John Shields Interview: Reshaping the BC Government Employees’ Union
John Shields was born and raised in New York City by Irish Catholic parents who were both union members. He pursued a life in the Catholic church clergy, but left after disagreement with the direction of the church. He moved to Vancouver and became a social worker, and continued his social activism, eventually becoming President of the BC Government Employees’ Union from 1985- 1999.
This interview was conducted by Ken Novakowski and Bailey Garden on November 23, 2016 in Burnaby, BC. It is part of our Oral History Collection.
John Shields was born and raised in New York City by Irish Catholic parents who were both union members. He pursued a life in the Catholic church clergy, but left after disagreement with the direction of the church. He moved to Vancouver and became a social worker, and continued his social activism, eventually becoming President of the B.C. Government Employees’ Union from 1985- 1999. In this interview, Shields talks extensively about how his beliefs intersected with his union activity. He reflects on massive shifts in the union’s internal democracy during his time on the executive as well as increasing emphasis on making the union a tool to organize workers.
John passed away on March 24, 2017, at the age of 78.
See also:
Shields, J. (2020). The Priest Who Left His Religion. Monkfish Book Publishing.
John Shields on Webster! (BCTV), 1985-09-05 [recorded] Item AAAA7605.
John Shields on Webster! (BCTV), 1986-02-18 [recorded] Item AAAA7705.
John Shields on Webster! (BCTV), 1987-04-07 [recorded] Item AAAA7868.