Our Story

The PEA celebrated 50 years as the union for BC professionals.

January 16, 2023 - Members at the University of Victoria voted 94% in favour of ratification of their new collective agreement in January 2023.

Teachers and support staff at St. Margaret’s School in Greater Victoria voted 88% in favour of job action in May 2023 before winning a historic 17.5% wage increase for teachers over three years in the new contract.

In June, 24 teachers at Pearson College in Metchosin joined the PEA. The college is one of 18 schools and colleges in the United World Colleges movement, offering a two-year pre-university program to a diverse international student body. The new Pearson College members teach a range of subjects, including climate action, biology, chemistry, English, philosophy, French, history, mathematics, physics and Spanish.

On July 14, 2023, 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.

Members employed with the BC Energy Regulator were recognized as a distinct chapter within the PEA in July 2023. In August 2023, these members voted 93% to ratify a new collective agreement following an extended period of bargaining.

The PEA also certified 18 paralegal professionals at the Law Society of BC in the fall of 2023. These new members joined the Law Society chapter, where the PEA already represented approximately 55 lawyers.

Approximately 95 workers at the SGS-AXYS Analytical Services laboratory in Sidney, BC joined the PEA in November 2023. The new PEA members, certified through the “card check,” included instrumental analysts, chemists, lab analysts, project managers, data reporters, scientists, technicians and operations coordinators.

On December 20, 2023, members from the Okanagan Region Librarians voted 95% in favour of their new collective agreement.

On August 17, 2022, the GLP served 72-hour-strike notice while on the picket line with BCGEU members in Victoria, but then plans were put on hold when the BCGEU returned to the bargaining table. GLP members voted 80% in favour of a new collective agreement in November following 28 days at the bargaining table.

Legal Aid BC voted 96% in favour of a new contract in November 2022.

Lawyers at the Family Maintenance Agency FMA voted 92% in favour of strike action in September 2022. However, no action was taken, and in December 2022, members voted 89% to ratify a new collective agreement.

Members in the Health Science Professionals chapter voted 77% in favour of ratification of their new contract in December 2022.

Okanagan Regional Librarians (ORL) members vote 100% in favour of the tentative agreement effective January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023.

86% per cent of SMS members voted to ratify a 20-month collective agreement extension.

The Fourteenth PEA Convention is held fully virtually for the first time ever due to the mandated provincial health orders at the end of March 2021. Fifty-eight voting delegates attend. Shawna LaRade is re-elected as President. Brent Hird, FMA member, is recognized with the PEA Service Award for his outstanding commitment and service to the union. Members pass a resolution to hold Conventions triennially.

HESU members take job action on September 3, 2021 after members voted 83% in favour of a strike. This action followed several months of negotiations and 17 days at the bargaining table. Members are without a contract since April 2, 2021.

HESU members ratify the tentative agreement. The HESU agreement is effective April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024.

90% of voting members supported the LSS tentative agreement for October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2022.

The May 1 & 2, 2020 Education Conference is cancelled due to concern over the spread of COVID-19 and members’ health and safety.

95% of voting members support the Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) tentative agreement effective July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022.

75% of all Family Maintenance Agency (FMA) members vote in support to ratify the FMA tentative agreement effective April 1, 201 – March 31, 2022.

73% of voting members supported the tentative agreement for LSL members for January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2021.

With a vote of 82% in favour of the agreement, union members covered by the multi-union Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) collective agreement accepted a three-year contract.

92.3% of voting members supported the GLP tentative agreement effective April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2022.

Sixty-five voting delegates attend the PEA’s Thirteenth Biennial Convention. Shawna Larade is elected President. The PEA awards Sheryl Karras, UVic member, with the PEA Service Award for her outstanding service to the union.

100% of voting LSS members voted in favour of a strike. LSS issues formal 72-hour strike notice on October 28, 2019 with a one-day walkout on November 1st. Members picket LSS headquarters in downtown Vancouver. The Justice 4 Justice Workers campaign is in progress to support members working for the Legal Services Society and fighting for a fair and equitable collective agreement.

HESU members vote 82% in favour of the collective agreement for April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2021.

HESU members vote 51.4% against accepting the proposal to extend their current collective agreement to March 31, 2020.

The Supreme Court of BC today declines a BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) appeal and instead sided with the PEA in upholding a 2016 BC Labour Relations Board (LRB) decision that the raiding of PEA Health Sciences Chapter psychologists by the BCNU was inappropriate. The court also awards the PEA costs – the BCNU will have to pay a portion of our legal fees for the appeal.

The group of approximately 150 workers voted on May 23, 2017 by a large margin to join the PEA. The chapter includes organizers, researchers, communications officers, representatives, legal counsel and others. The HESU staff were formally members of UNIFOR before having their charter revoked.

The PEA awards Sheldon Martell, GLP member, with the PEA Service Award for his significant contributions to the union.

ORL members vote 95% in favour of ratifying a two-year collective agreement for January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020.

PEA members vote to maintain affiliation in the BC Federation of Labour and to join the Canadian Labour Congress, affiliated through the Professional Institutue of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). The vote was 85% in favour.

The Labour Relations Board rejects all of the BCNU arguments relating to the raid of HSP chapter psychologists and dismisses the application.

SMS members vote 96% in favour of ratifying a five-year collective agreement for July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2021.

LSL members vote 63% in favour of ratifying a three-year collective agreement for January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2018.

The Labour Relations Board grants the application by the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation under sections 37 and 142 of the Labour Relations Code. PGSD become members of the BC Teachers’ Federation and Prince George District Teachers’ Association.

PEA receives notice that the BC Nurses’ Union is raiding psychologists in the HSP chapter.

GLP members vote 84% in favour of ratifying a five-year collective agreement for April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2019.

Forty-eight voting delegates attend the PEA’s Eleventh Biennial Convention. Frank Kohlberger begins his third full term as President. Vincent Connor and Joanne Montgomery are named as recipients of the PEA Service Award.

FMA members vote to ratify a tentative agreement. Of the 100% of members that vote, 77% vote in favour of ratification. The agreement includes enrolment in the Public Service Pension Plan, an 8.4% wage increase over the term of the agreement and opportunity to travel out-of-province for professional development.

93% of voting OGC members approve a new five-year collective agreement ending June 30, 2019.

LSS Members vote 100% in favour of a collective agreement for term of October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2019.

PEA launches a new campaign, BC Priorities. The advertising and website point to the cuts to post-secondary education, the impacts it has on universities and colleges in BC, and the areas where the BC government has prioritized spending money.

The PEA launches Endangered Experts, a campaign about the elimination of BC’s government scientists and engineers. The campaign highlights the risk to public safety, BC economy and the environment as a result of the drastic reduction of Government Licensed Professionals in the public service.

ORL members vote 100% in favour of a collective agreement for the term of January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016.

The PEA marks forty years since its formation in 1974. A new publication, Duty with Dignity is released, which highlights the challenges and successes of the Association from its founding to present day.

Sixty-six delegates attend the PEA’s fourth Education Conference. The theme of the conference is Shaping the Future by Reflecting on our Past and focuses on member engagement, the state of bargaining, and income inequality. Past-presidents are present to celebrate PEA’s history and to unveil the 40th Anniversary Video.

HSPBA members vote 76% in favour of a five-year collective agreement with the HEABC ending March 31, 2019. This outcome does not reflect the 81% of PEA members who voted to reject the deal.

SMS chapter members vote 57% in favour of a four-year collective agreement.

The PEA is officially affiliated with the BC Federation of Labour.

PEA members vote electronically for the first time in a referendum on whether to affiliate with the BC Federation of Labour for a three-year trial period. 77% of the voting members are in favour of the trial affiliation.

LSS chapter members vote 75% in favour of ratifying a two-year collective agreement ending September 30, 2014.

Sixty-four delegates attend the PEA’s Tenth Biennial Convention. Frank Kohlberger begins his second full term as President. The PEA recognizes members Trudy Goold and Tom Gore with PEA Service Awards.

