Public Employee Fall 2017 by CUPE BC

BC NDP GOVERNMENT | PACIFIC BLUE CROSS LOCKOUT | K–12 SURVEY | LOCAL 1978 HEROES

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE FALL 2017

ANSWERING THE CALL

LEADING US

PAUL FAORO, PRESIDENT

CUPE BC will always stand up against hate THERE’S NO MIDDLE GROUND IN COMBATTING BIGOTRY “Transphobia is a pattern of negative conduct toward trans people that begins with mis-gendering and can end with violence and murder.” — Adrienne Smith As Pride events got underway in August and we were celebrating with our LGBTQ friends and allies, Paul Faoro CUPE BC released a video featuring Vancouver human rights lawyer, community activist and CUPE Local 1004 member Adrienne Smith, informing viewers of the appropriate use of gender pronouns. They explained that using appropriate pronouns is important REJECTING RACISM Andrew Ledger and Drew Parris (rear), and because it’s the law, it helps fight transphobia, and it shows Sheryl Burns and Karen Ranalletta (front) were among the CUPE activists who attended a rally against racism at Vancouver’s respect. City hall on August 19. Huge numbers of concerned citizens This public education work stems from the core values prevented white supremacists from holding their own event. of our union. It’s consistent with the CUPE National Equality Statement read before every CUPE meeting across voted to amend the constitution to add diversity seats for LGBTQ Canada, which states: “Conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic workers and workers with disabilities to the executive board, thus or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us.” It concludes that helping to guide our decisions and make our union more inclusive. we must “be mindful that all persons deserve dignity, equality and While these actions are important, we cannot rest thinking respect.” that convention resolutions will stop hate and discrimination. As soon as the video uploaded to our Facebook page, it received Hateful groups and individuals have been emboldened by the thousands of views and hundreds of likes and shares. Sadly election of Donald Trump, as we saw this summer in Virginia though, the comments section also lit up with hundreds of hateful and at other white supremacist rallies on both sides of the transphobic posts. As the objectionable comments swarmed the border. While it was heartening to page, we took the video down. see so many good citizens turn up in We’ve since reposted the video, Vancouver on August 19 to demonstrate which can also be viewed on www. against racist bigotry, we likely haven’t cupe.bc.ca in the video gallery. seen the last of these despicable hate This incident is a harsh reminder groups. And that’s why we must not not only of why there’s a need let up for one moment in confronting for such videos but also of all the ignorance and intolerance, both in our work toward achieving equality workplaces and in our communities. that remains. I am proud of the CUPE BC will not stop advocating steps our union took recently for equality, equity, tolerance, and at our 2016 convention when BACKLASH CUPE BC’s new video featuring respect of all people. This means always delegates unanimously changed human rights lawyer, community activist and striving to be inclusive of everyone. the constitution to eliminate and CUPE 1004 member Adrienne Smith, Why And it means pushing back when change gendered pronouns like Use Appropriate Pronouns for Transgender acts of inclusion are confronted with “he” or “she” out of respect for People?, received hundreds of likes and violence — whether online, or in the streets. those who do not conform with shares, but the comments section also that gender binary. Delegates also lit up with hateful transphobic posts. FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER @paulfaoro

MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE

CUPE ACT ION

CUPE 1816 prevails in Pacific Blue Cross lockout BURNABY | Sixty-six days after being locked out by Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) over their refusal to accept rollbacks on their retiree benefits, CUPE 1816 members on September 10 ratified a new collective agreement with the non-profit benefits provider that preserves retiree benefits and establishes a joint union-management health and welfare trust. The six-year, no-concessions contract also includes wage increases of 1.5 per cent for year one (retroactive), 1.75 for year two, and 2 per cent for each of the final four years. “It was a long and difficult struggle,” CUPE 1816 President Beth Miller said of her local’s summer of discontent with PBC, “but we felt that the new agreement addresses the main concerns we had raised, and our members are happy with it.” Miller added that the strength of solidarity shown by CUPE and the entire B.C. labour movement ultimately proved the difference. “Given this employer’s position for the past year, this new agreement would have been impossible to achieve without the

HOLDING THE LINE During a lockout that lasted all summer, CUPE 1816 members maintained a 24/7 picket line outside Pacific Blue Cross headquarters. tremendous support we received at the picket line, on social media, and among the general public. To all the people who stood behind us, we can’t thank you enough.” With the collective agreement settled, CUPE 1816 turned its attention to governance issues at PBC. As Public Employee went to press, a BC Supreme

CUPE 2010 welcomes civilian RCMP workers WHISTLER | Civilian support workers at the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s RCMP detachment became members of CUPE Local 2010 in August through a Labour Board vote. “We are very happy to welcome this department into our local,” said CUPE 2010 Vice President Pete Rozsa. “They will now have a collective agreement — a legal

contract between the employer and the employees — instead of a handbook that has been used as a guideline.” Rozsa notes that the 18 new members will now have provisions for job security and binding language in their contract to deal with grievances. The RCMP support staff provide clerical work, victim services and custodial guard services in Whistler.

RAISING AWARENESS CUPE 411 members like bus driver Penny Boldt welcomed children back to school on September 5 and reminded drivers to be safe.

IT’S NOT JUST A

STOP SIGN

IT’S A CHILD’S LIFE! Chilliwack students in t K-12 supporfrom District ProudAtomessage Local SchoolCustodi al, Education Assistants, Clerical, rtation workers Maintenance & Transpo

COPE 491

Find out more about the campaign at cupe.bc.ca

Court challenge of the company’s deferment of its AGM was still in process. “Having won a battle we should never have had to fight in the first place — the defense of our retiree benefits — we hope to see some changes in leadership at PBC that will restore the company’s progressive reputation,” said Miller.

Standing up for public services CUPE BC’s Anti Contracting Out Committee has launched a revised version of its resource manual, Bringing Our Work Back Home: A Guide to Standing Up for Public Services, to help ensure that CUPE locals have all the information they need to keep services public. The resource manual includes an overview of the issues surrounding privatization, a toolbox and resources section as well as campaign examples. Bringing Our Work Back Home Contact the A GUIDE TO STANDING UP FOR PUBLIC SERVICES CUPE BC office to get a hard copy or visit www.cupe. bc.ca/anti_ contracting_ out_committee to access the online version.

CUPE ACT ION

MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE

VOICES

CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA

“They’re an amazing bunch. We’ve put a little twist in it and we’ve turned it into a fundraiser.” — CUPE 403 First Vice President Brad Hamel, on a group of Langley students who spoke at a Local meeting about the “weekend fuelbag” program they’ve created to feed hungry classmates. The union decided to use its annual membership barbecue to raise money for the program, which provides meals for students in need outside regular school hours. Langley Times, August 14, 2017. “[The School District 69 assistant superintendent and board chair] both seem to accept 20-hour work weeks as a consequence of budget realities and do not regard what EAs do as full-time work. Our union’s position is that the needs of students should not be driven by budgets but the very reverse.” — CUPE 3570 President Troy Forster, in a letter to the editor, takes district officials to task for failing to respect the contributions of education assistants to the K–12 school system. Parksville Qualicum Beach News, July 18, 2017. “The work our members do is vital to our community’s safety and is stressful and at times dangerous work.” — CUPE 338 President Lee Mossman, on why Kelowna’s jail guards voted in favour of job action during its first contract negotiations. The 17 jail guards were seeking fair benefits and a comparable wage rate to other workers providing the same service in similar communities. Okanagan Sunday, May 28, 2017. “We are very aware of our role to negotiate working conditions and wages, which is why we are so concerned about who the government of the day is and what they value. We support a government that values public services including education, health care and libraries because that supports a vibrant, healthy society and that is what pays our wages and affects our working conditions.” — CUPE 801 President Carolyn Smith counters criticism during the provincial election that CUPE “tells its members how to vote.” Coast Reporter, Friday, May 12, 2017. “I can’t help but have a heavy heart. This always gets me thinking about safety in our society, as a community and as a workforce. That is why this day is so meaningful, because it gives us pause to rethink our commitment to safety in the workplace.” — CUPE 454 President John Gibson, describing what the National Day of Mourning means to him, notes that his grandfather died of cancer likely caused by his work in the auto body industry. North Delta Reporter, Friday, April 28, 2017.

SOLID WASTE PLAN Policy analyst Keith Reynolds, CUPE

Researcher Jordana Feist, report co-author Gaetan Royer, and CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk gather after the forum.

Good “trash talk” at solid waste forum WHITE ROCK | Local residents gathered on April 19 to attend Trash Talk, a community forum organized in support of keeping publicly delivered solid waste services in White Rock. “Solid waste services are important to our community — they not only impact residents but also impact visitors’ first impressions of White Rock and the ability for us to meet waste diversion rates and improve environmental standards,” said CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk. Gaetan Royer, a former Port Moody city manager and co-author of the Columbia Institute’s Centre for Civic Governance’s report, Back in House: Why Local Governments Are Bringing Services Home, spoke about his personal experience with privatized solid waste services. Royer explained the reasoning behind Port Moody’s decision to bring the city’s waste services in house and the positive impact this decision had on the community. He also cited the importance of a strong working relationship between municipal staff and the union representing workers. Staff and elected officials should see it as a partnership, he said, encouraging municipalities to draw from employees’ knowledge to improve services, solve problems, and find efficiencies. Royer also stressed the importance of having a strong procurement policy that includes the ability to fairly consider in-house service options. And he described some of the challenges of enforcing contracts and of making service adjustments if you are locked into a long-term service agreement. Keith Reynolds, a policy analyst and contributor to the Back in House report, shared several case studies showing the successes municipalities have had with bringing community services in house. Jordana Feist, a CUPE Research representative, described how municipalities can purchase infrastructure and equipment at an affordable rate through the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA). More info: facebook.com/LetsKeepSolidWasteServicesPublic.

EDUCATE & LIBERATE: CUPE FALL SCHOOL This year at CUPE BC’s 2017 Fall School in Nanaimo, come to learn new skills and meet interesting allies. From October 29 to November 3, we will host workshops like Return to Work, Local Executive Training, Bargaining Solidarity, and our Stewards Learning Series. Visit the CUPE BC website’s Education section for info on how to register.

MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE

CUPE ACT ION

BIG CHANGES ARE NECESSARY: K–12 CUSTODIAL SURVEY

NEW DIGS At 45,000 square feet, the Modello offers roughly twice the floor space of the Deer Lake office and features an “open concept” design.

New home for a growing union BURNABY | After 26 years in a shared office complex on Canada Way, CUPE’s regional staff and B.C. Division are bidding farewell to Deer Lake and will be moving into their own office quarters at the Modello building, near Burnaby’s Metrotown area, later this fall. The new office complex, located at the southwest corner of Willingdon and Beresford between two SkyTrain stations, is a T-shaped, three-storey building attached to a residential tower. At 45,000 square feet, the Modello offers roughly twice the floor space of the Deer Lake office and features an “open concept” design with floor-length panel windows, large boardrooms, and private meeting rooms, as well as kitchen and gym

facilities. It will be occupied exclusively by the Union. “We are very happy that B.C. will be the first region and division to adopt this kind of office space, which has received high marks for environmental excellence and cost effectiveness,” CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury told Public Employee. “The new building is designed to better serve CUPE members by providing a more accessible environment. Locals will have more meeting options and flexibility—and they’ll have state-of-the art meeting rooms in which to do their work.” Fleury added that members will also have increased access, both during office hours and on weekends, with a separate entrance.

