Public Employee Fall 2018

COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENTS | CIVIC WORKERS CAMPAIGN | FIGHTING CANCER

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE FALL 2018

ANSWERING THE CALL

2

LEADING US

PAUL FAORO, PRESIDENT

A model for fairness WHY I’M VOTING ‘YES’ FOR PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION Sometimes it seems like there’s an election on the horizon every time I sit down to write my column for Public Employee, and this issue is no exception. Not only do we have local elections in every community in the province within days of this magazine arriving in the mail, but right after Election Day, the voting period begins for the provincial referendum on proportional representation.

CUPE BC will be campaigning hard in the municipal elections, working with our locals and community allies to elect as many progressive candidates as possible.

Paul Faoro See the cover story on pages 9-11 for more details on those efforts. In this column, I want to focus on why I’m personally supporting a “Yes” vote in the P.R. referendum.

For me, it’s primarily about fairness. Under the current “first past the post” system, a political party has often won a massive majority government with less than 50 per cent of the vote, leaving many voters feeling that their votes didn’t count. Under proportional representation, every vote truly counts, and it will result in a Legislature that better reflects the population and political will of the electorate.

SAY GOODBYE TO “FIRST PAST THE POST”

A NEW WAY OF VOTING ONE THAT WORKS FOR WORKING PEOPLE

Countering the Doug Ford Effect Too often we see elections result in outcomes like we saw in Ontario earlier this year. Today, Premier Doug Ford holds 100 per cent of the power in that province despite winning just 40 per cent of the votes. We’re reminded almost hourly that our neighbours to the south are governed by one of the most extreme and unpredictable politicians in history — and Donald Trump, too, was elected by first past the post.

Opponents of proportional representation claim that we’re more likely to end up with minority governments as a result. But is that such a bad thing? Look at the work Premier Doug Ford the BC NDP government has done with the support of the Green Party holds 100 per cent of caucus. I’m happy to see the results the power in Ontario of Premier John Horgan’s agreement despite winning just with the Greens.

40 per cent of the votes.

After 16 years of BC Liberal attacks on workers’ rights, we’re seeing balance restored to the Labour Relations Board, making it less difficult for workers to organize. We’re seeing greater, more sustainable investments in K–12 education and health care. We’re finally seeing the development of a poverty reduction plan, after years of B.C. being the only province in Canada without one.

And we’ve finally got a ban on big money in our elections after a BC Liberal legacy of delivering for their wealthy donors at the expense of the rest of us.

This fall, vote for proportional representation ­— and get what you voted for!

Change for the better I know that for some, change can be intimidating — especially to a system that’s so fundamental to how our governments are formed. That’s why I’m glad that if the referendum is successful, after two elections under proportional representation there will be a second referendum to give voters an opportunity for reconsideration. While I’m confident that proportional representation will be good for B.C., it’s important to have a way to revisit this issue in the unlikely event that it’s not.

Fairness, a rural-urban balance, and an opportunity to reconsider the decision if it doesn’t work out — I believe the choice couldn’t be more clear. That’s why I’ll be voting an enthusiastic “Yes” in the referendum. I hope you’ll join me. For more information, read the main feature in this issue, and check out voteprbc.ca.

I’m thrilled to report that the latest CUPE membership numbers have just been released by National, showing CUPE BC with more than 92,000 members—by far the largest union in B.C. Let’s keep growing and making our union even stronger!

FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER @paulfaoro

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

CUPE ACT ION

3

DAVIES JOINS PROGRESSIVE SWEEP OF PBC BOARD POSITIONS BURNABY | Pacific Blue Cross plan members made a loud statement at the benefit provider’s Annual General Meeting on July 24, electing all five CUPE-endorsed candidates for the board in a repeat of last December’s AGM vote that followed a prolonged labour dispute.

CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies was one of the five elected, following a CUPE 1816 campaign to build a progressive, accountable board that acts in the interest of plan members and respects its own workers.

Davies was elected in the organizational category. In the individual category, USW 1-417 President Marty Gibbons and former Vancouver & District Labour Council President Joey Hartman were elected. Two current board members getting the nod from the Local were Mary LaPlante, former financial secretary of HEU, in the individual category, and Richard Taylor in the organizational category. The two health care professional category candidates were acclaimed.

NEW TO THE FAMILY CUPE 374 President Shireen Clark (second right) and CUPE National Rep. Bill Pegler welcome new CUPE 374 members (l-r) Isabelle Dehler-Hyde and Thea McDonagh from the Together Against Poverty Society.

Chalking up the organizing wins BURNABY | CUPE’s organizing department continues to win for workers, having brought more than 500 members into the union this summer.

CUPE 626, representing civic employees, welcomed 15 Vernon jail guards into their local. The workers provide important services to the RCMP detachment including fingerprinting and logging in prisoners, as well as feeding and checking prisoners on a regular basis.

In July, CUPE 2365 welcomed nine workers at the Lax Kw’alaams Recreation Centre. They join other CUPE members who provide municipal services for the Lax Kw’alaams Band Council.

CUPE 374 welcomed the 11 employees at TAPS (Together Against Poverty Society), a progressive, labour-supported non-profit in Victoria that provides free legal advocacy for people with income assistance, disability benefits, and assistance on employment standards and tenancy issues. CUPE is pleased to welcome these members whose work contributes to social justice by helping more than 5,000 people in Victoria each year.

This summer, 500 flight attendants became members of CUPE in B.C. through CUPE National’s successful organizing drive at WestJet. They join more than 11,500 CUPE flight attendants nationwide who keep travellers safe in the sky.

Videos highlight CUPE members in Community Health

Take the governance survey

The more than 1,300 CUPE members who work in B.C.’s community health sector play an important role in health care service delivery, adding value to their communities while facing workload and other significant challenges on a daily basis.

“Building Caring Communities” and “Meeting the Challenges” are videos that feature CUPE members from the Community Bargaining Association and Health Sciences Professionals Bargaining Association talking about their work in community-based public health care, some of the challenges they face, and the advantages of being represented by CUPE. The videos can be viewed at the revamped website for B.C.’s CUPE Community Health workers: bcchs.cupe.ca

At CUPE’s 2017 National Convention, delegates adopted a resolution to create a task force to “conduct a comprehensive review of the governance and structure of our National Union.”

The task force, confirmed in March this year, is seeking thoughts and ideas from CUPE members, locals and other chartered bodies on how the union can improve its governance.

To participate, visit surveys.cupe.ca where you can download a discussion guide and a survey. We hope you can make time to discuss this at your local meetings and complete the survey by November 15.

4

CUPE ACT ION

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

Community outreach helps land new deal HARRISON HOT SPRINGS | CUPE 458 members took strike action this summer after rejecting an employer offer that would have expanded weekend scheduling, eventually reaching a deal without a prolonged work stoppage.

Using a mix of pickets and community relations, the Local balanced the need to minimize certain impacts to the community with a goal of demonstrating the resolve of workers to secure a fair deal.

During the strike the Local held its own community event where members gave out ice cream and information, using the opportunity to speak with village residents about their desire to resolve the dispute.

After five days on the line, and with some strategic community relations, workers were able to secure a MAKING CONTACT CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies, left, and new agreement.

National Representative Rob Limongelli, centre, join Local 458 members as they prepare to leaflet the community in advance of job action.

VOICES

CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA

“I wasn’t really thinking about the money part of it. It’s really what it means to be tied into Bev.” — Vida Herbison, this year’s winner of the $2,000 Bev LaPointe Scholarship for Women in Trades, describes the honour of being associated with the late CUPE 339 president and CUPE BC general vice-president, whose human rights complaint in the mid1990s established a new sexual harassment policy that banned pornography from the workplace. Nelson Star, August 1, 2018.

“Good public policy is based on evidence-based decisions rather than emotions. The Clinical Response Model is an evidence-based approach and is subject to ongoing medical review to ensure it remains to be the best practice.”

— CUPE 873 President Cameron Eby, in a letter to the editor, applauds the provincial government and BC Emergency Health Services for adding more paramedics, more dispatchers and more ambulances to the system. Delta Optimist, August 30, 2018.

“Their real mandate is to bring recognition, inclusion and acceptance for all students and employees at North Island College.”

— Port Alberni campus Aboriginal Advisor Luke George describes CUPE 3479’s Pink Triangle Committee’s role in securing Pride flag raising ceremonies at NIC’s Comox Valley campus and in Campbell River for the first time. Alberni Valley News, July 26, 2018.

“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than with a fun community-centred event at a popular public recreation facility.”

“I’m waiting for some transparency on this. I was expecting to know why it wasn’t a conflict of interest.”

— CUPE 50 President John Burrows, on his local’s decision to mark its 100th anniversary by treating Victoria residents to a free swim and barbeque at Crystal Pool and Central Park. Victoria Times-Colonist, July 29, 2018.

— CUPE 561 President Dave Ginter, on a February 26 to March 9 trip to China for school trustees, which cost $54,600 and was paid for by a grant from the China Confucius Institute, which is affiliated with the Chinese education ministry. Tri-City News, June 15, 2018.

“The important thing is that they were able to compromise with us, they heard what we were saying and…we understood and heard what they were saying.”

“Hopefully the province will look into that because ... it does cause a lot of issues at the school level.”

— CUPE 458 Acting President Darlene Worthylake, on how the union reached an agreement with the Village of Harrison after a week-long strike. Agassiz Observer, July 16, 2018.

— CUPE 801 President Janice Budgell notes that while a budget surplus may be good for School District 46’s bottom line, EAs and custodians are not being replaced. Coast Reporter, June 22, 2018.

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE BARGAINING UPDATE

New deals for two sectors This year’s round of bargaining, which began in late spring, has seen agreements now ratified for Community Social Services and Community Health and a tentative framework agreement in K–12 that locals will table with their proposals in bargaining.

In Community Social Services, CUPE members in General Services and Community Living ratified new, three-year agreements that provide significant compensation increases and low-wage redress for all members while meeting the government mandate of improving the services British Columbians count on.

In Community Health, CUPE members in the Community Bargaining Association ratified a new three-year deal that includes a general wage increase, funding to redress low wages, improved employment security and additional funding for the Enhanced Disability Management Program.

Negotiations for the Health Sciences Professionals Bargaining Association began on September 10.

The K–12 bargaining committee reached a tentative framework agreement with BC Public School Employers’ Association in mid July. The agreement — effective from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022 — includes benefit increases and language that helps address workplace issues.

CUPE ACT ION

Metro locals launch campaign After months of planning, CUPE’s metro municipal campaign kicked off with launch events across the region in August and September. The campaign, which highlights the important work that CUPE municipal and library workers do to support the community, aims to educate the public about the whole team of CUPE workers

behind the services that people count on every day.

The campaign message is straightforward: CUPE municipal and library workers make our public services better, and better services means better communities.

Through the fall and winter, this message will be carried to the public in newspaper, billboard and transit advertising running in communities from Pemberton to Hope.

To support member and CUPE MUNICIPAL WORKERS: community engagement, the campaign also features a BETTER SERVICES. series of events that enable BETTER COMMUNITIES. locals to better involve their membership in the campaign’s objectives. Community events were held between August 28 and September 22, beginning with a pancake breakfast in HIGH VISIBILITY CUPE 402-02’s Denise Pemberton and community barbecues in Parks is featured in a campaign post card.

Whistler and Squamish.

B.C. paramedics win gold in international competition PRAGUE | CUPE 873 ambulance paramedics representing Team Canada BC won gold at this year’s Rallye Rejviz International Paramedic Competition, held in the Czech Republic.

For team members Alex Mattes, Ron Van Houten, Stu Myers and Gene Benoit, practice and hard work paid off as the quartet placed first in 11 challenging tests, well ahead of the second place finisher, on May 26.

ANIMATION HIGHLIGHTS CUPE MEMBERS IN SCHOOLS BURNABY | K–12 education support workers were featured on B.C. movie theatre screens at the end of June, in an animation promoting the important services they provide.

The 30-second ad features some of the many CUPE members that students encounter during the school day.

Highlighted members include an education assistant, custodian, clerical worker, trades person and bus driver — who, along with other education support workers, “make

great schools possible.”

The Cineplex ads will run again during winter break. See the animation at: bcschools.cupe.ca.

“This campaign will help build public understanding of the services our members provide and their importance to students in public education,” said K–12 Presidents’ Council President Warren Williams.

The campaign will also promote public understanding of issues that many CUPE members face at work.

FRIENDLY FACES The CUPE animation, screened at Cineplex theatres, features various K-12 support workers keeping our schools safe and clean.

5

6

CUPE FOCUS

COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENTS

An idea whose time has come CBAs RAISE THE BAR FOR WORKING BRITISH COLUMBIANS WHEN B.C. PREMIER JOHN HORGAN announced the new Community Benefits Agreements (CBA) framework for major infrastructure projects on July 16, the news was greeted with predictable fury by the BC NDP government’s traditional opponents on the anti-labour right.

Public opinion was another matter: according to a recent survey commissioned by the BC Building Trades, seven out of 10 British Columbians either “strongly” (26 per cent) or “moderately” (44 per cent) support the use of CBAs for publicly funded projects.

The reasons are not hard to find.

Redressing the imbalance B.C. is facing a major skilled trades shortage. CBAs that build in opportunities for hiring apprentices, women in trades, Indigenous workers, youth, and local residents will contribute to labour market stability and pave the way for a sustainable future, argues CUPE BC President Paul Faoro.

“The BC Liberals ignored certain sectors of our province for far too long,” says Faoro. “Thanks to the Horgan government, these groups will finally have opportunities to contribute to and invest in their communities while essentially building B.C. What’s great news for workers is great news for the province.”

CBA highlights include: • Maximizing apprenticeship opportunities on major public-infrastructure projects; • Priority hiring and training of Indigenous peoples, and women; • Hiring flexibility for contractors, who can request named hires; and • Wage alignment to prevailing industry rates, to promote good wages for all employees.

A model for fairness The commitment to developing clear and measurable strategies in partnership with Indigenous people to transition to work includes providing apprenticeships, skills training and employment opportunities on a priority basis. The same goes for women, who make up less than five per cent of the construction trades and are needed to address the growing workforce shortage.

The apprenticeship targets under CBAs will help B.C. acquire the skilled workforce our province needs to grow the economy. Time and time again, we’ve seen apprentices virtually shut out of public construction projects. Site C is an example. All that will change under CBAs. “When making large public investments in infrastructure projects, it makes sense to get the maximum possible benefits,” Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives public finance policy analyst Alex Hemingway wrote for the CCPA’s Policy Note website. “Since we know industry isn’t taking on enough apprentices, it makes sense to require more apprentices. Similarly, since we know the industry tends to be male-dominated, it makes sense to ensure that the funds are directed to ensuring equity hiring and training opportunities.”

Groundless fearmongering As the CBA framework itself reveals on closer scrutiny, the PHOTO LEE SIMMONS concerns of right-wing critics NEW OPPORTUNITIES like the Independent Contractors Until CBAs, apprentices and Businesses Association are were virtually shut out of unfounded. For one thing, any public construction projects. contractor in the construction industry — union or non-union — can bid on and perform CBA project work. The provision for union wages just means that workers must be paid fairly for their skills and be able to support their families. Every CBA also includes a no-strike, no-lockout clause — which means there can be no labour disruptions for the duration of any project.

“Employers who use low wages, and who don’t invest in training, use the Canadian Federation of Independant Business and Fraser Institute to attack policies they don’t like,” says CUPE BC SecretaryTreasurer Trevor Davies.

“But when you cut through all their rhetoric about CBAs, what you’re left with is a program that creates jobs in the community and new opportunities for trade apprentices to gain skills and experience.

The long term, generational benefit will be huge in B.C.”

COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENTS

CUPE FOCUS

GUEST COLUMN

Levell ing the working field COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENTS ARE GOOD NEWS FOR APPRENTICES, UNDERREPRESENTED WORKERS

By Tom Sigurdson MEET JASMINE, an apprentice welder.

In 2010, Jasmine graduated from Simon Fraser University with a bachelor of fine arts degree — and a pile of debt. Not long after graduating, she learned she was pregnant: she quickly realized that she would need to find work to Tom Sigurdson support not only herself but also a young son while paying off student loans.

When she couldn’t find work with her degree, she took a welding program offered by the United Association Piping Industry College of B.C. Jasmine’s timing was good: before she’d even completed her pre-apprenticeship she was hired to work on the Kitimat Modernization Project (KMP), a one-of-a-kind Project Labour Agreement with 16 labour unions that prioritized commitments to local and First Nations hiring.

“I can honestly say that this job changed my life,” recalls Jasmine.

“There is an immense amount of pride in being able to work and earn a decent living for your family, to support yourself and to build your community. KMP was a phenomenal opportunity for me, a single mom.”

A progressive model Eight years later, there’s a new construction framework in B.C. that will provide these same opportunities for families like Jasmine’s to thrive and prosper: Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs).

Announced by the B.C. government in July, CBAs ensure that public infrastructure projects like the Pattullo Bridge replacement and the widening of Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border include terms to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the trades — especially Indigenous workers and women, the latter of whom comprise less than five per cent of the construction workforce.

CBAs also prioritize apprenticeships, which is long overdue in B.C. We need only look at the Site C dam project, where less than two per cent of the 3,100 workers on site in June 2018 belonged to this category, to see that this province has a problem supporting apprentices.

In June, CUPE BC’s own Skilled Trades committee presented to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum in Montreal on apprenticeship rates in municipalities, universities, school districts and hospitals, known as the MUSH sector. Using BC Building Trades data collected from the Industry Training Authority, which showed that only 361 apprentices work in these areas combined, committee

PHOTO DWIGHT MAGEE

GOOD START Thanks to a union project aimed at First Nations hiring, Jasmine Wagner has a brighter future. With Community Benefits Agreements, recently announced by BC NDP government, stories like Jasmine’s will become the provincial model. members Randy Anderson-Fennell and Kirk Mercer made the case for greater lobbying on this issue. (see page 9)

Filling the gap Build Force Canada, which tracks labour market data, estimates a shortfall of close to 8,000 workers in construction and maintenance alone by 2027. Only through a laser-focused effort to ensure there are real opportunities for apprentices to learn their craft on public projects can we manage this trades Everyone agrees that we shortage. need more apprentices The CBA framework includes a on the job. But without goal of 25 per cent apprentices on public projects. This was also a framework to ensure a stated goal of the BC Liberal they actually get there, government back in 2015, but more talk is pointless. the Christy Clark regime did not come close to meeting it. Needless to say, everyone agrees that we need more apprentices on the job. But without a framework to ensure they actually get there, more talk is pointless. That’s why Community Benefits Agreements are so important.

We are not alone in this assessment. The BC Building Trades is part of the Community Benefits Coalition of BC, which is made up of labour unions, local companies and organizations who all believe in British Columbians getting the most value out of public infrastructure projects. Visit us online at letsbuildbc.ca and join our efforts to build a better B.C. for everyone.

TOM SIGURDSON is executive director of the BC Building Trades, representing the 40,000-member unionized construction sector in B.C.

7

8

LINKING LABOUR

MEENA BRISARD, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Raising the CUPE profile “STRONG COMMUNITIES” IS MORE THAN JUST A SLOGAN Back in 2002, CUPE BC launched its “Strong Communities” campaign as a direct response to attacks on workers and collective bargaining rights by Gordon Campbell’s BC Liberal government. At the time, this campaign may have seemed temporary — or relevant only to CUPE. But “Strong Communities” survives to this day as a fully-staffed working group Meena Brisard that’s active on several fronts beyond the collective bargaining mandate of our union.

CUPE has always engaged on issues in communities where our members live and work. Taking this one step further, “Strong Communities” put a spotlight on these aspects of our broad engagement in a new way: it reinforced and highlighted connections between how our members not only live and work in their communities but, when the shift is over, also shop, pay taxes, play sports, volunteer and interact with other local organizations.

Sixteen years later, “Strong Communities” continues to develop new ideas about how to better engage, interact with and support the community every day. And national staff are integral to these efforts.

Identifying issues, taking action Whether serving as the “extra set of eyes and ears” for community safety (City Watch), issuing report cards for local politicians (Council Watch), or participating in anti-privatization campaigns (Water Watch), CUPE members work with their locals, the B.C. division, and National staff to build stronger relationships and community connections and to emphasize the powerful impact that public services have on all of us who rely on them. Along with servicing reps and specialists, National resources include the

BIG PRESENCE The Wednesday night CUPE BC reception, held every year at the Union of BC Municipalities convention, is always well attended.

dedicated staff positions of Anti-Privatization Coordinator, Local Government Liaison, and Community Organizer, who are part of the “Strong Communities” team.

Late this summer, CUPE launched a major campaign in the municipal and library sectors for 22 locals in 18 communities stretching from Pemberton to Hope. While related to our bargaining efforts heading into the 2019-20 round, the campaign’s purpose is to highlight CUPE’s profile at the Our members and staff community level and educate take pride in the fact that the public about the work CUPE contributes to their our members do within those community, demonstrating communities.

On a smaller scale, we that we are part of do this all the time. When something larger than just people see the CUPE BC workplace labour relations. community events trailer at barbeques, music festivals and Pride parades — or at May Day, Canada Day and Labour Day celebrations — they can see that our union is part of their community and cares about it. Conversely, our members and staff take pride in the fact that CUPE contributes to their community, demonstrating that we are part of something larger than just workplace labour relations. This was nicely demonstrated in Port Moody on September 22: with their annual family “picnic in the park,” CUPE Locals 498, 561, 825, and 1936 gave back to their community with offerings of food, entertainment and games for all ages to enjoy.

That’s why it’s so important — as CUPE members, as trade unionists, and as public employees — that we connect broadly with our communities: engaging with and giving back to the community makes us all stronger.

NEWS BRIEFS CUPE 3338

SFU WORKERS’ PENSION SECURED

BACK IN HOUSE CUPE 2020 bus drivers in Haida Gwaii with some of the new school bus fleet are (l-r) Sandy Thomson, Ron Souza, CUPE 2020 President and parttime bus driver Ken Evans, and Jim Roberts. SD #50 brought student transportation back in-house in May. Thomson, Souza and Roberts used to drive for the private bus company but are now school district employees and new CUPE members.

BURNABY | CUPE 3338 members at Simon Fraser University, and other members of the Employees’ Joint Pension Committee (EJPC), will hold a ratification vote on proposed amendments to their pension plan this fall.

Changes to the plan will keep pensions secure so that all plan members receive the benefit they worked so hard to earn under the current plan.

RECONCILIATION VIDEO

CUPE 1978

SPEAKING UP, SPEAKING OUT

CRD WORKERS REACH NEW DEAL

In time for National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21, CUPE BC released a powerful, thought-provoking video, “Reconciliation: CUPE Members Speak”, in which delegates to the union’s April convention address different aspects of Reconciliation and what the concept means to them. The fiveminute video explores what people can do collectively and as individuals to foster equality and make Canada a more just society for Indigenous peoples.

Gender-neutral language: A question of respect Last year, a CUPE BC-produced video about pronoun use featuring human rights lawyer and CUPE member Adrienne Smith began a constructive dialogue about respect in our workplaces and in our union. An initiative of the Pink Triangle committee, the video (“Why Use Appropriate Pronouns for Transgender People?”) provoked some hateful, transphobic responses. But the generally positive reception reflected the reality that appropriate pronoun use has become common practice.

The website for QMunity — B.C.’s queer, trans and two-spirit resource centre, whose staff are members of CUPE Local 349517 — features a gender-neutral language sheet that illustrates how easy it is to use words like “friends,” “folks,” “everyone,” “you,” or “all”

rather than “ladies,” “gentlemen,” “girls,” or “guys” (visit qmunity.ca/resources/ gender-neutral-language-sheet/). And Trans Care BC, a division of the Provincial Health Services Authority, has produced a glossary of terms related to trans health and available services in B.C. that is gender-neutral and useful in workplace environments (visit phsa.ca/transcarebc/ trans-basics/glossary#undefined).

