As you are likely aware, yesterday morning Prime Minister Trudeau announced a national day of mourning on Monday, September 19, to recognize the day of the Queen’s funeral – a long-standing tradition in this country. While Monday will be a federal statutory holiday, provincial governments can choose whether to observe the stat or not. Yesterday afternoon, Premier John Horgan acknowledged the national day of mourning, but did not recognize the day as a stat holiday here in BC. Government offices and schools will be closed, but it is not a stat for private businesses.

Article 18.1 in the DGC BC Collective Agreement refers to stats that are observed under our contract. Given the day of mourning is not a BC Statutory Holiday, Monday, September 19, 2022 will not require a paid day off, nor will crew be paid stat holiday premiums for working that day.

Given that schools may be closed we do encourage employers to be flexible. We also encourage employers, as Premier John Horgan said in yesterday’s statement, to find a way to recognize or reflect on the day in a way that is appropriate for their employees.

Rob Larson
DGC BC Business Agent