BURNABY | More than 1,200 K–12 custodians — almost 40 per cent — responded to CUPE’s recent survey on their working conditions, making a compelling case for the changes needed in B.C. schools. CUPE issued the comprehensive survey after receiving an alarming number of reports about the increasing filthiness of K–12 schools due to chronic cuts to public education. Support Workers in the K–12 system have been working harder than ever, with fewer staff and resources, often in less safe conditions. Many CUPE members in this sector are also forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. The survey shows that 28 per cent of custodians have a second job. More than 50 per cent report doing unpaid work at their school job, with 35 per cent doing so regularly. The results also show alarmingly high rates of custodians who report not having enough time to clean (65 per cent). Their employers, they say, do not replace workers for sick days, leaving other staff to cover this work or extra work to be done upon the ill worker’s return. Sixty-five per cent of custodial workers say that their workload has increased since they began their jobs. A final brief will be issued once survey results are tabulated. CUTBACKS DON’T HELP When CUPE 606 member Vicki McMurtrie started working for School District 68 in Ladysmith 27 years ago, custodians had more time to do their work so that schools were cleaner and job satisfaction was higher.

Stopping Trudeau’s push for privatization Just like his Conservative predecessor, Stephen Harper, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal Liberal government is pushing full steam ahead with its drive to use public-private partnerships to deliver much-needed infrastructure. Creating what the Liberals are calling an “Infrastructure Bank,” the federal

government is planning to sell off our roads, bridges, water, airports and more. Canadians will all pay the price while corporations, as usual, collect the profits. CUPE National is campaigning to promote a plan that protects taxpayers and builds infrastructure that works for us all. To find out more, visit cupe.ca/not-for-sale.

CUPE FOCUS

BC DIVISION CONVENTION

PROGRESSIVE CHANGES

Charting the course ahead DELEGATES ELECT NEW DVPs, HEAR FROM FUTURE PREMIER VICTORIA | CUPE BC’s 54th annual convention wrapped up in the provincial capital on April 29 with delegates electing a new executive board, approving a new two-year action plan, and passing resolutions to guide the union’s activities and priorities over the next two years. For the first time, convention delegates used electronic voting that provided immediate tallies of votes, thus allowing for more time to conduct the union’s business. President Paul Faoro and Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies were acclaimed to continue in their positions, while Cindy McQueen, Tanya Paterson, Karen Ranalletta, and Michelle Waite were elected to serve as general vice-presidents. Delegates also elected four Diversity vice-presidents (DVPs), two of which are new positions on the executive board:

Elected in regional caucuses to serve as regional vice-presidents were: • Fraser Valley: Rod Isaac (alternate: Bryan Bickley) • Kootenays: Ken Vaughan-Evans (alternate: Anita Early) • Metro: Sarah Bjorknas, Sheryl Burns, Paul Simpson (alternate: Andrew Ledger) • North: Karen Wong (alternate: Kelly Boudreau) • Okanagan: Nicole Edmondson (alternate: Jeanne Marr) • Vancouver Island: Amber Leonard, Kirk Mercer (alternate: Dan MacBeth) Convention 2017 featured keynote addresses from BC NDP Leader John Horgan, AFSCME President Lee Saunders, CUPE National President Mark Hancock and National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury, Pivot Legal Society Executive Director Katrina Pacey, and BC Federation of Labour President Irene Lanzinger. Speaking less than two weeks before the provincial election that ultimately led to his ascension as premier, Horgan outlined his commitments to British Columbians and urged delegates to go back to their communities and help get out the vote. “I’ve made three simple commitments during this election campaign,” said Horgan. “An NDP government will make life more affordable for people, we’ll improve the services British Columbians count on, and we’ll create 96,000 jobs as we build a sustainable economy that benefits everyone.”

• Indigenous Workers: Debra Merrier (alternate: Danica Hansen-Hughes) • Persons with Disabilities: Frank Lee (alternate: Sunera Samarakoon) • Pink Triangle: Kathy McMahon (alternate: Dean Coates) • Workers of Colour: Michelle Alexander (alternate: Drew Parris) NEW SEATS CUPE BC’s first Diversity vice-presidents representing, from left, Pink Triangle Workers, Dean Coates (alternate) with Kathy McMahon, and Workers with Disabilities, Sunera Samarakoon (alternate) with Frank Lee.

BC NDP GOVERNMENT

ELECTING OUR ALLIES

Ready for a better B.C. EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH AS HORGAN NEW DEMOCRATS FINALLY TAKE OFFICE

CUPE FOCUS

elected MLAs — Rachna Singh in Surrey-Green Timbers and Lisa Beare in Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. As premier, Horgan has since appointed Sister Beare as the new Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. As well, former CUPE National President Judy Darcy was re-elected in New Westminster and is working hard in her new role as the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Promises delivered

