Public Employee Winter 2020

UN DECLARATION | CUPE IN CUBA | UBC HISTORY PROJECT | NATIONAL CONVENTION

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE WINTER 2020

WELCOME TO THE 2020s

CUPE BC COMMITTEES READY TO TACKLE THE BIG ISSUES

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LEADING US

PAUL FAORO, PRESIDENT

The work begins now

Premier John Horgan and Cabinet were sworn in July 19, 2017.

WHY WE NEED A BC NDP MAJORITY GOVERNMENT delivered next door in Alberta by Premier Jason Kenney, in Ontario Welcome to the first edition of Public

by Premier Doug Ford, and in other jurisdictions across the country.

Employee for the 2020s. It will come as British Columbia is an oasis of progressive administration and policy, no surprise to regular readers that my first by comparison. column for the new decade is about politics While the next provincial election isn’t scheduled until 2021, we and how essential I believe political action is must always be aware of the possibility of a snap election coming to the future of our union. It’s also essential for sooner than that given the minority government situation we’re the broader labour movement and for ensuring in. When I look at the positive changes the Horgan government progressive policies at all levels of government. has been able to produce with a razor-thin voting majority in the Paul Faoro Last October’s federal election didn’t go as Legislature, I imagine how much more a BC NDP government could well as we’d hoped for Jagmeet Singh and the federal NDP. But here accomplish if it didn’t depend on the Green Party caucus. in B.C., our member-to-member campaign helped limit expected Working with the Greens, Premier Horgan and his team have made NDP losses to Liberals, Conservatives or Greens. For example, CUPE impressive progress on issues working people care member Laurel Collins held off a strong challenge Imagine how much more about: affordability, child care, fighting climate change, from the Green Party candidate to hold the seat a BC NDP government and restoring fairness to labour laws. But on that last for the NDP and become the new Member of point, remember this: it was the right-leaning Green could accomplish if it Parliament for Victoria. And she did so with plenty caucus that prevented the BC NDP from removing didn’t depend on the of help from CUPE members on Vancouver Island. barriers that make it harder for workers to join unions.

Thanks to those members, and to the many more Green Party caucus.

While the Greens have helped the government across the province who helped out on NDP implement many of the much-needed changes to provincial policies, campaigns in their respective communities. they’re no friends of working people or the labour movement.

In my opinion, our campaign could have been more effective if we’d started working with our members earlier in the electoral Time for a mandate cycle. I’ll be raising issues like this with our National Executive In my view, the best way to ensure that the progressive policies of Board as we collectively look at how our political action programs the Horgan government aren’t undone by a return to BC Liberal can be more continuous and not confined to the actual election government is for organizations like ours to work hard with our campaign period — that deadline-driven, media-saturated part of the members to encourage ongoing political activism within the BC calendar when any gaps in planning or preparation can be glaring.

NDP. By doing that, we’ll be better placed to help elect a majority BC British Columbia: progressive outlier NDP government that will deliver progressive policies to improve While the federal election didn’t deliver the results for working the lives of working people — whether the next provincial election people that an NDP government would have brought, we can at comes in May 2021 or sooner. least be thankful that the Conservatives are still the Opposition and FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER @paulfaoro not the government. Just look at the right-wing nonsense being

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

CUPE ACT ION

From UVic to the House of Commons VICTORIA | Although the 2019 federal election didn’t result in a breakthrough for the federal NDP, British Columbia was a bright spot on the electoral map with 12 candidates becoming Members of Parliament — including CUPE Local 4163 member and City Councillor Laurel Collins, who won her seat in Victoria.

The retirement of long-time Victoria MP Murray Rankin led many pundits and observers to predict that the seat could go to the Green Party, which had been rising in the opinion polls. The nomination of Collins — a popular councillor who’d been one of the top vote-winners in the 2018 civic election — helped to change those predictions, but there remained significant concerns Laurel Collins that the NDP could lose the seat.

Collins’s energetic campaign style and a strong performance by Leader Jagmeet Singh helped fend off the Green Party challenger and hold the seat for the NDP. “I know she’ll be a great representative for the citizens of Victoria and a valuable member of Jagmeet Singh’s team,” said CUPE BC President Paul Faoro, one of many CUPE members who volunteered on Election Day to help get out the vote for Collins.

“Her victory shows that a solid and truly progressive agenda wins votes.”

KEEPING IT PUBLIC Supporters joined CUPE Local 622 members as they presented their case against privatization before Maple Ridge City Council.

Fighting privatization on the Fraser MAPLE RIDGE | CUPE 622 continues to lead the effort against the outsourcing of operations at the City of Maple Ridge’s new multi-million-dollar community centre, currently under construction.

The CUPE Local, which represents 450 municipal workers in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, is fighting to save jobs and protect services when the 20,000-squarefoot Albion Community Centre opens

later this year. The facility will include a multi-use hall, an exterior amphitheatre and stage, a daycare and three multi-use rooms.

A large delegation that included Fraser Valley District Council members, staff and CUPE BC President Paul Faoro (see photo) attended the CUPE 622 presentation against privatizing the centre, made before Maple Ridge City Council in May.

