BC FORUM News from The Advocate, September, 2013

A year of action, but much more to do

The Board of Directors’ report on BC FORUM action and advocacy during the last year was adopted unanimously by members.

Here are some highlights:

BC FORUM is unique. We are the only B.C. organization of older and retired workers which is directly affiliated to the labour movement.

As we all know from our years in the movement, we are strongest when we work together in solidarity, bringing our experience to bear for the benefit of workers both young and old. That strength has never been needed more than it is today.

Like other seniors’ organizations, BC FORUM advocates on public policy issues that affect our members and their families. Unlike most other seniors’ groups however, we are not non-partisan.

We have been active, and will continue to be active, in civic, provincial and federal elections to support candidates who will speak out for working families.

We were dismayed by the comprehensive defeat handed to Adrian Dix and the BC NDP, and to working people and seniors throughout our province, in the May 14 provincial election. Either the polls were spectacularly wrong, or NDP supporters simply stayed home. Voter turnout remained abysmal, barely more than the historic low of 51% recorded in 2009. The NDP’s share of the popular vote dropped almost 3%. In the months ahead, the party and the movement will face hard questions about where we go from here.

During this election period, BC FORUM, its directors, regional representatives and volunteers undertook several initiatives to communicate with our members and motivate them to take action.

We published an issue sheet outlining our election priorities. We supported the labour movement’s call for action on employment standards, apprenticeships, and employer intimidation.

In addition, we called for universal public home support services, action on child poverty, improvement in public pensions, fair taxes, affordable public child care, and a truly independent Seniors’ Advocate.

We published a special election edition of our news magazine (and) completely redesigned our website to highlight our key election issues. During the campaign itself, directors, regional representatives and other volunteers personally contacted hundreds of BC FORUM members by telephone to encourage them to vote for change.

At the federal level, we participated in the by-election campaign in Victoria. This swing riding was successfully held by New Democrat Murray Rankin.

In every campaign, there are many factors at work in determining the eventual outcome. We can be proud of our contribution to these campaigns.

BC FORUM’s regional representation through delegate status at labour councils continued to grow. During the period covered by this report, we welcomed nine new labour council delegates.

Ensuring that every union member has the opportunity to join BC FORUM when she or he retires is essential if we are to build our membership. To collectively address this issue, and other common interests, we have established a process of regular consultation with affiliated unions.

Sixteen members of BC FORUM participated in a two and a half day “train the trainers” course in March.

This modular course on pre-retirement planning will be delivered by our instructors through labour council weekend schools and affiliated unions.

Our volunteer board is focused and working hard. Our visibility is higher than ever. Union leaders have provided great encouragement and support. Still, we need to do more to increase our membership, and to help former union members remain active and aware participants in promoting labour’s agenda.

In the years ahead, with the support of Working Enterprises, affiliated unions, our members and activists, we look forward to further expansion of our membership, activities, and even stronger advocacy on behalf of retired workers.