VICTORIA | CUPE members have much to celebrate with the Establishing the stand-alone Ministry to deal with B.C.’s ongoing election of John Horgan as premier of a new BC NDP government. drug overdose death crisis is one of the many commitments on After 16 years of BC Liberal misrule, British which the BC NDP have delivered since Columbians finally have a government that will CUPE’s Locals and forming government. work for people. Over a busy summer, the Horgan New members in B.C. were On May 9, 41 New Democrat MLAs were elected. Democrats added support for people The days following the provincial vote saw a series essential in mobilizing the affected by the wildfires, announced steps of recounts, negotiation of an historic deal with votes necessary to make to stand up for B.C.’s interests against the the three elected BC Green Party MLAs, and a vote Kinder Morgan pipeline, restored the BC this victory a reality. of non-confidence in the legislature that defeated Human Rights Commission, eliminated Christy Clark’s BC Liberal government. Lieutenant tuition fees for Adult Basic Education, sent the Site C Dam project Governor Judith Guichon asked Horgan if he could form a for an independent review, increased income assistance by $100, government, and on July 18 he was sworn in as B.C.’s 36th premier. and raised taxes for British Columbia’s wealthiest citizens. The work is only beginning. Since the fall legislative session began Kudos for member efforts in September, CUPE BC has continued lobbying on the issues of the After such a close election, everyone involved deserves credit for last election to help effect more progressive change. this historic achievement. CUPE’s locals and members in B.C. were essential in mobilizing the votes necessary to make this victory a “Thank you to all the CUPE reality. From arranging meetings between members and candidates members who worked for to gathering donations and working as staff and volunteers in change in communities target constituencies, the collective impact of CUPE members’ across the province. involvement made a big difference. Our government looks CUPE BC reached out to members directly—by e-mail, post, forward to continuing phone, and face-to-face. Horgan also participated in a telephone our work with you to build a better B.C.” town hall that was open to all CUPE members in B.C. Members got a chance to pose direct questions to the BC NDP leader and hear of his plans to make life more affordable for working people and deliver quality public services for all British Columbians. While members across the province stepped up to help, they also put themselves forward as candidates. Two CUPE sisters were

— B.C. Premier John Horgan, seen at a Labour Day event with CUPE BC Diversity Vice-President (Indigenous Workers) Debra Merrier

LINKING LABOUR

ROBIN JONES, REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Season of transitions — and of progress IT’S A FULL PLATE THIS FALL FOR CUPE ACTIVISTS AND STAFF IN B.C. Well, it’s finally happening. After more than a quarter century at our union’s Deer Lake Centre headquarters on Canada Way, CUPE’s regional and B.C. division staff and officers will be packing up in November and moving into a brand new office complex, the Modello, in Burnaby’s Metrotown district. This is a big change. The new office (see Robin Jones story, page 5, and the back cover) is both environmentally friendly and more convenient for CUPE members, who will have more flexibility in terms of meeting room availability and after-hours accessibility. It’s also the first of CUPE’s regional offices to adopt an “open concept” floor plan, a design approach aimed at encouraging more direct, in-person communication. The office move is just one of a number of events that are keeping B.C. staff and CUPE members busy this fall.

Supporting Mark, thinking strategically As many of you read this, National Convention will just be getting underway in Toronto. CUPE BC has endorsed Brother Mark Hancock for a second term as our union’s national president and Brother Charles Fleury for a fourth as its secretary–treasurer. While Mark faced no challengers at press time, in the final weeks leading up to Convention, the B.C. Division encouraged locals to send as many delegates as possible to cast their ballots for him and Charles. The office move is Convention delegates from B.C. were also encouraged to speak up and get just one of a number involved in discussions surrounding of events that are the Strategic Directions document. keeping B.C. staff Adopted at Vancouver in 2015, this two-year plan is a critical road map and CUPE members for our union’s development over busy this fall. the next several years. It deals with everything from building our union’s strength through organizing, better bargaining, and stronger locals to taking political action and electing progressive governments.

Better access to government Shortly after National Convention, CUPE BC will hold its biennial One Big Committee Meeting (October 18–19), where newly formed committees will develop their own two-year plans. This should be a happier brainstorming than usual, given that we’ve finally turfed the BC Liberals after 16 years and elected a new BC NDP government. In addition to scheduling meetings with various

NEW HEADQUARTERS Robin Jones, seen in front of the Modello building with, from left, Administrative Assistant Allison Hill, Local 1816 President Beth Miller and Vice-President Roger Pearce, and National Servicing Representative James Richardson. Jones says CUPE locals will enjoy better meeting options at the union’s new regional and B.C. division offices. ministry officials who are actually friendly to us, it’s also nice to bump into members of the provincial government at some of our events on the union calendar. As well as CUPE BC’s reception at the recently held Union of BC Municipalities AGM (Vancouver, September 25–29), there’s also the BC Federation of Labour’s Regional Meeting (Victoria, October 26–28), where CUPE BC will host another reception, and the BC NDP Convention (Vancouver, November 3–5), which we encourage as many CUPE members as possible to attend as delegates.

Fighting — and winning — the good fight Of course, the thing that kept us busier than ever recently was the lockout of CUPE 1816 members by Pacific Blue Cross. After such a tough battle, several factors contributed to the Local ultimately winning the battle, pushing concessions right off the table and defending their members’ hard-fought gains with a solid new contract. Positive results at the LRB and a BC Supreme Court challenge in the final week certainly helped. But it was the excellent work of the local bargaining and strike committees, the efforts of regional staff, and the solidarity of the entire labour movement that made the biggest difference. As Beth Miller notes in her column, the support of CUPE members and the labour movement at large throughout the dispute was outstanding. And not just in B.C.: special thanks should go to our comrades at CUPE in Quebec, who arranged for the bilingual leafleting of hundreds of PBC members at a company event in Montreal on August 19 and then posted photos on their website. Now that’s what I call solidarity.

ANSWERING THE CALL

During a record B.C. fire season, CUPE members were at the ready Since April, more than one million hectares of forest in this province have been destroyed by wildfires, affecting tens of thousands of British Columbians. Many people lost their homes as wildfires caused the evacuation of communities in the Caribou, Thompson Nicola, Okanagan and Kootenay regions. The fires have affected families, small businesses, workers and communities. Throughout the disaster, CUPE members have been on the front line to provide services and offer any help they can. “On behalf of our 87,000 members across the province, many of whom were directly affected by the wildfires, I’d like to thank the CUPE members, first responders, law enforcement support workers and countless volunteers who made such a difference for evacuees during an extremely difficult time,” says CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. “Their efforts and support brought communities together and made the difference.”

