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.