Public Employee - Spring 2015 by CUPE BC

SRY LOCKOUT | ‘YES’ TO TRANSIT | NDP'S ANNE MCGRATH | CODEV IN HONDURAS

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE

SPRING 2015

PROUD, STRONG AND UNITED TAKING ACTION FOR A BETTER WORKPLACE — AND COUNTRY

“A History of Action” labour cartoon, including this scene of a women's rights rally, debuts at convention – P 5

LEADINGUS MARK HANCOCK, PRESIDENT “The issues that Tom Mulcair and the NDP are campaigning on are issues that resonate strongly with CUPE members.”

Never too early for election readiness FALL FEDERAL VOTE WILL BE CRITICAL TO OUR FUTURE elcome to the Convention 2015 edition of Public Employee. If you’re a delegate, I hope you will enjoy the debates, speeches and presentations we’ve got in store for you. To all of you who won’t be at Convention, I hope you find the information in this edition useful, and as always we welcome any feedback you might have on the magazine. As you’ll see from our coverage in these pages, the next federal election is right around the corner, and CUPE BC will be encouraging all our members to support Tom Mulcair and the NDP.

THE FUTURE IS NOW This is our best opportunity to actually form a progressive federal government that puts the interests of working people and their families first, and British Columbia will play a key role in determining the outcome of the election. I hope you’ll join with us to elect Canada’s first NDP government. The issues that Tom Mulcair and the NDP are campaigning on are issues that resonate strongly with CUPE members: a renewed commitment to public health care, a sound and workable national child care program that will save parents money and make our economy stronger, and a strong focus on retirement security. You can learn much more about the NDP platform at www.ndp.ca. This edition of Public Employee features a conversation with NDP campaign director Anne McGrath that will give you an inside look at how the campaign is shaping up. And there’s a special two-page look at how that strategy will unfold on the ground throughout the province.

VOTE ‘YES’ FOR SUSTAINABILITY As this edition lands in your mailbox, Metro Vancouver residents are entering the final stages of the transportation and transit plebiscite. If you live in the Metro region and haven’t mailed your ballot in — hopefully marked “yes” — it must be received by Elections BC no later than May 29. CUPE BC’s Executive

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GOT YOUR BACK John Horgan knows CUPE BC will be there for the BC NDP in 2017 — after we defeat the Harper Conservatives this year. Board has voted to support the “Yes” campaign, and I hope the outcome will send a signal to Victoria and the rest of the country that people support public services. A positive outcome is key to reducing congestion in the region, giving you more time at home and less time traveling to and from work. A “Yes” vote will also mark a significant setback for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and their B.C. spokesperson, Jordan Bateman. They’ve set themselves up as the “No” side, and let’s be clear: Mr. Bateman and his supporters have dedicated themselves to attacking the work that CUPE members and other public sector union members do. The “No” campaign is simply an extension of their anti-union, anti-public sector, anti-government agenda. If you haven’t voted yet, I hope you’ll take a long look at who’s opposing the transportation and transit plan — and why.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT Finally, on a personal note, many of you will know I’ve experienced some pretty serious health issues recently. I want to let you know that my doctors have me well on the road to a full recovery, and I want to thank the many folks who’ve sent me get well messages. It’s been heartening to receive so much support, and I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me. The work we do on behalf of our members and our communities is important, but without our health we wouldn’t be able to do any of it. So please, take care of yourselves, and each other. Solidarity! MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News +

Commentary + Leaders’ voices

Twitter: @cupebc

CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE CUPE BC VOTES “YES” FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT BURNABY CUPE BC’s Executive Board is supporting the “Yes” campaign in the ongoing transportation and transit plebiscite in Metro Vancouver. “While we would prefer that the provincial government actually demonstrate leadership on this crucial issue and properly fund public transit and transportation, we strongly encourage our members in the Lower Mainland to vote ‘Yes,’” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro. “CUPE fundamentally rejects the notion that taxation policy should be determined in this manner, but the reality is that the BC Liberals have given progressives and others who support strong public services no choice but to campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote.

LONG HAUL CUPE solidarity — including from other locals, staff and officers — has been instrumental in keeping Local 7000 members’ spirits up during a long and bitter lockout by Southern Railway of BC.

Legal challenge derails SRY strategy USE OF SCAB LABOUR SHOT DOWN BY LRB

“Many CUPE members in the Lower Mainland depend on transit to get to and from their jobs,” said Faoro. “They will obviously benefit from the increased investment in buses and rapid transit, but so will our members who drive to work. An improved transit system will help reduce the congestion that clogs so many of our transportation routes.” CUPE BC is focusing its efforts on a member-to-member campaign, encouraging the 35,000 CUPE members in the Metro Vancouver area to vote in favour of the modest increase to the provincial sales tax. More info: cupebcvotes.com

YOUNG WORKERS CONFERENCE The Young Workers’ Task Force is asking members up to age 30 to save the dates for CUPE BC’s upcoming young workers’ conference. The event will be held in Prince George at the Coast Inn of the North from August 19–21. More info: cupe.bc.ca

BURNABY CUPE’s legal department won a significant victory against Southern Railway (SRY) as the U.S.-owned private company’s lockout of CUPE 7000 members continued into the spring. In March, the BC Labour Relations Board ruled that SRY unlawfully used replacement workers when A&B Rail was used for contract work. After two days of testimony from CUPE 7000 members and one employer witness, the LRB declared a code breach and ordered SRY to stop using contractors to perform bargaining unit work. The Board then awarded $5,000 in damages to CUPE

7000 — only the second time the LRB has awarded damages to a union in a scabs complaint. Meanwhile, CUPE 7000 and supporters picketed for two mornings outside a CP Rail yard after learning that CP had been helping Southern Railway inside one of SRY’s yards. CP served CUPE with a lawsuit in BC Supreme Court alleging unlawful picketing in the form of blocking access to a CP yard and even having a negative impact “on the Canadian economy.” The issue was resolved with CP Rail agreeing not to enter the SRY yard. The lockout began on January 5. At press time, CUPE 7000 members were still locked out but the parties had returned to the bargaining table and were trying to reach a deal.

KEEPING IT PUBLIC CUPE 402 President Jeannie Kilby and CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk joined CUPE and community members for a March 23 rally at White Rock city hall to oppose the privatization of garbage collection and recycling services.

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CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE

voices WHAT CUPE MEMBERS ARE SAYING “We knew that [this campaign] would provoke different emotions and it did, even among us. It’s tough but that’s what we see day in and day out.” Bronwyn Barter, CUPE 873 president, on the launch of a gutwrenching multi-media campaign by the Ambulance Paramedics of BC that informs the public how paramedics save lives every day. Victoria Times Colonist, Thursday, March 5, 2015.

“Contracting out has been suggested as best practice, but let’s be clear, it’s not. It’s a roller coaster. We recommend you continue offering these services publicly.” Mike Guraliuk, CUPE 402-01 president, tells White Rock council that changes to the City’s solid waste and recycling service will cost taxpayers more in the long run. Peace Arch News, Friday, January 30, 2015.

“It would be better for all of us – for the railway, the workers, the customers and the public – if Southern would spend more time at the bargaining table and less at the Labour Board.” Bill Magri, CUPE 7000 president, on an LRB ruling that vindicated the Union and awarded $5,000 in damages to CUPE 7000. New Westminster News Leader, Thursday, March 12, 2015.

“I hope if there’s restructuring or selling off the property that some of (Naramata Centre) is still used for what this place always has stood for.” Colin Drought, CUPE 608 member and 20-plus year employee, comments on the closing of Naramata Centre. Global TV News, Thursday, January 22, 2015.

“Like some giant blob from a bad science fiction movie, this government continues to swallow everything in its path and its appetite is insatiable. The fact that it spews a portion of what it has ingested to private schools … [and] has trumpeted with pride the funds they gave to private education should give you all the indications you need to know that they will not ever favour public education.” CUPE 716 President June Kaiser, in an open letter to Richmond school trustees, spells out the BC Liberal philosophy of education funding. Richmond News, Friday, March 27, 2015.

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ONE OF A KIND Delegates took time out from the conference to visit the recently opened National Human Rights Museum, the only national museum outside of Ottawa.

Human rights crusaders NATIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS CUPE’S ROLE IN FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION WINNIPEG B.C. delegates had a large presence among the more than 500 labour and social activists who attended CUPE’s second National Human Rights Conference (February 5-8), an event that highlighted the role unions have played in fighting racism and all forms of discrimination. The conference featured three days of panel discussions and workshops with a diverse group of activists sharing their experiences and insight on advancing human rights in Canada and around the world. Conference participants also visited the recently opened Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the only national museum outside of Ottawa. “Defending human rights is at the very core of what unions do every day,” CUPE National President Paul Moist told delegates. “While we’ve made strides, we still have much work to do to end discrimination in our society, evident by the recent attention on the discrimination experienced by aboriginal people here in Winnipeg.” Moist joined several delegates and guests in calling on the federal government to launch a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada.

BUDGET BURNS WORKING FAMILIES VICTORIA The provincial budget introduced in February continues the BC Liberals’ practice of “balancing” the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it while cutting taxes for high-income earners, CUPE BC said in response. Among other measures, the budget directs school boards to find $54 million in “administrative” savings, putting even more pressure on an already stressed education system. Medical Services Premium increases are growing faster than increases in funding for health care, and the budgets for skills training and post-secondary education — supposedly a priority of the government — are frozen.

CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE

IT GETS BETTER “A History of Action” traces labour history from the dark ages (above) to the present.

LABOUR CARTOON TO PREMIERE ON MAY DAY Delegates to CUPE BC’s 2015 convention will be among the first viewers of a new animated history of collective action and strikes by working people. “A History of Action,” produced by Vancouver videographer Colin Askey, takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through time. From the very first job actions, and the early formation of trade unions and guilds, to the actions that CUPE members took in support of B.C. teachers in 2005, “A History of Action” demonstrates workers' collective power. Narrated by the character ‘Mrs. Picket,’ the short film uses humour to remind viewers that the withdrawal of services is the only real tool that workers have to take on the boss and achieve meaningful societal and workplace progress. The film will premiere on Day Three of Convention — fittingly enough, on May Day.

STANDING TOGETHER Thanks to broad support both within and beyond their union, CUPE 608 members remained strong during a dispute that marked the end of a 40-year relationship between CUPE and the United Church's Naramata Centre.

Naramata closure deal reached MEMBERS STAY STRONG THROUGHOUT DISPUTE NARAMATA At the end of March, CUPE 608 and the Naramata Centre reached a mutually agreeable resolution to the labour dispute which began in May last year. The agreement brings an end to strike action and resolves outstanding issues related to the closure of the Centre. CUPE 608 President Brianne Hillson said that the Naramata workers, some of whom had been employed at the United Church centre for more than 20 years, acted with

strength and solidarity. “We knew that we had committed members who could count on the full support of CUPE from day one, and that made the difference during an incredibly tough year.” CUPE National President Paul Moist joined CUPE BC President Mark Hancock and CUPE BC Secretary Treasurer Paul Faoro in thanking the CUPE 608 members who stood strong and supported one another. They also acknowledged the support from CUPE locals and other unions across B.C. and the country for the Naramata sisters and brothers.

PROUD, STRONG, UNITED CUPE BC’s 52nd annual Convention runs April 29-May 2 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. Featuring a keynote address from former United Nations ambassador and special envoy for HIV/ AIDS Stephen Lewis, the Convention will also hear from BC NDP Leader John Horgan, CUPE National President Paul Moist and Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury. Also speaking to Convention delegates will be International Solidarity guest Reyna Mateo, Regional Coordinator for CODEMUH (Honduran Women's Collective). Look for a full report on Convention in the next edition of Public Employee.

Historic strike ends in Castlegar After the Winter 2015 issue of Public Employee went to press in December, Castlegar civic workers ratified a new collective agreement, following their first-ever strike. The 35 members of CUPE 2262 began a full strike on November 8 and remained on the picket line until December 31. The six-year agreement is retroactive to February 2013 and includes a 35 cent-perhour increase for the first year followed by annual wage increases of 1.5, 1.5, 2, 2 and 2 percent, respectively. The agreement also

includes language improvements to optical care, meal allowances and extended health. Letters of agreement address key sticking issues of employer-paid time for grievance investigation and a clearer definition of exempt staff and bargaining unit work. As well, the two parties will participate in a BC Labour Relations Board-sponsored relationship enhancement program in order to ensure that the new contract can lay the groundwork for a more productive and respectful workplace. SPRING 2015

CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE TIME TO STOP THE BLEEDING

Colleges and universities across B.C. continue to struggle because of underfunding. During the past decade, public funding — crucial to allow post-secondary institutions to maintain freedom of thought and academic inquiry — has fallen from as high as 88 per cent to as low as 50 per cent. Inadequate infrastructure funding results in poorly maintained buildings and deferred costs, creating funding liabilities as buildings crumble. Funding cuts have led to rising student debt, higher fees and declining accessibility. The public has a right to know what funding cuts really mean to students, postsecondary education and communities. So CUPE BC’s Colleges Committee – joined by some university locals — is launching a “Stop the Cuts” campaign to draw attention to the issue. Band-aids will soon be springing up on campuses to highlight unrepaired infrastructure, cancelled programs, and inadequate maintenance. Members will stick a “bandaid” on problems they see. Photos and descriptions will be published online. Ouch!

SAFETY FIRST Brian Harvey, Co-Chair College of the Rockies Health & Safety Committee for CUPE 2773 (third from left), facilitates a Spot the Hazard workshop for students and staff in the Hairstylist Program at the College Of The Rockies.

Spot the Hazard campaign takes off Since CUPE BC’s relaunch of the Spot the Hazard campaign, aimed at assisting locals in preventing workplace injuries, materials have been flying off the shelves. Across the province, CUPE locals are offering workshops and getting the word out using new campaign materials to raise awareness of workplace hazards. The campaign gives local health and safety committees an additional tool. Materials include:

Paramedics launch ‘Imagine’ campaign VANCOUVER British Columbia’s 4,000 ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers launched a major province-wide public awareness campaign in March. Imagine a World Without Paramedics, a multimedia campaign, focused on the critical services paramedics provide throughout the province, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The TV, print and radio campaign ran for eight weeks this spring in communities across B.C. The ads and commercials can be seen at www.worldwithoutparamedics.ca. “It’s vital the public know who we are and

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• Posters that encourage members to report concerns to management and the union • Pocket-sized “know your rights” folding cards with information about workplace hazards and rights • Static cling stickers for use by the union to mark potential workplace hazards Locals can order materials, including suggestions for how to effectively use the campaign, through CUPE BC.

ORGANIZING SURVEY CUPE’s Organizing Department fielded a short survey to local presidents in March to help identify unorganized workers at CUPE sites in B.C. The confidential survey results will help bring more workers into CUPE. Call Tracey Mathieson at 604-291-1940 or 604-671-4777 (cell) if you missed participating or have questions.

what we do – that we make a difference,” said CUPE 873 President Bronwyn Barter. “We are often a critical factor in the difference between life, death, patient outcomes and the overall time a patient utilizes the provincial healthcare system.”

CUPEFOCUS FEDERAL ELECTION AN INTERVIEW WITH ANNE MCGRATH, NDP NATIONAL DIRECTOR

THE NDP’s PLAN FOR WINNING GOVERNMENT “There is a path to victory, and B.C. is critical to that success.” With that simple but bold statement, NDP National Director Anne McGrath opened a presentation to a group of activists and organizers attending a BC NDP conference in Penticton earlier this year. McGrath’s remarks focused on the NDP’s plan to win the trust of Canadians in the coming federal election — and make Tom Mulcair prime minister of the first-ever NDP federal government. After her address, McGrath sat down with Public Employee to talk more about how the NDP plans to campaign for government. “Our goal this election is clear: to elect Canada’s first social democratic government,” says McGrath. “Our strategy to achieve that goal is simple, really. We need to retain our incumbent seats, and build momentum to put us over the top by winning what we call the ‘next tier’ of seats. “Our goal is not to be the conscience of Parliament, not simply to hold the government to account, or to be the best opposition— though Tom and his caucus have done, and continue to McGrath pointed to do, an amazing job. public opinion research “Our goal is to win, full stop.” that shows Canadians McGrath says that for the want an alternative to NDP to be successful, the party needs to focus on Harper’s Conservatives. the “3 Ds — Data, Doorknocking and Dollars.” “We’re not waiting for the Prime Minister to call the election in September — since April 1, we’ve been in full election readiness mode,” says McGrath. “People sense the NDP is on the verge of another historic breakthrough, building on the legacy of Jack

Anne McGrath

Layton, and as a result we’ve had a record number of contested nominations. That’s a great sign.” McGrath pointed to public opinion research that shows more and more Canadians want an alternative to Harper’s Conservatives. “Our target voters are motivated by that,” she says. “They see Tom Mulcair as a principled leader, fighting for the middle class. They can trust him to undo the damage done by Harper, and to have a practical approach to help middle class families.”

CUPE makes a difference Prior to taking on her current role as national director, McGrath served as chief of staff to the late Jack Layton (2008-2011) and played a key role in developing the campaign strategy that led to the “Orange Crush” breakthrough to Official Opposition status following the 2011 election. McGrath also served as executive assistant to former CUPE National President Judy Darcy. “Coming from CUPE, I know how important it is to engage CUPE members and members of other unions in the political process,” says McGrath. “Especially in British Columbia, where we are poised to make gains, CUPE members can make the difference between another term of Stephen Harper and a progressive government led by Tom Mulcair.” For more information, visit www.ndp.ca, and keep an eye on cupe.bc.ca for more news on CUPE BC’s federal election memberto-member campaign. If you’d like to volunteer on a federal election campaign, send an email to politicalaction@cupe.bc.ca.

BETTER POLICIES The federal New Democrats, under leader Tom Mulcair, are committed to a national child care plan.

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SPRING 2015

LINKINGLABOUR

ROBIN JONES, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

“With CUPE BC’s leadership, our ability to engage our members during elections and in solidarity actions is second to none in the country.”

Improving how our members connect BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS THROUGH CUPE EDUCATION One of the ways that CUPE members connect with our union is through education. CUPE puts significant resources into an education program aimed at developing strong local unions and capable, engaged and informed local activists and leaders. CUPE locals invest significant time and resources when they send members to workshops. It’s a valuable investment in developing future leaders. Members take time away from other union business, and locals cover costs associated with education. However, with participation levels in workshops declining, it’s important for locals to know that significant work is going on to ensure that education continues to be a good investment for locals. The Union Development Department is working on program development, including revising existing workshops to reflect an equity lens. All revisions will be done in English and French. As well, a new certification component will be added to the Member Facilitator program, along with additional training to ensure highly skilled facilitators in every region. CUPE is committed to having a full French program in every province. We now have close to 50 workshops that can be offered in French. In B.C., this is particularly important for CUPE 4227 representing members in the Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie Britannique.

COVERING ALL THE BASES At a strategic level, UDD has developed a three-part model for workshops. The first part consists of what are considered core education needs. These include workshops that provide a solid grounding on what a local needs to meet its legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Included in this group are workshops on stewarding and bargain-

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POWERFUL LEARNING For Union Development representatives Greg Burkitt and Tina Meadows, seen here with Robin Jones, the best part of the job is seeing members transform into leaders through education.

ing, training for local financial officers, training on occupational health & safety issues, the duty to accommodate and human rights obligations, and how to effectively administer local business. The second part of the union education model is designed to respond to requests from locals and district councils. This can include very specific workshops for members of a local to learn about what is in their collective agreement or benefit plan or to participate in a retirement planning workshop tailored to local needs. The third and final piece of the education program is proactive, offering workshops on political action, equality, labour history and more. With CUPE BC’s leadership, our ability to engage our members during elections and in solidarity actions is second to none in the country. We need to support this important area of activity.

SPRING SCHOOL MOVES TO KAMLOOPS I can’t talk about CUPE education in B.C. without acknowledging the loss of our spring school at Naramata and saluting our CUPE 608 members who stood up to a United Church employer seeking to contract out their jobs. The permanent closure of the Centre at Naramata is a major loss for our members and for the Naramata community. To end on a positive note, our 2015 spring school will be held at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre, May 31-June 5. If you are interested but haven’t signed up yet — and are reading this in early May — have a look at the options and make sure to register as soon as possible. The deadline is May 16. MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News +

Commentary + Leaders’ voices

CUPEFOCUS INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY

BRINGING RIGHTS TO THE MAQUILA SWEATSHOP LABOUR THE TARGET OF NEW CODEV PROJECT IN HONDURAS By Kathryn Janzen CHOLOMA, HONDURAS This spring CUPE BC, through the Colleen Jordan Humanity Fund, begins a partnership with CODEMUH, a grassroots women’s organization based in Honduras. A long-time partner of CoDevelopment Canada, whose staff are members of CUPE 1004, CODEMUH has more than 20 years’ experience working for the transformation of practices that violate human, gender and labour rights in the maquilas (sweatshops) in Honduras. They are well-known in Honduras and throughout Central America for their work in occupational health and safety focusing on workers in the maquila industry.

Portrait of a Honduran maquila worker Margarita is a 49-year-old Honduran maquila worker, employed at the Canadian-owned Gildan factory. The proud mother of five children and three grandchildren, she lives near the city of Choloma. Born in San Pedro Sula, she has lived her entire life in this region of Honduras. The 15 years Margarita has worked in the maquila sector have taken a negative toll on her health. In 2005, she began to feel pain in her back, shoulder and neck — an injury directly linked to repetitive strain and the long hours she has had to endure sewing collars onto T-shirts. In a factory like the one where Margarita is currently working, workers are expected to sew this section onto at least 500 dozen T-shirts a day. In a 12-hour shift, that means 6,000 collars a day. After many doctor’s appointments, Margarita finally received a health certificate requiring her employer to relocate her to another

PROUD GRANDMA Margarita, seen here with two of her daughters and a granddaughter, hopes that future generations enjoy more rights in the Honduran workplace. PHOTO: JULIÁN ARANGO O

position in the factory. She now works in an area that sorts the T-shirts for labelling. Margarita is one of the few workers who have been relocated. Numerous others have had to endure the pain for many years, as she did. Often the illnesses they suffer are not recognized as workrelated injuries by the mediOften the illnesses they cal system; or, if they are suffer are not recognized and a certificate for work relocation is issued, the as work-related injuries employer does not follow through and relocate the by the medical system worker. When asked about the most difficult part of living with her injuries on a daily basis, Margarita says she finds it hard to not be able to help out with household chores and hold her grandchildren. She wants to, but her physical condition makes it too difficult.

Self-empowerment for a better workplace

TRANSFORMING AN INDUSTRY CODEMUH Director María Luisa Regalado (left) visits with Margarita. CODEMUH’s efforts are helping workers win rights in the maquilas.

Margarita is a volunteer community leader with the Honduran Women’s Collective (CODEMUH). She started attending CODEMUH activities in 2006 when one of her co-workers told her about the organization. She has since become a coordinator of a women’s group in her community, facilitating workshops on various topics she has learned about through CODEMUH, including human and labour rights, and reproductive and sexual health. CODEMUH supports many women like Margarita in defending their rights and implementing studies on the health impacts for women working in the maquilas. CODEMUH is working to make positive changes in this industry and ensure that the health system recognizes these injuries as work-related. CoDev thanks CUPE BC for its support to CODEMUH and to women like Margarita! Kathryn Janzen is executive director of CoDevelopment Canada.

PHOTO: JULIÁN ARANGO O

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CUPECOMMUNITIES MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE A RECOMMITMENT TO GENDER JUSTICE

WARM WELCOME Those who attended the Black History Month event at Strathcona School were treated to a delicious soul food lunch.

Resurrecting a neighbourhood EVENT CELEBRATES HOGAN’S ALLEY ERA VANCOUVER CUPE BC’s Committee Against Racism and Discrimination offered a rare glimpse into bygone Vancouver with a Black History Month event on February 21 that celebrated the rich social and cultural history of Hogan’s Alley in the city’s Strathcona neighbourhood. The event, held at Strathcona Elementary School, featured a historical talk on the evolution of Hogan’s Alley by retired school principal Randy Clark and local resident Gary Myers, poetry recitals by

NICE CATCH, CUPE! COURTENAY The Comox Valley Food Bank received a healthy addition earlier this year, thanks to several cases of canned wild salmon donated by CUPE Locals 556 (Comox Valley municipal workers), 431 (K-12), and 3479 (North Island College). The donation was part of a province-wide initiative by district labour councils working with Protein for People, a community partnership to address protein shortages at

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Adelenedasoul and Kevan Cameron, and a vocal performance by jazz and blues singer Phyllis Braithwaite-States. Those in attendance were treated to a soul food lunch of barbequed chicken, blackeyed peas, corn bread, and macaroni and cheese. The meal was followed by a walking tour of the neighbourhood in which participants were shown some of the landmarks of the Hogan’s Alley period — including the Jimi Hendrix shrine at 207 Union Street. The event was organized by the Workers of Colour Working Group and co-sponsored by CUPE locals 15, 23, 379, 389, 391, 402, 728 and 1004.

CUPE members throughout B.C. participated in various activities to mark International Women’s Day (IWD). They celebrated women’s activism and reaffirmed our commitment to gender justice. CUPE Metro District Council sponsored their sixth annual IWD lunch at Chief Joe Mathias Centre in North Vancouver. “We continue to follow the women who have come before us and renew ourselves in the continued fight for our rights as Canadian women,” said keynote speaker Kat Davidson, a CUPE 409 member and student activist. Davidson told the crowd that sometimes everyday activism is hard to see because it “looks just like living your life.” In Castlegar, young women from the Teen Advisory Board decorated the public library with posters and information about women past and present. On March 8 they presented carnations with an inspirational message and wished women at the library “Happy International Women’s Day!”

SISTERS UNITE CUPE 2262 member Lori Rieberger (right), a librarian at Castlegar & District Public Library, celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8 with Cedar Jennings, a member of the Teen Advisory Board.

GOOD HAUL L-R, CUPE local presidents Karen Garrett (556), Denise Bullock (439) and Michelle Waite (3479) deliver canned wild salmon to the Comox Valley Food Bank. A grateful Food Bank president Jeff Hampton presides. B.C.’s food banks. People from all over B.C. access local food bank services. This need will only continue to increase, especially in light of BC Liberal budgets that do not adequately address the needs of families.

CUPECOMMUNITIES MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE SUPPORTING CHILEAN MINERS, FIRST NATIONS SCHOOL CHILDREN

COMMON CAUSE Chilean workers are well aware of Harper government injustices, reports CUPE 50’s Carlos Flores, right. SANTIAGO “Your trade union and Canadians in general must get active and worry about what is taking place in your country.” That was the message CUPE 50 Memberat-Large Carlos Flores heard while joining a solidarity picket line with striking miners during a visit to Chile earlier this year. While Chile’s recently elected center-left government is implementing legislation to do away with some of the worst vestiges of the U.S.-sponsored Pinochet dictatorship [1973-1990], it has not gone unnoticed in the South American country that Canada under Stephen Harper appears to be heading in the opposite direction: enacting draconian legislation to restrict civil liberties, imposing regressive taxes, implementing an aggressive foreign policy and proposing labourbashing measures to diminish and interfere with the role of trade unions, for example. Thanks to the generosity of CUPE 50, CUPE BC, Donald Sutton, Susan Jansen and the Fernwood Community Association, Flores was able during his visit to present donations to support striking Chilean miners in their fight for better working conditions. Flores also met with a representative of the Mapuche First Nation and presented a donation for their annual campaign to collect school supplies for poor aboriginal children living in remote parts of Southern Chile.

OUTSTANDING EFFORT CUPE 402 members accept the United Way’s Labour United award.

CUPE members show their spirit LOCALS RECOGNIZED WITH UNITED WAY SPIRIT AWARDS As major participants in the United Way workplace campaign, CUPE locals were proud to be recognized for their work at the 2014 awards held this February. CUPE 402 (City of Surrey) received the Labour United Award, which exemplifies commitment to community and to furthering the values shared by United Way and the labour movement.

President Jeannie Kilby said that the United Way partnership is a source of pride for the members, with city employees raising $220,000 and almost 35 per cent of the city’s workforce donating to the UW. In Burnaby, CUPE 23 and the City shared the United Way Engage Award, which is presented to the workplace campaign team that best engages its employees through all levels of the organization. These engagement strategies helped maintain or increase dollars given directly to United Way of the Lower Mainland.

BULLYING STOPS HERE Members of CUPE 951 at UVic showed their colours for this year’s Pink Shirt Day in February, aimed at promoting an end to workplace bullying and harassment.

SPRING 2015

POWERINNUMBERS PAUL FAORO, SECRETARY-TREASURER “This coming federal election is the greatest opportunity for our party, the NDP, to form government and elect Tom Mulcair to be the first NDP Prime Minister in our country’s history.”

Our time has come PROGRESSIVES READY FOR NEXT FEDERAL ELECTION hen this issue of Public Employee hits your mailbox, the next federal election will be just over four months away — if Prime Minister Steven Harper doesn’t call it early, as has been widely rumoured. Sometimes in B.C., it feels like elections are either just ahead of us or just behind. As the gavel goes down to open Convention, November’s civic elections feel like they just took place, and the Metro Vancouver region is in the middle of the transit and transportation plebiscite. When that campaign wraps up at the end of May, we’ll be right into federal pre-election preparation mode — or even the election itself if Mr. Harper thinks the polls are in his favour. During the last civic campaign, our Locals put more resources and effort into campaigns around the province than ever before — and look at the results. As I reported in the last edition of Public Employee, we were able to elect a record number of progressive candidates across the province. That only happened because CUPE members volunteered their time and energy to knock on doors and make countless phone calls. Now, you probably feel the same as I do during an election campaign: sometimes it seems like your phone is never going to stop ringing, and every time you answer it there’s a campaign on the other end of the line, asking for money, time, or votes. Or, more likely, all three! As much as it’s frustrating to get those calls, the reality is that there’s no other effective way of reaching potential supporters. One of the best ways to avoid those calls is to volunteer on a campaign and vote in the advance polls. Then, if you let the campaign know that you’ve voted, odds are that you’ll receive fewer calls in the final weeks and days of the campaign.

DEFENDING MEDICARE Speaking in front of Burnaby Hospital at one of 25 rallies across the province on March 31, Paul Faoro (left) said the only way to guarantee a fully funded national public health care system is to vote for Tom Mulcair and the NDP this fall.

NDP’S CHANCES BETTER THAN EVER This coming federal election is the greatest opportunity for our party, the NDP, to form government and elect Tom Mulcair to be the first NDP Prime Minister in our country’s history. Only the NDP stands up for the issues that define our country — health care, child care, a strong economy and equal rights for all. While Mr. Harper and Justin Trudeau try to outdo one another in cynically pitting one group of people against another for their own political gain, only Tom Mulcair and the NDP are standing against the draconian elimination of civil liberties and freedom of speech contained in Bill C-51, the so-called “anti-terrorism” bill. As you can see from our centre spread about the federal election, British Columbia has the potential to make the difference in the outcome. The spin from the Liberals that Justin Trudeau can somehow defeat Stephen Harper just isn’t true in B.C. I hope you’ll join with the NDP campaign to finally elect a federal government in this country that’s focused on Main Street, and not Bay Street or Howe Street. And please, if you live in Metro Vancouver and haven’t yet voted in the transportation plebiscite, please do so as soon as possible — the deadline is May 29. And please, vote “Yes”! MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News +

Commentary + Leaders’ voices

PUBLISHED BY The Canadian Union of Public Employees, British Columbia Division

510 - 4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4T3

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TEL 604.291.9119 FAX 604.291.9043 EMAIL editor@cupe.bc.ca CUPE BC PRESIDENT Mark Hancock SECRETARY-TREASURER Paul Faoro THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EDITOR Dan Gawthrop

CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bush, Roseanne Moran, Clay Suddaby, Janet Szliske

COVER IMAGE Colin Askey

CENTRE SPREAD Talking Dog Communications

Josh Berson, CUPE Communications, CUPE Locals 50, 951, 402-01, 2262, 2773, and 3479, United Way of the Lower Mainland DESIGN AND LAYOUT Working Design PHOTOS

COPE 491

POWERFUL LEARNING, AT ITS BEST!

CUPE SPRING

WEEK-LONG

SCHOOL THIS YEAR’S WORKSHOPS CUPE and human rights NEW! Financial Officers Facing Management

Introduction to Stewarding and four Steward Learning Series modules Advanced Occupational Health and Safety

For the ﬁrst time in its three decades-long tradition, this year’s CUPE week-long school is being held in the heart of B.C.’s Interior. Coast Kamloops Conference and Convention Centre

May 31-June 5 Book by May 16

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT CUPE Education representative Greg Burkitt at 604-291-1940 or send him an e-mail at gburkitt@cupe.ca

to expand your horizons and sharpen your activist tools.

DON’T WAIT ’TIL IT’S TOO LATE! Book CUPE BC’s Community Events Trailer for your summer event today. More than 30 events last year — and more than 11,000 kilometres on the odometer — so book early and make your event even better.

E-mail Jeff Lawson at jlawson@cupe.ca for more information

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