With the passage of Bill 8, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2013, the BC government served notice to the PEA that Forensic Psychiatric Services and Oak Bay Lodge will move from the Public Service to the Health Authorities effective June 1, 2013. The Lodge at Broadmead would also no longer be part of the Public Service but would become an independent employer.

The HSPBA, which includes HSP chapter members, vote 83% in favour of ratifying a collective agreement ending March 31, 2014. A mediator was brought in after two days of rotating job action.

GLP members vote 92% in favour of ratifying a two-year collective agreement ending March 31, 2014.

HSP chapter members deliver a 90% strike vote to back their HSPBA bargaining committee in negotiations with BC’s health employers.

UVic chapter members vote 96% in favour of ratifying a two-year collective agreement ending June 30, 2014.

GLP members launch a work to rule (WTR) campaign with a focus on increasing awareness about PEA concerns about de-professionalization. Rallies are held in a number of locations across the province later in the week. Both are effective in raising employer and public awareness.

UVic chapter members picket buildings on September 12th and 17th, and October 4 in support of CUPE job action.

GLP chapter members take first-ever province-wide strike action in their 38-year history. This follows targeted job action on August 7 and 20th.

The Riverview Hospital, with PEA members represented under the GLP chapter, officially closes its doors in July 2012.

The PEA is awarded the 2011 CALM award for best cyberunion at the annual awards in Hamilton, ON.

GLP chapter members vote 92% in favour of a strike vote.

The Labour Relations Board notifies the PEA that the CHSS Chapter members have voted in favour of joining the BCGEU. A subsequent Labour Relations Board declaration is issued moving the CHSS chapter to the BCGEU.

PEA receives notification at the end of the day from BCGEU that the Community Health Services and Support Staff Chapter is being raided. PEA Executive pass motion and issue letter to encourage members to stay with PEA. PEA issues communication detailing the impact on members if they choose to leave PEA for another union. A members’ meeting is held.

The PEA and the Lawyers at the Law Society of B.C. reach a settlement for renewal of a collective agreement for a two-year term expiring December 31, 2012.

Sixty-five delegates attend the PEA’s Ninth Biennial Convention in Victoria. Frank Kohlberger, RFP, a Forester in Kamloops, is re-confirmed as the PEA’s President for a two-year term.

The Health Science Professional Bargaining Association (HSPBA) votes to accept the proposed collective agreement despite PEA members voting against ratification, due to the weighted voting structure.

After strike notice was served to Themis, the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program Lawyers resume negotiations. A renewed collective agreement is reached through mediation which expires March 31, 2014.

Legal Service Society votes to ratify a two-year tentative agreement.

PEA opens a new office location on Douglas Street in Victoria.

Jodi Jensen, the Association’s fourth Executive Director leaves the position after 12 years of dedicated service to PEA. Labour Relations Officer, Scott McCannell is appointed as the new Executive Director.

The PEA’s Surrey Office closes.

PEA members of the Oil and Gas Commission vote 92% in favour of the new collective agreement which extends over a two-year term ending June 30, 2012.

St. Margaret’s School members vote in favour of the collective agreement ending June 30, 2012.

The UVic Chapter votes in favour of a two-year collective agreement ending June 30, 2012.

Within the public service sector, another 42 positions were eliminated in the Ministry of Forests and Ranges.

2010 Education Conference in Vancouver where attendees learned about membership engagement and reframing organizational thinking.

Government Licensed Professionals vote in favour of a two-year collective agreement.

PEA thanks Kathy Kendall for her service to the PEA prior to her stepping down in March 2010 as a result of LSS layoffs.

The Community Health Sub Sector Collective Agreement is renewed and in effect from April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2012.

PEA launches Professionals for BC, a public relations campaign, designed to promote the value of PEA members in BC.

Less than a year after introducing social media to members, the Professional Employees Association’s innovative communications work is recognized by the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) when the Association is awarded in the best cyberunion category at the CALM Awards in Saskatoon. The award was given to the PEA for an intricate and forward-thinking social media presence on sites like YouTube, Facebook, WordPress, and Twitter.

