BC Public Service Vaccine Mandate

Dear GLP members,

Yesterday the Deputy Minister to the Premier announced that the BC Public Service will require all employees to be fully vaccinated by November 22, 2021. The PEA encourages all members to follow health orders and to be fully vaccinated.

The PEA was not consulted regarding this new policy. In conversations with the Employer yesterday it was made clear that only a very small number of members with a medically documented reason will be exempt from the vaccination mandate through an accommodation process. If an unvaccinated member without a documented accommodation faces discipline by the Employer, the member may grieve that discipline. However, that grievance could be found to be without merit.

We are reviewing the impact on members with legal counsel and will be looking at the implementation of this policy in detail when it is released on November 1. To understand the Employer’s position, please read the BC Public Service question and answer guide.

The implementation of telework agreements and returning to the workplace has also been pushed back to November 22 in alignment with the vaccination requirement. The PEA has been advocating for a delayed return to office, as well as workplace safety, with the Deputy Minister for the last few months and you can read our correspondence on the PEA webpage. The PEA will be meeting with the Employer for a joint standing committee meeting on October 14 to discuss health and safety measures.

Please connect with Melissa Moroz, PEA Labour Relations Officer regarding any issues.

Scott McCannell
PEA Executive Director