Prince George: All hands on deck When more than 10,000 evacuees began arriving in Prince George, the big focus was on registration. Many CUPE 3742 members from the K–12 sector, who already had the required criminal record checks from the first call-out, were on hand to help. Evacuees had to re-register every three days to get vouchers for food and other necessities. CUPE 3742 President Karen Wong says that all volunteers received a call one night at 7:30 informing them that buses would soon be arriving with evacuees. By 8 p.m. some 120 volunteers from the community, including many CUPE members, arrived to help. “There were massive line-ups of people and I thought we would be there all night, but by midnight there wasn’t a single person waiting,” recalls Wong. “Every CUPE Local has been involved in one way or

LOCALLY COMMITTED A twenty-year member of the Savona fire department, CUPE BC’s Regional Vice-President for the Okanagan Nicole Edmondson (centre, with her team of volunteer members of Savona Fire and Rescue) is its longest serving fire chief, an elected position she’s held since 2003.

another. Not once have I gone to the volunteer centre without seeing a bunch of members there.” The College of New Caledonia (CNC) was the initial registration centre for evacuees. The Salvation Army used the CNC kitchen to cook meals and CUPE 4951 donated $1,000 for food. Also at CNC, the Local held movie nights in the lecture theatre with family-friendly films giving kids a fun break. The University of Northern BC (UNBC) was another evacuation centre. CUPE 3799 members helped provide cots and connect people with lodging. Members at the Northern Sports Centre worked with emergency services, offering first hand support for hundreds of evacuees every day. Another member supported Northern Health efforts with evacuated patients. Information Technology Services and Educational Media Services circulated Livestream events to the public for weekly update meetings and supplied equipment as requested. For those who worked with evacuees day after day, the emotional impact of their situation and the stories they shared was significant. “It’s a phenomenal job to do,” says Wong. “I have complete respect for everyone who walks into those evacuation centres.”

Inspiring dedication Wong says that CUPE 3742 members were incredible — from custodians who cleaned school gymnasiums and comforted the animals in makeshift shelters, to the hundreds of education assistants (EAs), clerical workers, and youth care workers who volunteered to help evacuees. Many individuals put in long hours to help: one member worked 18-hour shifts stabling and exercising displaced horses, and getting hay delivered for them.

DEVASTATING IMPACT CUPE 900 member Robert S., who works for the Village of Ashcroft, lost his home of 20 years when a fire estimated to have travelled 12 km in just over 25 minutes swept through the Coyote Valley Road area. “They’re a group to be proud of,” says Wong. “Right from the first call-out.” CUPE 1048 members, Prince George inside workers, were part of the Emergency Response Team. Many members worked 18-hour shifts doing initial registration of evacuees. Members of sub-local 1048-01, the SPCA North Caribou branch, were involved in creating an emergency shelter for animals. People with property posted on Facebook offering evacuees a place to bring horses, or hay they could ship to them. A convoy of trucks with transport trailers rolled up to Williams Lake to retrieve livestock. CUPE 1048 President Kelly Boudreau credits the City of Prince George with providing counselling services and support for CUPE members who were dealing with people in crisis. Boudreau sent an e-mail thanking members for their efforts, telling them that their dedication and resolve shone through. Prince George’s outside workers, members of CUPE 399, did everything from traffic control to assisting with set-up of evacuation centres at CNC and UNBC, where they put in flooring and set up cots. Mechanics from the fleet shop helped build walls where needed for security, privacy and to house animals. One CUPE 399 member covered more than 6,000 kilometres travelling back and forth to Williams Lake to evacuate animals. When the Local delivered a $1,000 cheque to the SPCA, the woman accepting it got tears in her eyes, recalls CUPE 399 President Dallas McDougall. “It was overwhelming for her,” he says. “This experience was an eye-opener about how fast things can change in your life — and how drastically. You could be displaced from your home in a heartbeat, just like that. With a fire you could lose everything.”

Kamloops: We’re all family here The communities engulfed by wildfires weren’t the only ones affected. Thick smoke drifted to other areas throughout B.C. Even the Lower Mainland endured a few weeks of grey skies and a red/ orange sun, with the acrid smell of smoke in the air. But Kamloops nearly choked on the haze, with a blanket of smoke that settled

COMMUNITY EFFORT CUPE members were a big support to evacuees in Prince George with the College of New Caledonia, University of Northern BC, and K–12 schools all providing services. Pictured here are CUPE members, other union members, faculty, and other staff. in for nearly two months. Many residents and evacuees, especially those with respiratory issues, could not go outside for days. One day the air quality reading, on a scale from one to 10, with 10 being the poorest, came in at 49. Environment Canada, as part of its regular weather reports, began issuing air quality warnings. Despite the smoke, Kamloops was a welcome refuge for evacuees, with the community all pitching in to provide help and support. Lee-Gaye Hicketts, a CUPE 4879 medical assistant working in the doctor’s office for students, staff and employees at Thompson Rivers Linda Mann, a retired CUPE 173 University, was just one member evacuated three times of countless volunteers from her lifelong home at 20 Mile who lent a hand Ranch, was grateful to keep in and went above and contact with friends while staying beyond the call of duty. at an RV park in Cache Creek. The fires touched her personally — her brother lost his home in Ashcroft and everything in it, as did two nephews who lived in a duplex on Ashcroft Reserve. When her mom and dad were also evacuated, they came to Kamloops in their camper and stayed in her yard. Hicketts cooked food for her family and took her nine-year-old great niece under her wing, making sure she had clothing and toys to play with. Besides supporting her own family, Hicketts noticed on Facebook