Seventy-four delegates attend the PEA‘s Eighth Biennial Convention in Victoria. Mike Jobke is confirmed as the PEA’s President for a two-year term.

The PEA spearheads the umbrella campaign group Access To Justice which hosts the town hall forum Renewing Our Commitment to Legal Aid. The night features the premiere of the acclaimed PEA-produced video Justice for All? The event is meant to create an open dialogue with BC justice stakeholders. Over 200 individuals attend, including the Executive Director and Board Chair of the Legal Services Society of BC.

Mike Jobke, RPF, a Forester in Vernon, is elected by the Executive to replace long-time President Kathy Danchuk. Kathy served a total of 13 non-consecutive years as PEA President. Mike is the 14th President in the PEA’s history.

The Legal Services Society announces another round of deep cuts to services and staffing. As a result, half of PEA members are laid off.

The Association Executive approves a plan to overhaul external communications. The plan includes a re-designed membership package, a large social media presence, the PEA blog, several advertising campaigns, and a series of promotional videos.

After over a year of limited progress in negotiations, the PEA begins mediation through the Labour Relations Board with St Margaret’s School.

Over 90 members and staff attend the second Education Conference over in Kelowna. Participants work on developing methods to enhance member participation in PEA activities.

Lawyers at the Law Society of B.C. established a Joint Labour Management Committee, as mandated under the collective agreement.

The GLP Executive met with Local Representatives to initiate the presentation of its Strategic Plan to the membership across the Province.

In separate sets of negotiations, the CHSS and HSP Chapters, through their bargaining associations with other unions, negotiate collective agreement changes based on the June 2007 Supreme Court of Canada overturning aspects of Bill 29.

Law Society Lawyers Chapter members ratify an enhanced first collective agreement as recommended by the Bargaining Committee.

Delegates to the GLP Chapter Annual General Meeting endorsed the GLP Strategic Plan developed by the outgoing executive and passed resolutions to initiate a roll-out process to seek membership endorsement of the Plan.

In a 34-1 vote, members of the Law Society Lawyers Chapter reject a proposed collective agreement that was not recommended by the Bargaining Committee.

Delegates to the Association’s Seventh Convention elect President Kathryn Danchuk to a further two-year term and vote to explore limits to Association investments in companies engaged in war profiteering, human rights abuses or unfair labour practices, and with excessive carbon emissions.

Negotiators for the PEA and the Oil and Gas Commission reach a tentative agreement for a first collective agreement.

Lawyers at the Law Society of B.C. vote to strike to achieve a collective agreement following six months of collective bargaining. The parties subsequently enter mediation at the B.C. Labour Relations Board.

The B.C. Labour Relations Board certifies the PEA as the bargaining agent for professionals at the Oil & Gas Commission following its devolution from the provincial government. PEA members at the Commission remain members of the Government Licensed Professionals Chapter and make up the Association’s eleventh bargaining unit.

The PEA and the Prince George School District reach agreement for a renewal collective agreement with the assistance of a mediator.

The Supreme Court of Canada rules that the BC Government violated constitutional rights of unions when it enacted Bill 29 in 2002. The PEA continues to work with other unions in bargaining associations to protect union rights for members in the CHSS and HSP Chapters.

The B.C. Labour Relations Board grants the PEA’s tenth certification, as bargaining agent for lawyers employed by the Law Society of B.C.

65 members attend the PEA’s first Education Conference over two days in Victoria.

Negotiators for the PEA and the University of Victoria reach a settlement for renewal of our collective agreement for a four-year term.

After two days of negotiations, the PEA and Themis Program Management Ltd. reach a tentative settlement for a four-year collective agreement for Family Maintenance Enforcement Program Lawyers.

Armed with a 97% strike vote, the PEA enters into mediation with the Legal Services Society and reaches a tentative settlement for a twelfth collective agreement.

The Community Health Services & Support Bargaining Association reaches a tentative agreement with the Health Employers Association of B.C. for a four-year deal covering 15,000 employees, including 150 PEA members.

The PEA and the Government of the Province of B.C. reach a tentative settlement for a thirteenth Master Agreement with a four-year term.

