been made when it comes to safer workplaces…” Two workplace sawmills blowup, a total of four human souls dead, and 40 workers injured, and no one is to blame, in both disasters. These are signs that union power and authority has been greatly reduced.
Lets not forget about Mount Polley, while no one died, or were injured, no one was found at fault there as well, so lets all wait for the next industry disaster, shall we?
Are you talking about the union whose membership cared so little about health and safety that joint safety committee meetings had to be cancelled because there was not enough representation from the hourly ranks? The same union whose head office in town failed to follow up on calls placed by members expressing concern? The union whose local president should have resigned his moonlighting job on city council to give his full and undivided attention to the workers after the Burns Lake tragedy? Powerless…..I think the word you are looking for is useless.
I have to laugh at your double standard, serious injuries aside if a worker even gets a sliver or a scrape you say that the company or supervisor must be held accountable to the full extent of the law. But if a punk breaks into a old ladies home, steals her stuff and scares her so bad she can no longer live on her own you advocate to send this poor misguided person through the restorative justice system. A pat on the butt and a promise not to do it again whie you proudly proclaim that only 40% reoffend.
You would lose your slim grasp on sanity if a company said that only 40% of workers are reinjured after returning to work
Wow!!! Four workers dead and forty injured, and this is your response? Your comment shows no respect for these men and their families. I think most of us know why you are so “lonesome”.
What exact pro active safety legislation would you like to see? Read the BC Labour Code, read some of the legislation that is enacted for different labour divisions, ie; BC Safety Authority. You will find there is ample legislation already there. What needs to be done is for the officials at all levels, government, union & workplace management to effectively see that guidelines & rules are followed & when they are broken, regardless of who failed to follow or enforce said laws, that appropriate measures are taken. Work place safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Oh I agree that workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility, however, the problems started in 2003 when the BC Liberals instructed BCs Workers Compensation Board to begin dismantling BCs Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, an essential tool in building and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces.
Do your research, look for and find the “truth”!
First, I was addressing anniemartin’s post, my question was not rhetorical, sarcastic or facetious. So I ask you the same question. What exactly would you like to see enacted by the government to provide enhanced safety to workers? What is missing from exsisting regulation that could be added or enhanced? Peoplebeingsophicjgaltfirst, you are long on criticism but short on solution. Having spent more time in industry than you have been alive, I can tell you from first hand experience that the old adage “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink”, applies directly to worker safety for the most part. I have seen workers ignore safety guidelines & outright rules over & over in my career. Most of the abuses don’t come from lack of regulation, they come from willful ignorance, arrogance or lack of attention to the job at hand. The “it won’t/can’t happen to me” attitude is the most common. Taking shortcut’s around safety to get more ass time, selfishly ignoring what their lack of respect could do to themselves & others. Nobody can legislate that, what they can do though is to step up enforcement of regulations, hold EVERYONE accountable involved in infractions. That includes individuals, management, unions & governments or their representatives.
detoe44; asks; “So I ask you the same question. What exactly would you like to see enacted by the government to provide enhanced safety to workers?”
Ummm… I guess you don’t read so well. How about bringing back the original BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, you know, the one that was in place before it was “gutted” by the BC Liberals!!!
I read & comprehend perfectly well, it is you who fails to comprehend what I asked, so I will ask it again. What exactly do you want to see added to exsisting regulation that will promote & enhance worker safety? Giving an answer of “Bring back the original document” is not an answer. Things are added & removed from regulation on a regular basis, some for good reason, some not. What was removed that you want to see brought back? From personal experience, something that you seem curiously short on, I can attest that there is ample regulation when it comes to safety. What there is not, is an over abundance of is personal initiative, personal self regulation & an overall too relaxed attitude when it comes to worker safety. The material is out there, most companies stress safety & provide education for it. Is what you want that the government steps in & directly controls individual behaviour? Do you really want to absolve people of any responsibility & place it directly in the hands of government agencies? Finally, since it your theme on this thread, provide evidence of what was removed from regulation & for what reason. As I said above, sometimes regulations are changed for good reason, newer technology or outdated methodology.
I have my doubts about your ability to read and comprehend detoe44, here lets try a small test:
ht tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJX1REQB12o
Hahahaha, that’s actually kind of funny. However, we are in a write & read medium so…Well you can figure it out. Why is it when someone asks you a simple question or series of questions you immediately go on the defensive? Nothing I asked you was in ridicule or otherwise. You stated that there were things removed that were part of an original document (that has been changed repeatedly since inception) that were detrimental to worker safety. Well, what was removed that you would like to see replaced? What should be replaced & why? Again, personal experience, in my various roles in my working career, I have almost continually had an industrial first aid ticket, served as a part of health & safety committees, been on rescue teams & directed, planned & coordinated yearly shutdowns. In all of those roles I see first hand the changes that government makes in safety regulation. Without fail every year there is more & more regulation & changes for various reasons. Maybe you should broaden your viewpoint & look at other cut & paste articles that do not only align with your personal politics. It may surprise you how diverse the real world is.
Many thumbs up to Costco for closing on this day and other stats. Not Jimmy, he might go broke if he shutdown for a day.
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