Denika Joiner is one of three BC-based SV Bargaining Team members and is committed to representing and supporting union members, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
PSAC BC recently connected with Denika to hear about her experiences on the Bargaining Team and what keeps her motivated.
Interview with Denika Joiner
Why did you become a Bargaining Team member?
I joined the Bargaining Team because I wanted to play an active role in advocating for my coworkers and helping shape a fair, respectful, and supportive workplace. I believe the bargaining process provides an important opportunity to ensure employees’ voices are heard and that the collective agreement reflects the needs and priorities of the people it represents. I wanted to contribute thoughtful ideas, collaborate with others, and help achieve meaningful improvements that support a stronger workplace for both current and future members.
What’s the most rewarding part of being on the Bargaining Team?
The most rewarding part of being on the Bargaining Team is knowing that the work we do can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our coworkers. I value the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of members, listen to different perspectives, and work together toward solutions that help improve our workplace. I have also been inspired by the dedication, knowledge, and experience of my fellow Bargaining Team members. Their commitment to advocating for our members makes us stronger as a team and reinforces the importance of the work we do together.
What has surprised you most about bargaining?
What surprised me most about being part of the bargaining process was the amount of preparation, collaboration, and strategic thinking required behind the scenes. I hadn’t fully realized how much time and effort goes into reviewing proposals, analyzing the language of the collective agreement, and carefully considering the long-term impact of each decision. I was also struck by the challenges involved in reaching meaningful improvements, even when proposals are designed to address legitimate workplace concerns and reflect the evolving needs of our members. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the persistence, teamwork, and dedication required to effectively advocate for our members and make progress at the bargaining table.
What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is knowing that the work we do can make a real difference for our members. Every improvement we negotiate—whether it’s better working conditions, stronger protections, or fairer compensation—has a lasting impact on the people we represent. Even when progress is slow or negotiations are challenging, staying focused on the goal of improving our collective agreement and advocating for our coworkers makes the effort worthwhile. Working alongside a dedicated bargaining team that shares that commitment is also a constant source of motivation.
How does member support affect you at the table?
Member support plays an important role at the bargaining table. Knowing that our members are engaged, informed, and standing behind the Bargaining Team reinforces that we are representing their priorities and strengthens our ability to advocate for meaningful improvements.
Visible demonstrations of support, such as PSAC’s Black Shirt Day, are a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from members standing together. When members wear black to show solidarity, they send a clear message that they are united, engaged, and committed to achieving a fair collective agreement. These actions help demonstrate to the employer that bargaining is not just about proposals at the table—it is about the voices, experiences, and priorities of the members those proposals represent.
That solidarity gives the Bargaining Team strength and reinforces the importance of working together. We are not bargaining only on behalf of individuals, but for the collective interests, fairness, and well-being of all the members we represent.
Keep updated on SV BargainingAbout Denika Joiner
Denika has seven years of experience working in the federal public service at the Agassiz Research and Development Centre in British Columbia. As a general labourer in the greenhouse department, she supports vital research by caring for plants and assisting scientists in strengthening Canada’s horticulture industry and providing people in Canada with sustainably produced food.
Within Local 20038, Denika has served as treasurer, vice-president and president, and currently holds the position of vice-president on the local executive. She is also active on the Local Union-Management Consultation Committee (LUMCC).