Welcome to George Heyman
April 2009
Sierra Club BC is delighted to introduce our new Executive Director, George Heyman. George brings over thirty years' experience as a labour and community organizer and holds a strong commitment to social and environmental justice. We are thrilled to welcome George to the helm at this crucial time for the environment.
George Heyman served as president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) for nine years - from June 1999 to June 2008. In more than 30 years as a union and social activist Heyman served as vice-president of the BCGEU, B.C. Federation of Labour and the National Union of Public and General Employees. He was active in the late 1970s and 1980s as a labour and community organizer throughout northwest B.C.
Heyman is a respected negotiator with over 25 years' experience. He was the chief spokesperson in three rounds of negotiations with the B.C. government, representing over 25,000 workers. Heyman is a strong social justice advocate and has been an active participant in campaigns to promote international solidarity among workers.
With a strong record on global warming issues, Heyman was instrumental in introducing a proactive approach to global warming while chair of the B.C. Federation of Labour's Climate Change Working Group (2006-2008). The union began and continues measures to reduce its carbon footprint and encourages members to take steps to deal with global warming through community-based projects such as promoting local food security. The BCGEU was the first union in B.C. to establish an environmental officer.
Heyman is currently a member of the steering committee of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA-BC) Climate Justice Project, a multi-year research project to develop carbon reduction policies which ensure that societal and industrial transitions are equitable and just.
Heyman is a published poet and an avid runner. He enjoys sea kayaking when he gets the opportunity.
