HEU has seen significant changes over the past 20 years in the composition of our union membership. We represent more women, more Indigenous members, and more people of colour than ever before.
In fact, 92 per cent of HEU members surveyed in 2017 identify as members of at least one equity group (women, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ+, or a person with a disability) and 40 per cent identified as belonging to at least two equity groups.
Not surprising, since B.C. is the most racially diverse province in Canada.
However, the structures of our union haven’t always kept pace with reflecting the changing makeup of our membership.
At the 2018 HEU convention, members voted to undertake a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy for the union.
As part of that resolution, a DEI working group has been formed and will consult broadly with members on the question of representation of equity-seeking groups on the Provincial Executive (P.E.).
This spring, the working group will be hosting regional meetings, where they’ll present potential options for the representation of equity-seeking groups on the P.E.
In addition to regional meetings, we expect to be in touch with members through a telephone town hall and other methods to gather your opinions about any potential changes.
Following membership consultation, the DEI working group will make recommendations that may include constitutional and policy changes to the 2020 HEU convention.
At the 2018 convention, HEU members voted to establish a two-phase diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) project.
Phase 1:
- the DEI working group will consult broadly with members on the question of representation of equity-seeking groups on the P.E.
- The working group will make recommendations for constitutional and policy changes to the 2020 HEU convention.
Phase 2:
- Continue the work of transforming our union into a fully inclusive organization; consider a broad governance review beyond the P.E.; identify and initiate plans to dismantle barriers to equity and inclusion at the local level; deliver training for all levels of the organization on applying a DEI lens.
- The mandate and terms of reference for Phase 2 will be adopted at the 2020 convention.