Public Employee - Spring 2023

Unless they reach a settlement before then, CUPE 561 members at First Transit will have been on the picket lines for nearly three months by the time this issue of Public Employee goes to press. That’s a long time to be out on strike, and there’s no telling when this one will end. Lengthy transit strikes are never popular with the public — what strike is? — but in this case, public support for the Local has been strong. Why? Look no further than the workers themselves.

We all know the stories of their dedication and commitment. We know that, during the Abbotsford floods of November 2021, these CUPE 561 members kept driving their buses as long as they could, picking up as many stranded residents as possible. Last summer, they used their own pocket money to hand out cold beverages to their passengers. During this strike, South Asian seniors have been holding roadside rallies in the Fraser Valley, calling on decisionmakers to end the dispute. CUPE 561 members have been standing right there beside them.

A sense of deep connection

It’s been said many times: CUPE 561 transit workers live in the same communities they serve, and they love the work they do. There is no better proof of this than in the relationships they form with their passengers, which go beyond simply getting people from A to B. Some of the long-term drivers talk about getting to know their passengers so well that they keep track of their lives, watching kids grow up to become parents. The trust that CUPE 561 HandyDART drivers build with their passengers is a bond that cannot be replaced: far from just picking them up and dropping them off, these drivers assist passengers with mobility issues, talk to them, and often connect them with other important services. You can’t pretend to be dedicated and committed to the public you serve. You either are or you aren’t. So the public, recognizing this, sees the injustice when they hear CUPE 561 members talk

about not being able to afford to feed their families on their current wages. When these workers say they’re taking on a second or third job just to make ends meet, many members of the public — and the media — ask us why these workers are not treated and paid the same as transit workers who provide exactly the same service across the region. Good question!

A working life they can afford

As well as attending rallies to support these workers, I have visited their picket lines and seen the same dedication and commitment throughout the membership. These transit workers want to be back at work— they want to continue serving the passengers who are their neighbours — but only when they can earn a wage that will help them to afford their own lives. Only when they achieve a deal that includes retirement security after years of dedicated service.

And so, as a fellow CUPE member, please visit: WeNeedALift.ca and do what you can to support these CUPE 561 members. Do it for Rachna, a conventional driver who has worked 14 years for First Transit but is struggling to make ends meet as a single mom with two school-aged kids and a mother who is a cancer survivor and relies on HandyDART. Do it for Mohit and Savneeta, a husband-and-wife pair of drivers who also have two kids and are struggling to afford basic expenses on both their incomes. And do it for Marcel who, at 71, is still working full-time and overtime to pay his bills, deprived of a pension despite 34 years of service.

These 213 CUPE members have proven their dedication to their communities. It’s time to treat them with the fairness and respect they deserve.

ON THE COVER CUPE 561 (First Transit) members Veronica Hernandez-Asencio, Ravinder Dhaliwal and Andy Noyon.

FOLLOW KAREN on Facebook and Instagram: @kranalletta

Karen Ranalletta

SOLID SUPPORT Elizabeth Roux addresses crowd at April 12th Chilliwack rally, joined by Karen Ranalletta and other members.

Fraser Valley residents — including CUPE 561 transit workers — deserve better

Delta schools, CUPE team up for seamless childcare pilot project

DELTA | With CUPE’s cooperation, the Delta School District announced in April that it will expand its new seamless day childcare pilot project to provide low-cost childcare opportunities to even more families in the District.

The pilot project, staffed by members of CUPE 1091 at Sunshine Hills Elementary School, originally offered 12 spots for before- and afterschool care to Kindergarten-aged children and their siblings. Recognizing the pilot project’s potential to address critical childcare demands, the District decided to expand the project to another 12 spots in order to provide spaces for the Kindergarten children who start this September and to keep the children currently enrolled in the program in the before- and after-school setting. These spots will be staffed by existing Education Assistants —  members of CUPE 1091.

The Delta School District pilot is one of more than 24 in B.C. schools, funded through provincial government grants to school districts exploring this new model of providing childcare. Delta’s seamless day childcare utilizes existing public school facilities and Early Childhood Educators already working for the school district.

“CUPE 1091 members are dedicated to our public schools and want to build a career here in Delta. This pilot project expansion provides the opportunity for full-time hours while offering students more stability throughout the day in a high-quality early learning environment,” said CUPE 1091 President Daun Frederickson, a District school support worker.

VANCOUVER | More than 600 women and gender-diverse members from across the country had their activism reinvigorated by CUPE’s first women’s conference in more than a decade.

The conference (March 12– 15) featured inspirational speakers sharing stories of past struggles and their paths to overcoming them. Panel discussions detailed some of the tools and tactics participants can incorporate into their current work, and workshops illustrated practical skills while providing valuable information on a wide range of subjects.