Welcoming new members from around B.C. “All workers who want to belong to a union should be able to.” That was CUPE 1004 President Andrew Ledger’s straightforward comment on CUPE’s successful organizing drive on Bowen Island, where union presence has been mostly invisible. New Local 1004 members work for the island municipality in roads, public works, parks and environment departments.

Organizing efforts have also brought into CUPE 900 a group of municipal

workers who maintain the District of Barriere’s wastewater, parks, roads and provide administrative services. On Vancouver Island, CUPE 556 brought in workers who maintain the water treatment plant and streetlights for public works in the Union Bay Improvement District.

CUPE 3402, representing public workers in Chetwynd, gained new members when they bargained a contract adding a new classification for recreation workers.

Improving awareness among men BURNABY | Last Fall, members of CUPE BC’s executive board who are men or identify as male participated in the “Be More than a Bystander” workshop aimed at ending male violence against women. The campaign, developed in partnership with the BC Lions and the Ending Violence Association of BC, is supported by the BC Fed and BC Centre for Women in the Trades.

Presenters detailed a range of strategies men should use to intercede where they observe bullying and harassment, from non-verbal interventions to public rebukes and interpersonal conversations. “The vast majority of violence against women is committed by men, so it’s incumbent on those of us who self-identify as men to talk seriously about the issue and do everything we can to stop it,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies.

STOPPING THE VIOLENCE CUPE National President Mark Hancock (third from left) joins CUPE BC executive board members and staff at the Be More Than a Bystander training session.

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CUPE ACT ION

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

VOICES

CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA “I see the result of trying to make ends meet every day. Families living in North Vancouver who work for low wages often have to face impossible choices — buy food or heat the house? Feed the children or pay the rent?”

— CUPE 389 Vice-President Joyce Griffiths, on her union’s support for a living wage policy in the City of North Vancouver. North Shore News, November 20, 2019.

“We didn’t get everything we wanted but it’s a good start.”

— CUPE 4163 President Greg Melnechuk credits the mediator for helping the two sides find common ground after an often frustrating round of bargaining.

Victoria Times Colonist, September 28.

“This new collective agreement introduces perhaps the most significant changes our workplace has ever seen in a single period of bargaining.”

— Ambulance Paramedics of BC (CUPE 873) thenPresident Cameron Eby says a new three-year deal with the Province puts his union on a path to create regular, family-supporting paramedics jobs in every community in B.C. Houston Today, October 1, 2019.

“We hit a home run with this deal.”

— CUPE Local 3052 President Carla Sanford, on an improved contract with the District of Chetwynd that brought Recreation Centre workers into the bargaining unit. Energeticcity.ca (Fort. St. John), November 21.

“These workers provide the same services as the members we represent in surrounding communities.

We are so pleased to welcome them into our growing union.”

— CUPE 556 President Karen Garrett, on the Union Bay Improvement District employees who voted to join CUPE 556. Comox Valley Record, November 25, 2019.

“We reached an agreement that will benefit all our CUPE employees.”

— CUPE Local 3500 President Corey Grabner, on the new three-year deal for the Kamloops-Thompson school district’s 850 support workers. Kamloops This Week, November 22, 2019.

VIVA SOLIDARIDAD! CUPE BC Diversity Vice-President Debra Merrier and (Alt) Regional Vice-President Carmen Sullivan (back row, second and third left), along with CUPE members Steve Stewart and Aman Cheema, join Cuban labour activists at the Havana office where union members come every month to pay their dues.

Partners in progress CUPE-FUNDED PROJECT MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR CUBAN WORKERS HAVANA | A five-year project sponsored by CUPE in partnership with Cuba’s largest public sector union wrapped up in the Fall with a week-long (November 10-16) delegation to the Caribbean island, a rare opportunity for the Canadian unionists to meet their Cuban partners.

Since 1998, CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev) has led the collaboration between CUPE and the Havana province section of the National Union of Public Administration Workers (SNTAP). Their most recent project, a shop steward training program, included the renovation and equipping of training classrooms at the union’s offices in different Havana municipalities.

The project with SNTAP is supported by both CUPE National and CUPE BC. Representatives of both comprised the five-person delegation organized

by CoDev for the visit, which coincided with the Cuban capital’s 500th anniversary.

Among the tour stops, the CUPE delegation visited the Havana-based headquarters of the Cuban labour federation and, in Barrio Nuevo Vedado, a community-based polyclinic with services ranging from x-rays to pediatric, from physiotherapy to traditional medicine.

Future projects with SNTAP will aim to focus on health and safety, especially the need to use protective equipment and enforce safety measures by employers.

CONVENTION RETURNS TO VANCOUVER CUPE BC’s 57th annual Convention, coming to Vancouver’s Westin Bayshore Hotel April 22–25, will feature great speakers, passionate debate and plenty of opportunities to make new connections — and renew old ones — with delegates from all over the province.

For more details, visit cupe.bc.ca and look for the Convention Call.

MEMBERS ON THE FR­ONT LINE

CUPE ACT ION

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Municipal campaign launches Phase II BURNABY | In September 2018, municipal and library locals from B.C.’s south coast launched a regional pre-bargaining campaign to highlight the work CUPE members do to make our communities better. Since then, the locals have engaged in membership outreach and community relations with a regional tour, a member-focussed video, and regional transit and billboard ads, plus other activities.

Building on the success of this work, the 20 locals representing more than 20,000 municipal workers between Pemberton and Hope decided to launch a second phase of their campaign, effectively extending this outreach work well into 2020. Part two of the campaign began in October with region-wide radio and video advertising.

With several locals now at the table, the campaign aims to maintain strong public awareness of the important work these members perform for their communities.

SISTERS IN LEADERSHIP From left: CUPE 2950 President Karen Ranalletta, BC Labour Heritage Centre Executive Director Donna Sacuta, and CUPE 2950 Second Vice President and Contract Chair Susanne Lester.

CUPE 2950 digital project honours feminist activism, “herstory” at UBC VANCOUVER | The 45th anniversary of CUPE 2950’s predecessor, the Association of University and College Employees, (AUCE 1) was a night for labour history, feminist activism and digital technology.

The digitization project, carried out by a team of graduate students and overseen

by UBC librarians, began with a phone call about 43 boxes of AUCE materials that needed a new home. The collection in UBC

All K–12 locals included in B.C.-wide agreement All 57 CUPE K–12 locals in B.C. completed local bargaining on deadline and fall under the Provincial Framework Agreement (PFA).

For the first time in many years, K–12 locals received funding through the PFA for local bargaining issues with their respective districts.

CUPE locals negotiated agreements at the table or through mediation. CUPE Local 441 ratified an agreement following a three-week strike for wage parity with neighbouring communities (see photo, p. 7).

Locally bargained collective agreements incorporate the PFA recommended by the K–12 Presidents Council in September. The PFA includes the provincial wage mandate of 2, 2, and 2 per cent annually. The contracts are in effect from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.

Library’s Open Collections is available to all.

“Our union was organized in the library and now it will live on in the library,” said CUPE 2950 President Karen Ranalletta.

The local also launched a video, “A union for working women at UBC–AUCE 1,” and unveiled a plaque commemorating the feminist union’s leadership in achieving fully funded maternity leave in 1974.

Call for nominations

NORTHERN SOLIDARITY CUPE Locals 3799 and 2278 Component 3 supported striking Faculty Association members at UNBC for 16 days of picketing. Braving Fall temperatures as low as -20 were Component 3 picket captain Karen Dietrich (L) and President Paige Wilson.

Each year at CUPE BC Convention, awards are presented to an outstanding activist for disabled workers’ rights and to CUPE locals for excellence in communications.

This year, for the first time, an award will also be presented to an outstanding environmental activist from within CUPE in B.C. For information on the criteria for these awards, check the Convention Call at cupe.bc.ca/ convention_2020. To nominate a member or Local, email convention@cupe.bc.ca.

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LINKING LABOUR

MEENA BRISARD, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Expanding our base through organizing During our National Convention in Montreal last Fall, President Mark Hancock noted a significant milestone in our history when he informed delegates that CUPE’s membership now exceeds 700,000. Much of the Meena Brisard credit for this can go to CUPE staff and their organizing efforts from coast to coast.

CUPE organizers have been using strategies that encourage newly organized workers to become active members and make a difference in their union. Our goal is to develop a culture in which CUPE members help build stronger, more engaged, and more inclusive locals through activism and involvement at MEMBER NETWORK CUPE Organizing reps Aaron Young (kneeling, all levels. front right), Zoe Magnus and David Fleming (standing, sixth and By building our grassroots, rank-and-file seventh left) join Meena Brisard and member organizers during a involvement to better address workplace issues, November training session at CUPE’s B.C. regional office in Burnaby. we can achieve better bargaining outcomes while A good organizer communicates a passion for workers’ rights increasing member participation and engagement. and improving life for others, along with the value the union That means listening to the diversity of our locals, both in terms of brought to them and how it can make people’s lives better. occupational groups and other demographics, to determine what Willingness to listen is key, and so is a good eye for union talent. works best in each case.

Not everyone at their local will have the same leadership skills, but Building on momentum those who attended the November sessions now have the tools to identify the right leaders for each local initiative. One of those The new energy we get when we bring in a new group can be used tools is workplace mapping: identifying social networks in the to transform a local, so it’s important to harness the momentum and workplace, who’s on the soccer team or which members are part excitement created by the organizing drive. Having the servicing rep of the same cultural, religious or language groups. involved in the organizing drive can make all the difference: once the workplace is CUPE-certified, the rep can make sure the workers Expanding the base are well-organized internally and identify workplace leaders who When we see a workplace that is partly organized but has other will fight to bring their members together, have each other’s back, workers that are not unionized and belong to our sector, it’s and reach the best collective agreements possible. our duty and obligation to bring these workers into our union.

In November, our Organizing department held three days of That’s what we mean by wall-to-wall organizing: improving the member organizer training for 18 CUPE members from throughout workplace for all workers while innoculating CUPE locals against B.C. During the sessions, the divisive employer tactics. members learned various skills Our goal is to develop U.S. labour organizer Jane McAlevey — a best-selling authorthat will teach them how to a culture in which CUPE activist who has shared her wisdom at CUPE staff training organize both new and internal members help build stronger, sessions in recent years — has noted that unions too often focus (existing) members, as well more engaged, and more on mobilizing their existing membership without doing the proper as how to run campaigns in inclusive union locals through work to motivate them. every corner of the province.

“In organizing, we’re consciously doing what we call ‘base One important take-away was activism and involvement expansion’: expanding the universe of people from whom we can the need to have face-to-face at all levels of their local. later come back to mobilize, whether it’s to go to the polls or meetings with newly organized getting people on a picket line and striking, or blocking a bridge,” members to find out what they McAlevey told Current Affairs in a podcast last year. care about, and then to work with them on building a plan to This a good reminder that the hard work of mobilizing union address those issues. Trainees were also asked to turn their minds members and keeping them motivated never ends. As we like to organizing possibilities within their own communities. The result to say at CUPE: the members are the union, and their collective was a number of interesting leads our Organizing staff wouldn’t strength is our power. have found otherwise.

NEWS BRIEFS CUPE 379

MEMBER WINS PREMIER’S AWARD BURNABY | CUPE 379 member Wendel Williams, a safe school specialist at École Alpha Secondary, was named a winner of the 2019 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education in the Outstanding Support–School Community category.

Williams has been building trusting relationships and rapport with students, staff and parents for 25 years, making connections with students and resolving conflicts. “When students feel safe at school, they are more relaxed and confident to do things — and they thrive,” said Williams.

Williams praises the School District for its innovation in creating the safe school specialist position for every high school Wendel Williams in Burnaby. “We proactively address issues before they become a conflict. It’s all about relationships.”

The winners and finalists’ videos can be found at the gov.bc.ca website under Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education.

STANDING STRONG CUPE 441 K-12 support workers in Saanich School District received much public support during their three-week strike in the Fall. Here, members listen to CUPE National President Mark Hancock’s message of solidarity.

POST-SECONDARY BARGAINING UPDATE

CUPE 2278

FIRST DEAL FOR UNBC TEACHING ASSISTANTS VANCOUVER | CUPE 2278 Component 3, representing approximately 100 teaching assistants at the University of Northern British Columbia, achieved their first collective agreement after just four days of collegial and constructive bargaining.

Unpaid working hours, academic retaliation, and harassment were some of the key issues that the new agreement addresses.

“This really was a major victory,” said CUPE 2278 President Laura Bulk. “We earned very firm protection and clear language around things like retaliation, which the agreement clearly acknowledges as a form of harassment.”

Teaching assistants at UNBC voted to join CUPE 2278 last April.

BUS ADS TELL OUR STORY CUPE Locals 917, 951, and 4163 (Components 1 and 2) at the University of Victoria raised awareness and built campus community support with a prebargaining campaign that included transit shelters and interior bus cards.

FOR A BETTER BC BC NDP cabinet ministers (and former CUPE activists) Lisa Beare and Judy Darcy join members and staff from the CUPE caucus attending the party convention in Victoria (November 22–24).

In the Colleges sector, all locals were in bargaining or had tables about to open by year’s end, while a third of CUPE’s University locals had finished bargaining.

Support workers at UBC (CUPE 116), University of Victoria (CUPE 4163 Component 3), Thompson Rivers University (CUPE 4879) and University of Northern BC (CUPE 3799) had reached collective agreements, while all others were actively bargaining.

At UNBC in Prince George, striking Faculty Association members received strong support from CUPE locals 3799 and 2278 Component 3 who walked the picket lines with faculty for over three weeks. The Faculty Association remained on strike at press time, but had taken down their picket lines on November 29.

WORKING FOR STUDENTS CUPE@UVIC

CUPE members are working for students to support them throughout their education at UVic. We provide direct support to students, faculty and staff. Our work is integral for postsecondary students to earn their degrees.

Precarious working conditions like lack of job security, temporary and casual positions, and low wages create problems for workers and their families, and also impact the education experience of students. CUPE members strive to make things better on campus because post-secondary education benefits everyone in the community.

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E TO THE 20 M O C L 20s E W

HOW CUPE BC COMMITTEES ARE EXPANDING THEIR ROLE TO TACKLE THE BIG ISSUES BURNABY | Building strong communities and better workplaces is a never-ending challenge for the committed union activist. When it comes to activities ranging from collective bargaining to elections or community campaigns, there’s a lot of heavy lifting COVER STORY involved in developing strategy, timelines and tasks for coordinated action. The need for this work has become all the more urgent with the rise of right-wing governments and the devaluing of public services. So who does all this work, and how does it get done?

At CUPE BC, it’s you, the members.

Every two years shortly after Convention, CUPE BC brings together more than 200 CUPE members from across the province to attend the “One Big Committee Meeting,” comprised of all members of the Division’s standing and sectoral committees. Delegates spend two days developing strategic plans for their committees, focused on supporting the Division’s two-year action plan developed and approved by delegates at the previous Convention, as well as any resolutions passed by Convention that What do committees do? impact committee mandates.

• Help develop a strategic plan to support CUPE BC’s two-year CUPE BC’s committees are tasked with action plan and help implement relevant resolutions passed at carrying out the policies, campaigns and Convention. action plan developed at Convention.

CUPE BC appoints committee members • Connect with community groups and activists who are working based on recommendations from affiliated on similar issues. locals and district councils. Committee • Represent CUPE BC at community events. membership is further reflected by each • Identify issues that require action by CUPE BC and develop committee’s terms of reference. Final potential solutions for consideration by the Executive Board or determination of these appointments is Convention. made by the CUPE BC executive board.

• Report to Convention on annual progress.

During the One Big Committee Meeting, the 21 committees cover a wide range How do I join a committee? of issues, sectors and initiatives. Each Putting committee membership together is a complicated committee is chaired by a member process — CUPE BC relies on nominations from Locals and District of CUPE BC’s Executive Board, with a Councils — so if you’re a CUPE member who’s interested in sitting on a co-chair elected from the members of the committee, let your Local know. And if you’re able, get to know members committee. from your Local or region who are committee members to learn more “CUPE BC’s committees do a about the work and activism they’re focused on. tremendous amount of work on behalf of our members, but it’s work that isn’t See all of CUPE BC’s committees on the back cover widely known. We want to make efforts For more information, check out cupe.bc.ca/committees to change that and do a better job of

21 COMMITTEES — SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! promoting the work committees do,” says CUPE BC SecretaryTreasurer Trevor Davies.

“Not only is serving on a committee a great way to learn about issues and sectors, it’s an excellent way to meet fellow CUPE members from other locals, other geographic regions and different backgrounds. When Committees are formed, we do our best to ensure that representation is as diverse as possible, with an emphasis on giving new activists an opportunity to step up.”

Davies notes that the “life” of each committee is a two-year term.

While some committee members have sat for multiple terms, the ideal blend of membership is a mix between experienced and new members, he says.

“One of the reasons that OBCM has been happening as long as anyone can remember is that it brings real value — it’s a great way to build solidarity and show new activists the potential of what we can do as a union when we all work together.”

Davies adds that some committees are higher profile than others because of the Every two years, CUPE BC nature of the issues they work brings together more than on.

200 members from across “I’ll always have a soft spot for BC to attend the “One Big the political action committee, Committee Meeting.” for the important work they do around developing member capacity to work on election campaigns and understand how political action works, but I also loved my time on the pension committee,” he says.

“That’s not to single out those two committees over any others — the occupational health and safety committee does critically important work as well, as does every committee. I’m just reflecting on how being part of those two committees early in my CUPE BC activism helped give me the tools I need to do my current job. I’d recommend serving on a committee to any CUPE member who wants to become more active in their local union and their community, or who wants to develop as a future leader.”

Anti-Privatization: works to protect services in B.C. communities by monitoring attempts by employers to contract out and privatize CUPE jobs.

Colleges: works to protect publicly funded colleges and institutes in B.C. and develops strategies to deal with issues that affect workers in this sector.

Community Social Services: works to identify issues of concern to members working in this sector, including violence in the workplace, funding levels and collective bargaining.

Education: works with CUPE National’s Union Development Department staff to plan courses and programs for union members, awards scholarships, and helps with the Spring (Kamloops) and Fall (Nanaimo) week-long schools.

Environment: provides CUPE members with information about environmental problems and new methods of protecting the environment.

Indigenous Workers: provides information, awareness and education to Indigenous CUPE members within the province, and to the CUPE BC executive and membership as a whole.

International Solidarity: works to raise awareness with CUPE members of international issues and the common interests and struggles of workers around the world.

K–12: deals with issues specific to the K–12 schools sector and promotes education workers in general as part of a strong community.

“I’d recommend serving on a committee to any CUPE member who wants to become more active in their local union and their community, or who wants to develop as a future leader.”

— Trevor Davies

Library: ensures that the concerns and issues of library workers are discussed at all levels of our union.

Municipal: works to ensure that issues relevant to municipal workers are front and centre while promoting the importance of CUPE members to their communities.

Occupational Health and Safety: works to provide healthy, safe workplaces for CUPE members and for all British Columbians.

Pension: deals with all developments related to pensions for CUPE members.

Persons with Disabilities: provides information, awareness and education on disability issues to members with disabilities, the general membership and the CUPE BC executive board.

Pink Triangle: promotes safe workplaces and fights homophobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination against lesbian, gay, transgender, transsexual, questioning, and two-spirit (LGBTTQ2+) workers, both on the job and in society.

Political Action: provides members with information about political choices and encourages them to participate in the political process.

Skilled Trades: works to promote the importance of workers in the skilled trades and monitors issues of interest to those workers.

Transportation: works to raise issues, coordinate and communicate with CUPE transportation workers across the province.

Universities: develops collective strategies for dealing with issues affecting CUPE university locals in B.C. Women’s: keeps members, locals and the executive board informed of issues affecting women members.

Workers of Colour: promotes racial justice, inclusion and equality in the workplace and in our communities.

Young Workers: brings focus and priority to issues specific to young workers.

