Public Service Archives | Solidarity: The Largest Political Protest in British Columbia’s History

Tranquille Occupation

Gary Steeves (BC Government Employees Union staff) [00:00:00] It was middle, mid-July… Was like a week, 10 days later. On July the 8th, in this massive assault Grace […]

BCGEU strike placard

Strike placards carried by members of the BCGEU referenced part of the Social Credit legislation which would give public employers the right to fire workers without cause thus […]

BCGEU members on strike

At midnight on October 31, 1983 forty thousand members of the BCGEU went on strike for a new contract and an end to the government bills attacking union […]

“This Budget Hurts Children” public meeting poster

Daycare proponents joined the Solidarity Coalition out of concern that the Social Credit budget would impact children. Transcription: THIS BUDGET HURTS CHILDREN PUBLIC MEETING: Impact of new budget […]

Foster parents petition

Foster parents in British Columbia were one of the community groups that became involved in the Solidarity Coalition and protested the elimination of Family Support Workers by signing […]

Social workers, October 15 rally

The October 15 demonstration included unions, professional organizations, community groups and the general public. Patsy George, fired BCGEU member and Solidarity Coalition staff, is smiling at the camera.

BCGEU members, October 15 rally

The October 15 Rally for your Rights became the largest political protest in BC’s history. At far left is Norman Richards, President of the BC Government Employees’ Union.

Postal workers and public employees, Empire Stadium rally

As the band played on, people cheered and cried with joy; it was a moment when it seemed anything was possible.

“Stop the attack on Health, Education and Social Services” leaflet

Budget measures that included cuts to schools, health care, family support and disability services meant that few British Columbians were unaffected. Transcription: Stop the attack on Health, Education […]

BCGEU members at Tranquille

Union members ensured bosses were kept away during their occupation of the Tranquille institution. It was the first action under the auspices of Operation Solidarity in July 1983.

Tranquille button

The BC Government Employees’ Union fought the planned closure of the Tranquille Institution in Kamloops arguing there were no plans in place for the residents who lived with […]

BCGEU Flag at Tranquille

On July 19, 1983 members of the BC Government Employees’ Union began a three-week occupation of the Tranquille Institution in Kamloops after learning its closure was planned. They […]