COMMITTED TO PROGRESS

CUPE 23’s Sarah Bjorknas addresses delegates

The conference opened with a powerful speech by our union’s former national president, Judy Darcy, who celebrated the strength and persistence of CUPE women. Darcy shared stories of deeply personal and highly political feminist struggles, painting a picture of how far we’ve come – and the work still ahead.

Panel discussions explored the political landscape for women workers, the fight for wage equity, strategies for identifying and closing wage gaps, putting equity at the forefront of our work, and organizing to win.

National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick closed the conference by reminding delegates that the fight for change never ends.

“When we leave here to take on bullies and bosses, toxic cultures, and conservative governments,” she said, “let’s make it real when we say: ‘if you take on one of us, you’re taking on every woman in CUPE.’ By staying united and working in solidarity with others, by being organized and coordinated and strategic, by being bold and brave and courageous—we can and we will win!”

BETTER SERVICES, BETTER COMMUNITIES The Okanagan Mainline District Council’s region-wide campaign to promote the work of CUPE members in the Thompson Okanagan has highlighted the work of members, like Local 900’s Tracey Jones (top) and Local 3500’s Diana Baglee, who go to work every day to serve the communities they work and live in.

Women’s conference reignites movement with new energy

MAKING HERSTORY Current CUPE women leaders embrace trailblazing former national president Judy Darcy (front, fourth from left) at the conference.

VOICES

CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA

“They’re more behind us as they hear how underpaid we are, [with] no pension, and how messed up our hours are.”  CUPE 561 member Elizabeth Roux, a First Transit driver and trainer, on the public’s continuing support of her local’s strike for fair wages and a pension after six weeks on the picket line. CBC News, May 8, 2023.

“I serve the community, I know the people and people approach me when in the grocery store, in the temple, and it’s quite emotional. I feel helpless.” Fourteen-year CUPE Local 561 member and single mother Rachna Ghura said she’s footing extra bills during the ongoing strike, including her two daughters’ Uber charges and taxi costs so her mother, a cancer survivor, can get to her medical appointments. Global News, April 18, 2023.

“UBC is very happy to talk about all the research these people do, but they don’t want to consider these graduate research assistants who do this work as employees.” CUPE 2278 President Emily Cadger, on her local’s application to unionize 3,200 graduate research assistants at the university, the largest unionization certification British Columbia has seen in decades. The Tyee, May 5, 2023.

“The growing complexity of the job and the multiple skills required should be reflected in the wages they earn. Increased hours also provide whole jobs and better overall wages for EAs. This will also help with retention and recruitment.” CUPE 409 President Dave Bollen, in a letter to School District 40, says education assistants are working harder than ever to provide support for students in an increasingly intensive working environment. New Westminster Record, April 25, 2023.

“We can refuse unsafe work. If the job seems unsafe, you are responsible for reporting it to your employer and wait[ing] for new direction. If the employer is not willing to make it safe, then you can report it. Contact your union representative. We can help.” CUPE 1908 President Loreen Matousek, on the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job, urges people to refuse unsafe work. Salmon Arm Observer, May 3, 2023.

“The increase in violence on public transport is reaching crisis levels, and our members lack the training and tools to deal with violent offenders.” CUPE 7000 President Tony Rebelo, responding to recent incidents, pleads with local and provincial authorities to work together on developing a plan to keep the public and transit workers safe. Global News, April 17, 2023.

PUBLIC SUPPORT On April 22, CUPE’s Fraser Valley District Council sponsored a special community celebration in Abbotsford honouring Local 561 members who had been on strike for a month.

CUPE members’ advocacy helps shape B.C. budget

VICTORIA | The value of advocacy was front and centre as CUPE members across the province learned the details of the B.C. government’s 2023 budget. The budget, and accompanying one-time investment of $2.7 billion in communities and key sectors, included a number of important wins for workers.

“Budget 2023 allocates critical funding on the key issues impacting British Columbians,” said CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta. “From expanded school lunch programs, to long overdue support for people on income and disability assistance, and key measures to address homelessness, healthcare funding, and mental health and addictions, there are substantial investments to support working people and their families.”

CUPE members across the province participated in the 2023 budget consultation process in early June 2022, providing nearly a dozen oral presentations with more than 25 written proposals. CUPE’s engagement in the consultation process was capped by a full written submission consolidating all 40 CUPE recommendations for Budget 2023.

“The work done by CUPE members is evident in nearly every page of this budget,” said Ranalletta, highlighting the historic one-time investment of nearly $3 billion in public services. “The funding for libraries, local governments, Next Generation 9-1-1, rural and remote cellular connectivity, infrastructure, housing, and First Nations agreements were all issues raised by CUPE members as priorities in the Budget 2023 consultation process.”

Despite many positive investments, the 2023 BC Budget was a disappointment on a key CUPE BC priority: new funding for public childcare.

“Amid the billions in new funding for public services, the lack of funding for public childcare was as surprising as it was disappointing. Our advocacy work for BC Budget 2024 has already begun, and winning a public option for school-aged care is a key priority.”

workers from CUPE locals 15, 391 and 1004 ran a multifaceted public awareness campaign prior to bargaining, scheduled to start later this year.

New deals for Metro civic locals

In the first half of 2023, municipal and library locals reached new agreements throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

CUPE 23 reached a deal with both the City of Burnaby and the Burnaby Public Library Board, while CUPE 774 negotiated a new contract with the City of Abbotsford. After more than two years of negotiations, CUPE 403 concluded bargaining with the assistance of a mediator with the Township of Langley.

Locals faced the unprecedented challenge of negotiating during a time of record high inflation, which caused — and continues to cause — significant affordability challenges for all workers.

CUPE 23 President Bruce Campbell recognized the hard work of bargaining committees past and present in the Metro Vancouver area, who he credited for lifting up workers across the region.

“The hard work invested by our fellow CUPE locals in recent rounds of bargaining provided a solid foundation on which our bargaining committee was able to build,” said Campbell. “By working together, we have been able to consistently achieve positive outcomes for workers who serve Lower Mainland communities.”

Multi-union solidarity nets big gains for K-12 members

Capping off a very successful round of bargaining with significant gains — and no concessions — all K-12 locals have ratified renewed collective agreements.

Improvements include increased hours for Education Assistants, market adjustments to address recruitment and retention challenges, and other gains utilizing local bargaining table funding.

The successful local bargaining built on the Provincial Framework Agreement (PFA) in September 2022, which covers more than 40,000 K-12 school support members. The three-year PFA gained new commitments for support staff education, a new Provincial Joint Health and Safety Taskforce with a mandate that includes supporting measures to address workplace violence prevention, and $3 million in annual funding for benefit enhancements.

Thanks to unprecedented cooperation and solidarity between public sector unions in B.C., the PFA also included general wage increases and cost of living adjustments higher than those seen in most other Canadian jurisdictions.

The success of this round of bargaining was mainly due to the support, involvement, and mobilization of K-12 members. Across B.C. they stood strong at the local and provincial levels. Several locals faced considerable concession demands, but members stepped up with mobilization efforts and participation in strike training to maintain a united front.

Solid deals reached in health care, social services, emergency services

BURNABY | CUPE members in the community health and community social services sectors have ratified new three-year collective agreements that include wage increases and address issues ranging from cost of living challenges and workload to language on leave provisions.

In the health sector, all three bargaining groups to which CUPE belongs reached new contracts with the Health Employers Association of B.C. The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association, Community Bargaining Association and Nurses Bargaining Association all received general wage increases and several improvements to benefits and working conditions. The same was the case for CUPE members in community social services, where the new contract includes general wage increases in line with other public sector agreements, plus low-wage redress increases, and several improvements to benefits and working conditions.

In emergency services, the Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC’s new deal for CUPE 873 addresses foundational changes to wages, benefits, and staffing models across B.C., with new investment in paramedic services, prehospital care, and public safety. The Emergency Communications Professionals of BC’s new contract for CUPE 8911 updates the collective agreement with improvements to compensation, benefits, and support for 9-1-1 calltakers and emergency dispatchers.

GREAT BRANDING Vancouver municipal and library

READY TO ROLL CUPE BC’s new member and community engagement vehicle, a full-sized Sprinter Van, arrived this spring after a long shipping delay, and is due to hit the road this summer. PHOTO LAURI PAUL CUPE 801

Leading the drive to unionize

CUPE runs largest organizing drive in recent B.C. history at University

VANCOUVER | Now, more than ever, workers are joining CUPE. In terms of organizing, 2023 has already proven to be an incredible year for our union.

In the first six months, workers from across B.C. joined CUPE. From library workers in Cranbrook to on-call firefighters in North Cowichan and Science World employees in Vancouver, more and more workers are organizing to use their collective power to improve working conditions and even redress the power balance within their workplaces.

Historic win for workers at UBC

The largest organizing drive in recent B.C. history took place at UBC this year, with Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) surpassing the threshold for automatic certification in April.

“Thousands of workers have signed a union card and it is clear that they want a more respectful work environment and fair compensation from UBC,” says CUPE 2278 Vice-President Gracy Buckholtz, an organizer with the campaign and a current GRA. Working conditions, compensation and dispute resolution were some of the motivating factors for GRAs seeking union representation, says CUPE 2278 President Emily Cadger.

“GRAs want to be treated like the thousands of other UBC employees who have union protection, respectful working conditions, fair dispute resolution, and compensation that enables them to do their jobs without constantly struggling to make ends meet,” says Cadger.