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CUPE FOCUS

NATIONAL CONVENTION

Growing in strength, solidarity CUPE NATIONAL IN GOOD SHAPE TO TACKLE CHALLENGES OF THE 20s MONTREAL | With its membership now exceeding 700,000 and federal government to reverse decades of funding cuts to Canada’s its strike fund at more than $100 million, CUPE is better poised post-secondary institutions, and a demand for government to than ever to challenge bad employers and fight for better lives for provide better support and more staffing for long-term care all working Canadians, delegates to the union’s biennial national establishments. Other successful resolutions called for a campaign Convention (October 7–11) agreed. to promote library workers, continued “Workers know they can trust CUPE commitment by CUPE for affordable and to amplify their voice on the job, to accessible housing, and more work to stand with them, and to fight for improve LGBTTQ2+ competency in our them,” President Mark Hancock said workplaces, including antidiscrimination in his Convention address, citing a and harassment policies, inclusivity strong national focus on organizing training, better LGBTTQ2+ contract non-unionized workers as a key language and more. driver of CUPE’s growth.

Constitutional amendments included In union elections, CUPE BC a move toward electronic voting at President Paul Faoro was re-elected future conventions for elections as well to the National Executive Board as for close votes, direction for CUPE as general vice-president while to modernize trial procedures to make CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer them fairer and more transparent for all CAMPAIGN BUZZ NDP leader Jagmeet Singh Trevor Davies was elected as parties, and a provision for chartered takes time out after his Convention speech to regional vice-president. Other B.C. organizations to register one additional take selfies with delegates. members elected to the NEB were delegate to national Convention who CUPE BC Diversity Vice-President self identifies as a member of an equity (Indigenous Workers) Debra Merrier, seeking community. in the equivalent national position, Kudos for communications and Hospital Employees’ Union President Barb Nederpel as regional At the Communicators Breakfast for vice-president.

CUPE local activists, B.C. was well

Inspiring delegates to action Guest speaker highlights included a rousing pre-election address by federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh; a call to action against sexist bully employers by Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants; ecoactivist Colleen Thorpe’s declaration that the fight against climate change and the struggle against socio-economic inequality go hand in hand; and a sobering portrait of current socio-economic and political conditions in Haiti by Jean Bonald Golinsky Fatal, president of that country’s Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP).

Delegates passed several key resolutions, including a call for CUPE to actively campaign with allies for a national child care plan, lobby the

UNION RITES CUPE BC Diversity VicePresident Debra Merrier, elected to the same National position later in the week, opens the B.C. caucus with an Indigenous welcome.

GREAT WORK CUPE members who assisted in the 2017 wildfire relief effort pose with the Communications Award for best written content, won by Public Employee.

represented when the CUPE National Communication awards were handed out.

Public Employee won for best written content, for our Fall 2017 cover story (“Answering the Call,” by CUPE Communications rep Janet Szliske) about the efforts of CUPE members to help their communities during that year’s wildfire season. Honourable Mention for Best Campaign went to the 22 Locals of the B.C. South Coast Municipal Bargaining Group, representing municipal and library workers in B.C.’s most populous region, for their 2018 campaign to prepare for coordinated bargaining. And CUPE BC’s K–12 Presidents Council won Honourable Mention in the Best Video category, for a series of videos featuring CUPE 15 member Trent Gauthier speaking about his role as an Indigenous Education Enhancement Worker.

INDIGENOUS RIGHTS

CUPE FOCUS

GUEST COLUMN

Indigenous human rights now in provincial law ADOPTING THE UN DECLARATION IS CRITICAL TO RECONCILIATION COMMITMENT By the Hon. Scott Fraser ON NOVEMBER 26, 2019, BRITISH COLUMBIA became the first province in Canada to pass legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration).

This is a historic moment for all of us who live and work in B.C. Our government is proud to be a leader in Canada in advancing reconciliation.

Hon. Scott Fraser I have met with dozens of leaders from labour, the business community, local governments and Indigenous communities before and since introducing Bill 41. What I have seen is a shared commitment to reconciliation across sectors in B.C.

An action plan for collaboration I have been struck by how many private and public organizations– including CUPE — have already embraced the principles of the UN Declaration and built collaborative relationships with First Nations governments and Indigenous peoples. It is therefore no surprise to see widespread support for the new legislation we introduced in October.

The legislation requires development of an action plan — together with Indigenous peoples This will provide a transparent and accountable path forward on reconciliation in B.C. Many in the labour and business communities clearly recognize that because the legislation will give us more clarity and predictability on the way forward, it will contribute to job creation,

a strong economy and vibrant communities. And by recognizing Indigenous peoples’ human rights, we move away from the kind of conflict and court cases that have created uncertainty in land use, resource management and economic development.

Bringing provincial laws into alignment with the UN Declaration, which is also required under the legislation, is a process that will happen over time. New or amended legislation will be developed in collaboration and consultations with Indigenous peoples and will include opportunities for stakeholders — including labour organizations such as CUPE — to provide input, ask questions and share concerns.

A progressive way forward I welcome you in joining us on a path forward on reconciliation for all of us in B.C. Instead of uncertainty and lawsuits, we can build a robust and sustainable economy by working together, creating economic and social opportunities for Indigenous peoples, all families in B.C., business, and industry. Implementing the UN Declaration in B.C. is about ending discrimination, upholding basic human rights and ensuring more economic justice and fairness.

By working together with Indigenous peoples, our government has made significant progress in advancing reconciliation over the past two years, with affordable housing, child welfare, language revitalization and revenue sharing. This legislation will help us build on this progress and make a real difference — for everyone in B.C. Please visit declaration.gov.bc.ca for information on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The Hon. Scott Fraser is B.C.’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

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CUPE COMMUNITIES

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CUPE 1004 member mourned after tragic workplace accident VANCOUVER | CUPE 1004 suffered a tremendous blow on September 28 when one of its members, a 17-year veteran of the City’s Engineering department, died on the job as the result of a tragic accident.

Moreno Cerra, 49, succumbed to his injuries after being involved in an accident while working on a paving crew for Moreno Cerra the Streets branch.

CUPE 1004 President Andrew Ledger, who spent several hours with Cerra’s crew immediately afterward, offered CUPE’s condolences to Mo’s family, friends and coworkers — especially those who were with him at the time of the accident.

“It is devastating when a workplace accident results in any of our brothers or sisters not coming home safely after their shift,” said Ledger. “For most of us, it is beyond contemplation that a family member would not return home at the end of the day.”

Ledger said that Mo was known as a kind and generous CUPE member whose positive attitude and sense of humour were appreciated by coworkers, friends, and family.

Ledger noted that the City of Vancouver has put in temporary new rules regarding trailer safety while awaiting the findings of its own investigation of the accident, as well as those by Local 1004, the RCMP, the provincial Coroner’s Office, and WorkSafe BC. Meanwhile on November 18, a fellow CUPE 1004 member from the City Engineering crew, Shaune Wesley, was awarded a Fire Chief’s Commendation for his efforts in trying to resuscitate Cerra.

Local 458 serves up a hat trick ‘HOCKEY DAY’ A HIT WITH MEMBERS, SCHOOL KIDS AND COMMUNITY CHILLIWACK | The Junior A home team may have lost the game, but CUPE Local 458 scored a hat trick of sorts when it hosted its first Hockey Day in Chilliwack.

“It was a win, win, win because we succeeded in engaging with our members, the broader community and the children from the elementary school our local has adopted,” said CUPE 458 President Darlene Worthylake, whose local represents municipal workers in Chilliwack.

Local 458 partnered with the Chiefs and “adopted” Bernard Elementary School, providing students with free tickets to hockey games and other support throughout the school year.

For the November 3 game, which the Chiefs lost 4–1 to the Coquitlam Express, the union purchased 500 tickets for the school — enough for every student. Members also attended for free. The game was

TEAM CUPE In partnership with the Chilliwack Chiefs, Local 458 hosted its first Hockey Day for the community on November 3. followed by an open skate for the public with the players.

“Overall, the event was a huge success,” said Worthylake, adding that plans were already underway for next year’s Hockey Day.

LABOUR OF LOVE United Way Labour Committee members from Victoria unions helped make the #Drive4Five launch event on September 17 a success.

Lending a helping hand for United Way VICTORIA | For CUPE 951 President Kirk Mercer, donating to United Way as a union member is a great way to give back to the community.

“No one should have to work two to three jobs to support their family,” he says, explaining why he donates. Mercer, the Labour Committee chair and a director of Victoria United Way, urges other CUPE locals to “show your local love” and donate to the organization.

“It’s important that United Way and Labour continue to work together hand in

hand to help those in need,” Mercer said before the holiday season, urging other union locals to consider donating to United Way on December 3, Giving Tuesday.

Months earlier, the labour movement turned out in big numbers for the launch of #Drive4Five, an event to help combat child hunger by seeking $5 donations from the commuting public.

Thanks to the participation of all Greater Victoria unions at the September 17 launch, #Drive4Five will now become an annual event.

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CUPE COMMUNITIES

MURIEL OVERGAARD (1920–2019)

CUPE BC TRAILBLAZER PASSES In October, Muriel Overgaard passed away at the age of 99. CUPE BC’s first woman president (1976-1981), Sister Overgaard was for many years at the forefront of the struggle to improve women’s rights, both in the workplace and within the labour movement itself. She twice ran for office for the BC NDP and was an outspoken advocate for workers throughout her working life and in retirement.

In 2013, at CUPE BC’s 50th annual Convention, Sister Overgaard was awarded an Honourary Life Membership in CUPE BC.

EMPOWERING IMAGERY Photographers, CUPE members, and supporters gather to celebrate publication of the Hope in Shadows calendar for 2020. Right, CUPE 1004 member Andy Healey poses with photographer Peter Thompson (l), whose picture (“Fun in the Park”) won photo of the month for January. The Hope in Shadows calendar, which helps people experiencing poverty, is sponsored by CUPE BC. PARTNERS IN LITERACY

CUPE BC President Paul Faoro accepts a medallion from BC Library Association Executive Director Annette DeFaveri at the union’s executive board meeting on December 5. The medallion, celebrating the partnership of CUPE BC and the BCLA, recognizes the union’s important role with initiatives such as the Summer Reading Club.

PROGRESSIVE RECOVERY CUPE BC Diversity VicePresident Debra Merrier (left) joins Kwikwetlem First Nation Chief Ed Hall, B.C. ministers Selina Robinson and Judy Darcy, and Councillor Bonita Zarillo at the Nov. 29 ceremony for Coquitlam’s Healing Spirit House.

RED DRESS ACTIVISTS CUPE’s Shelley Sage Ricci (left) and HEU’s Louella Vincent (second right) at the Red Dress gathering in Surrey’s Bear Creek Park on September 15.

