Gayle Nye Interview: Champion for Equity in the BCGEU
Gayle Nye was born and raised in Victoria, BC, as were her parents and grandparents. The earlier generations worked in the fishing industry, but a family tragedy inspired Gayle’s father to leave fishing and join the public service. Gayle’s started her career at a bank, but quickly moved to BC Medical Plan, and then to the BC Government Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
This interview was conducted by Rod Mickleburgh on May 8, 2024 in Victoria, BC. It is part of our Oral History Collection.
Gayle Nye was born and raised in Victoria, BC, as were her parents and grandparents. The earlier generations worked in the fishing industry, but a family tragedy inspired Gayle’s father to leave fishing and join the public service. Gayle’s started her career at a bank, but quickly moved to BC Medical Plan, and then to the BC Government Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
She discusses her pioneering role as one of the first Chinese Canadians elected to the union’s executive, her work negotiating sexual harassment protections, her time as a staff representative in Prince George and Victoria, and her leadership in the union’s education and equity programs. She also describes her involvement in the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance and her work at the United Way.
Woven through this interview, is Gayle’s lifelong commitment to workers’ rights, equity, and activism within the labour movement and in her broader community.