After an eight-month public campaign, CUPE officially filed an application with the Labour Relations Board (LRB) on April 28 to unionize GRAs and have them join CUPE 2278.

On May 11, the LRB notified the union that more than 55 per cent of all eligible employees had signed a union card. This means that if the LRB dismisses UBC’s objections, they will automatically grant the union’s application to represent GRAs because of the overwhelming support demonstrated.

Strengthening workers’ collective power

Earlier this year, 150 workers at Vancouver’s iconic Science World also successfully applied to join CUPE. Staff at Science World provide front line customer service and work behind the scenes to provide a positive experience for visitors.

These workers join CUPE Local 1004, which already represents several community non-governmental organizations, and form a new Science World unit within the local’s existing structure.

“CUPE 1004 members at Science World love bringing science knowledge and education to the community, but equally they need this work to be sustainable for workers and their families,” said CUPE Local 1004 President Scott McIntosh.

McIntosh notes that some of the key issues their newest members hope to address through bargaining are fair wages, in line with industry standards, that take into account their skills, knowledge and qualifications as well as building a more inclusive workplace with transparent policies.

of British Columbia

Why we needed to organize

By Elana Mabrito and Jed Weiss

This spring, Graduate Research Assistants at the University of British Columbia successfully reached the threshold to unionize with 55 per cent of eligible employees signing a union card, in the hopes of securing a livable wage. As of 2021, UBC’s minimum funding package for PhD students is $22,000 per year. With this package, a student who works 40 hours per week will make less than minimum wage. But many graduate research assistants at UBC work more than 40 hours per week, meaning that some students make an hourly wage in the single digits.

As of 2023, Times Higher Education ranked UBC as the 40th best university in the world. Graduate research assistants create work that positively impacts the university’s profile. Other student workers, from undergraduate research assistants to academic assistants, provide work that allows the university to function. But the current funding structure does not treat student workers like an essential part of the university system. It also replicates current inequalities. If the university is committed to attracting diverse candidates, they need to provide adequate pay, allowing people without other financial sources—including family support—to pursue postsecondary studies.

Research assistants at Simon Fraser University, Concordia, and McGill have previously voted to unionize. With the application for certification in April, UBC has joined the list. UBC student workers need a union because student workers deserve to be fairly compensated for their work— work that allows the university to operate.

Elana Mabrito and Jed Weiss are member organizers working on the UBC organizing campaign.

CUPE 8911 CALLS FOR B.C. STANDARDS

VANCOUVER | The provincial government must establish consistent service and response standards for emergency communications, or B.C.’s emergency response systems may not be able to keep up with changing 9-1-1 technology and higher call volumes.

That was the message from CUPE 8911 (Emergency Communications Professionals of BC) for this year’s Emergency Services Dispatchers and 911 Awareness Week in April.

“For too long, 9-1-1 services have not been able to keep up with rising demand, leading to longer call wait times,” said CUPE 8911 President Donald Grant.

“We need to establish service and response standards for B.C. emergency response systems in line with global benchmarks, ensuring that 90 per cent of all 9-1-1 calls are answered within 10 to 15 seconds.”

CUPE 8911’s advocacy comes on the eve of the largest overhaul of 9-1-1 services in a generation. The Local’s campaign is aimed at ensuring that, as the technology evolves to include new forms of digital communication, ongoing wait time issues are also resolved.

POWERFUL ADVOCATE, NATURAL LEADER CUPE 728’s Debra Merrier was elected as the new Equity Vice-President for Indigenous Workers by the Canadian Labour Congress at its recent convention (May 8-12) in Montreal. Debra has been an incredible voice for Indigenous workers in our union as Diversity Vice-President at both provincial and national levels, and we know she will be a powerful advocate for change and progress at the CLC. Congratulations, Debra!

NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN SKILLED TRADES

British Columbia has long had a strong and effective trades training system that offers multiple pathways for individuals to achieve certification, but it’s been two decades since we’ve had a mandatory system. That changed on December 1 last year, when the Industry Training Authority (ITA) was rebranded as SkilledTradesBC.

The new entity has an expanded focus on raising the profile of skilled trades, modernizing the approach to trades training, and implementing Skilled Trades Certification (STC).

“The new certification formally recognizes the skills of trades workers. This will attract more people to trades careers and help meet the labour market demand,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies. “There are now more supports in place to help apprentices work towards certification, including waiving exam fees for STC trades and providing self-assessment forms to help apprentices decide the most suitable level exam to challenge.”

As set out in the Skilled Trades BC Act, STC applies to seven electrical and mechanical trades and three automotive trades. For more details, visit: skilledtradesbc.ca\skilledtradescertification

CUPE 1816 REACHES FIVE-YEAR DEAL WITH PACIFIC BLUE CROSS

BURNABY | CUPE 1816 and Pacific Blue Cross signed off on a new, five-year collective agreement in March following a series of productive bargaining sessions that began last fall.

The new agreement includes a 20-per-cent base general wage increase over the term of the agreement, with fixed cost-ofliving adjustment amounts applied in the first two years. There is also an ongoing cost-of-living adjustment clause, commitment to an ongoing hybrid work model, domestic and sexual violence paid leave and paid gender-affirming leave, broader bereavement and family responsibility leaves, and conversion of temporary employees to regular (permanent) status after a duration in the same classification.

TIMELINE FOR JUSTICE In recognition of Black History Month, CUPE BC’s Racialized Workers committee helped research the Celebrating Our Past and Honouring the Present poster. The poster was shared with CUPE locals across B.C. to highlight important advancements towards racial justice. Visit the commitee’s page at cupe.bc.ca

MOURNING OUR FALLEN Delegates took time out from CUPE BC’s annual convention in Victoria on April 28 to participate in the annual National Day of Mourning ceremony. While paying tribute to workers killed or injured on the job, CUPE and other labour leaders reminded participants of the importance of fighting for the living by improving health and safety laws.

DELEGATES TACKLE CONTRACTING OUT STRUGGLES IN B.C.

DEFENDING PUBLIC SERVICES A NEVER-ENDING FIGHT

VICTORIA | Delegates to this year’s CUPE BC convention (April 26-29) found transit issues to be a constant theme as they renewed the Union’s commitment to defending public services.

Making B.C. workplaces safer was high on the agenda, thanks to a recent spike in violent incidents on or around public transit in the Lower Mainland. The CUPE 561 strike reminded delegates of the importance of public transit to B.C. communities. As Convention began, more than two hundred transit workers in the Fraser Valley were still walking picket lines after five weeks, with no end to the dispute in sight.

“We have never shied away from a difficult fight,” said CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta in her opening address, pledging to support CUPE 561 members throughout their struggle for wage fairness and retirement security. Ranalletta was just the first of many speakers

“We have never shied away from a difficult fight,” said CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta in her opening address, pledging to support CUPE 561 members throughout their struggle for wage fairness and retirement security.

to rally

THEY NEED A LIFT A CUPE 561 delegation addressed convention about the Fraser Valley transit strike.

convention delegates in support of these CUPE members, who are fighting for wages in line with other transit workers and a pension from First Transit, the multinational corporation contracted to provide transit services in Fraser Valley communities.

Secretary-Treasurer

Trevor Davies assured delegates that CUPE BC has the resources to back up CUPE 561 and all CUPE members in B.C. CUPE President Mark Hancock and Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick pledged the union’s national support for CUPE 561.

Hancock was one of several national and B.C. labour leaders at Convention who participated in the National Day of Mourning rally hosted by CUPE BC.

BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore and Secretary-Treasurer Hermender

Singh Kailley, along with CLC President Bea Bruske, also brought greetings to delegates, as did HEU President Barb Nederpel, who also presided over convention elections. CUPE New Brunswick President Stephen Drost joined other labour organizers for the Organizing to Win! forum moderated by lawyer and human rights expert Adrienne Smith.

Many guest speakers addressed the challenges that the rising cost of living and inflation have posed for workers, their families, and communities. They included B.C. Premier David Eby, who addressed Convention for the first time as premier and leader of the BCNDP.

“Workers are facing big challenges…. There are people out there that believe we should be addressing these challenges with cuts and more privatization of public services,” said Eby, sharing what he’s heard from other premiers. “The labour movement and this government don’t believe in this race to the bottom. Workers don’t deserve this.”

Ranalletta wrapped up Convention 2023 with a thank-you to delegates for their thoughtful and respectful debate, hard work, and energy. Over the four days, delegates passed 48 resolutions setting the direction ahead for CUPE BC.

MEET YOUR NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD!

Convention 2023 was an election year for CUPE BC. Karen Ranalletta was acclaimed to a second term as president while Trevor Davies was acclaimed to another term as secretarytreasurer, a position he’s held since 2015. Members elected to the executive board for a two-year term are as follows:

President

Karen Ranalletta

Secretary-Treasurer

Trevor Davies

General Vice-Presidents

Dal Benning

Sheryl Burns

Amber Leonard

Tony Rebelo

Diversity Vice-Presidents & Alternates

Indigenous Workers

Debra Merrier

Taily Willis — Alternate

Persons with Disabilities

Laurie Whyte

Monica Brady — Alternate

Pink Triangle

Joyce Griffiths

Hailey Fielden — Alternate

Racialized Workers

Edward Parsotam

Cindy Ozouf — Alternate

Regional Vice-Presidents

Fraser Valley

Sara Manchester

Ryan Doman — Alternate

Kootenays

Anita Early

Michelle Bennett — Alternate

Metro Vancouver

Sarah Bjorknas

Donald Grant

Lee-Ann Lalli

Chloe Martin-Cabanne — Alternate

North

Paula Bass

Jeanette Beauvillier — Alternate

Okanagan

Nicole Cabrejos

Lois Rugg — Alternate

Vancouver Island

Dan MacBeth

Kirk Mercer

Tiffany McLaughlin — Alternate

Debbie Mohabir was acclaimed as a Trustee.

Bea Bruske

LEADER SCRUM B.C. officers

Ranalletta and Davies with national officers Rennick and Hancock.

PROGRESSIVE CHANGE REQUIRES SOLID TEAMWORK, PLANNING

One thing I’ve always appreciated about CUPE is our strength and resilience as an organization: the fact we maintain our solidarity despite whatever obstacles are thrown at us, always finding ways to overcome or adjust to new realities. This has never been truer than since the pandemic. If anything, the challenges of the past three years have made us stronger; they’ve demonstrated that we are stronger together, and that when we work together, we win.

In some ways, the election of a BCNDP government in 2017— and its re-election three years later— has simplified our efforts to achieve meaningful change at the provincial level. It’s a lot easier to map out your future as an organization when you’re working with a government that isn’t trying to destroy you but, on the contrary, sees you as part of a team trying to make things better for all British Columbians. But in some ways, there’s more pressure to deliver: the scars of those 16 years of BC Liberal rule have yet to heal completely, so it seems all the more critical that we redouble our efforts to achieve lasting progressive change.

Think strategically, act collaboratively

Those changes begin with the B.C. Labour Code. This government has helped workers organize the unorganized, held employers accountable for interfering with our organizing efforts, and protected workers in situations of contract flipping. Thanks to our collaborative relationship, the BCNDP has also brought in card check certification, which has enabled workers to rise up, organize and seek justice without employer interference. This is making a huge difference in the lives of workers, families and communities everywhere in B.C.

Such achievements do not happen in a vacuum but require the same commitment to strategic planning that we apply to everything we do. More than anything, it’s about relationships.

It all starts with CUPE BC, whose leadership in political action is critical to our success as a union. Working with the B.C. Division,

our Strong Communities Working Group is such an important tool for the region. This group of staff leads political campaigns, supports local and provincial government engagement, coordinates anti-privatization projects and fight-backs, and facilitates local community organizing.

These same principles of strategic planning and teamwork apply at the bargaining table. The improvements we have seen in our collective agreements over the past year reflect the strength of our resolve to deliver tangible wins for members— not something we could have achieved alone. Our work to build relationships and solidarity— both within our union and with our allies in the labour movement— allowed us to achieve unprecedented monetary improvements across provincial sectors.

Expanding our coalition

As successful as our bargaining may be, there are challenges facing our province and communities that transcend labour relations. From the affordability and housing crises, mental health and addiction challenges, and climate change, to the fight to defend public services— including the provision of public childcare —we know that decisions affecting our members are being made in council chambers and around board tables every day.

With that mind, CUPE in the B.C. region has worked on building and strengthening our relationships at the local level. While our work with the provincial government remains our primary political engagement, the decision-makers in organizations such as the BC School Trustees’ Association, the BC Library Association, the Union of BC Municipalities and its area associations have a tremendous role to play in addressing issues in our workplaces and communities— issues that can be every bit as local as provincial in scope.

This is how we address the larger issues affecting our members and communities. By organizing, not agonizing. By putting in the hard work, and by expanding our coalition. By making political action part of our monthly, weekly, and daily work. Because it is not just what we do during elections that matters; equally important is the political engagement and relationship-building that happens in between them.

Martina Boyd

Making an investment in Reconciliation

What pension plans are doing to support progressive Indigenous initiatives

By the CUPE BC Pension Committee

One of the issues our committee has been most passionate about is finding ways to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action through investments. In accordance with a convention resolution last year, we have looked at our biggest plan, the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), to ensure that we have investments in projects that support Indigenous initiatives.

When it comes to investing in successful Indigenous-owned businesses, it’s not just about the bottom line for CUPE members; it’s also about supporting reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples across Canada. This is why the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI)— the investment manager for the MPP—has made significant investments in businesses that prioritize Indigenous relations and sustainable practices.

A sense of shared values

One example of BCI’s commitment to Indigenous reconciliation is their investment in Mosaic Forest Management. This forestry company, based on Vancouver Island, has achieved the Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification for all its managed lands and was recently recognized with silver-level recognition by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Mosaic’s commitment to respecting Indigenous rights, traditional knowledge, and sustainable forestry practices aligns with BCI’s values; for its part as an owner with representation

on Mosaic’s board, BCI works closely with the company to continually enhance its approach to Indigenous relations.

BCI also supports Indigenous communities through their investment in the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) commercial paper program. This non-profit organization helps First Nations access low-rate loans, investment options, and capital planning advice. The FNFA has loaned over $1.5 billion to various First Nations projects, creating more than 16,000 jobs and providing economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Prioritizing reconciliation and inclusion

BCI uses their influence and advocacy to encourage companies they invest in to prioritize Indigenous reconciliation and inclusion. For example, BCI and other shareholders of TMX Group Limited supported a historic shareholder proposal to report on the company’s policies and work related to Indigenous reconciliation and inclusion. As a result, TMX Group disclosed the first steps it has taken to fulfill its reconciliation and inclusion commitments.

BCI’s commitment to Indigenous reconciliation goes beyond their investment portfolio. Recently, they sponsored a CFA Society Victoria Indigenous Finance event that highlighted economic development opportunities and the potential for growing Indigenous economics and opportunities.

By investing in successful Indigenous-owned businesses, BCI is not only supporting the retirement goals of CUPE members but also contributing to a more equitable and just society.

“By investing in successful Indigenous-owned businesses, BCI is not only supporting the retirement goals of CUPE members but also contributing to a more equitable and just society.”

CUPE 728 hosts Red Dress Day

SURREY | CUPE members gathered on the unceded territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo peoples to mark May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Non-Binary People (MMIWG2S+).

It was the second Red Dress Gathering organized by CUPE 728 – Surrey School Support Workers, to mark the day. Based on the work of Métis artist Jamie Black, the red dresses have become a symbol to honour MMIWG2S+. For the gathering, CUPE 728 members hung red dresses from trees in Bear Creek Park, each with a poster memorializing a murdered or missing Indigenous woman.

The gathering was opened by Katzie Elder Colleen Pierre and featured several songs by Stars of the North, a family drum group from the Tlowitsis Nation. CUPE 728 members Shelly Sage Ricci and Debra Merrier, and other Indigenous union members, spoke on the devastating effects that violence against women have had on Indigenous communities.

Seven attendees were asked to ‘stand witness’ to the event. These people, including members of the CUPE BC executive board, shared what they had learned during the ceremony and what they planned to do to advocate for MMIWG2S+. CUPE 728 President Tammy Murphy thanked Indigenous members for leading the event organizing, and pledged that CUPE 728 would continue hosting the annual event.

IN MEMORIAM: STEVE SEEKINS

CUPE BC extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Steve Seekins, who tragically lost his life on May 17 while working in Oak Bay.

Seekins, a 52-year-old married father of two, was a CUPE 374 member who worked for the District of Oak Bay in the public works department.

In honor of Steve’s memory, CUPE Local 374 has set up an account to which donations can be made at Community Savings Credit Union. All funds contributed will go directly to the Seekins family and help make a meaningful difference in honouring Steve’s life.

To donate, send a direct deposit (e-mail president@cupe374.ca for form) to Community Savings Credit Union, or send an e-transfer to treasurer@cupe374.ca for those funds to be added to the account.

Reaching out to local government

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) — the voice of B.C.’s local governments—plays a key role in coordinating and supporting the work of municipalities, regional districts, and other local government structures, and working on their behalf with the B.C. government.

In turn, there are five area associations that undertake UBCM’s work across the province: one each for the Lower Mainland, Southern Interior, Kootenays, Northern B.C., and Vancouver Island. These area associations meet each spring to discuss common issues, develop plans to address regional challenges, and approve proposals for the annual UBCM convention in the Fall.

Once again in 2023, CUPE BC was a leading sponsor of the UBCM area association conventions, using these spaces as a venue to promote the value of the public services CUPE members provide in their communities.

PARTNERS IN LITERACY CUPE library workers from across the province attended the breakout session, Library Workers: Reflections of Their Community, at the BC Library Association’s (BCLA) annual conference in April. CUPE BC is a proud sponsor of the conference and BCLA’s partner in delivering B.C.’s Summer Reading Club at public community libraries throughout the province.

GETTING CONNECTED President Karen Ranalletta with members and staff attending the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities conference in Nanaimo (April 14–16).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FIRST RESPONDER Ambulance

Paramedics of BC (CUPE 873) Provincial Public Education Director

Sherry Trider travels the province providing education to the public and showcasing the paramedic profession. On April 30, she attended the ninth annual Country Car Show in Aldergrove (above left). On May 6, she was in Pemberton with APBC Regional Vice-President Kelly Budway for the Wildfire & Emergency Preparedness event. Earlier this year, CUPE 873 members Kai and Len dropped in on their local Sunday School to educate students and share stories about their profession.

INSPIRING STORYTELLER CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta with Ivan Coyote (centre) and CUPE 2081 Executive members on May 18. Local 2081 brought the author and activist to both Camosun College campuses using funds negotiated in bargaining.

SOLIDARITY SPRING CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta and Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies took a quick break from Convention 2023 preparations on April 19 to support striking members of PSAC on their New Westminster picket line. Settlements were reached in the first week of May for 145,000 taxation and Canada Revenue Agency employees, ending job actions of 12 and 15 days, respectively.

EMBRACING EQUITY

CUPE’s Metro Vancouver District Council celebrated International Women’s Day with a community event held at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre at

the Squamish Nation on March 8.

How we’re doubling down on a public childcare option

If you are active in your local, a dedicated reader of Public Employee, or— as is often the case —both, then you know how important the issue of universal and accessible public childcare is to CUPE BC. Over the past five years, we have dedicated significant resources to making childcare available to everyone.

Now, as our campaign picks up steam, we are doubling down on our efforts to make the seamless day model— in which before- and after-school care is delivered directly by public workers in school districts— a reality across B.C.

views. The action site drew more than 4,000 interactions, with members and the public sending e-mails to local and provincial leaders. CUPE BC’s vision of public childcare has been endorsed by the Coalition of Childcare Advocates of BC, the Hospital Employees’ Union, the BC Federation of Students, the Single Mothers’ Alliance of BC, and the BC Teachers’ Federation, among others.

“A public solution is within our reach, and with that a better quality of life for parents, their children, and those workers looking after our future.”

The current model is mostly market-based: it relies on for-profit or not-for-profit providers to provide childcare services. This system is not working for parents, who must compete over a shortage of spaces. It is not working for providers, who must compete with one another for staff. And it does not work for the workers— mostly women, mostly racialized— whose work is precarious and who receive poverty wages, few benefits, and no pension. A public solution is within our reach, and with that a better quality of life for parents, their children, and those workers looking after our future.

Filling the void

Despite substantial investments by the BCNDP government, and its commitment to a universal system of affordable childcare with a strong emphasis on integrating early care and learning, B.C. still lacks a model of public childcare that supports quality, reliable care for kids while providing good jobs, fair wages and a pension for workers. Throwing more money and subsidies into the market system will never solve the problem we are facing. The system itself must evolve to meet the needs of parents, children and staff. And we know the public appetite for such a model is strong. During phase one of our campaign, advertising produced more than 5.6 million digital impressions and more than 85,000 website

Public childcare programs and pilots now exist in half of B.C.’s school districts, a number that keeps growing as advocacy continues at the provincial and local level to turn pilot sites into ongoing programs. But progress has been slow, and the BCNDP government has yet to make a substantial, systemic investment in a public option. Thankfully, Premier David Eby referenced our childcare proposal in his address at Convention 2023. This was encouraging, since delegates passed a resolution calling for a continuation of the Division’s work to create a seamless system of childcare brought into the public school system and delivered by CUPE members.

A coalition of caring

The next phase of our campaign will shift from public awareness building to organizing, coalition building, and direct outreach to build support for CUPE BC’s vision through grassroots organizing and engagement. The aim is to get decision-makers and the general public — especially parents —  to embrace an integrated model in which childcare work in school districts would be delivered by existing CUPE K-12 workers, in particular Education Assistants, who need additional hours of work to create sustainable, family-supporting jobs. In the long term, we’re aiming for full implementation of the $10-a-day childcare plan and expansion of the current K-12 system to an Early Care/Learning (E-12) system, with school districts responsible for the delivery of all early care and learning from zero to age 12.

The fact that B.C. can quickly create thousands of new, highquality childcare spaces in the public school system— and without having to hire any new staff or build a single new space— should be a no-brainer for the decision-makers.

CUPE FALL WEEK-LONG SCHOOL

We invite you to connect with other CUPE activists and experience powerful learning and networking at our popular week-long school in the Harbour City.

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

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE

WORKSHOPS WE’RE DEVELOPING INCLUDE:

Parliamentary Procedure and Public Speaking

Local Executive Training Steward Learning Series

Coast Bastion Hotel Nanaimo, BC

November 5–10, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT

CUPE Education Representative Vanessa Wolff at 604-291-1940 or send her an e-mail at vwolff@cupe.ca

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PRESIDENT

Karen Ranalletta

SECRETARY-TREASURER

Trevor Davies

EDITOR

Dan Gawthrop

EDITORIAL TEAM

Steven Beasley

Kathryn Davies

Greg Taylor

PHOTOS

CUPE Communications and Josh Berson

COVER PHOTO

Josh Berson

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Pete Tuepah and Nadene Rehnby, Hands On Publications

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