Standing on guard Nicole Edmondson wears a lot of hats. In addition to her full-time role as acting president of CUPE 3500 and job as an education assistant at Savona Elementary, CUPE BC’s regional vicepresident for the Okanagan literally wears the fire chief’s hat as head of her community’s fire department. As chief, Edmondson takes charge at emergencies and ensures everyone in the department is properly trained. As the only community fire department between Kamloops and Ashcroft with the Jaws of Life, Savona’s firefighters have a lot of responsibility. When this year’s fires started in Ashcroft, she had to make sure the department was ready if the fire threatened Savona — and that meant having a full plan in place, including an evacuation route. Her goal would be to get everyone out of town and then stay with her department to help the community. “I can’t leave and I won’t leave. It’s my community and my responsibility and I don’t take it lightly,” says Edmondson, who has served as fire chief since 2003. “People look to me for direction and guidance. I’ve told people to pack themselves an overnight bag with prescriptions, passports, important papers... For me, having that one bag of important stuff ready to go meant I could focus on what I needed to focus on.”

that a family evacuating from Williams Lake were people she knew of through her local hockey connections. She sent a message inviting them to her home. After arriving at 4:30 the next morning, they spent the next two weeks as members of the Hicketts family and a regular part of the neighbourhood. During this time, one of Hicketts’ sons heard that volunteers were needed to walk dogs at the evacuation centre and suggested

Cache Creek resident and CUPE 173 member Brenda Cumming says people who can’t get to work because roads are closed are staying close to town to help wherever they can.

they go help. They left at 10 in the morning and ended up staying until 11:30 that night. But instead of dog walking, they helped set up 450 cots, arranged for toiletries and—thanks to their hockey connection through the Kamloops Blazers—laundered bedding in the team machines. Later, when a medical centre was set up for evacuees, Hicketts took samples and did deliveries. Friends, other CUPE members, and students also came to help. “There were many others helping at the evacuation centre,” she recalls. “I was just one part of it.” CUPE 4879 President Lois Rugg adds that CUPE members helped in many different ways, often anonymously. “There were tons of people out there who helped — some made donations,” she notes. “At times like these, people don’t do things for the recognition, they do it because it needs to be done.”

A relief fund for affected members During the crisis, CUPE BC created an emergency fund for CUPE members and their families impacted by the hundreds of B.C. wildfires. “We established this emergency fund with an initial contribution of $10,000 from CUPE BC,” explains Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies. “We encouraged everyone across the country to contribute what they could to help offset the financial impact of these devastating fires on CUPE members in the affected areas.” Cache Creek is one of those areas: the community was evacuated three times, the first on July 7. CUPE 173 member Brenda Cumming, an EA with School District 14, notes that 45 families in the Cache Creek area and another 60 at Loon Lake lost their homes. “It’s been quite an ordeal,” says Cumming. “CUPE has been so great. I’ve been touching base with people to see how they’re doing. They are just so grateful for the financial help.” At press time, $23,000 had been paid out to CUPE members affected by the fires. The fires were still raging, with some expected to last until firefighters’ efforts are helped by winter conditions.

‘Above and beyond…’ CUPE members helped forest fire evacuees both through their work and with volunteer efforts: • Welcoming families into their homes • Registering evacuees through Red Cross • Greeting people as they arrived at evacuation centres; visiting with evacuees, working with autistic children among them • Distributing vouchers for food, clothing, lodging and transportation

• Preparing and serving food, donating food, goods and money

• Providing records management, IT services and communications

• Setting up cots, changing and washing bedding

• Handling logistics for ordering, shipping, and storing emergency supplies

• Setting up perimeters for RV parking and providing sewer pick up for RVs

coordinating volunteer management and training • Driving people to and from medical appointments • Holding movie nights for children

• Helping with security and traffic control

• Maintaining schools and campuses; building walls to create privacy areas in school gyms

• Caring for and walking pets housed in gyms; building makeshift emergency shelters for animals

• Being available as part of emergency response teams

• Connecting with local and provincial non-profits;

• Exercising, grooming, feeding, and caring for horses

NEWS BRIEFS

PUTTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ON THE RADAR Mark your calendar for October 20, 2018. That’s when British Columbians will be voting for local government officials and school board trustees across the province. It’s an earlier date than past local government elections, which means that CUPE locals will soon be considering endorsements. In the 2014 civic elections, more

than 200 CUPE-endorsed candidates were successful. With more than 27,000 CUPE education workers and more than 25,000 CUPE members employed by B.C. municipalities and regional districts, helping elect progressive defenders of public services in local governments is one of our union’s top priorities.

FULL VALUE Taking part in the BCLA event were, from left, Carlos Carvalho, Labour Staff Rep for United Way of the Lower Mainland; Drawing Change graphic facilitator Sam Bradd; Maple Ridge City Councillor Kiersten Duncan; CUPE 2950 President, CUPE BC GVP and Library Committee Chair Karen Ranalletta; CCPA Public Finance Policy Analyst Alex Hemingway; and Vancouver Public Library Board Chair Kyla Epstein.

BUILDING PROGRESSIVE LIBRARIES CUPE BC participated once again in the BC Library Association’s (BCLA) annual conference as a platinum sponsor. This year the union expanded its involvement by facilitating a conference session with more than 150 delegates in attendance. The session featured a panel discussion, “Measuring Value Beyond Walls,” that presented a wide range of perspectives.

CUPE BC’s Library Committee also hosted a booth in the trade show, providing an excellent opportunity to connect and visit with other library workers, have conversations with management and trustees, and showcase their adult and children’s book lists, their film list, and their “I support my local library” buttons.

SOLID ACTIVISM Seen at the Early Childhood Educators of BC conference (“Pathways to Professionalism: Believe, Be Bold, Be Hopeful,” May 4–6) in Richmond were CUPE Equality Rep and former Community Social Services Coordinator Cheryl Colborne and CUPE 1936 members Leann Lalli and Margaret Wu. PHOTO MICHAEL REED

National Convention MAKING CONNECTIONS CUPE BC delegates gather at CUPE’s Western Municipal Conference in Canmore, Alberta this past summer. The conference, hosted by CUPE Alberta, included sessions on medical marijuana and bringing services in house. The next Western Municipal Conference will be held in 2019 and hosted by CUPE BC.