Negotiators for the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association and the Health Employers Association of B.C. reach a tentative agreement for a four-year collective agreement covering nearly 14,000 health professionals, including 140 PEA members. The B.C. Labour Relations Board subsequently grants an application to change the name of the bargaining association to Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association.

Representatives of the PEA and the Prince George School District #57 agree to renew the collective agreement for a two-year term, expiring on June 30, 2006.

B.C. Finance Minister Carole Taylor announces a new negotiating framework for public sector collective bargaining, which includes up to $1 billion in incentive funds for agreements concluded prior to March 31, 2006.

The PEA and the Okanagan Regional Library reach agreement on terms for renewal of our collective agreement for a two-year term.

Delegates attending the Association’s Sixth Annual Convention in Richmond vote to move the convention to a biennial event and to establish a new PEA conference.

PEA and Themis Program Limited, the operator of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, reach agreement on implementation of the Community Social Services Collective Agreement.

The PEA establishes a new bursary program for members in financial need who are pursuing post-secondary education on a part-time basis.

PEA members vote by a narrow margin to accept the final offer tabled by Themis Program Management, operator of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, thereby ratifying their fifth collective agreement.

Representatives of the PEA and the University of Victoria sign a two-year renewal of their collective agreement. Despite government wage controls, the settlement includes 4% of payroll to implement a new gender neutral job evaluation system.

Negotiators for the PEA and St. Margaret’s School sign their second collective agreement providing wage increases, a reduction in teacher workload and improved time off provisions for support staff.

Following a PEA public relations campaign, the B.C. Government abandons a proposed amendment to the Public Service Labour Relations Act that would have forced Government Licensed Professionals into the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union.

The Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association reaches an agreement with health employers to extend the existing collective agreement by two years, with no concessions and modest improvements. The contract was negotiated in the face of attacks by the B.C. Liberal government on other health care providers, including PEA members in community health.

62 delegates meet in Victoria for the Fifth Annual Convention.

The B.C. Liberal government completes its three year program of government downsizing, resulting in a one-third reduction in the size of the provincial public service.

Negotiators for the PEA and the Province of B.C. reach an agreement to extend the twelfth Master Agreement with employment security protection.

The Community Health Support Services Chapter ratifies a collective agreement that results in a 4 per cent wage cut, in the face of possible legislation imposing even deeper contract concessions. Only a few weeks later, that fear is confirmed when the B.C. Liberal government legislates concessions cutting compensation in the Facilities subsector by 15%.

The PEA holds its Fourth Annual Convention in Victoria, with 64 delegates in attendance.

The B.C. Liberal government passes the Community Services Labour Relations Act, denying PEA members in the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program Chapter the opportunity to negotiate a collective agreement with their employer. Sixteen lawyers are forced into a 16,000 member bargaining association that represented no other lawyers.

Doug Hensby, the Association’s third Executive Director retires after 15 years with the PEA. Senior Staff Officer Jodi Jensen takes over as Executive Director.

The PEA reaches a settlement for a renewed collective agreement with representatives of the Okanagan Regional Library.

The PEA and St. Margaret’s School conclude an agreement that amends the collective agreement to include a Letter of Understanding providing employment conditions for newly certified kitchen and laundry staff.

66 delegates attend the PEA’s Third Annual Convention in Victoria.

PEA members make up part of a crowd of thousands in Vancouver who gather to demonstrate their opposition to the B.C. Government’s actions threatening jobs, health care, education and community, and public services.

The PEA‘s certification at St. Margaret’s School is varied a second time by the B.C. Labour Relations Board to include the school’s kitchen and laundry staff.

Negotiators for the PEA and the Prince George School District #57 reach an agreement for renewal of their collective agreement.

The PEA joins other health sector unions in launching a court challenge to Bill 29 on the grounds that the legislation violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for health care workers in B.C.

More than 20,000 people demonstrate in Victoria against cuts to public programs and services, one of the biggest protests ever held on the lawns of the B.C. Legislature.

