Solidarity in the workplace is strength

Name: Jing Tao

Occupation: Lab Technician

Employer: Maxxam Analytics

Union: BCGEU

For Jing Tao, being a steward in his workplace for the last five years has been a satisfying and worthwhile experience. Jing, who has worked at Maxxam Analytics in various departments for roughly 17 years, is a proud member of the BC Government and Employees’ Union (BCGEU). “We know the union is here to protect us,” says Jing. “The whole purpose of the union is to bring fairness to the workplace.”

When asked about what he feels to be the biggest advantage of working in a unionized environment, he says it’s all about solidarity. “In China, we have a saying: One single chopstick is very easy to break, but it is very difficult to break a bunch of chopsticks together. This is an example of solidarity and how companies cannot break you when you stand together.”

“It’s the only way to protect ourselves,” he adds. “If we don’t stick together then we risk losing our rights. When working people stick together, we can continue to progress.”

Jing underlines that for him, union membership is not just about wage increases. He says that the ultimate goal is to work in a positive work environment, “because working in a positive, healthy work environment makes work more productive. You go home, you’ve accomplished something, and you’re happy with your work life. It’s a good feeling.”

With a collective agreement, you know what your rights are. You know what your employer can and cannot do, and by negotiating a collective agreement, you collectively have control over your working conditions. When you belong to the BCGEU, you are not alone when it comes to facing management and addressing issues at your workplace. Having a collective agreement with your employer means your rights as an employee, working conditions and compensation are clearly spelled out and are enforceable.

Jing reminisced about when he first immigrated to Canada roughly 20 years ago. He was working in a factory where the workers were given limited breaks, no overtime, were oftentimes victim to verbal abuse from management, in addition to facing major occupational health and safety issues.

“It was absurd,” says Jing. “Nobody deserves to be spoken to like that or to work in those conditions. But the workers all kept quiet because of the fear of losing their job.” Jing urges new immigrants to educate themselves about the benefits of union membership, and to learn about how a union can make their workplace better.

For more information about joining BCGEU, call 604-882-0111 or visit www.bcgeu.ca.