CUPE’s Twenty-eighth Biennial Convention takes place in Toronto from October 2 to 6, 2017. For an account of the week’s proceedings, look for a convention wrap-up in the Winter 2018 issue of Public Employee.

PACIFIC BLUE CROSS

GUEST COLUMN

The sustaining power of Solidarity

CUPE FOCUS

SOLID SUPPORT CUPE 1816 members felt the love every day during the lockout.

NO MATTER HOW BAD THINGS GOT DURING THE SUMMER-LONG LOCKOUT, UNION AND PUBLIC SUPPORT PULLED US THROUGH by Beth Miller Throughout CUPE 1816’s lengthy dispute with Pacific Blue Cross, I often said that labour relations at PBC have never been worse. And I should know: I have worked at PBC for 40 years, and I’ve been president of our local for 20. For most of that time, things were pretty good with this employer. We may have had our disagreements, but nothing that could not be settled through respectful dialogue. So what happened? To put it simply, there has been a cultural shift at PBC — a shift that began three years ago with the hiring of Jan K. Grude as president and CEO. There is no room in this column to list the many ways that Mr. Grude has taken a once collaborative environment at Pacific Blue Cross and replaced it with his top-down, bottom-line model of corporate governance. But if you visited our website, cupe1816.ca, or dropped by our picket line during the lockout, you’d have found plenty of material on the subject. Suffice to say, long-serving staff no longer felt valued for the dedication and passion they brought to their work: the mutual respect between management and members, once a hallmark of PBC labour relations, simply vanished under Jan. The light at the end of this dark tunnel has been the spirit of our members, which only grew stronger every day throughout the dispute. With each insult by this employer, and each repeated tabling of the same concessionary offer, our members grew more determined not only to defend our own wages, benefits, and working conditions but also to fight for better workplaces and benefit coverage for future generations as well. We always felt that our struggle was being watched by the insurance industry and other jurisdictions in Canada as a test case for employee benefits, especially around retiree benefits and pension plans. The positive resolution of our dispute with Pacific

Blue Cross could well raise the bar for benefit plans everywhere, so we feel so much better about our struggle to reach a fair settlement. The rest of our CUPE family, the labour movement in general, and many members of the public were solidly behind us throughout, and that support was tremendously uplifting to us. Toward the end, a handful of preferred travel insurance brokers identified by PBC during the lockout chose to suspend their relationship with PBC until we reached a fair agreement. That was an encouraging development, but it was really the support at the picket line that sustained us. From our sister locals like CUPE 394–City of Richmond, CUPE 728–Surrey Schools, CUPE 389–City of North Vancouver, The rest of our CUPE family, CUPE 23–City of Burnaby, to name the labour movement just a few, as well as our own in general, and many CUPE 1816 members’ families and members of the public retirees, to the rest of the labour movement, there was no end of were solidly behind us encouragement. We had great throughout, and that support from HEU, BCGEU, BCTF, support was tremendously MoveUp, UFCW Local 247, the uplifting to us. ILWU, and of course the BC Fed, and Vancouver and New Westminster District Labour Councils. We were also encouraged to see several BC NDP MLAs at the picket line, steadfast in their support despite the efforts of a certain PBC board member to discredit our position. People brought us food and refreshments, and local retailers like Earls, Save-On Foods, Cobbs, and Taste of Splendor donated food or offered discounts to CUPE 1816 members. The list goes on. For every unfortunate supplier who chose to cross our picket line, there were dozens more who chose to turn away and declare their support for us. To all of these people, and on behalf of our local, I can’t thank you enough. BETH MILLER has been president of CUPE Local 1816 since 1997.

CUPE COMMUNITIES

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CUPE rail workers’ contribution set in stone NEW WESTMINSTER | Southern Railway and SkyTrain have a rich history in B.C.’s “Royal City.” Southern Railway has been active in the New Westminster community for close to 100 years — first as the BC Electric Company operating the Interurban line from Vancouver to Chilliwack, then as the BC Hydro Railway hauling freight and automobiles. SkyTrain has been active in the revitalization of the downtown core for more than 30 years. In recognition of the two companies’ and their workers’ significant contributions to the city’s economic growth, CUPE 7000 recently had commemorative bricks placed beneath

the highly visible “Wait for Me, Daddy” war memorial statue in Hyack Square. “This is an appropriate way to recognize the efforts our members have made over the years and decades,” CUPE 7000 President Bill Magri said at a ceremony held on July 12. Fittingly, Hyack Square is located between the historic CPR station and the BC Electric Interurban building on Columbia Street in New Westminster. TIES THAT BIND CUPE 7000 President Bill Magri points to one of the two bricks laid in honour of his Local’s members.

CUPE members save lives

LOCAL PRIDE CUPE 556 members prepare to get their elbow grease working for a good cause.

VICTORIA | Summer is always a busy time for CUPE members responsible for keeping the public safe while British Columbians enjoy regional parks. In the Capital Regional District this year, CUPE 1978 members working in the CRD Bylaw Enforcement department have gone above and beyond to save lives. CUPE members were quick to act in one case when two young people aged 14 and 15 overdosed on a combination of alcohol and drugs. The CRD employees kept them stabilized until emergency crews could attend and transport them to the hospital. In another incident, members attended to an individual who had been stabbed in the leg by another park patron. The employees were vital in identifying and detaining the perpetrator until police and other emergency services arrived. In yet another incident, a woman attempting a jump from Sunnyside Cliffs lost her footing and sustained significant injuries to her head and back on the way down, entering the water unconscious. In response, CRD employees scaled down the cliff face and stabilized the patient as best they could until the View Royal Fire Marine Unit arrived.