The B.C. Government appoints Jane Morely, Q.C. as Trustee of Legal Services Society after the organization‘s Board of Directors twice refuses to implement cuts of nearly 40% to their budget. The Trustee implements the budget reduction, which results in the closure of 60 legal-aid offices and a reduction in the number of staff lawyers from 75 to 16.8. The PEA’s court challenge to the dismantling of legal aid services is ultimately unsuccessful, but the union’s media campaign draws massive public support for legal-aid services.

The B.C. Legislature approves Bill 29, the Health and Social Services Delivery Improvement Act, stripping legally negotiated provisions from collective agreements covering tens of thousands of workers in the health and community social services sectors. PEA paramedical professionals and community health support workers are among those affected.

The B.C. Government announces its intention to eliminate 11,700 public service jobs and $1.9 billion from its budget over three years. Close to 300 PEA members — both Government Licensed Professionals and Legal Services Society Lawyers — are directly affected in the first wave of downsizing. The PEA launches the first of two special websites as part of a public relations campaign.

PEA members vote by a narrow margin to accept the final offer tabled by Themis Program Management, operator of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, thereby ratifying their fifth collective agreement.

Kathryn Danchuk, Forester, is elected President upon the resignation of Tom Volkers, and becomes the first President elected to non-consecutive terms.

After more than four months of negotiations, the PEA and the University of Victoria reach a settlement for a third collective agreement.

The B.C. Legislature passes Bill 15, The Health Care Services Collective Agreements Act, ending disputes in the health sector by imposing collective agreements on nurses and paramedical professionals. The legislated settlement affects 100 PEA paramedical professionals.

The PEA and St. Margaret’s School settle their first collective agreement after three months at the bargaining table.

After three weeks of rotating walkouts by healthcare professionals across the province, the B.C Government legislates a 60-day cooling-off period. The Health Care Services Continuation Act prevents PEA paramedical professionals and other health care workers from exercising their strike mandate.

After giving their bargaining team a 97% mandate, PEA members employed by the Legal Services Society manage with a mediator’s assistance to settle their eleventh collective agreement with their employer.

The PEA holds its Second Annual Convention in Victoria, with 68 delegates in attendance.

After a positive strike vote in the community health sub-sector, a renewed collective agreement is reached between the multi-union bargaining association and the Health Employers Association of B.C. The deal covers more than 14,000 workers, including 150 PEA members.

PEA‘s certification for St. Margaret’s School is varied by The B.C. Labour Relations Board to include non-tutorial staff.

The B.C. Labour Relations Board certifies the PEA as bargaining agent for 50 teachers employed by St. Margaret’s School in Victoria.

Sixty-four delegates attend the PEA’s First Annual Convention, held over two days in Richmond. Tom Volkers is re-elected PEA President, making him the first President to be elected by delegates to convention.

PEA members vote 81 per cent in favour of constitutional changes designed to increase participation in the union’s decision-making processes. The new PEA Constitution and By-laws have the effect of replacing the Annual General Meeting with a delegated convention and altering the structure of the Association Executive.

Twenty representatives from PEA chapters and the PEA Executive participate in a Structure Conference to discuss changes to the Association’s governance structure. On May 4, the conference unanimously endorses a package of constitutional amendments that would replace the Annual General Meeting with a delegated convention.

Alan MacLeod, the Association’s second Executive Director retires after 23 years with the PEA. Senior Staff Officer Doug Hensby takes over as Executive Director.

PEA members participate in their first ever strike action when mediated talks for a new paramedical professional collective agreement break down. A special mediator appointed by the Minister of Labour releases his report recommending terms of settlement to end the dispute on January 26. The deal results in significant concessions for PEA paramedical professionals employed by regional health boards and community health service societies.

Tom Volkers, Forester, is elected the PEA’s thirteenth President.

The multi-union community health services and support bargaining association reaches a tentative settlement with the Health Employers Association of B.C. (HEABC). The deal covers more than 14,000 workers, including 150 PEA members at Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service.

The B.C. Legislature passes Bill 50, an amendment to the Public Service Labour Relations Act, limiting the GLP unit to those professions that were subject to licensing as of July 1, 1998. As a result, any government-employed professionals who are subject to new licensing in future will remain in the BCGEU.

