PSAC BC was saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Brassington Sr. on December 15, 2024. Bill served as the Executive Secretary for the Environment Component of the PSAC in the 1970s before moving over to become the Executive Secretary with the PSAC centrally. Bill held this position for many years, making significant contributions to the union.
Bill is remembered for his instrumental role in transforming PSAC from an alliance of staff associations into an effective labour union during the presidency of Darryl Bean. This was a pivotal period for the PSAC, marked by a shift toward greater activism, outward looking, and challenging of governments of the day. Bill’s efforts were crucial in enabling PSAC take on major legal and bargaining fights, leaving a lasting and positive impact for the Canadian labour movement and for workers from coast to coast to coast.
Having grown up in BC, Bill returned home from Ottawa early 1980s to be closer to family. Upon his return, Bill worked as a senior staff representative for CEIU, a component of PSAC, where he served until his retirement. During his time at CEIU, Bill made a profound and enduring impact on the Component, earning a reputation as a steadfast defender of workers’ rights.
Throughout his life, Bill was a passionate advocate and supporter of the labour movement and its core values. Bill will be deeply missed by his many labour comrades across the country, and by his family in BC, to whom he was deeply devoted.
Bill Brassington Sr.’s full obituary can be found online here.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 8, 2025 at 1 PM at the Operating Engineers Hall, 4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby.