Public Employee Spring 2019

PENSION FACTS | BC FED THANKS | SUPPORTING LITERACY | BARGAINING UPDATES

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE SPRING 2019

STRONG AND PROUD

Winning the fight against two-tier deals PAGE 3

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Delegates elect new executive, set action plan for 2019–2021

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LEADING US

PAUL FAORO, PRESIDENT

UNION POWER More than 500 delegates attended our 56th convention. Story and photos on pages 8–9.

What’s in a number?

CUPE BC MEMBERSHIP NEARS SIX FIGURES

leaders who understand the link between strong public services and sustainable, livable communities. Progressive governments are important, so we can’t take them for granted or stop paying attention to politics between elections. Building strong and lasting relationships with elected leaders takes time, dedication and persistence — and it’s worth the investment.

To all members who attended convention in Victoria in early May, thank you for your support Many ways to get involved in electing me for another term as Of course, the main reason we work hard to bring unorganized your president. It’s an honour to workers into our union is to get them decent wages and benefits have your trust and confidence, that allow them to live and work in their home communities. In a and I pledge to do everything province still recovering from 16 years of right-wing, anti-worker in my power to keep our union government under the BC Liberals, it’s still the case that the best strong — and grow stronger each Paul Faoro route to a better life is a union card. I’ve spent my entire working year. For a recap of convention, see life as a CUPE member, and I can testify to the importance of pages 8–9, and photo galleries on our website and Facebook page. that union membership: I learned a trade, earned good pay and I’m pleased to report that, as of the beginning benefits and, thanks to my many mentors, got active of 2019, CUPE BC has more than 97,000 When they take on in the union. members — confirming our rank as the largest union The political side of the labour movement might CUPE, employers and in the province. There are a number of reasons that not be for every member, but every member can government know full status is important to our success as a provincial become more active in their union. Whether it’s well they are taking on body, but more important are the ways that our attending membership meetings or local community renewed strength can help even our smallest locals the collective strength events, becoming a shop steward or serving on the achieve great things. of nearly 100,000 executive, there are many opportunities in our union. working people.

I strongly encourage members who haven’t yet Standing up for local members been active to learn more about how they can get CUPE BC’s first priority is supporting our locals, whether it’s during involved. CUPE BC has some of the most committed and dedicated difficult rounds of bargaining, on the picket line, or in lobbying activists in the labour movement, and we never stop working to elected leaders. From my own experience, I can tell you this: when engage our members. We welcome your views on how we can do employers and government take on CUPE, they know full well a better job bringing new members into this work. that they are taking on more than one local or employees at one Since our birth as a union 56 years ago, CUPE has stood up for worksite. They’re taking on the collective strength of nearly 100,000 our members and fought for better working conditions, pay and working people. So our numbers do make a difference. On that benefits, as well as retirement security and strong communities for score, CUPE’s Organizing department in B.C. has been doing great all. As your president, you have my commitment that we will not work. Along with organizers across the country, they’ve helped only continue that legacy but build on it to ensure that CUPE BC CUPE grow to a membership of more than 670,000 nationally. remains not only B.C.’s biggest union, but also its strongest.

Another factor in our growth here in B.C. has been our collective FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER @paulfaoro political action in working to elect progressive local and provincial

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

CUPE ACT ION

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Taking a stand to stop the chain of violence During his Convention speech in Victoria, CUPE BC President Paul Faoro spoke of the need for our labour movement to fully engage in the process of reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

One initiative he encouraged all CUPE members to support was the Moose Hide Campaign, a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men who are standing up against violence toward women and children.

The campaign was inspired during a moose hunt by a father and his daughter on their traditional territory along B.C.’s Highway of Tears, where so many women have gone missing or been murdered. By pinning a square of moose hide on their clothing, men signify their commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in their lives and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. Participating is also an act of reconciliation, as it recognizes the legacies of colonization, residential schools, and the tragic reality of the more than 1,200 missing or murdered Indigenous women in Canada.

To date, close to a million moose hide pins have been given out. To receive yours — or to start a Moose Hide Campaign in your family, CUPE local, or community — visit moosehidecampaign.ca and follow the Campaign on Twitter at @Moosehide_BC.

A boost for literacy and reading BURNABY | Through a new partnership with the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA), CUPE BC is contributing $50,000 to support the BC Summer Reading Club (SRC).

A wide-ranging series of library-centred activities, the SRC features community events, literacy groups, in-house library programs and First Nations events. In 2018, more than 163,000 children participated.

With its contribution, CUPE BC has ensured that children and families across the province will continue to see a high level of SRC programming and participation including the exciting awards ceremonies that many

Workers win at the Vancouver Art Gallery CUPE 15 MEMBERS WALK OUT TO OPPOSE DEMANDS FOR CONCESSIONS, TWO-TIER WORKING CONDITIONS VANCOUVER | After eight months of bargaining, and facing concessions and two-tier demands, workers at the Vancouver Art Gallery had had enough. VAG workers, members of CUPE 15, walked off the job on February 5, vowing not to return until the Gallery’s regressive agenda was defeated.

On February 9, National Present Mark Hancock joined VAG workers and hundreds of supporters for a day of action at the VAG. The event represented a strong show of solidarity among labour and the artistic community in Vancouver, and shone a light on the important but often unseen and underpaid work of arts and culture workers.

B.C. public libraries stage at the end of the summer. CUPE BC’s contribution allows BCLA to continue this quality program at the high standards that libraries across the province have come to expect.

“We’re big supporters of the Summer Reading Club because it fosters learning

The strike earned enormous media coverage, both at home and abroad as art gallery workers internationally have been facing the same regressive attacks as those at the VAG. Following a week of energized and highly visible picketing, the strike concluded with a mediated settlement.

“Our members showed tremendous leadership in defeating concessions and two-tier working conditions, and won key provisions and wage increases that will improve the lives of Gallery workers today, and for years to come,” said CUPE 15 President Warren Williams.

and a life-long love of reading,” said CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. “Public libraries have always been important hubs for our communities, and provide important services to all patrons. We’re very pleased to support this important initiative.”

SAVE THE DATE

Western Municipal Conference

C U PE

CUPE members from across Western Canada will be gathering in Kelowna June 11 to 14 for a series of panels and workshops on overcoming the challenges facing Kelowna 2019 WESTERN MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE municipal workers. Details can be found by selecting CUPE Western Municipal Conference on the WE Travel website, wetravel.net.

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CUPE ACT ION

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

Celebrating our continued growth in B.C. ORGANIZING EFFORTS PAY OFF WITH NEW MEMBERS JOINING FOUR LOCALS BURNABY | The ranks of CUPE 2278 (TAs and ESL Instructors at UBC) grew by 76 in April when teaching assistants at the University of Northern British Columbia voted to join CUPE. “Solidarity among TAs will help make gains for our newest members,” said CUPE 2278 President Laura Bulk.

In February, CUPE 476 (Powell River K–12 workers) welcomed two IT workers into their local. President Aileen O’Keefe noted that IT staff had worked alongside CUPE K–12 members for 25 years.

“After so many years we are pleased to bring IT department workers into our bargaining unit,” said O’Keefe.

WELCOME TO THE UNION UNBC teaching assistants’ organizing committee celebrates joining CUPE 2278.

Following a representation vote, also in February, the Labour Relations Board granted CUPE 3999’s application to include 25 workers from Nelson CARES Society at Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter — a 24-hour service for those who lack safe housing in Nelson.

Back in January, 13 workers at the public

VOICES

CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA

arena in Vernon voted unanimously to join CUPE 626. The workers provide custodial services, prepare ice at the rink and convert the rink surface for non-ice use.

CUPE locals are encouraged to get in touch with the Organizing department about other non-organized workers at their workplaces.

“Budget cuts aren’t just line items on a spreadsheet — they’re actual human beings, and these are the people who live and contribute to Dawson Creek economically and socially. These people are our friends and our neighbours.”

— CUPE BC General Vice-President Karen Ranalletta blasts Dawson Creek council for proposed budget cuts to the City’s public library and parks. Dawson Creek Mirror, March 14, 2019.

“I don’t want our members out here. They should be working, doing what they love to do. For now, we’re walking.”

“Libraries across B.C. are using auxiliary and casual staff in place of hiring regular workers in order to save money at the expense of those workers and their families. To their credit, the Sechelt library has taken important steps towards reversing this trend within their workplace.”

— CUPE 15 President Warren Williams on a concession-filled, twotier proposal put to a final offer vote by the Vancouver Art Gallery, which his members rejected, prompting a week-long strike in the middle of winter. Vancouver Sun, February 6, 2019.

— CUPE 391 President Aliza Nevarie, following ratification of a new collective agreement, praises the employer for being receptive to improved conditions for casual workers. Coast Reporter, December 18, 2018.

“What other career are you going to try and get into where you love kids and you want to work with kids and you get 25.23 hours a week? Our EAs are run ragged…Some of them are supporting four different classrooms, so it’s like roller skates is what they really need.”

“Increasing staffing in custodial and grounds departments will enhance the appearance, cleanliness and safety of our schools.”

— CUPE 947 President Jane Massy, says the Greater Victoria School District has trouble recruiting and keeping EAs because they don’t get enough hours and many have to take a second or third job to earn a living. Vancouver Sun, February 7, 2019.

— CUPE 716 President Ian Hillman appeals to Richmond School District to restore funding. Richmond News, April 25, 2019.

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

CUPE ACT ION

Making education more affordable THANKS IN PART TO CUPE LOCALS, STUDENT LOANS ARE NOW INTEREST-FREE In less than two years in office, the BC NDP government of Premier John Horgan has introduced a wide range of progressive changes that are benefiting working people and beginning to make life more affordable after 16 years of BC Liberal policies that benefited the wealthy and well connected.

Among those changes is one initiative championed by CUPE locals working directly with post-secondary students: the elimination of interest on student loans. CUPE members working at the BC Federation of Students (Local 2396), Camosun College Student Society (Local 2081), Capilano Students’ Union (Local 1004), Douglas Students’ Union (Local 2396), Langara Students’ Union (Local 15), Students’ Union of Vancouver Community College (Local 15) and Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (Local 5278), along with staff of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (CUPE 1004), were among those campaigning for this important change.

The elimination of interest payments, which will save students and their families thousands of dollars, was introduced in Finance Minister Carole James’ provincial budget, tabled in February.

TRACK YOUR WORKLOAD CUPE members in the Community Health Bargaining Association and the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association say that workload is the number one issue in their workplaces. So the sector has come up with a way to report and resolve workload issues: local- and sector-specific information cards distributed in April and available at bcchs. cupe.ca under “Resources.”

EARLY START One of the first K–12 locals at the bargaining table was CUPE 409 (School District #40, New Westminster).

K–12 workload campaign kicks into gear BURNABY | Several CUPE K–12 locals have begun bargaining with school districts at their local tables with more to follow in the coming months. Local tables will negotiate issues specific to each district such as language improvements around violence, hours of work, leave time, and other working conditions.

Phase One of the K–12 Presidents Council campaign featured an animated short that screened in Cineplex theatres. Phase Two highlights issues of workload and safety in B.C. schools. The online campaign features two 15-second ads, photos featuring members at work, and a member video. The campaign also includes newspaper ads in communities without Cineplex theatres and posters for all K–12 schools. The digital component — coming soon to a device near you — runs from the end of May to the end of June.

REASSURING VOICE CUPE 873-02 (911 Emergency Dispatchers of BC) marked their sector’s awareness week in April with a social media campaign featuring members on the job and their stories.

EMERGENCY SERVICE DISPATCHERS AND 9-1-1 AWARENESS WEEK (APRIL 7–13, 2019) “As both a police dispatcher and a Mom, this job blends my roles perfectly. No matter the hour, or the day of the year, keeping the public and the officers safe is what makes this job challenging, but so worthwhile.”

— Leigh (Police Dispatcher)

For CUPE 3495 CBA and QMUNITY members

Signs your workload might be excessive and/or unsafe: l

You work through your breaks

l

You can’t leave your work station to take breaks

l

You frequently work overtime, paid or unpaid

l

Your job demands have become excessive

l

You are at risk of injury or are suffering emotional distress as a result of workload

You can take action.

OVER…

Is your workload excessive and/or unsafe?

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CUPE FOCUS

SOLIDARITY

GUEST COLUMN

Proud to stand united with CUPE FOR B.C.’S LABOUR MOVEMENT, EXCITING TIMES LIE AHEAD

By Laird Cronk and Sussanne Skidmore

LAST NOVEMBER, we were deeply honoured by the support and trust placed in us when the labour movement collectively endorsed our nominations for president and secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation on Labour. CUPE BC members were an important part of our victory, and we want to sincerely thank you!

B.C. has an incredible labour movement with more than 500,000 workers spread across every community throughout our province.

It is a privilege to work side by side with workers, stewards, organizers, union representatives and labour leaders who wake up every day and make life better for working people.

Collective strength makes all the difference This is a critical moment in B.C.’s history. We have a united labour movement at the same time as a progressive provincial government, with an ambitious agenda for change. As trade unionists, we must seize this opportunity to put forward progressive policies that will meaningfully improve the lives of all working people.

Unions negotiate collective agreements that ensure workers are respected in the workplace. This, in turn, benefits families and communities. At CUPE BC, you know the effect of collective strength and you showed it through your instrumental role in the last municipal elections. Together, you made sure that the values of fairness, equity, and dignity were central to the electoral landscape.

Your union continues to play a vital role in our movement. Your President Paul Faoro, Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies, and BCFED Officer Karen Ranalletta are working hard around our leadership tables to make sure that working people play a central role in decision making.

Restoring workers’ rights This spring, for the first time in nearly two decades, a progressive provincial government re-evaluated and introduced changes to the Employment Standards Act and B.C.’s Labour Code. Thanks to your help, and the hard work of all affiliates, the BC Federation of Labour was able to work with the Horgan government to see workers’ rights restored that had been stripped away from the Labour Code during 16 years of BC Liberal rule.

The new legislation removes barriers for workers to join unions,

ALL TOGETHER The authors join CUPE Local 15 members at their picket line during the Vancouver Art Gallery strike in January. puts an end to contract flipping, and ensures that the Labour Relations Board has the resources it needs to do its job properly.

These changes are critical for working people, as access to a collective agreement is life changing. Yet the reality is that more than 50 per cent of workers in the private sector and many in the public sector had to go to work every day without a collective agreement.

Helping these workers access their rights to be represented by a union will raise the bar for all workers in B.C. As well as changes to the Labour Code, the government is also beefing up Employment Standards enforcement. For example, they’re raising the age children can work from 12 to 16, giving workers affected by illness or domestic violence access to protected leave, and offering real protections from employer-driven wage theft.

As great as these changes are, we didn’t get everything.

B.C.’s Labour Code, for example, will maintain a two-step union certification process that requires a vote. We’d like to see the government go further, and in the future we hope to see a return to the card check system (a majority simply signing cards). Meanwhile, employers have predictably lined up to oppose these changes. We are ready for that fight and honoured to stand shoulder to shoulder with CUPE members along the way. Now is our time, and collectively we can move mountains.

The BCFED motto for more than 60 years still rings true: What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all.

Laird Cronk is President and Sussanne Skidmore Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour.

NEWS BRIEFS

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CUPE 3742

MORE VISIBILITY FOR K–12 IN THE NORTH PRINCE GEORGE | CUPE 3742 is raising the profile of K–12 members and letting the public know about important services they provide to students in northern B.C. The campaign includes radio and print ads, and a redesigned logo to be printed on mini cardboard flags and paper bags.

During the campaign, members will engage the public at events including Pride and Labour Day, distributing cards featuring themselves at work.

“We are so proud of the work our members do and their contribution to making great schools possible here in the North,” said CUPE 3742 President Karen Wong.

CUPE 951

MERCER GETS THE NOD FOR UNITED WAY BOARD VICTORIA | The Victoria Labour Council has appointed CUPE BC Regional Vice President (Vancouver Island) Kirk Mercer to the Greater Victoria United Way’s board of directors.

Along with the appointment, announced at the directors’ March 26 meeting, Mercer becomes chair of the United Way’s labour committee.

As first vice-president for CUPE 951 at the University of Victoria, Mercer has also served as chair of CUPE BC’s Skilled Trades Committee and as the member-at-large for the Vancouver Island District Council (Duncan South).

WORKING FOR BETTER SCHOOLS CUPE BC Local Government Liaison Lee Mossman, centre, a former member from Kelowna, reunites with Central Okanagan Public School trustees Lee-Ann Teidi, left, and Vice-Chair Julia Fraser at the BC School Trustees Association AGM in Burnaby on April 26.

CUPE 1858

PERSEVERANCE, HARD WORK PAY OFF AT VIU NANAIMO | CUPE 1858 student residence workers are finally fully recognized employees of Vancouver Island University (VIU), ending a lengthy effort to gain them equity with other VIU staff.

In 2010, student residence workers were VIU employees in every respect but compensation. After much evidencegathering, a transition agreement in 2014 brought their wages and benefits up 35 per cent. After almost a decade, the final agreement was reached and ratified this April: the 10 regular and 30 temporary employees will now have full vacation and professional development provisions, and be able to bid on internal postings.

“A huge team effort accomplished this,” said CUPE 1858 President Deborah Hopper. “These members now have equity with other VIU staff.”

FRESH START As part of the Local’s rebranding for public awareness and increased member engagement, CUPE 7000 (BC Rapid Transit and Southern Railway workers) President Tony Rebelo, right, and other executive members conducted worksite visits this spring.

EVENTS TRAILER READY TO HIT SUMMER TRAIL CUPE BC’s Community Events Trailer doesn’t take the winter off, but there’s definitely more demand for it in the spring and summer months. So far, you can expect to see the trailer in Kamloops in June, Lake Country and Duncan in July, and Dawson Creek and Richmond in August.

Is your Local planning a community or member-engagement event this summer?

We’d love to help you make it happen! The trailer comes with its own stage, sound system and barbecue, so it’s perfect for almost any event.

There’s an easy request form on the website at cupe.bc.ca/community_events_trailer.

ELECTED! CUPE BC’s new executive posed just before adjournment. See complete list on Page 9.

CONVENTION 2019

Celebrating wins, preparing for challenges ahead VICTORIA | More than 500 delegates attended CUPE BC’s 56th annual convention (May 1–4), electing a new executive board, debating a wide range of resolutions, and passing an action plan to guide the union over the next two years.

President Paul Faoro and Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies were re-elected by acclamation.

“Delegates debated some difficult and potentially divisive CONVENTION resolutions, but did so with respect, and our union is stronger for the debate,” said Faoro. “Regardless of which side of an issue delegates took, we came out of convention even more united.”

John Horgan’s convention address earned multiple standing ovations as the B.C. premier laid out some of his government’s accomplishments for working people after less than two years in office. BC Federation of Labour President Laird Cronk spoke about the Federation’s work to connect the labour movement more directly with the province’s Indigenous leadership to help implement meaningful reconciliation. And guest speaker Ivan Coyote, an award winning author and LGBTQ2+ activist, gave a compelling presentation about life as a non-binary trans person and how to be an effective ally.

The next CUPE BC convention will be in Vancouver, April 22–25, 2020.

MAKING CONTACT Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark joined members of CUPE 1936 at the president’s reception. Below: “Selfie” time with the premier.

YOUR 2019–2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT Paul Faoro

SECRETARY-TREASURER Trevor Davies

GENERAL VICE PRESIDENTS

LOCAL TABLE President Dal Benning and CUPE 718 members prepare for a vote.

Sheryl Burns Nicole Edmondson Karen Ranalletta Michelle Waite

TRUSTEE (3-year term) David Robertson

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS Fraser Valley Shana Kirkland Sara Manchester – Alternate

Kootenays Anita Early Janet Thorpe – Alternate

Metro LEADING WOMEN Incumbent General Vice Presidents RECONCILIACTION NOW Karen Ranalletta, left, and Michelle Waite, right, BCFED President Laird Cronk flank new GVPs Nicole Edmondson and Sheryl Burns. heeds the call.

Sarah Bjorknas Andrew Ledger John Gibson Monika Dean – Alternate

North Stephanie Goudie Rolanda Lavallée – Alternate

Okanagan Rose Jurkic Carmen Sullivan – Alternate

Vancouver Island

NEXT UP CUPE BC’s Young Workers committee and other young members gather for another convention event.

ACTIVIST WORK CoDevelopment Canada education program director Wendy Santizo, a CUPE 1004 member, listens in.

Amber Leonard Kirk Mercer Dan MacBeth – Alternate

DIVERSITY VICE-PRESIDENTS Workers of Colour Michele Alexander Edward Parsotam– Alternate

Indigenous Workers Debra Merrier Danica Hansen-Hughes – Alternate

Persons With Disabilities Pat Shade Laura Bulk – Alternate INSPIRING DELEGATES From left, renowned storyteller Ivan Coyote, Disability Activism award winner Pat Shade of CUPE 951, and long-serving convention organizer Sharon Prescott provided some of Convention’s more poignant moments.

Pink Triangle Joyce Griffiths Michael Forrester – Alternate

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LINKING LABOUR

MEENA BRISARD, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Championing the services our libraries provide When Karen Ranalletta showed up in Dawson Creek on March 11 to comment on the City’s proposed budget, the CUPE BC general vice-president reminded local politicians of the value of public services in their community.

Speaking at that evening’s council meeting, Ranalletta took aim at proposed cuts to a range of important services the Meena Brisard City provides. Cuts to the public library in particular were “extremely disappointing and alarming,” she said, noting that the facility would no longer Libraries are a lifeline be open on Sundays and that further for communities — as service reductions would only hurt the important as roads, people who need libraries the most.

“Communities thrive when they have rec centres, and public a robust public library system,” said parks — and should be Ranalletta. “It’s one of the last truly funded accordingly. democratic community spaces that exist where you don’t have the expectation that you need to spend money.”

Ties that bind Libraries are a lifeline for communities — as important as roads, rec centres, and public parks — and should be funded accordingly.

They contribute to education and literacy. In rural communities like Dawson Creek or Invermere, they are a vital link to services people in cities take for granted. Single parents, seniors, or people on low incomes rely on the library for Internet access, storytime for children, and other free services that are simply unavailable elsewhere.

In cities, too, libraries are of critical importance. People seeking entry-level employment who don’t have a computer often need assistance that Employment Centre staff can’t provide. Library staff are trained to help patrons deal with things like conducting complex searches, assisting with language and literacy barriers, helping navigate websites, or scanning and uploading resumes.

And it’s not just in public libraries. In post-secondary libraries, CUPE members offer their time and expertise to assist high school grads or mature students who lack library skills and have difficulty getting through their first year of college or university. There’s real value in communities for the kind of resources that help people decide not to give up, or that push them toward success. That’s what libraries provide.

Library workers: unsung heroes Libraries and CUPE members also provide the kind of service that typically goes unnoticed. While horror stories abound of cleaning up vomit or feces, it’s less often noted that CUPE members in our libraries often do crisis intervention, stepping in to defuse or prevent racist attacks or incidents of harassment or assault.

Libraries are also a place of refuge, including for the homeless: people who get kicked out of a mall or a business property in the middle of winter can at least get temporary relief from the cold in their public library. And it’s a CUPE member who is there to reassure them, offer information about food banks and other services, or direct them to shelters at closing time.

This is why CUPE, as a union, has such a high profile in our support of libraries.

Each year the B.C. Division sponsors the BC Libraries Association conference (May 8–10) and this year is sponsoring the “Beyond Hope” library conference in Prince George (June 1–4). Our locals are also involved. From CUPE 391’s support of the Word Vancouver (formerly Word on the Street) festival to CUPE 402’s partnership with the United Way to launch pop-up libraries in the Clayton Heights neighbourhood, our union is always connecting people and building stronger communities through libraries.

According to a recent Insights West poll commissioned by the Vancouver Public Library, a majority of the City’s residents — 63 per cent, up from 55 per cent in 2017 — use the VPL’s services and are proud of their public library. For the CUPE members who keep the VPL and all other public, post-secondary and community centre libraries running, that news will come as no surprise.

FOLLOW MEENA ON TWITTER @MBrisard

PENSIONS

CUPE FOCUS

Defending our members’ retirement security DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS ARE NOW UNDER ATTACK IN WORKPLACES across the country, employers are seeking the removal of pension rights through changes to the way pensions are funded. Key to resisting those changes and protecting pension rights is understanding the different ways that pensions work, learning how employers benefit from changing pension funding models, and identifying early warning signs that your employer is about attack your pension.

What are the big three?

PLAN WATCHERS CUPE BC’s 2017–2019 Pension Committee, seen with President Paul Faoro, back left, and staff advisor Gary Yee, right.

The three basic models for pension plans vary in terms of funding methods, distribution of risk and, ultimately, the extent to which members’ retirement income is guaranteed.

A defined benefit plan is the type of pension plan that CUPE and the labour movement in general seek for members, and which is provided through such vehicles as the Municipal Pension Plan and Public Service Pension Plan. Under this model, retirement income is guaranteed based on an agreed formula that factors in such elements as length of employment, pre-retirement income, and age. The plan sponsor (the employer) is required to ensure that sufficient funds are available to pay the guaranteed retirement income for all retired members.

Conversely, under a defined contribution plan, retirement income is based only on what an employee has paid into the fund during their employment. This represents an individual approach to retirement savings because the value of plan is completely based on the contribution, and what income the fund has produced. Employers favour this model because it requires of them no responsibility to make up shortfalls in the fund. The only responsibility of employers under this model is whatever contributions they make, and facilitating the fund’s existence and operation.

The third model is a target benefit pension plan, which is a hybrid of the first two models. Like a defined benefit plan, a target benefit model features fixed or inflexible contribution rates and a factor-based system to predict retirement income; however, like a defined contribution model, the risk of insufficient funds is carried by the employee and not the employer. The CUPE Multi-Sector Pension Plan uses a target benefit model. It’s better than the defined contribution model in that the risk to retirement income is limited to the performance of the fund’s investments, and other elements of the plan are guaranteed as in a defined benefit plan.

Is your pension fund solvent?

The main issue for employers hosting defined benefit plans is one of solvency. A pension plan is solvent when it can meet all of its obligations if wound up or terminated. Where there’s a solvency deficiency, it’s usually because of investment shortfall. (Almost 80 per cent of total pension comes from investment returns and around 20 per cent comes from contributions from both worker and employer.) But while cases like the Sears pension failure get a lot of attention, pension plans in Canada are typically stable and failure rates are low.

Moving from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan shifts financial responsibility and risk from employers to workers. This is an enormous concession. Defined contribution plans provide very little value over a group registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) model, which is simply a pooled version of individual retirement savings accounts. Taking away guaranteed retirement income in exchange for a system of personal savings plans with zero guarantees is simply a wage rollback in a different form.

How do we resist concessions?

Attacks on our pensions must be met head on. Where workers already have good defined benefit pensions, vigilance is needed to ensure that plans remain solvent. Where employers offer target benefit plans, work could focus on moving towards a defined benefit model. Where employers only offer a defined contribution or RRSP contribution model, bargaining a target benefit pension plan would vastly improve retirement security for our members.

By understanding how pensions work and how employers seek to benefit from pension changes, and by learning how pension rules and models protect our rights, we can better equip ourselves to protect and expand fair pensions for all.

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CUPE COMMUNITIES

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

So long, farewell!

CHALLENGER, MCMAHON RETIRE

CHILDCARE CHAMPIONS From left, CUPE 15’s Randi Gurholt-Seary, CUPE 1936 President Sheryl Burns, and CUPE Human Rights Rep Cheryl Colborne at the CUPE booth.

Moving forward on childcare VANCOUVER | The annual conference of Early Childhood Educators of BC (April 10–13) was special this year, as ECEBC was celebrating its 50th anniversary. CUPE BC was once again a big sponsor, with a visible presence throughout the event.

The B.C. Division had a table at the trade fair and one at the Friday evening gala event. The union also donated first aid kits along with colouring books and crayons, and covered the cost of breakfast at a Friday morning meet-and-greet session for CUPE childcare workers.

CUPE 1936 President and CUPE BC Regional Vice-President Sheryl Burns spoke twice during the conference, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The CUPE National logo and website were prominently displayed on promotional materials and sponsorship items, as well as in social media, e-mail blasts, and materials left at all place settings during lunch.

To mark the ECEBC’s golden anniversary, the event expanded from a provincial conference to a national one, attracting childcare workers and delegates from all over Canada. The last national childcare conference, ChildCare 2020, was held in Winnipeg in November 2014.

LABOUR TALK CUPE 23’s Kathy Boyce, left, host of Vancouver Co-op Radio’s “Union Made” program, interviews lawyer and trans activist Adrienne Smith on April 24. A program for, by and about working people that analyzes issues from a union perspective, “Union Made” airs every Wednesday from 8 to 9 p.m. on CFRO 100.5 FM. Podcasts are posted at coopradio.org.

BURNABY | CUPE BC bids a fond farewell to a couple of stalwart activists who retired this year.

Simon Challenger, who was born in Wales, joined CUPE 23 as a sanitation worker and first got involved with his Local as a steward and outside division chair. A two-time president of CUPE 23, he was first elected in April 1996, serving until April 2002, then returned to that position after several years working on and off again as a National representative at CUPE’s B.C. regional office and Simon Challenger with the B.C. Division’s Strong Communities working group.

In her native Ontario, Kathy McMahon worked for the Toronto Police Force — an often hostile environment for gay and lesbian workers, who could not disclose their orientation at work. After moving to B.C. and working for the City of North Vancouver, she spent a couple of years as an inside rep for CUPE Kathy McMahon 389 before becoming Local vicepresident and chair of CUPE 389’s political action committee.

Kathy joined CUPE BC’s executive board as chair of the Pink Triangle Working Group before a constitutional amendment created four Human Rights committees and she became the Union’s first Diversity Vice-President for Pink Triangle Workers.

We wish Simon and Kathy all the best in their retirement.

SOLEMN TRIBUTE CUPE 1858 members at Vancouver Island University mark the Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. There were two worker deaths in Nanaimo last year. At the Vancouver event on April 28, CUPE BC placed a wreath in honour of the 131 British Columbian workers who died in workplace accidents or from occupational diseases, including exposure to asbestos, in 2018.

SAM MONCKTON PHOTO

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MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CUPE COMMUNITIES

Local feeds poor, wins Golden Bean

CUPE 523 members at North Okanagan Youth and Family Social Services put on a big event to mark pink shirt day in Vernon on February 27, above, while CUPE 1858 members and other Vancouver Island University employees/colleagues wore pink in Nanaimo, below.

CUPE wears pink on February 27 VERNON | CUPE members across B.C. took a stand against bullying and harassment on February 27, shining a light on this serious problem online and in schools and workplaces by wearing pink.

“Bullying in schools diminishes all of us,” said CUPE 523 President Sylvia Lindgren, whose multi-sector local represents K–12 workers in school districts 53, 67 and 83 in the Okanagan as well as social services units.

“Practicing kindness and wearing pink shows that we do not tolerate bullying and sends a strong message of support to kids in schools.”

Pink Shirt Day grew out of an act of kindness by two students from Nova Scotia who wore pink shirts to school in 2007 in support of another student who had been bullied.

VICTORIA | CUPE 917 (UVic outside workers) helped feed the hungry and provide warm winter clothing to Greater Victoria’s vulnerable earlier this year at the “Labour of Love” event co-hosted

by United Way Greater Victoria Labour Committee and the Victoria Labour Council.

As well as collecting more than 200 blankets, jackets and clothing items to distribute to the homeless, members of the local cooked a five-gallon batch of chili which they helped serve before pitching in for the clean-up at the end of the January 12 event.

CUPE 917 members Claude Champagne and Nick Vagvolgyi, a mechanic and carpenter respectively, prepared vegetables and cooked the chili after work the night before the event.

They finished their recipe by simmering the concoction overnight in a double boiler. Their Golden Bean awardwinning recipe included “everything,” with the (no longer) secret ingredient of cacao.

YUMMY RECIPE And the Golden Bean goes to…CUPE 917! Chili champions, pictured left to right, are Jodi Mclean, Nick Vagvolgyi, Brad Lockwood, Claude Champagne and Rosalyn Silletta.

“It feels good to help the United Way and homeless people in our community,” said CUPE 917 Treasurer Claude Champagne.

“People really need support in January, when it starts to get really cold in Victoria.”

Diversity highlights IWD event RICHMOND | CUPE Metro District Council celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) with women from Delta and Richmond, along with those working in agencies that support women and families.

Natalie Drolet, Staff Lawyer and Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Centre — and a former CUPE member — spoke about domestic workers whose work benefits families, employers and the economy as a whole.

“They are expected to leave their children behind, while they take care of Canadian children and families,” said Drolet.

A highlight of the event was entertainment by JB The First Lady, a Vancouver-based hip hop and spoken word artist, beatboxer, cultural dancer and youth educator.

“This was by far the most diverse event that we’ve had,” said event organizer and CUPE 23 member CELEBRATING WOMEN Led by Coast Sarah Bjorknas. “The diversity Salish Matriarch and Elder Roberta Price, participants appreciated stories, teachings of participants and providers all and exercises to shed negative energy. added to the great vibe.”

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POWER IN NUMBERS

TREVOR DAVIES, SECRETARY-TREASURER

Fear often traps unions into a precarious financial reality of relying on one source of income — dues — that is sometimes more precarious than we realize.

Keeping up with — and ahead of — changing times Given the political nature of the work we do in CUPE BC, it’s easy to overlook the internal operations of our union and instead focus on our campaigns, actions, and political goals: those issues tend to be far more exciting than the every-day realities of book-keeping.

Yet all of our outcomes depend on systems we seldom think about, and it’s here that I see great opportunity for CUPE and the labour movement at large.

Modernization of a union’s operations should go far beyond executive structure or governance. It should also mean embracing technology that can help us better serve our members, learning best practices of non-profits for leadership, and challenging ourselves on financial and economic systems to ensure that we are better resourced than ever to face the challenges.

Improving our performance Over the past couple of years, we’ve quietly undergone an internal transformation that amounts to a giant leap forward in terms of updating our systems, operations and staffing needs. And we’re beginning to see the benefits in our work. From the cloud-based meeting program Apio, which has increased transparency of information to our Executive Board (by providing all area, sector, local and staff reports and materials in advance of meetings), to event management software and new professional development courses for staff (giving them the tools and skills to service our members at the highest level), we’ve made great strides on the technological front.

But technology alone is not enough — and, on the contrary, can often be the problem. The challenges of automation and machine learning technology are changing workplaces at a tremendous pace; the impact, ultimately, could be equal to or greater than the Industrial Revolution’s. Unions have seen the permanent loss of jobs and members, leading to a vicious cycle of declining revenue, declining member services and, ultimately, jobless workplaces.

That’s why long-term financial planning is so important. Longterm planning involves significant risk management exercises which try to predict future issues that could cause operational and financial problems. Of course, one of the challenges of bringing a long-term planning lens to union finances is the short-term nature of elected positions. Another is the election of right-wing governments — including the possible election this October of a Conservative federal government, which could be a significant risk to union finances.

Fending off the Conservative threat The election of an Andrew Scheer Conservative federal government would likely see the re-introduction of Harper-era laws threatening the Rand Formula and would mean increased financial reporting.

This would create huge financial losses for all levels of CUPE. Scheer also appears to be much more committed to social conservativism than Stephen Harper, and this could cause significant funding shortfalls to many non-profits we call friends and allies.

To mitigate against these possibilities, it’s important to think about the diversification of financial revenue. Like many unions, CUPE is completely dependent upon membership dues to fund operations. For elected officials, it’s always a challenge to convince a local membership or convention delegates of the benefits of investing the union’s savings and developing investment funds to provide a second source of income: markets rise and fall, so there are no guarantees you’ll avoid that sudden downturn or recession.

But fear often traps unions into a precarious financial reality of relying on one source of income — dues — that is sometimes more precarious than we realize. Whereas a second or even third source of income could provide security to unions as we face the challenges ahead.

Forewarned, as they say, is forearmed.

FOLLOW TREVOR ON TWITTER @tdaviescupebc

ENDLESS SAVINGS & MORE (ESM)

DISCOUNTS ON YOUR SMART PHONE FOR CUPE BC MEMBERS Download a CUPE BC version of the ESM App to save on everyday purchases from hundreds of businesses including national chain retailers, service and travel providers.

To get the ESM App, go to your app store (Google or Apple). When you first download the ESM App, you will be asked for the “organization code” for CUPE BC. It’s: cupebc

For complete details, download the welcome letter for CUPE BC members at esmobileapp.com/files/WelcomeCUPEBC.pdf

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

Paul Faoro SECRETARY-TREASURER

Trevor Davies

CUPE FALL WEEK-LONG

SCHOOL

BOOK NOW to expand your horizons and sharpen your activist tools.

WORKSHOPS WE’RE WORKING ON INCLUDE: We invite you to connect

Introduction to stewarding

with other CUPE activists

Steward learning series

and experience powerful

Local executive training

learning and networking

Conflict resolution

at our popular week-long school at the Island’s Harbour City.

Coast Bastion Hotel Nanaimo, BC

October 20–25, 2019 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT CUPE Education representative Vanessa Wolff at 604-291-1940 or send her an e-mail at vwolff@cupe.ca

Workplace bullying Duty to accommodate and understanding mental injuries at work Financial officers series

EDITOR

Dan Gawthrop CONTRIBUTORS

Steven Beasley Clay Suddaby Janet Szliske PHOTOS

CUPE Communications, various CUPE Locals, and Josh Berson GRAPHIC DESIGN

Pete Tuepah and Nadene Rehnby, Hands On Publications COVER PHOTO

Josh Berson CUPE BC acknowledges that our province of British Columbia is located on the homelands of Indigenous nations and cultures.

OCT 21 2019