PEA members vote 94 per cent in favour of constitutional changes designed to open up the Executive election process and promote better participation. The changes, recommended by an Electoral Review Committee established by a resolution passed at the last Annual General Meeting, include elimination of the old “no-plumping” rule that required members to vote for exactly nine candidates. The new rules require that the Executive comprise members from at least three bargaining units.

Negotiations get underway for a new collective agreement for 10,000 health-sector paramedical professionals. The PEA joins five other unions in the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association on behalf of nearly a hundred psychologists, physiotherapists and others transferred from the Ministry of Health to new regional and community health employers.

The PEA and nine other unions commence bargaining for a new contract on behalf of 14,000 health-sector services and support workers. The PEA’s constituency is 150 staff employed with the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service.

The B.C. Legislature approves Bill 28, the Health Authorities Amendment Act, restoring the PEA’s right to represent employees of the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service. After two years in the Health Sciences Association paramedical professionals vote to remain with HSA, while support and services staff opt to return to PEA. On November 7 the PEA is again certified to represent GVMHS employees.

PEA and the University of Victoria settle their first collective agreement after nine months of bargaining, and only 36 hours before PEA members were to have participated in a strike vote.

Only a week after negotiations began, the Association settles its first collective agreement with Themis Program Management, operator of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program.

The PEA gets its second certification in as many months, as the Labour Relations Board grants us the authority to represent 15 lawyers working in the provincial Family Maintenance Enforcement Program.

The B.C. Labour Relations Board certifies the PEA as bargaining agent for 400 academic and administrative professionals employed by the University of Victoria. The UVic group is the Association’s second-largest bargaining unit.

The Health Sector Labour Relations Regulation is passed, depriving PEA and several other unions of representation rights in the B.C. health sector. As a result, PEA certification for employees of the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service Society is handed over to two surviving unions, the Health Sciences Association and the Hospital Employees Union.

As a result of amalgamation of the George Pearson Centre with another hospital operated by the Western Rehabilitation Society, an agreement between PEA and the Health Sciences Association results in the PEA’s 12 member bargaining unit becoming part of a larger unit represented by HSA.

Kathryn Danchuk, Forester, is elected twelfth President of the PEA.

The union establishes a scholarship for PEA members, spouses, and children.

After taking a strike vote PEA members employed by the Legal Services Society manage with a mediator’s help to settle their sixth collective agreement with their employer.

The PEA concludes a pay equity agreement with the B.C. Government providing salary parity for working-level Physiotherapists and Pharmacists with working-level employees in the Licensed Science Officer classifications.

A long-awaited arbitration decision favours the PEA: the arbitrator rules that 150 contractor psychologists working in the Ministry of Health are in fact employees within the PEA bargaining unit.

Rob Gordon, Range Agrologist, is appointed eleventh PEA President after Carolyn McCool resigns to accept an appointment with a non-PEA employer.

Carolyn McCool, a Lawyer with the Legal Services Society, is elected tenth PEA President. She is the first person from outside of the GLP unit to be elected President.

Government professionals vote 85% in favour of striking to support demands for a new collective agreement. Association negotiators soon settle a new master agreement, the PEA’s seventh, for Government Licensed Professionals, thereby avoiding a strike.

Geoff Holter, the Association’s first and only Executive Director resigns and is replaced by Senior Staff Officer Alan MacLeod.

PEA negotiators settle a first agreement for librarian members of the Okanagan Regional Library.

As a result of proclamation of Bill 20, the Teaching Profession Act, over 40 government-employed teachers acquire professional status and are moved from the BCGEU into the PEA’s government licensed professional bargaining unit.

The PEA is certified to represent professional librarians of the Okanagan Regional Library Board, the Association’s sixth bargaining unit.

The PEA Executive votes to endorse and join the B.C. Federation of Labour boycott of Bill 19.

Dr. Judith Adelman, Registered Psychologist, is elected ninth President of the PEA.

Lawyer members of the Legal Services bargaining unit vote eighty-six per cent in favour of striking to support demands for a new collective agreement. Soon after, lawyers reach agreement on their third new contract thus averting a strike with the Legal Services Society.

The B.C. Government introduces Bill 19, Industrial Relations Reform Act, which removes or weakens a range of collective bargaining rights.

Mike Wyeth is re-elected to his fifth term as PEA President.

The PEA signs its first collective agreement for Pearson Hospital members.

Cedar Lodge closes its doors due to a cessation of Government funding. As a result PEA members are permanently laid off and the Association loses a bargaining unit for the first time.

The Association concludes a first agreement for members of the Prince George School District.

The PEA and the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service Society sign a first agreement for members of the GVMHSS Chapter following a tentative settlement concluded at the bargaining table.

The Labour Relations Board grants the PEA its sixth certification for licensed professional employees of Pearson Hospital in Vancouver. Pearson Hospital had been a B.C. public service institution, but was "privatized" by the B.C. Government.

The Association is certified for its fifth bargaining unit, the professional employee group employed by the Prince George School District.

Operation Solidarity and the B.C. Government settle their differences; escalating strikes end; the Government withdraws and modifies some of its controversial legislation.

The first collective agreement is concluded for members of the Cedar Lodge bargaining unit.

The Association is certified for its fourth bargaining unit, employees of the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service Society, an agency addressing mental health needs in the Vancouver area.

The B.C. Government introduces legislation removing public service bargaining rights. The Association joins an umbrella organization opposing the legislation, "Operation Solidarity."

The Association is certified to bargain for employees of the Cedar Lodge Centre in Cobble Hill, a residential treatment centre for learning-disabled children. It is the Association’s third bargaining unit.

Michael Wyeth, Forester, is elected eighth President of the Association.

LThe membership approves constitutional initiatives increasing the Executive from seven to nine members and facilitating organization of new bargaining units.

David Gilbert is re-elected President.

The first collective agreement for the Legal Services bargaining unit is signed, following a settlement concluded at the bargaining table.

David Gilbert, Forester, becomes the seventh President as a result of the promotion out of the bargaining unit of Al Carver.

The Association’s second Public Service strike vote produces an 88% strike mandate. Soon after, the fourth Public Service Master Agreement is signed in Victoria, at the bargaining table, the first master agreement concluded without the assistance of a provincial mediator.

The Association is certified to bargain for Legal Services Society lawyers throughout British Columbia, the Professional Employees Association’s second bargaining unit.

Al Carver is re-elected President, the first President to be re-elected for a second term.

The membership approves constitutional amendments enabling organization of professional bargaining units outside the provincial Public Service. The British Columbia Government Professional Employees Association becomes, simply, the Professional Employees Association.

Al Carver, Accountant, is elected sixth Association President.

95% of voting members in the public service bargaining unit approve the Association’s first strike mandate. Shortly thereafter, the third Public Service Master Agreement is signed, again following a mediated settlement. A strike is therefore avoided.

Gary Sutherland, Forester, succeeds as fifth Association President.

As a result of the proclamation of the British Columbia Psychologists Act the bargaining unit is increased by the addition of some seventy Registered Psychologists.

Gerry Duffield, Engineer, is elected fourth President.

David Armit, Forester, is elected third President.

The Association argues its first member grievance before an arbitrator and wins, in Victoria.

The first Master Agreement is signed in Victoria following a settlement reached in mediation.

Ron Waterfield, Architect, is elected second Association President.

The Association is certified by the British Columbia Labour Relations Board to represent the licensed professional bargaining unit.

The British Columbia Government Professional Employees Association is founded at the Empress Hotel, Victoria, following an organizing drive which resulted in sixty per cent of the eligible professionals signed into membership. Derek Parkes, a Department of Highways Engineer, is elected first President.

Bill 75, Public Service Labour Relations Act, establishing a licensed professional bargaining unit, receives third reading in the British Columbia Legislature.

The Higgins Commission on Public Service Employer-Employee relations proposes separate bargaining unit status for licensed professionals, based on recommendations from Public Service Engineers, Foresters and others.