GLSC — Government Lawyers Sub-Chapter
On July 14, Bill 5 came into force amending the Public Service Labour Relations Act. This resulted in approximately 350 lawyers—who work for the BC Government, representing the public interest in court and administrative proceedings, and supporting ministries and tribunals in their interpretation and delivery of legislation— becoming part of the Government Licenced Professionals (GLP) chapter.
In terms of governance, the lawyers are now the Government Lawyers Sub-Chapter within the GLP. The motion to form the sub-chapter, which was brought forward by the PEA Association Executive, included that lawyers would be guaranteed a seat on the bargaining committee for the PEA Main agreement as well as other special rights. The sub-chapter structure will be in place until the ratification of the next PEA Main collective agreement after which it will be reviewed for a possible extension
At Your Fingertips
Need Help?
Your Labour Relations Officer is:
Melissa Moroz, 250-385-8791 ext 202
Your Local Reps are:
Mark Seebaran, Victoria
Kevin Contzen, Vancouver
Bargaining Committee
Lauryn Kerr
Benson Cowan
Kevin Contzen
Tara Callan
Allison Westin (GLP primary representative)
Edmond Margawang (GLP alternate)
Your Collective Agreement
We encourage members to review the PEA 17th Main Collective Agreement. Members must review the PEA 16th Main Collective Agreement along with the changes that were made in 2022 in the PEA Memorandum of Settlement. View both documents HERE.
Bill 5 came into force by regulation on July 14, 2023 and the BCPSA unilaterally imposed transition measures setting out terms and conditions of employment. The PEA did not agree to these transition measures or other conditions set out by the Employer.
The subsidiary collective agreement between the Professional Employees Association and the Employer is currently being negotiated.
Government Lawyers Sub-Chapter Executive
Chairperson: Micah Weintraub
Vice-Chairperson: Tara Callan
Executive Member: Margo Foster
Executive Member: Mark Seebaran
Executive Member: Rowan Hodge
GLP Member: Edmond Margawang
The Government Lawyers Sub-Chapter Executive consists of five lawyers elected by lawyer members and one non-lawyer, appointed from the GLP Executive. Newly elected members of the GLSC Executive shall assume office at the close of the GLP Chapter Annual General Meeting on November 30, 2023. Until then, an interim leadership mirroring the BCGLA leadership remains appointed.
The Government Lawyers Sub-Chapter Executive will support the PEA by:
- Advising on labour relations issues and grievances specific to lawyers
- Assisting with onboarding and transition of new members
- Working with the GLP Chapter Executive, other chapters, the Association Executive and staff on government-specific campaigns, educational needs and other areas of interest
- Reestablishing Ministry dialogue processes
Labour Relations & Bargaining
All bargaining bulletins will be posted here as bargaining progresses. You will need to login to the website to view this page.
Governance
PEA Association Executive
Micah Weintraub, a lawyer member from the GLP chapter executive, was appointed to the PEA association executive as a member at large. The GLP has a total of four member at large seats on the association executive.
Government Licensed Professional Chapter Executive
The GLP chapter executive appointed lawyer member Micah Weintraub to the GLP chapter executive with full voting rights. In accordance with the bylaws, the GLP Executive elections took place in November 2023. Three lawyers were elected to the GLP Executive along with four other members.
The GLP Chapter Executive will bring forward policy changes that guarantee a minimum of one lawyer on the GLP seven-member bargaining committee to be in effect for the formation of the next GLP bargaining committee. These will be reviewed after the next round of bargaining.
Information and documents relating to the GLP AGM held each fall.
In this section
The PEA was formed in 1974, by a group of professionals working in the public sector. The story goes that the founders of the union mortgaged their houses to fund negotiations of the union’s first collective agreement.
Now, the PEA is BC’s union for professionals. We represent a wide range of professionals including lawyers, foresters, engineers, agrologists, teachers, veterinarians, fundraisers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, psychologists program managers, librarians and more.
Our union is led by the PEA Executive. They represent members from across the chapters of the PEA and set the overall vision and direction for our union.
Resources for our members
Navigating a union can sometime be a challenging process. Under this section of the website you will find resources to help you navigate the PEA. In the members section you'll find expense claim reimbursements, information on the PEA's scholarship and bursary program and our grants and donations program.
Collective bargaining and job action resources explain the process of collective bargaining and what to do in the unlikely event of job action.
Local reps can also find resources to help them complete their job more effectively. This includes ways to welcome new members, how to take notes in investigation disciplinary meetings and more.
The heart of our union
The PEA is made up of nine chapters, or groups of members who either work for the same employer or are in the same field of work. Each chapter has an elected executive tasked with running the affairs of the chapter. Each chapter is entitled to representation at the PEA Executive, the governing body of the union.
Our members work for a range of employers: the Province of BC, the University of Victoria, St. Margaret's School, the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, the Oil and Gas Commission, the Law Society of BC, Legal Services Society, the Okangan Regional Library and health authorities across BC.
Professionals need unions now more then ever
Since the 1970’s, when the PEA was formed, our mission has been to ensure our members can work in safe, productive environments and receive fair and reasonable wages and benefits for the valuable work they do. We help individuals and groups of professional workers to understand the challenges they face in their workplaces and some of the solutions available to them.
We work with potential members to become certified as a union and achieve the wages, benefits and respect they deserve.
