Local 247 is committed to working with our members to ensure that workers rights under BC Health and Safety legislation are enforced. There are active Health and Safety committees in all 247 units, although the structure of these committees may vary.

Many of our former 2000 members in retail locations sit on joint committees with local 1518 members. Westfair Foods committees are comprised of 2 members and an alternate appointed by the local, as well as 2 members and an alternate appointed by the company. In both cases these committees meet monthly, on company time, to identify health and safety concerns. The structure and process of many of the committees is contained in a letter of understanding in the collective agreement. Such is also the case in our many non retail bargaining units.

The Western Grocers Distribution Center has an experienced and active Health and Safety Committee which currently exceeds minimum requirements in primary and alternate committee members. The committee is comprised of 4 primary members who attend monthly safety meetings, as well as 5 alternate members. Alternate members attend the meetings when the primary member is not on the premise.

In response to concerns regarding safety issues in the warehouse, a Health and Safety Core Training Program was introduced to the membership. This program is taught by an instructor from the BC Federation of Labour and is held at the local 247 Training and Education Center. The Workers Compensation Board recognizes this course and certificates are issued upon completion.

The course consists of 8 modules and covers topics such as health and safety rights, workplace inspections, joint committees, and accident investigations. Feedback from the membership regarding this course has been very positive and over 90 members have completed the course to date.

An important guideline to follow regarding safety in the workplace is: The 3 R=S

The right to KNOW what dangerous or hazardous materials, chemicals or job procedures you may work with or do

The right to PARTICIPATE in identifying and reporting health and safety concerns to your health and safety committee, local union or your supervisor.

The right to REFUSE to do unsafe work or handling an unknown chemical(s) that you have reason to believe could be dangerous to you or a co-worker, or you have not been properly trained in how to handle or the precautions to take in case of exposure.

You can check out what the BC Legislation says here- Work Safe BC