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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 16h

Anyway, our union is applying more pressure and shutting down more services. So here’s hoping for a better update next week!

Ps if you are in BC please write to your MLA about this!

#bcpoli #bcgeu #bcgov

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 16h

Apparently this is the longest public sector strike in BC’s history, so I’m trying to remember that this hardship will hopefully pay off for years.

And that those before me had to go through something similar to earn the benefits I now take for granted

But…I would quite like to get back to work

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 16h

On social media, I’ve seen comments saying people won’t be able to make rent this week.

Others saying the government is trying to starve us out.

I’ve tried to see both sides but it’s getting more difficult to believe that the employer cares about resolving this. Still no negotiation scheduled

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 16h

A plus of this week is that I know more people at this site, so I’ve had lots of convos and catchups. Their picket captains do huddles and themes for each day which helps keep energy up.

But most people at this site are on week six and the vibes are low. Plus it’s very cold and rainy today.

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 16h

This week I had childcare challenges so I switched to a slightly more convenient picket site because I cannot get to and from my site and picket for 4 hours in the course of a school day due to the long commute.

Not sure if the union officially supports switching but I haven’t had any issues

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 16h

I got my first strike paycheque and my first reduced paycheque from work. My anxiety ramped up from that. I make less than half what I normally earn from strike pay, not enough to cover my expenses, but at least I get something (Alberta teachers do not 😞)

thankful for my emergency fund savings rn

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 16h

Still not back at work so here’s strikenotes episode 2. 3rd week on strike, 6th for many colleagues.

We all kicked off the week with a huge rally at the BC Legislature. It was both chaotic and energizing. But it seemed to do nothing to move things forward which was disappointing & demoralizing

Union rally with a sign that says “defend public services”

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 4d

In case you needed this reminder today …

Ready for the March on the Legislature ✊🏻

#defendpublicservices #bcgeu #bcpoli

cc @bcgeu.bsky.social

Picket sign saying defend public services

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 6d

I’ve not heard of the Lucas plan, v cool, thanks for sharing! I wonder how we could use current momentum to spark conversation and ideas.

Also want to say how much I appreciate how you share stuff like this & connect it to current challenges. I feel like I learn so much when I connect with you ❤️

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 6d

Totally…. For me the union has largely been absent from my work life til now, yet there are expectations that I should just know what to do and instantly get on board. It’s been a learning curve!

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

(But, walking is one of my anxiety coping mechanisms so the endless walking on the picket line are helping with this 😉)

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

Mostly it’s:

Waiting…for the union and employer to make a deal (meaning immediate return to work.)

Hoping, that the people you so much of your time & energy to will come through for you.

And the uncertainty & anxiety of not knowing when or if this will happen.

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

-we also cannot cross the “picket line” or go into any “struck” locations for any reason. So, even though we are outside our work building most of the day, we can’t use the toilets (this has been … challenging…)

+ we’re not supposed to be in contact with our non-union managers who are there

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

-striking isn’t mandatory, but if you do any kind of work for the org (“scabbing”) or even log into your work email, they could revoke your union membership and you could lose your unionized job.

(So, tough to connect with colleagues unless you have their personal contact details)

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

-the strike started with a few units in early Sept, my workplace joined late Sept.
-we don’t get paid from work during a strike but if we picket we can get a small amount of strike pay. So, many colleagues haven’t been properly paid for 5 weeks now 😭

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

Also realized I should probably provide some “strike” context (all from my perspective)

-in Canadian gov, most positions below director level have mandatory union membership (uk gov doesn’t do this?)
-in Aug, 91% of members in my current union voted to strike for a cost of living increase

Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

I've been itching to write about #SDinGov and update my #weeknotes but..... I'm on strike and I'm not sure if it counts as 'scabbing' to write about work on my personal blog 😬

So, here are some 'strikenotes' from 2 weeks on the picket lines

woman and dog posing with a sign that says "on strike"

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

Overall it's been eye-opening & I'm glad for this union & movement, where we are fighting not just for wages or benefits, but for fairness, dignity and recognition of the value of public services and public servants

Aaand, I would like to go back to work, so here's hoping a deal can be made soon 🤞

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

-it's been strange and uncomfortable to suddenly shift from a mindset of 'I like my job and workplace' to 'my employer is my foe.' And my closest colleagues aren't here so I don't have much opportunity to unpack that

-Bringing a puppy to a strike is very chaotic (but a good way to meet ppl!)

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

-The union seems to assume we have a lot of knowledge about what pickets lines, scabbing etc mean. There's a lot that feels unclear to me

-Social media groups on FB/reddit have been a blessing & a curse. I get lots of updates through it but also there are a lot of negative and adversarial vibes.

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

-It's been interesting & I've met some nice folks. But as the only person on my small team in this union I've felt a bit isolated- ppl seem to huddle in the groups they work with

-Communication during things like this is so important. It's been decent but lots of opportunity for improvement...

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

- Walking a picket line for 4 hours is harder than I thought. But, I got used to it quickly.

- Strike shifts are only 4 hours, but I have to commute 1hr each way so it still feels like a full day but without the pay 🫠 Very thankful BC Gov hasn't implemented a return to office mandate (...yet? 🥴)

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 7d

I've been itching to write about #SDinGov and update my #weeknotes but..... I'm on strike and I'm not sure if it counts as 'scabbing' to write about work on my personal blog 😬

So, here are some 'strikenotes' from 2 weeks on the picket lines

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 11d

Well this is disappointing. I would quite like to go back to work 🥲

BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) @bcgeu.bsky.social · 11d

Waiting for the employer.

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 14d

This time last week I was filling my heart and brain with ideas and knowledge and connections at @sdingov.bsky.social

This week, instead of returning to work, I joined our union @bcgeu.bsky.social ‘s picket line to fight for fairer wages for our public servants.

What a September 😅🥳

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Martha Edwards @maredwards.bsky.social · 22d

“AI isn’t taking your job, the people making the decisions are”

“Responsibility must be shared, not outsourced”

“Being able to ignore the doom and gloom is a privileged position”

“Be hopeful AND cynical”

Necessary truth bombs from @elmosmoe.bsky.social at @sdingov.bsky.social #sdingov

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