FOR THE PLANET CUPE 606 executive members participate in a climate strike rally at Nanaimo’s Diana Krall Plaza on September 20.

Municipal Pension Retirees Association The MPRA, which represents retirees of the Municipal Pension Plan in B.C., promotes the interests and welfare of its members while providing a forum for retirees to share their concerns and direct them to the pension committee. Joining the MPRA is a great opportunity to talk to other retirees about pension issues, meet former coworkers, and have a voice regarding your pension and benefits. If you are nearing retirement, or know retirees who would be interested in joining or learning more, visit www.mpra.ca, or call 250-768-1519.

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POWER IN NUMBERS

TREVOR DAVIES, SECRETARY-TREASURER North Central Region

$14.03/hr

Revelstoke

Vancouver Island

$18.90/hr

Comox Valley

$15.97/hr

Kamloops

$15.93/hr $15.81/hr

Columbia Valley

$15.92/hr

Parksville-Qualicum Powell River

$16.31/hr

Clayoquot Sound

$19.63/hr

Nelson

$18.46/hr Fraser Valley

$15.54/hr

Greater Victoria

$19.39/hr

Greater Trail

Cranbrook

$14.38/hr

$18.83/hr

Metro Vancouver

$19.50/hr

Living wage — good for workers and the economy As the provincial division and political wing of your union, CUPE BC runs a number of campaigns in any given year. From fighting back against the privatization of public jobs or facilities to promoting social justice at home and abroad, running campaigns is one of our key responsibilities and is supported financially by our Defence Fund. But Trevor Davies we also support campaigns by other organizations. One worth highlighting is the Living Wage campaign.

Led by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, First Call, and the Living Wage for Families Campaign, the initiative is focused on research, education and building political and public support for wages that support families — “support” meaning the basic expenses of food, clothing, rental housing, child care, transportation and small savings to cover illness or emergencies. The living wage is the hourly amount that each of two working parents with two young children must earn to meet those expenses once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies are taken into account.

that aren’t paying their staff fairly must either raise the wages or risk losing future bids. The main result we see from employers that commit to a living wage is a lift in the wages of some of our lowest paid workers. A living wage policy also makes it harder for employers to contract out work to low-bid contractors who pay poverty wages.

Our opponents often characterize our fight against the contracting out of work as self-serving, but that critique is short-sighted at best. Every few years we see the negative effects of contract flipping in the declining Our very existence is born from the quality of service and desire to lift workers and their families the sky-rocketing costs that result when out of poverty and into a life with private monopolies dignity, safety and respect — whether are created that hold local government and that worker holds a union card or not. their citizens hostage over services. What is harder to see is the impact of lost spending capacity in the community as workers earn less than previously and are thus not as able to spend their money at local businesses.

A policy for fairness

Walking the talk

CUPE BC supports this campaign for two obvious reasons. First, our very existence is born from the desire to lift workers and their families out of poverty and into a life with dignity, safety and respect — whether that worker holds a union card or not. Second, our union believes that the public is best served by owning its assets and by employing public servants.

When employers sign on to the living wage campaign, they are making a commitment to look throughout their organization and ensure that all employees and contractors are being paid a living wage. They require annual disclosure from all departments and external contracts that a living wage is being paid. Contractors

Since New Westminster became the first to do so in 2011, more B.C. municipalities have seen the wisdom of adopting a living wage policy. (For an updated list of communities that have signed on, see www.livingwagecanada.ca.)

Needless to say: if we as a union support the living wage for our members, we should also support it for our staff. In this respect, I am proud to be able to say that one of my first acts as CUPE BC secretary-treasurer was to show our commitment to this great campaign by committing our organization as a living wage employer.

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

Paul Faoro 0640.056 11/19 CUPE1816

CUPE SPRING

WEEK-LONG

SCHOOL

Come and experience CUPE’s popular week-long school in the heart of B.C.’s Interior.

THIS YEAR’S WORKSHOPS: Book now to expand your horizons and sharpen your activist tools.

Coast Kamloops Conference and Convention Centre

May 24–29, 2020 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT CUPE Education representative Greg Burkitt at 604-291-1940 or send him an e-mail at gburkitt@cupe.ca

 Scholarships are available. Check with your rep or visit cupe.bc.ca

Introduction to Stewarding Steward Learning Series Local Executive Training Conflict Resolution ... and more!

SECRETARY-TREASURER

Trevor Davies EDITOR

Dan Gawthrop CONTRIBUTORS

Paula Arab 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.

COLLEGES

COMMITTEES 2019–2021

ANTI-PRIVATIZATION EDUCATION

COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES ENVIRONMENT

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY INDIGENOUS WORKERS

K–12 MUNICIPAL

LIBRARY

COMMITTEES: 21 UNION ACTIVISTS: 257 REACH: PROVINCEWIDE Find out more at cupe.ca/committees

HEALTH AND SAFETY PINK TRIANGLE

PENSIONS

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES POLITICAL ACTION

SKILLED TRADES

TRANSPORTATION UNIVERSITIES

WOMEN

WORKERS OF COLOUR

YOUNG WORKERS

PM#342016512

Produced by CUPE BC for CUPE members in British Columbia