In some cases, addressing a group of union women as “Sisters” or men as “Brothers” can be gender-affirming. But since it’s not always possible to know an individual’s gender identity — nor that of everyone in a group — it’s important to be mindful and try to use language that is inclusive and affirmative.

VICTORIA | Members of CUPE Local 1978, representing municipal workers at the Capital Regional District on Vancouver Island, ratified a new collective agreement on August 22.

The four-year agreement includes annual wage increases and a provision for the parties to address regularization of auxiliary staff, a key point of the negotiations given the Capital Regional District’s approximately 375 auxiliary workers.

APPRENTICESHIPS

TRADES ACTIVISTS ADDRESS FORUM MONTREAL | Randy AndersonFennell and Kirk Mercer, members of CUPE BC’s Skilled Trades Committee, presented a compelling case for more apprenticeships and training at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (June 10–12).

Their presentation, “Public Sector Apprenticeships: How to Change the Culture to Make Apprenticeship Work for Unions and Employers,” addressed the current state of apprenticeships in the public sector, where most organizations continue to lag behind their private sector counterparts.

9

LOCAL ELECTION VOTING DAY: OCTOBER 20, 2018

IT’S VOTING SEASON! Local elections, P.R. referendum could change how our communities are run OCTOBER BRINGS THE OPENING of hockey season, playoffs for baseball’s World Series, and, this year in B.C., a new “voting season” for every community in the province.

First up are local community elections on October 20, followed closely by the opening of the voting period for the provincial referendum on proportional representation. Ballots for the latter will be mailed out to registered voters beginning on October 20.

This is the first election following the banning of big money in B.C. political campaigns, so CUPE BC and CUPE locals across the province have had to learn how to campaign differently. In many cases, locals have been working with the labour councils in their area ELECTION to interview candidates and make GUIDE endorsements for the community elections.

“The rules of the road have changed, and for the better, with the elimination of big money from politics,” says CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies. “We can no longer provide funding or direct assistance to any campaigns, but we are fully within our rights to communicate with our members about the positions candidates are taking, so we’ve dedicated significant resources to that effort.

“Our members, particularly in the municipal, library and K–12 sectors know exactly what’s at stake in local elections. Not only are we almost literally electing our bosses, but who we elect to lead our communities has an impact that goes far beyond negotiations and our employment. We’re voting on the direction our communities will follow for the next four years. CUPE members don’t just work for our communities. We live in them and raise our families there, too, so we have a direct interest in the outcome.”

Working closely with CUPE locals and labour councils across the province, CUPE BC has compiled a searchable database of endorsed candidates. If you’re a CUPE member and want to know which candidates have been endorsed by the local or labour council in your community, check out www.cupe.bc.ca/vote. Just enter your postal code and you’ll be able to see which progressive candidates are recommended.

Old school campaigning meets new technology The reforms to campaign financing legislation brought in by the John Horgan BC NDP government, which take large campaign donations by corporations and other organizations out of politics, mean that CUPE’s main support for progressive candidates has to come from within our membership. That’s why the B.C. Division has ramped up its social media and digital campaigning capacity.

Throughout the campaign, CUPE BC is encouraging members to “pledge to vote” on a website developed specifically for the local elections.

Studies show that people who make a public commitment to vote are far more likely to actually cast a ballot on Election Day. With voter turnout for local elections running well below provincial or federal elections, if CUPE members get out and vote, we have the potential to make the margin between winning or losing for progressive candidates in almost every community.

“We often say that our members are our biggest strength,” says Davies, a former chair of CUPE BC’s Political Action Committee.

“With more than 92,000 of them across B.C., that’s why we’ve put such a strong focus on encouraging members to pledge to vote and provided them with information about the issues and the candidates in their community.”

October 20!

Working closely with CUPE locals and labour councils across the province, CUPE BC has compiled a searchable database of endorsed candidates. If you’re a CUPE member and want to know which candidates have been endorsed by the local or labour council in your community, check out www.cupe.bc.ca/vote.

Just enter your postal code and you’ll be able to see which progressive candidates are recommended.

Lisa Beare, former vice-president of CUPE 4078, is now Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Her success shows people what can be possible if they are focused, work hard and stand up for their communities.

CUPE members running for office CUPE BC’s Political Action Committee is always encouraging CUPE members to step up and seek office in their communities.

It’s a tough decision, with significant implications for family and friends, but taking that step can open up additional opportunities in public service.

A great recent example is former vice-president of CUPE 4078 Lisa Beare, who was elected in 2014 as a school trustee in Maple Ridge and then ran as the BC NDP candidate in the 2017 provincial election. Beare is now the

step up to e! public servic

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

“Obviously Lisa’s path in politics is unique, and not every CUPE member who stands for local office is going to end up in the provincial Cabinet,” says Davies. “But she’s a great example to other members.

She was a valuable member of the political action committee before seeking office, and her success shows people what can be possible if they are focused, work hard and stand up for their communities.”

CUPE BC RAMPS UP DIGITAL MEMBERFOCUSED CAMPAIGN If you’re on Facebook you’ve probably seen CUPE BC’s local elections posts encouraging members to pledge to vote on October 20. If you’ve taken the pledge, you know that CUPE BC’s website has a special local elections section dedicated to encouraging members not only to vote in the local elections but to get involved in the campaign.

The digital campaign is just one of the innovative ways CUPE BC is adapting to the new election finance laws, which prohibit organizations from donating to candidates.

PLEDGE !

TO VOTE

WHAT’S ON THE LINE ON OCTOBER 20?

If we elect progressive candidates…

We prevent contracting out We stop so-called “core reviews” that cut services and jobs We get respect on the job — and at the bargaining table We expand important public services, making our communities better places for everyone.

Are you signed up for CUPE BC updates? Visit cupe.bc.ca and add your email address at the bottom of the home page. You’ll get important reminders during voting season, and can unsubscribe any time.

MAIL-IN VOTING PERIOD: OCTOBER 22 – NOVEMBER 30, 2018

PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION JUST TWO DAYS AFTER ELECTION DAY, ballots for the provincial referendum on proportional representation will begin arriving in mailboxes. On October 22, CUPE BC will be hosting two telephone townhalls for CUPE members to learn more about what’s at stake in the referendum. Participating in the townhall is simple — members will receive a phone call from the townhall and all they have to do is stay on the line to join the discussion.

CUPE BC is a strong supporter of the VotePRBC coalition, which is REFERENDUM campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the referendum.

Why Proportional Representation?

No doubt you’ve heard all sorts of wild claims from opponents who have a lot to lose in this referendum. They are desperately trying to undermine the movement towards a fair and accountable voting system for British Columbians.

Luckily, the B.C. government’s recommendations for a new voting system should give voters confidence: •

Voters get to decide our voting system — not politicians;

•

Rural seats are protected — that means every region of B.C. will have fair representation;

•

Local representation is protected; and

•

Parties with less than 5 per cent of the overall vote can’t elect an MLA — so extremist parties won’t get elected.

every vote counts!

Working people in B.C. have a lot at stake when it comes to electing our governments. Our current voting system works against us, no matter how hard we organize. When votes don’t count, people are discouraged. It is no wonder voter turnout is so low — too many people don’t believe that their vote counts. And under the current First Past the Post model, that is often true. Only in an unfair system can a party get just 40 per cent of the vote but win a hundred per cent of the power, as happened recently in Ontario. It’s time for something better.

By moving to a Pro Rep system, we are strengthening our voices — as individuals and as a collective movement. The issues we care about can no longer be pushed aside.

Simply put, our current system is failing voters by allowing one political party to essentially win 100 per cent of the power with less than a majority of votes. The recent election victory of Doug Ford and the Conservatives in Ontario is a great example. Despite the fact that Ford was elected with just 40 per cent of the popular vote, his party now runs the province, and we’re already seeing the results with his meddling in the upcoming Toronto City elections. And we all hear every day what President Donald Trump is doing in the U.S. after being elected in a First Past the Post system.

Closer to home, in 2001 the BC Liberals won 98 per cent of the seats in the Legislature with just over 50 per cent of the popular vote. Despite winning nearly 25 per cent of votes, the BC NDP was reduced to just two seats — and we all know what happened over the next 16 years under Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark.

SAVE THE DATE! MONDAY, OCTOBER 22

Special Referendum telephone townhall for CUPE members If CUPE BC has your up-to-date contact information, you will receive a phone call on October 22 to participate in this important telephone townhall. You’ll hear from President Paul Faoro and special guests about what’s at stake in the referendum and how you can join the campaign for a fairer voting system.

PHOTO GALLERY

13

SURREY RAISING OUR PROFILE CUPE’s Metro locals for municipalities and libraries launched a major campaign this fall to highlight the important work these members do in their communities. The campaign launch was marked by a festive atmosphere with food and music, giving the public a closer look at the workers behind the services people rely on every day.

RICHMOND WHISTLER

SURREY

LANGLEY

DELTA DELTA

PEMBERTON

SQUAMISH

14

CUPE COMMUNITIES

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

STILL GOING STRONG CUPE 15 (above) received a plaque for its anniversary on June 22, while CUPE 50 (below) held an open house on September 22 where local President John Burrows (second left) was joined by (l-r) CUPE National officers Charles Fleury and Mark Hancock and CUPE BC’s Paul Faoro.

Ahead by a Century gala celebration on June 22. At the event, the BC Labour Heritage Centre presented the Local with a plaque marking its 100 years of labour activism.

This year two CUPE locals in B.C. are Local 50 celebrated their birthday by celebrating their 100th anniversaries. hosting a free public swim and barbecue on CUPE 15 in Vancouver and CUPE 50 in BC Day (August 6). On September 22nd, Victoria will each pass the century mark they held an open house celebration for in 2018. These locals have seen 15 prime current and retired members. ministers come and go and have worked with The leadership and vision of these two more than 25 different B.C. governments locals over their first century will surely represented by 18 different premiers. prepare them well for another hundred Local 50, originally founded as the Civic years of victories for working people in B.C. Employees Protection Association, began with just 55 workers and today represents more than 1,100 members in worksites across the Capital Region. Local 15 began in 1918 as the Vancouver City Hall Employees Association and ten decades later has expanded to include 6,000 municipal, education, and community workers across Metro Vancouver.

Local 15 marked their anniversary with a

TWO LOCALS CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF ACTIVISM

SUPER STREET Surrey City Manager Vince Lalonde (right), with Dave Ingbritson.

Fifty years of dedicated work SURREY | It’s not every day that we celebrate a 50-year employee, but on July 20 CUPE BC President Paul Faoro joined CUPE 402 in honouring brother Dave Ingbritson, a proud Local member and City of Surrey employee for half a century.

Ingbritson was treated to an employee appreciation barbeque that drew a large crowd of co-workers.

While the union praised his dedicated work and commitment to his Local, the City of Surrey recognized his clean safety record by renaming a road near the Operations Centre in his honour.

As City officials presented a stunned Ingbritson with the road sign, his fellow workers gave him a standing ovation. Congratulations, Dave!

Solidarity with homeless sisters NANAIMO | The Vancouver Island District Council (VIDC) has donated $1,500 to the Island Crisis Care Society’s More Room for Hope campaign, in lieu of gifts for facilitators at the 2018 VIDC Leadership Conference. The goal: to expand Samaritan House, a women’s shelter in Nanaimo that turned women away 822 times in 2017 due to overcrowding.

“With most people only one pay cheque away from financial disaster, these women could easily be one of us, our friends or our family members,” said VIDC Executive member Deborah Hopper.

“We advocate beyond our union to support community.”

The VIDC represents 38 CUPE Locals and 10,000 members on Vancouver Island and Powell River.

HELPING HAND VIDC Executive member Deborah Hopper presents cheque to Island Crisis Care Society’s Executive Director Violet Hayes.

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CUPE COMMUNITIES

UVic’s Team Peloton rides to conquer cancer VICTORIA | The UVic Peloton, a 26-member team for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, braved the rain and cold on August 25 and 26 to raise funds for cancer research in B.C. Twenty-two riders completed 200 kilometres in two days, placing 17th in fundraising out of 231 teams. The Ride to Conquer Cancer had more than 2,500 riders and raised $10.6 million.

The UVic team first got rolling in 2017 with CUPE 951 President Kara White and two colleagues. White was inspired by a lifelong friend who was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Near the end of her friend’s life Kara decided to participate in the Ride, knowing that any funds raised for the BC Cancer Foundation would fuel scientists and clinicians in B.C. working towards a cure.

“Our goal to conquer cancer kept us going through rain and cold,” said White. “The hard work, dedication and commitment of the Peloton team did the UVic community proud.”

The team exceeded its $65,000 target significantly, raising $112,825.

CYCLE OF HEALING The Peloton Team from UVic included CUPE members Emily Boulter, Paul Johnson, Gail Milliken, Jason Weedmark, and Kara White (lower centre).

Honouring Ginger Goodwin CUMBERLAND | The 100th anniversary of the death of Albert ‘Ginger’ Goodwin, the legenday Canadian labour activist, drew hundreds to a three-day event in June, including CUPE members and the Vancouver Island District Council (VIDC).

VIDC President Amber Leonard said she was proud that so many attended ceremonies at the Cumberland Cemetery and took part in the procession.

“We can’t forget what happened in the past if we are to prevent similar injustices in the future,” said Leonard.

Events at the Cumberland Museum & Archives included participatory art and music projects, an exhibit ‘Goodwin’s Reach’, workshops and talks. Community members shared stories about their connection to Ginger Goodwin and led many of the events.

HEROIC SACRIFICE The re-enactment of Ginger Goodwin’s funeral procession was a highlight for many.

Unions showed their colours behind those in period costume.

GARDENING ANGEL CUPE member Marie Anne Roche, school secretary at John Allison Elementary.

CUPE, school, community: growing together PRINCETON | When Shirley Low developed a mapping project for her Grade 3 social studies class 10 years ago, no one knew how it would grow. The class embraced the project to create a plan for a community garden and then decided to build it.

“We couldn’t have done this without the help of CUPE 847 members,” said Low, a recently-retired teacher who is still active in the garden. “They’re half the hands in the garden.”

From the beginning, CUPE members were an active part of the project’s success. Today, they help with the garden’s financial books, collect organic waste from classrooms for compost, take care of the irrigation system, clear snow, clean up and maintain the garden, and make donations to keep the garden going.

CUPE members also participate as “gardening angels,” recruited from the community. During the summer they take care of one of the plots, pulling weeds and watering, as well as harvesting what’s ready. Each gardening angel takes one class during the school year and teaches students how to garden, from preparing the soil and planting, right up to the harvest.

15

16

PHOTO GALLERY

FROM NORTH TO SOUTH CUPE members from throughout B.C. turned out in force for Pride and Labour Day events this year. In Vancouver and Prince George, Pride parades drew large crowds. On Labour Day, CUPE BC President Paul Faoro joined CUPE 1048 members at their tent (above) while Lower Mainland CUPE members gathered at the PNE.

LEADERS IN THE FIELD A strong contingent of CUPE library workers participated in the annual BC Library Association conference May 9–11.

Building community in the Kootenays CRANBROOK | Sunny skies brought out the crowds and the button-making machine kept them busy at this year’s “Seeds of Change”, a CUPE event that supports the Cranbrook’s Children’s Festival in May. Seven CUPE members staffed the Seeds of Change booth, with help from more than 20 enthusiastic and dedicated international students from College of the Rockies.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL On June 15, CUPE 1760 members at United Way of the Lower Mainland held their annual barbeque celebrating the arrival of summer.

“Their presence helps everyone understand that people from other places are a part of this community, too,” said CUPE 4165 Secretary-Treasurer Krista Napl.

The CUPE Seeds of Change group is comprised of Locals 4165 (K–12), 2090 (City of Cranbrook) and 2773 (College of the Rockies).

Its goal is to build CUPE’s profile and increase member participation in community events.

PHOTO GALLERY

WORKING TOGETHER CUPE 873’s provincial safety director Corey Viala and political action committee chair Sophia Parkinson (second and third from left, respectively) and CUPE Legislative Coordinator Justin Schmid (right) join B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains, Surrey-Guildford MLA Garry Begg, Surrey-Green Timbers MLA Rachna Singh, and B.C.’s Deputy Speaker Raj Chouhan at the CUPE BC reception during the Union of BC Municipalities conference in Whistler on September 12.

STOP UNION BASHING With Viterra’s Cascade port terminal in the background near the Ironworkers Memorial bridge, CUPE members, staff, and other unions rallied on June 14 to support 51 locked out CUPE members from Montreal.

HAZY DAYS The impact of this summer’s B.C. forest fires was apparent as CUPE 2403 municipal workers gathered under smoky skies for the Dawson Creek Fall Fair Parade on August 10.

SOLIDARITY? YOU BET! CUPE members joined striking BCGEU casino workers on the picket line outside the Hard Rock Casino on May 23.

GIVING BACK CUPE members from Lower Mainland locals 386, 498, 561, 825 and 1936 held their annual “CUPE Family Picnic in the Park” at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park on September 22.

TEA TIME On May 5, CUPE 389 members got into the spirit of the Local’s annual seniors’ tea in North Van, an annual event to recognize the contributions that seniors have made to the community.

17

18

POWER IN NUMBERS

TREVOR DAVIES, SECRETARY-TREASURER

Making housing more affordable For the past few years, hardly a day has gone by that I haven’t found myself in a conversation about housing affordability. Whether you rent, own, or are seeking to own your own home, the financial crunch has become a major issue for a growing number of our members across British Columbia.

Talking about it in this space does pose a challenge, since the impacts of housing issues on CUPE members in B.C. vary as widely as the communities where you live and work. The realities of buying, selling, or renting in Burnaby are vastly different Trevor Davies from those in Kamloops, Nelson or Fort Nelson. But for all those differences, there is one reality that all communities share: that property assessments are based on market value for any given year.

Backing up talk with action Fortunately, the BC NDP government has begun delivering on its campaign promise to address affordability. In April, Premier Horgan and Housing Minister Selena Robinson announced that the province would invest $1.9 billion over the next decade to help build 14,000 affordable rental units. Half of these units will be geared to low-tomoderate incomes, and each new project must reserve 20 per cent of its units for renters on social assistance. These new rental homes will be built through partnerships with municipalities, non-profit groups and housing cooperatives.

In late June, the provincial and federal governments announced an agreement to provide $991 million over ten years for affordable housing. That deal will preserve 34,000 affordable housing units across B.C. while working toward a 15-per-cent expansion in new affordable housing units and renewing 20 per cent of existing affordable housing units across Canada.

Taken together, these commitments by the Horgan government are a good start for addressing the crisis in housing affordability caused by 16 years of BC Liberal neglect and indifference.

Taking advantage of assessed value At the civic level, higher assessments on housing can increase revenue for municipalities because the percentage of taxes you pay is applied to higher value. Knowing that more money will be coming in anyway, municipalities can reap the benefits of higher assessments to forgo or minimize general tax increases. But in the event of a housing “bubble” burst, assessments could drop.

This would mean less tax revenue, putting many municipalities in a budget shortfall with pressure to cut deeply or levy high tax increases.

At BC Assessment, two members of CUPE 1767, Jared Melvin and Harpinder Sandhu, have been working with the BCGEU on a land value tax proposal for local governments. The core of their proposal is to capture the moment in time when land values jump as a result of public spending. For example: say you’ve owned a property for

10 years and last year the city decided to build a beautiful park in a nearby lot. The assessment or value of your property will increase because of the park, possibly by a few thousand dollars. Now, replace the word “park” with “sky train station,” and that increase could amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

The oversimplified version of this proposal calls for local governments to capture some of that value through taxation and use the funds for a variety of social initiatives — building affordable, non-market housing and public infrastructure, for example — that could be as different and as unique as the communities around our great province. For more info, check out the affordablebc.ca website.

Housing affordability has a huge impact on CUPE members.

Regardless of your sector, it impacts the communities where you live and the resources available for public services including the very jobs of our municipal sector members. While the Horgan government works to address the problem of housing affordability caused by BC Liberal misrule, it’s worth pondering new ways to create social value from the cash value that literally surrounds us.

The Horgan government’s commitments are a good start for addressing the crisis in housing affordability caused by 16 years of BC Liberal neglect and indifference.

Our condolences to the family of Robert David Williams from Alert Bay, who passed away recently at the age of 89. Back in the late 1960s, Brother Williams and three of his friends — Brothers Ken Pickford from the village of Nimpkish, Don McWaters from Port Hardy, and Barney Prestie from Souintula — were instrumental in creating a union for support workers at the Alert Bay school district, which later became SD 85. That union later amalgamated with CUPE and is now Local 401. We salute these North Island trailblazers for equality and fairness in the workplace.

FOLLOW TREVOR ON TWITTER @tdaviescupebc

It is 35 years since the Solidarity Movement of 1983 in British Columbia. Join some of the key participants and hear the story of the largest political protest in BC's history, assess the actions that took place, the conclusion and the aftermath of Solidarity.

"A Time to Act" Thursday, November 8, 2018, 7 pm Anvil Centre, New Westminster

CUPE BC PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PUBLISHED BY

Canadian Union of Public Employees, British Columbia Division 410 – 6222 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, B.C. V5H 0G3 POSTAL AGREEMENT # 42016512

Moderator: Kendra Strauss, Labour Studies Director, SFU Panelists: Cliff Andstein, Chief Negotiator BCGEU Rod Mickelburgh, Labour Reporter Province Newspaper Ken Novakowski, BCTF Bargaining Staff Patsy George, fired BC government Social Worker Rev. Margaret Marquardt, Anglican Minister

T: 604.291.9119 TOLL FREE: 1.877.263.8568 E: info@cupe.bc.ca PRESIDENT

Registration (required):

Paul Faoro

www.labourheritagecentre.ca/november8

SECRETARY-TREASURER

info@labourheritagecentre.ca

Trevor Davies

604-419-0400

EDITOR

Dan Gawthrop

CANADIAN LABOUR CONGRESS ­— WINTER SCHOOL

CONTRIBUTORS

CUPE LEADERSHIP TRAINING Harrison Hot Springs Resort, January 27 to February 1, 2019 An exciting opportunity for CUPE leaders to spend time with other leaders, thinking about what you bring to your job and finding ways to work even better with other executive members in the interests of CUPE members.

Leading as a Team

Leadership Essentials for Executive Members Learn how to use the power of your elected position to build power in the union, create space for more members to get involved, and strengthen solidarity.

Executive teams explore power and the responsibility that comes with it, how we work in teams and how to balance our leadership styles to engage the membership and work effectively across diversity.

Steven Beasley, Kathryn Davies, Clay Suddaby, and Janet Szliske PHOTOS

Introduction to Ally Skills

Labour History and the Class Struggle Today

Championing human rights in the workplace and the union is vital for union leaders. But what does it really mean to act as a good ally? Explore ways to reduce personal bias, challenge oppression, and act in solidarity with members from marginalized and equity-seeking groups.

Unions have led the charge for shorter work weeks, health and safety legislation, collective bargaining rights, benefit and pension programs, and much more. Now unions are under attack. What can we learn from our history to help us move forward and build our power at the bargaining table and in the political arena?

STAY TUNED FOR THIS YEAR’S CLC WINTER SCHOOL BROCHURE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

CUPE Communications, Josh Berson, Patrick Bragg, CUPE Locals 15, 50, 402, 847, 873, 951, 2403, and the Vancouver Island District Council GRAPHIC DESIGN

Pete Tuepah and Nadene Rehnby, Hands On Publications COVER ILLUSTRATIONS

Sam Monckton, Talking Dog Communications CUPE BC acknowledges that our province of British Columbia is located on the homelands of Indigenous nations and cultures.

Authorized by Canadian Union of Public Employes – British Columbia Division, registered sponsor under LECFA, info@cupe.bc.ca