
Appendix H is Undermining BC’s Emergency Response

Fair and transparent overtime compensation for professionals in response to emergencies
In 2004, a provision (Appendix H) was added to the GLP collective agreement to allow for compensation of our members when they step up to help in emergencies. Unfortunately, there are some issues with this provision:
- Compensation under Appendix H is limited to certain types of emergencies, even though our members may work long and irregular hours helping with emergencies that don’t fit these criteria.
- Appendix H is often activated well into an emergency. In the most recent flood season, for example, our members received a request to help on November 12, but appendix H was not activated until December 10.
- Even when Appendix H applies, PEA members only get straight time, regardless of how much they work. This is especially unfair given that BCGEU members with similar roles are eligible for overtime in the same circumstances, meaning they’re compensated significantly more.
Not only is the current situation unfair – it hurts BC’s emergency response by discouraging participation by our members. It’s especially challenging for parents. Working long hours, working evenings and weekends, or even being asked to work from another location means time away from kids and childcare arrangements that are sometimes costly – all while being paid the same as they were for their standard work week. For our women members especially, this is a barrier.
The PEA has advocated for changes to the current situation for a number of years, but we haven’t been able to make progress on updating Appendix H. That’s why we’re campaigning the BC Government to find a solution that’s fairer to our GLP members, and will make it possible for more of these talented, dedicated experts to step up and help communities in BC recover when emergencies happen.
GLP Member Profiles: Emergency Response
Our Campaign
Government Meetings on Appendix H
GLP Positioning Paper
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