Safety

We want to ensure Convention is a safe, enjoyable experience that allows every delegate the opportunity to participate fully. Before you come to convention, take the time to review these policies geared to making our event as safe and welcoming as possible.

Policy on harassment • Ombudsperson process • Preventing communicable diseases

Policy on harassment

This statement on harassment applies to all BC Federation of Labour (“BCFED” “Federation”) events, including standing committee meetings, events, conferences, conventions and other events – whether in person or online.

Solidarity is the foundation of the labour movement.

Any conduct which undermines that solidarity undermines the dignity of our fellow members, and prevents us from achieving our goals.

Sexual harassment and harassment based on religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or other grounds, contradict the words of equality and justice that we so often use in our resolutions and speeches.

The BCFED will not tolerate any sexist or racist jokes or behaviour that degrades women, 2SLGBTQIA+* people, IBPOC** people or any other groups.

Harassment can include comments, slurs and jokes based on any identity listed as prohibited grounds in the BC Human Rights Code.

It can include displaying degrading or pornographic pictures or graffiti and, in the case of sexual harassment, includes unwanted contact or sexual demands.

If you experience harassment at any Federation event, meeting, or conference, do not feel you have to put up with it — let us try to resolve the problem. There is a simple process to follow.

Every BCFED event has a key contact person(s) to help enforce this statement. The contact person will investigate and try to resolve the problem. They may take any action required to stop the harassment and may ask that the harasser be removed from the event. (See Ombudsperson process.)

Confidentiality will be respected throughout the process.

The purpose of this statement is to make it clear — there is no room for harassment at Federation events. We do not condone it, and we will not tolerate it.

*2SLGBTQIA+: Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Plus

**IBPOC: Indigenous, Black and People of Colour

Ombudsperson process

The BC Federation of Labour’s Statement on Harassment is applied to all events and is there to ensure all delegates can fully participate in our events.

Should any delegates experience a breach of this statement, we have assigned Ombudspeople to assist.

The Ombuds process is in place to support the BCFED’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, respectful and harassment free environment.

The Ombuds process implemented during the BCFED Convention is a neutral process. Members of the Ombuds Team are not here to monitor behaviour. Their job is to try to resolve disputes or complaints that are brought to their attention. The Ombuds process is collaborative and ideally includes all willing parties.

How to contact an Ombudsperson

If you need to reach an Ombudsperson during Convention, please email: ombudsperson@bcfed.ca.

You can also go to the Convention Solutions Desk and request that an Ombudsperson contact you.

Your outreach will be answered by a member of the Convention’s Ombuds Team during Convention hours, normally within an hour of leaving a message. All outreach will be treated confidentially.

**Note: The BC Federation of Labour follows the guidance of the BC’s Provincial Health Officer with regard to COVID-19 safety protocols. The BCFED reserves the right to change our communicable disease protocols, outlined below, at any time.

Before heading to convention:

• Self-monitor for symptoms of a communicable disease, including COVID-19 or influenza.
• The BCFED strongly encourages delegates to perform a COVID-19 rapid antigen test prior to traveling to Vancouver for the convention.
• Do not attend convention if you have a positive test.

Masks

We strongly encourage every delegate to wear a mask at all times during convention. This strong encouragement extends to all convention events and even when seated in the convention hall. We know that masks are the most effective way to keep yourself and others safe. This simple act of masking up will ensure that others around you can fully participate.

Daily health check

Each delegate should do a daily self-health check – and if you have any symptoms associated with flu or COVID-19 do not enter the convention hall or attend convention events (unless the symptoms are related to a known health condition, such as allergies, or within 48 hours after a COVID-19 or flu vaccine). Do not return until symptoms have cleared.

It is critical that we each do our part to limit the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We encourage delegates to bring rapid tests with you to convention (they are free at pharmacies in BC). But note, even if a rapid test shows a negative result, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms you cannot attend convention events.

To review the daily health check visit: covidcheck.gov.bc.ca

Social distancing

Be mindful of other people and maintaining social distance when possible.

Green/Yellow/Red stickers: Delegates will be encouraged to place a sticker on your convention badge to let people know your comfort level when greeting:

• Green = happy to shake hands
• Yellow = we can elbow bump
• Red = let’s just wave and say hello

Hand washing / sanitizer

There will be hand sanitizer stations readily available at all convention events. We strongly encourage all delegates to wash their hands frequently and use the provided hand sanitizer before and after touching common areas (re: water stations).

Ventilation

The Vancouver Convention Centra have MERV-13 air filters and will have it operating at highest capacity possible, based on the temperature outside. The VCC follows the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineer) Standards and have achieved the NAFA (National Air Filtration Association) Clean Air Award. The Westin Bayshore operates its HVAC system at its highest capacity, possible based on the outside air temperatures and follows ASHRAE Standards. Our smaller meeting rooms have portable HEPA air purifiers based on square footage to increase air exchange.

Enhanced cleaning

GDI are onsite ensuring enhanced cleaning in the convention area of the Vancouver Convention Centre. GDI cleaners have completed Cleaning for Health training and follow operational guidelines and procedures specific to COVID-19.

**Please Note: Symptoms of COVID-19 include: