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Thanks to persistent efforts by BCGEU Corrections and Sheriff Services members, government changes decision on protective vests.
Vancouver (13 Jan. 2014) – In September of 2010, the B.C. Sheriff Services changed the policy on inner/outer ballistic protective vests. Under the change, Deputy Sheriffs would only be allowed to wear an inner carrier vest worn under their uniform shirts.
B.C. government removed ability to wear protective vests over uniforms for Sheriff Services members in 2010
This was not a popular decision with many of members of the B.C. Government and Services Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) who voiced their displeasure to the union over the past three years. Many Sheriffs wanted the option of wearing the protective vest inside or outside their uniform.
Since then BCGEU/NUPGE has been proactive in working to change this policy. Members of the Corrections and Sheriff Services Component Executive have advocated to change this policy at local joint union/management committees, provincial joint union/management committees, the Sheriffs uniform committee, in bargaining proposals, at meetings with members at Court Houses as well as meetings with senior ministry officials at the joint ministry of AG & Justice committees.
Government returns option of wearing ballistic vests
The union applauds the employer’s decision to listen to our members who pressed this issue.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE