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COLLEEN JORDAN HUMANITY FUND REPORT INSIDE!

CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES B.C. DIVISION

employee

SPRING 2012

WORKING TO MAKE COMMUNITIES WORK How we’re making a difference on the job

K-12 SOLIDARITY

‘SHIFT’ VIDEO

MINING & HUMAN RIGHTS

BURNS LAKE RELIEF

leading us barry o’neill

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“It’s not just the work we do on the job, it’s our collective commitment to making our communities better places.”

Two more ways that our members walk the talk elcome to the Convention 2012 edition of Public Employee. The theme of this year’s convention is “Working to Make Communities Work,” and I can’t think of a more appropriate description of our union and the work our members – you – do every day in communities all across B.C. Two recent examples jump out at me. First, as all members know, the BC Teachers’ Federation has been in a dispute with the BC Liberal government of Christy Clark, and that dispute led to a three-day strike by the teachers in early March. The teachers and the employer agreed at the Labour Relations Board to a so-called “picketless” strike, and asked our members to report to work as they normally would. While we support the teachers in their struggle with the Christy Clark government, the real issue for us is not the specifics of this dispute but rather the BC Liberals’ attack on the rights of workers to bargain collectively. Many members contacted me to share their concerns about the whole concept of a picketless strike. I have to say that I agree with those concerns, and I assure all members that CUPE would never conduct a strike in this manner. But we also don’t tell other unions how to best represent their members, so we honoured the request of our sisters and brothers in the BCTF.

During the teachers’ job action in March, I was invited to speak at the mass rally at the Legislature in Victoria on the second day of the strike. I was very pleased to tell the crowd that not only were CUPE members supporting that rally, but Locals all across the province had organized their own rallies in support of free collective bargaining. Once again, your actions and commitment to our values have shown why CUPE really does “work to make our communities work.” It’s not just the work we do on the job, it’s our collective commitment to making our communities better places.

THE PU B L I C EM PLOYEE

STANDING UP FOR THEIR COMMUNITY CUPE 401 members, shown here with Barry O’Neill and Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek (left), have become extra eyes and ears for their Vancouver Island community, thanks to their participation in TownWatch.

Another example of that is how CUPE members are taking up the Ten Percent Shift campaign. Although we had to postpone the planned Shift tour of the Kootenays due to the teachers’ dispute, the interest in the campaign from CUPE members in the area was strong. And the audiences that attended our mid-Vancouver Island Shift presentations at the end of March were fantastic. We won’t always see eye-to-eye with Chambers of Commerce on some issues, but we’ve been partnering with local Chambers on the Shift campaign. Supporting local businesses is the logical extension of our Strong Communities campaign, because without a sustainable and vibrant local economy, a community can’t succeed. Chambers recognize that, and want to be a part of our vision. They want to see local communities provide solid public services that attract the kind of long-term investment that creates good jobs. So thank you to all CUPE members who rallied to support everyone’s right to free collective bargaining, and to all of you who’ve taken the Ten Percent Shift pledge – all of you are literally doing the work that makes communities work. Barry O’Neill is president of CUPE BC.

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MO R E O NL I NE

CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n members on the front line TEN PERCENT SHIFT CAMPAIGN GROWING L AD YS M IT H | Another Vancouver Island community has taken up CUPE BC’s Ten Percent Shift campaign in a big way, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill discovered in late March during a visit to Ladysmith. O’Neill had been invited to make a Shift presentation by a group of elected leaders, economic development officials and community activists, including local CUPE member Rolanda Murray. In addition to O’Neill’s well-received presentation – which now includes a new five-minute animated video – the Ladysmith Shift group told more than 50 residents about the work they’ve been doing to improve Ladysmith’s economy. For more details on the Shift’s midIsland tour, please check out www.tenpercentshift.ca or www.cupe.bc.ca.

IT’S EASY IF YOU TRY The new animated video for the Ten Percent Shift campaign is full of ideas about how to support local economies.

TURNING THE BIG FIVE-OH Next year is the 50th anniversary of CUPE BC’s founding convention. We’re planning a 50th Anniversary calendar, and we need help – especially from long-time members. If you’ve got any photos of previous CUPE BC conventions, rallies, campaigns or meetings, please let communications representative Clay Suddaby know at csuddaby@cupe.ca.

BREAKING NEW GROUND CUPE 1004’s Frank Lee and CUPE 23’s Sarah Bjorknas were co-organizers of the first stewards conference held by CUPE’s Metropolitan Vancouver District Council March 9-10. Nearly a hundred stewards from the Lower Mainland took part.

Supporting teachers’ call for fairness CUPE members stand up for bargaining rights VI C TOR I A | On March 6, CUPE members in B.C.’s public school system and in every other sector came out in force to support teachers as the BCTF fought for free collective bargaining rights. In Victoria, CUPE flags were flying proudly as hundreds of members joined the thousands gathered at the Legislature to rally against Bill 22. CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill delivered a fiery speech to the crowd, estimated at more than 10,000, saying that CUPE members

BACKYARD PICK-UP RETURNS TO CRD VI C TOR I A | City council has voted to keep backyard garbage collection in the capital regional district. After CUPE 50 workers engaged the public in a campaign to keep the longstanding tradition of backyard service in Victoria, council agreed in the end that city workers will continue to provide the

all across B.C. were proud to stand with teachers and fight Premier Christy Clark’s latest attempt to strip workers’ rights. As O’Neill was speaking, hundreds of CUPE members were participating in rallies in several other communities, throughout the province. “The effort of CUPE locals all across the province, in all sectors, who organized rallies and demonstrations with just a few days’ notice, was exceptional,” O’Neill said later. “Once again, we can all be proud of how our union responded.” See Page 7 for photos from the rallies.

service. Workers will continue to pick up garbage from residents in their backyard, but will now leave the empty totes on the curb. While backyard garbage service is a rarity, CUPE 50 president John Burrows called it an important service that Victoria residents value and CUPE 50 members are proud to provide. Changes in service will begin in January 2013. SPRING 2012

CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n

VOICES “We cannot continue to divide the pie the way it is. Children are not being served well that way. We need a bigger pie.” CUPE 1091 president Colin Pawson, noting that Delta school district will be in the red once again based on enrollment predictions. The Delta Optimist, Friday, March 16, 2012.

“A lot of them have second jobs to try to make ends meet. Every hour counts toward supporting your family.” CUPE 606 president Ron Farino comments on how an extra week of spring break would hurt his local’s members, who are paid by the hour and are among the lowest paid employees in the school district. Nanaimo News Bulletin, Saturday, March 10, 2012.

“It will be with a very heavy heart that I, as a member of CUPE, go to work instead of standing with them and in support of them.” CUPE 4991 member Gale Ware, in a letter to the editor, blames the picketless teachers strike on the provincial government’s Bill 22. Prince George Citizen, Thursday, March 8, 2012.

“We support teachers in the classroom and out of the classroom….It’s about so much more than the money: class size and the amount of people with disabilities in the classroom.” CUPE 5523 member and teacher aide Edith Gesch expresses total support for teachers during the province wide strike. Vernon Daily Courier, Wednesday, March 7, 2012.

“This is the best possible solution, since it has the potential to repair the relationship between the city and its staff while seeking a compromise that will not alienate half the population.” CUPE 50 president John Burrows, on Victoria city council’s decision to keep backyard garbage pickup. Victoria News, Friday, February 17, 2012.

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www.cupe.bc.ca + News + Commentary + Members’ voices

THE PU B L IC EM PLOYEE

NDP’S NEXT CHAPTER On March 24, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill joined CUPE National secretary-treasurer Charles Fleury (far left) and president Paul Moist in throwing the union’s support behind eventual winner Thomas Mulcair at the federal NDP leadership convention in Toronto.

United front for bargaining R I C HM OND | CUPE’s first B.C. bargaining strategies confer-

ence in three years (January 31- February 3) saw 240 delegates adopt a plan to work more closely across CUPE sectors and in a united, common front across the entire public sector for 2012 bargaining. The conference, themed “Bridging our Sectors to Strengthen Free Collective Bargaining in B.C.,” opened with speeches by Barry O’Neill and Paul Moist emphasizing the importance of CUPE members’ work in their communities, and a panel discussion that explored ways to confront the BC Liberals’ “zero mandate.” The panel featured B.C. regional director Robin Jones and Quebec researcher Ronald Boisrond, HEU secretary-business manager Bonnie Pearson and BCGEU director of negotiations and human resources David Vipond. Workshops on various bargaining issues, and separate sessions for provincial and locally-funded sectors, helped delegates to develop recommendations and strategies.

“THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOOK” Local radio and television personality Vicki Gabereau will open the CUPE BC Library Workers conference, to be held June 21-23 in Vancouver. At “Re-inventing Libraries: Thinking Outside the Book,” CUPE library workers from public, K-12 and post secondary libraries will meet to share experiences and Gabereau ideas. Featured workshops are Violence and Bullying, Ergonomics, Knowing and Advocating for Your Rights, Assertiveness Training and Conflict Resolution, and Effects and Impacts of the Economy on Libraries.

CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n members on the front line NEW REGULATIONS COULD THREATEN LOCAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS CUPE members could be facing significant changes to recycling programs in B.C. In 2011, provincial recycling regulations were amended so that ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ (EPR) will now apply to packaging and printed paper. EPR is based on the concept that companies producing products should be responsible for helping to keep these products out of the waste stream. Through this regulation, the provincial government has now placed the responsibility of managing the disposal or recycling of all packaging and paper or printed products in producers’ hands. To date this responsibility has, for the most part, been that of local governments. Unless this regulation is amended, producers will be the ones deciding whether or not municipalities will collect printed paper and packaging. EPR threatens the autonomy of local governments, and threatens to eliminate successful recycling and disposal programs in which municipalities have invested time, money and resources.

SHOWING THEIR LOVE Thanks to the efforts of CUPE locals 399 and 1048, more Prince George residents are prepared to defend their public services.

PUBLIC SERVICES

Northerners ‘keeping it local’ P R I N C E G E O R G E | More than 100

residents came out to support public services at the March 7 “Keep it Local, Keep it Public” event at the College of New Caledonia. The event kicked off the “I y PG” campaign, which CUPE 399 and 1048 have undertaken to protect public services in Prince George. It featured a screening of “Water Makes Money,” which explores the disastrous result of privatizing public services in Europe. The film was followed by a panel discussion and questions. CUPE 399 president Gary Campbell

said that the City eliminated 28 jobs in January and that a core services review will take place in Prince George this spring. He and CUPE 1048 president Janet Bigelow warned attendees that the privatization road is fraught with risks. Joining the two CUPE locals to host the event were the Stand Up for the North Committee, the Faculty Association of CNC, and the North Labour Law Corporation. Bobby (Sarbjit) Deepak was the evening’s host. MO R E O NL I NE

www.facebook.com/iheartpg2012

Big boost for apprenticeship training CUPE BC welcomed a new entity last year with the establishment of a skilled trades working group. This much-needed development recognized that skilled trades workers are prevalent in all sectors of CUPE but had no vehicle through which to address their concerns. “Under the BC Liberals, regulatory changes to the apprenticeship training program have decimated the skilled trades,” says working group chairperson Ian Norton. “For the past eight years

FIXING THE SYSTEM CUPE BC’s new skilled trades working group wants to bring back the Red Seal program.

or so, the Industry Training Authority has been totally controlled by employer interest, and the quality of training has declined dramatically.” The working group wants to see standards raised. They also want the government to make apprenticeship training a higher priority. To make this happen, Norton says, the group will work within CUPE and with other public and private sector unions to lobby all levels of government. SPRING 2012

CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n CSS bargaining drags on After 26 months of bargaining for the 2010 contract, and a very brief hiatus, the Community Social Services Sector commenced bargaining for the 2012 contract in early March. As well as once again imposing the government’s “cooperative gains” mandate of mining our collective agreements and/or services, the Employers this time have tabled a full package of concessions that would strip the contract of all gains made in the last round and provide substantial improvements to management rights. Talks have been very slow and dates have been booked through the end of June. “This sector is severely underfunded and already so lean,” said CUPE’s CSS coordinator Cheryl Colborne, “that even if there was some way of finding efficiencies, we are not interested in paying for our own improvements.”

END OF AN ERA Pathways Information Centre’s Tony St.-Pierre, with two Pathways members, celebrated nine years of service to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside on March 30, the day the centre closed its doors.

THE POWER OF PROTEST Nicaraguan women demanded—and then won—approval of the law prohibiting violence against women. CUPE BC’s local partner was a key player in the effort.

Local partner wins big in Nicaragua MEC helped draft new law that makes violence against women illegal MANAGUA | The Maria Elena Cuadra

Movement of Employed and Unemployed Women (MEC), a project partner of CUPE BC and CoDevelopment Canada, shared a significant victory with the wider women’s movement in Nicaragua in January when the National Assembly voted to bring into legislation a law prohibiting violence against women. For the first time in Nicaraguan history, a law spells out and condemns all forms of violence against women, including the crime of femicide. MEC director Sandra Ramos said that the law is dedicated to the 800 women who

have been murdered in the last ten years in Nicaragua. MEC’s legal reform efforts on behalf of women began in the mid-1990s. Changes achieved in the past include revisions to the Labour code to include clauses specific to the maquila factories, and a law guaranteeing equal opportunities for women. None of these changes have come easily, but MEC has persisted and gained important public support for their campaigns and advocacy along the way. For the recent campaign, Nicaraguan women presented a petition to legislators with 12,000 signatures from throughout the country. They organized forums, marches and meetings and, in late January, rallied for three days outside the National Assembly to keep the pressure on.

CONVENTION IN VICTORIA CUPE BC’s 49th annual convention (April 25-28) will be held in the provincial capital this year. Themed “Working to Make Communities Work,” the convention will feature a special public observance of the Day of Mourning, which this year falls on the final day of proceedings. 6

THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE

HERE’S TO SAFER WORKPLACES CUPE BC’s Pink Triangle working group has produced a new leaflet that offers information on human and workplace rights for CUPE members who belong to sexual minorities. To download it, go to the working group’s page under the Committee Against Racism and Discrimination section of the CUPE BC website.

CUPE CUP E

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How we supported B.C. teachers On March 6, the second day of a massive job action by the BC Teachers’ Federation, CUPE members throughout the province held rallies to support B.C. teachers in their fight to defend free collective bargaining rights. TOO MUCH AT STAKE (TOP LEFT) In his address to the crowd in Victoria, Barry O’Neill described Bill 22 not only as bad legislation for teachers but as a threat to free collective bargaining rights for all public sector workers in B.C.

SUPPORT FROM THE NORTH (TOP RIGHT) Members from CUPE 2145 and 1570 get ready for their protest against Bill 22 beside Highway 16 in Smithers.

SOLIDARITY ON THE ISLAND (ABOVE, L & R) In the Comox Valley, members from CUPE Locals 439, 556 and 3479 joined more than 500 people in Courtenay to stand in solidarity with the BCTF. Meanwhile, Michelle Waite, president of CUPE 3479 at North Island College, greets the snowman representing the “Abominable” Bill 22.

UNITED IN THE KOOTENAYS (LEFT AND RIGHT) CUPE flags were flying in Nelson,

while members from CUPE locals 1285, 2087, and 4775 helped organize the Kill Bill 22 rally in Trail.

OKANAGAN STRENGTH (L, BELOW R) CUPE members in Kelowna joined with teachers to take over the Dayton Street Overpass, while in Salmon Arm our members organized a rally outside of Education Minister George Abbott’s constituency office.

SPRING 2012

linking labour robin jones

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“The days of acquiescing to government buzz-word slogans to rationalize the elimination of collective bargaining are over.”

Workers mandate trumps ‘zero mandate’ in 2012 Judging from discussions with and feedback from many of the 240 delegates to CUPE’s B.C. regional bargaining strategies conference in late January and early February, the conference was a huge success. Sixteen staff conducted nine workshops – which ran the gamut from Labour History, Communications, and Strike Preparation to Economics and Building Solidarity with Other Unions. National president Moist, the keynote speaker, emphasized the urgency of reclaiming free collective bargaining not only in B.C. but in many jurisdictions nationally. B.C. division president O’Neill stressed the importance of solidarity with sister unions as a way of ensuring maximum pressure on the Clark government to restore levels of funding and service in all B.C. sectors. The conference gave delegates and staff alike a lot to think about for the months ahead. In many cases, CUPE members provide public services to the most vulnerable in society. With funding cuts impacting the most needy in B.C., the ‘zero mandate, ‘net zero mandate’ and ‘cooperative gains’ dictates of the provincial government have prevented us from effectively lobbying for service levels’ restoration or improvements. Such a policy approach also removes our ability to freely negotiate collective agreements that ensure our members can maintain a decent standard of living. This is particularly true for community social services workers. CUPE members in this sector toil under some of the worst working conditions and lowest wages. Thus the right to free collective bargaining must be restored, and we are committed to ensuring that this happens in negotiations for 2012 and beyond. Under the leadership of CUPE BC, we have forged alliances with sister unions in a way that we have not done before. The BCGEU, HEU, CAW and others have agreed that settlements in 2012 must include new money. The days of mining our collective agreements, of acquiescing to government buzz-word slogans to rationalize the elimination 8

THE PU B L IC EM PLOYEE

COMMON FRONT At the January 31 opening of CUPE’s B.C. regional bargaining strategies conference, a panel discussion explored ways to confront the “net zero” wage mandate of the BC Liberals. Joining Robin Jones (second right) on the panel were, from left, CUPE Quebec Researcher Ronald Boisron, HEU secretary-business manager Bonnie Pearson, and BCGEU director of negotiations and human resources David Vipond.

of collective bargaining and its replacement with imposed mandates, are over. Our leadership, with the leadership of BC Fed affiliates, will be delivering a clear message to the Clark government that new money is required to ensure that services are provided efficiently and that CUPE members can maintain a standard of living that keeps up with the cost of living. So, no more zeros. No more “mandates.” No more service cutbacks. From time to time, CUPE meets with the leadership of many of our sister unions to communicate the status of each other’s bargaining tables. Those meetings will become more frequent, as the Clark government has once again predetermined the outcome of bargaining and created new slogans that translate into zero improvements in service and wages. We have all committed to take the steps necessary, in a united stand, to ensure new real money in 2012 and beyond. We in CUPE are up to the challenge, and we are working to instill a sense of solidarity between sectors and locals. This fight can be won. Robin Jones is director for CUPE’s British Columbia region.

www.cupe.bc.ca + News + Commentary + Leaders’ voices MO R E O NL I NE

CUPE CUP E focus human rights

TAINTED GOLD Activists are crying foul on Canadian mining firms guilty of human rights abuses Steve Stewart has a story he likes to tell audiences at the start of his public presentation on Canadian mining operations in Latin America. “Twenty years ago, if you said you were Canadian, the response would be ‘Canada – mucho frio, no?’ Or something about the Mounties, or the Canadian blue berets (peacekeepers),” says Stewart, CoDevelopment Canada’s program director and a CUPE 1004 member. “Today, whether I’m in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, or Central America, one of the first things said when people hear I’m from Canada is: ‘Ah, one of your mining companies is destroying our rivers.’ Or lakes. Or a mountain.” Canadian mining companies are operating with impunity in the Global South, thanks to a federal Conservative government eager to maximize corporate profits. And Vancouverbased Goldcorp is one the most prominent offenders, says Stewart. In 2005, several Mayan protesters were shot after the Canadian embassy pressured the Guatemalan government to send in security forces to bust up a demonstration that was blocking the delivery of mining machinery to Goldcorp’s Marlin mine. Throughout the region, Goldcorp and other companies have forced indigenous people off their traditional lands. There have also been reports of rape and burnings of whole villages where Canadian corporations have hired private security firms. “Mining has become a big issue. It’s becoming bigger, and our government and corporations are becoming some of the most significant and influential players,” says CUPE 410 member Sharlene Patterson, who works at Greater Victoria Public Library.

WHAT YOU CAN DO Form a committee to find out where your pension funds are invested. Many CUPE members’ pension funds are managed by the BC Investment Management Corporation (BC Municipal Pension Plan). Ask your pension trustees if the fund has social filters that restrict investments in companies that are human rights violators. Contact your MP and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (csr@ cppib.ca) to express concern about the

OUR PRIVILEGE, THEIR PAIN CUPE 410 member Sharlene Patterson says that union members can put pressure on mining companies guilty of human rights abuses by calling for disinvestment of pension funds in unethical mining operations.

Patterson, chair of the Vancouver Island District Council international solidarity committee and a member of CUPE BC’s IS committee, notes that Canadian Pension Plan investments inject vast amounts of capital in Canadian mining outfits operating abroad. According to CPP Investment Board figures for 2011, at least $2.36 billion of the $8.76 billion total in publiclytraded equity holdings was invested in Canadian mining companies – $219 million of that in Barrick Gold Corp alone. “We need to start holding corporations and the Canadian government accountable,” says Patterson. “One way to make that happen is to educate people on where their pension funds are invested.” Meanwhile, CUPE BC’s IS committee has written a convention resolution to support NDP MP Peter Julian’s private member’s bill. Bill C-323 would permit non-citizens to challenge any body, including a Canadian company, in our courts. “So Canadian companies,” explains Patterson, “would be held accountable in Canadian courts, for example, on charges of rape or even murder that don’t make it through the court system in the country where the crime was committed.”

CPP investments in human rights violations in Latin America. Demand that the CPPIB also have union and human rights representatives, not just the CEOs of the companies invested in. Support the Mining Justice Alliance’s campaign for Northwest Ethical Funds to divest from Goldcorp. If you are a credit union member, contact the credit union’s board of directors to express your concern that Ethical Funds (owned by the Credit Union Federations of Canada) would block a shareholders’ resolution calling on Goldcorp to comply with the Inter-

American Human Rights Commissions’ ruling that it suspend the operations of its controversial goldmine in San Marcos, Guatemala. Participate in “Mining Justice Week,” which takes place each May and seeks to raise awareness of the impact of Vancouver mining companies around the world. More online: Miningwatch.ca, Rightsaction.org, Goldcorpoutofguatemala. com, and miningjusticealliance.wordpress.com SPRING 2012

WORKING TO MAKE COMMUNITIES WORK How we’re making a difference on the job CUPE 626 member and former parks worker Ron Gibson shared a special bond with a special swan. Gibson and “Duchess” met 15 years ago and became lifelong friends. Sadly, Duchess passed away at the end of February. Gibson, now a building maintenance supervisor for the City of Vernon, says that Duchess was an important part of the community and that her spirit will be missed by everyone. Gibson says his special bond with Duchess began from his first day on the job at Polson Park.

VER NON |

SPECIAL BOND CUPE 626’s Ron Gibson looked after “Duchess” for 15 years.

10 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE

“Duchess was a part of the team,” he recalls fondly. “She enjoyed coffee break with the crew every morning.” The City of Vernon has dedicated a page on its website to Duchess, and CUPE 626 president Ken Juniper says the local is committed to making sure that the special swan is not forgotten. Members plan on donating their time and skills to a memorial project. This touching story is just one example of how CUPE members love the work we do and see the public services we provide as a vital part of community building. Look anywhere around the province, and you’ll find CUPE members whose pride in their work goes hand in hand with their pride in community.

Connecting our communities CUPE library workers are always on the lookout for innovative new programs to connect with their communities. CUPE 410 member Tracy Kendrick, the coordinator for children and teen services at the Greater Victoria Public Library, says that there is something for everyone. One program called “Tech Buddies” partners teen volunteers and older adults in a safe learning environment. The teens help their senior partners learn how to use the Internet, e-mail, social media sites and smart phones. Another program, “Reading Buddies”, pairs teens with students in grades one through four to offer extra reading and writing support to little buddies and volunteer experience for the teens. The program is currently offered in both

ON THE COVER CUPE 50 member Sam Jahnke, a lifeguard at Victoria’s Crystal Pool, watches over a public swim session on March 1.

French and English. Libraries in Victoria also send library workers on early literacy outreach into their community to share stories and songs at places like neighbourhood houses, schools, food banks or immigration centres. “A huge part of what library workers do is help people to love learning, and to accomplish that it’s important that we keep it fun,” says Kendrick. “We’re focused on being involved in our community and being accessible to everyone, and these programs are the perfect way to do that.”

Helping those most in need Among the least understood CUPE job classifications, at least among the general public, are those that involve crisis intervention. CUPE’s community social services workers, despite earning the lowest wages in the public sector, proudly serve their communities by helping some of society’s most disadvantaged citizens at their most vulnerable. As a certified information and referral specialist for various provincial help lines, CUPE 1936 member Sheryl Burns has become a sounding board for a growing number of people who have fallen through society’s cracks, thanks to a 10-year legacy of BC Liberal funding cuts. Typical callers tell Burns they can’t get into detox because of a severe shortage of services, are caring for elderly or

IN GOOD HANDS CUPE 459’s Leana Zado, Robert Currie and Hugh Parsons make sure that Sooke School District kids get to and from their schools safely.

ailing parents without support, are contemplating suicide, or are fleeing an abusive partner. Burns, and CUPE members like her, listen with empathy and provide Burns support. One woman Burns spoke with on the VictimLink line had fled her abusive relationship the previous year but had been forced to relocate several times because her ex was stalking and beating her again. “She was afraid to go to the police, because this would make him angrier and she thought he might kill her,” says Burns. “So I referred her to an organization that provides counseling for abused women as well as an agency that provides safety planning and protection for at risk women.”

Teaching our youngest community members As the benefits of early learning become more apparent, more and more youngsters are getting a head start in our communities through quality early childhood education programs. At the forefront of those programs is CUPE, which is quickly becoming the union of choice for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). Last March CUPE 727, representing workers in Port Alberni and other Vancouver Island schools, welcomed

StrongStart workers as new members. And this March, it was CUPE 402 in Surrey that proudly welcomed more than one hundred ECEs to their membership. The new Local 402 members work with preschool-aged children in community centres, schools, and other worksites throughout Surrey. They have considerable experience in the early child development and learning field. CUPE is a big supporter of expanding early care and learning opportunities as part of public schools, community centres and the public education system. Affordable and accessible early education and care opportunities provide children with a valuable head start, and help connect parents and the entire family to their broader community. At a CUPE 402 general membership meeting in early spring, president Laurie Larsen welcomed the new members and acknowledged their considerable contribution to building strong communities. About the ECEs decision to join CUPE, Larsen says, “these workers realized the value and advantages of being represented by a union. CUPE not only provides members with a great deal of support but also has extensive resources and offers many education opportunities.” CUPE 402 currently represents over 2,500 full-time and part-time employees in the City of Surrey, White Rock, and Cloverdale.

SPRING 2012

CUPE CUP E communities LEADING IN THE VALLEY

Redlin calls it a day CUPE in British Columbia lost a significant asset with the retirement in February of long-time Research representative, policy analyst and political activist Blair Redlin. After joining CUPE staff in the late 1980s, Blair worked for successive NDP administrations from 1994-2001 as deputy minister of Transportation and Highways, president of the B.C. Transportation Financing Authority, acting deputy minister of Employment and Investment, and president of the Transportation Association of Canada. He returned to CUPE staff in 2001. Whether it was the impact of trade agreements, privatization and P3s on the municipal and transportation sectors, or the fight for public water and energy that transcends sectoral interests, Blair had his finger on the pulse when it came to matters of public policy that have an impact on CUPE members’ lives. We wish him a happy retirement.

Newly elected Chilliwack Board of Education chairperson Louise Piper is congratulated by CUPE BC’s Barry O’Neill and Mark Hancock at the union’s reception for the BCSTA. Piper, now a two-term trustee, leads a district with 14,000 students that are served by 1,800 teachers and school support workers.

BURNS LAKE

CUPE BC donates $10,000 to relief BUR NS L AKE | When tragedy strikes a

smaller, isolated community – as it did in northern B.C. earlier this year – the entire CUPE family steps forward to help out. On January 20, the Babine mill – Burns Lake’s biggest employer – burned to the ground after a massive explosion destroyed the main building. Two workers were killed in the disaster, another 19 were injured, and hundreds more were left without work. CUPE BC’s executive board voted to donate $10,000 to the emergency relief fund set up by the United Steelworkers of America, which represents the workers at the mill. In addition, CUPE 4177 (Burns Lake) donated $500 to each of

the families of the workers who were killed in the explosion to offset the costs of the funeral services. The USW fund assists workers who were injured in the explosion and ensures that resources are dedicated to the deceased members’ children’s education. The fund will also help community members who have become unemployed as a result of the disaster and help fund projects that provide immediate to long term employment in the community. CUPE locals throughout B.C. dug deep into their pockets to help out. In mid-March, CUPE 403 (Township of Langley municipal workers) donated $5,000 to the USW fund.

Hewitt named assistant regional director

TIME’S UP Blair Redlin receives best wishes from CUPE National president Paul Moist before his final assignment on CUPE staff — hosting the opening night panel for the bargaining conference on January 31.

THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE

Rob Hewitt is CUPE’s new assistant regional director for B.C., replacing Anne Coupland who retired in February. Hewitt, a long-time servicing rep, came to staff as a member of CUPE 7000. While at Skytrain, he served his local as unit rep, chief shop steward, WCB appeals officer and president. He also sat on the bargaining committee. After being hired as a temporary rep in the fall of 2000, Hewitt spent three years

at BCRO working on WCB, organizing and other assignments before moving to the Fraser Valley office for two years. In 2005, he got his first regular assignment in Terrace before moving a year later to Kelowna, where he worked until being named ARD. With experience in nearly every sector in CUPE, Hewitt, 48, hopes to play a more active role in CUPE’s direction and looks forward to working with regional director Robin Jones and admin support staff Barb Dafoe and Allison Hill.

CUPE CUP E communities members making a difference

TOWN WATCH PAYS OFF ON DAY OF LAUNCH GR AND F OR KS | Local RCMP cap-

tured a break-and-enter suspect early on March 29 after a call-in by two civic workers – the same day CUPE 4728 launched Town Watch with the RCMP and the City of Grand Forks.

GLOBAL GRASSROOTS CUPE BC general vice-president Cindy McQueen joins members of Public Services International from Nigeria and Tanzania at the World Water Forum on March 12.

CUPE BC attends World Water Forum McQueen joins union effort to fight privatized water M A R S E I L L E S | CUPE 389 president

and CUPE BC general vice-president Cindy McQueen was among the national union’s delegates to the World Water Forum and the Alternative World Water Forum in France (March 12-17). The CUPE delegates met with other public sector union delegates to plan strategy to promote public water and discredit the corporate Water Forum, which has become little more than a trade show for privatization and big

water corporations. They also attended side meetings with civil service organizations and the global justice movement, where representatives from governments were invited to hear CUPE’s call for a more democratic and legitimate water forum that should replace the World Water Forum and be under the auspices of the United Nations. “Forging alliances and working with activists from around the world, we can make a difference and build a much broader grassroots coalition,” said McQueen.

GREAT PUBLICITY Town Watch in Grand Forks got quick results on March 29.

“Talk about great publicity for the launch,” commented CUPE BC regional vice-president Ian Norton, referring to the early morning arrest. On the same day, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill helped launch Town Watch in Qualicum Beach. Town Watch and City Watch join the efforts of front line workers, local governments and police to help make communities safer and more secure.

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S DAY S U R R E Y | Women came together on March 8 for a special lunch sponsored by CUPE Metro Vancouver District Council to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). The beautifully decorated room was the perfect setting for women and children of all ages to come together and celebrate the many accomplishments of women. Cindy McQueen, Metro Vancouver District Council vice-president, welcomed all 50 women in attendance. Everyone was able to enjoy a wonderful lunch, enlight-

BREAD & ROSES There were many CUPE sisters at this year’s International Women’s Day event in Surrey.

ening speeches from MLA Sue Hammell and CUPE 402 president Laurie Larsen, great entertainment, and sisterhood.

DIVERSE CITY CUPE 15 member Pat Taylor and CUPE BC Diversity vice presidents for workers of colour Michele Alexander (alternate) and Dal Benning joined 300 activists on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive for the march against racism on March 18.

SPRING 2012

power in numbers mark hancock

‘‘

“This premier’s agenda is no different from Gordon Campbell’s slash-and-burn program with its cutbacks, rollbacks, and legislative attacks.”

Liberals are in free fall On March 14, Christy Clark and the BC Liberals celebrated her one year anniversary as Premier. The next day, she had to announce the resignation of Harry Bloy, her biggest Cabinet booster. The day after that, her brand new communications director became a YouTube sensation for unleashing a bizarre attack on the media as she tried to shield the Premier from facing questions. And ten days after that, Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen tore up his BC Liberal Party card and bolted to the B.C. Conservative Party. The Premier’s anniversary month from hell highlighted that this government is in crisis and crashing in the polls. With only one year to go until the next election, the BC Liberals’ record has finally caught up to them and British Columbians appear ready to return a progressive NDP government to power. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Christy Clark and the BC Liberals are taking a hard right turn in an attempt to fend off a challenge from the BC Conservative Party, led by John Cummins. Clark’s shift even further to the right confirms, once and for all, that this premier’s agenda is really no different from Gordon Campbell’s slash-and-burn program with its cutbacks, rollbacks, and legislative attacks. Just look at two recent hires Christy Clark made in her own office. Her new Communications director, Sara MacIntyre, worked for Stephen Harper and the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation. Her new Chief of Staff, Ken Boessenkool, is also a former Harper strategist. Then there is the BC Liberal budget tabled in February. It raises the cost of fees and services (MSP premiums, ICBC rates, and BC Hydro rates) while at the same time eliminating solid long-term revenue streams through priva-

CAMPAIGN READY In the next year, CUPE BC’s Strong Communities campaign will rely on members like CUPE 382’s Gilles LaRose, the Vancouver Island District Council’s Amber Leonard, and Diversity vice-president (workers of colour) Dal Benning, seen here with Mark Hancock, to help defeat the Christy Clark Liberals.

tization. In one of the latest examples, the government has announced plans to shift its liquor warehousing and distribution business to the private sector by 2015. Where’s the upside in all this? The Liberals are also forcing public sector workers to take pay cuts in real terms. In our post-secondary sector, so important for creating jobs and providing skills enhancement, the government announced a $40-million cut to colleges and universities. That will mean program cuts, increased tuition for students, and possible layoffs. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Multiculturalism – the aforementioned Harry Bloy – was busy leaking details of a media investigation into the conduct of private colleges to their corporate bosses. The move ultimately cost Harry Bloy his job, but it only goes to show how the BC Liberals put their corporate friends and insiders ahead of the public interest. Clearly, the BC Liberals are several years past their expiry date, and the Conservatives are obviously not an option for us. With only a year to go until the next provincial election, CUPE members need to keep up the fight to make sure we send the Liberals packing. Mark Hancock is secretary-treasurer of CUPE BC.

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EACH YEAR, APPROXIMATELY 1,000 CANADIAN WORKERS ARE KILLED ON THE JOB

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INFORMATION National Health and Safety Representative 604-291-1940 Miners once took a canary with them into the mines to warn against unsafe conditions. If the canary collapsed, it was sign to get out of the mine … and fast. Today, CUPE members everywhere act as frontline protection for their fellow citizens.

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