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 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