Public employee satisfaction with management of the public service dropping
significantly

VANCOUVER, June 2 /CNW/ - The results of a survey which was completed by 84 percent of B.C.'s provincial government employees shows a significant drop in job satisfaction. The survey was released today.

The "Work Environment Survey" (WES), is an annual survey conducted by the Public Service Agency that measures an employees' level of commitment to and their satisfaction with their job and organization.

The survey shows drops in employee engagement in nearly all categories measured. Of particular note, the measurement on an organization's "vision, mission, and goals" is down eight points over last year (a ranking of 64 last year). Employee perception of executive level management was reduced by six points over the survey's 59 points last year.

"The survey acknowledges that employee engagement is critical to everything in the public service, including the quality of services we provide to the public and business," said Darryl Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU), which represents public service employees in the province. "The survey indicates there are significant doubts on the part of front-line workers in the way this government is managing the public service."

According to the survey, "research shows that organizations with highly engaged employees are more productive, retain more employees and provide better service than other organizations do."

"The numbers clearly show that the Liberal agenda to cut the public service is having a significant impact," said Walker. "The March budget anticipates reducing 3,500 public service jobs over the next three years."

"In light of these findings, I call on the provincial government to put a halt to any further cuts before even more long-term damage is done," said Walker.

"I have written to the minister responsible for the public service, the Honourable Ben Stewart, to discuss how we can rebuild the public service and its vision for the future," said Walker.

Note: A copy of the survey is available on the BCGEU web site (www.bcgeu.ca)

For further information: Brian Gardiner, BCGEU Communications, [phone]