MUNICIPAL WORKERS DONATE TO LOCAL FOOD BANK COMOX | CUPE 556 members, municipal workers in the Comox Valley, raised more than $1,000 for the Comox Valley Food Bank at their first community car wash event, held this past summer. “All of our members take pride in the services we provide our community, and they also take pride in living in this community,” said CUPE 556 President Karen Garrett. “CUPE 556 supports several community groups throughout the year, but we are pleased to be able to support our local food bank especially in the summer months when donations are really needed. A special thanks to the event’s organizers, CUPE 556 members Mark Salter and Tryna McLean, who made this event happen.”

WARM WELCOMES University of Victoria CUPE Locals 917, 951 and 4163 meet students during welcome week. Pictured are CUPE 951 President Kara White (seated left) and CUPE 4163 President Greg Melenchuk (right).

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CUPE COMMUNITIES

In Memoriam: Janet Bigelow, Jeff Lawson CUPE members in B.C. have suffered two significant losses recently, with the passing of CUPE Local 1048 President Janet Bigelow on August 10 and of long-time activist and staff representative Jeff Lawson on September 14, both due to cancer. Janet was a powerful advocate for municipal employees, a defender of quality public services, a strong voice on the North Central Labour Council, and a prominent community activist in Prince George. Janet played a central role in organizing and mobilizing voters to elect a progressive majority city council in the last local government elections, where all CUPE and Labour endorsed candidates were elected. Her service on the CUPE BC executive board and many committees at the provincial and national level made our union better, stronger, more inclusive, and more democratic.

Jeff began his union activism as a member of CUPE 1622 (SPCA employees), eventually becoming its president. He served on CUPE BC’s executive board as a general vice president and served as a National representative from 2008 until his passing, most recently as the local community organizer for CUPE BC’s

Strong Communities working group. Jeff is fondly remembered as the go-to person who was always there to get things done. Whether it was CUPE flags and a sound system for a rally, or updating constitutional language or local bylaws, Jeff was someone for whom “Solidarity” wasn’t just an abstract word — it was who he was.

CUPE GROOVES AT ISLANDS FOLK FEST DUNCAN | This summer, the Islands Folk Festival celebrated its 33rd year of featuring top-notch musical talent at Providence Farm in Duncan on Vancouver Island. CUPE sponsors from the B.C. Division, Vancouver Island District Council and Local 358 were once again proud to help bring together local musicians and artists from around the world to the Cowichan Valley for

the popular three-day event (July 21–23). For the third year in a row, CUPE 358 provided the first aid area. The family-friendly festival will soon be announcing some of the line-up for next year’s event (July 20–22, 2018). Folks from out of town are welcome to camp on site. Visit www.islandsfolkfestival.ca for more details.

POPULAR EVENT CUPE 358 once again enjoyed high visibility at one of the Comox Valley’s biggest events of the year. PHOTO CUPE 358

FUNDING KIDS’ TEAMS When members of CUPE 2450 (Arrow Lakes School District workers) involved with the community soccer program heard they were losing a sponsor, the Local stepped up to fund team jerseys. Now funding two soccer teams, CUPE 2450 is proud to reinvest in their community in a positive way, supporting a sport that’s affordable for families in Nakusp and has the highest number of participants. PHOTO CUPE2450

PHOTO GALLERY

UNION SOLIDARITY Members of CUPE, HEU, and BCGEU in Prince George, including CUPE BC’s Karen Wong (left) and Kelly Boudreau (right), helped out in fire relief efforts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA! Members of CUPE 402 (Surrey municipal workers) celebrate Canada Day at the Local’s tent on July 1. PHOTO CUPE 402

PROUD UNION CUPE members celebrated at LGBTQ Pride events throughout B.C. over the summer, including (clockwise) Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, and Quesnel. PHOTOS CUPE BC, VIDC AND NADC

PHOTO GALLERY

SCHOOL’S IN K–12 groundskeepers Byron Nelson, Jeff Weltz, and Dietmar Aust, members of CUPE 561, meet at the maintenance yard before heading out to their respective Coquitlam facilities on the first day of school.

BIG PICTURE Members of CUPE 1816, mired in a summerlong struggle with Pacific Blue Cross, took donations at the picket line for forest fire relief. The Local matched those contributions, giving $1,000 to Red Cross for the cause.

CELEBRATING LABOUR CUPE BC president Paul Faoro joined members in Prince George for this year’s Labour Day celebrations on September 4.

IT’S A DEAL CUPE 1004 members and staff pose after reaching a collective agreement for PNE workers this summer. PHOTO CUPE 1004

GOOD CAUSE CUPE members from Locals 23, 454, 402, and 1760 at the City of Burnaby and United Way of the Lower Mainland summer barbeque. PHOTO LOCAL 1760

STRENGTH IN SISTERHOOD Members of CUPE 4775, Unit 2 in Creston form a chorus line of Rosie the Riveters at a unit meeting over the summer. PHOTO KEN VAUGHAN-EVANS

POWER IN NUMBERS

TREVOR DAVIES, SECRETARY-TREASURER

Think boards of directors are boring? Think again! In today’s society, the importance of good Where did the love go at PBC? Where governance cannot be overestimated — did things go wrong with the board? It all especially when it comes to local government started with the decision to hire a CEO with elections (including a background in privatizing public services school boards), provincial and an interest in private health care. This and federal elections, decision can be analyzed in two ways: and even oversight for 1. The board did not know the Crown corporations such background of the candidate, and as BC Ferries or the BC failed in its due diligence to research Lottery Corporation. this crucial decision. Or; However, the importance 2. The board knew and hired him anyway, that a board of directors leaving themselves accountable for Trevor Davies can have for a company the actions of the CEO and senior or non-profit society is not always apparent. management — actions that would Boards, to put it bluntly, can seem boring. include the loss of key clients, the job The recent labour dispute at Pacific Blue Cross action, and the lockout. (PBC), however, was anything but boring — and Either scenario suggests poor proved just how important good governance at Where did the love go at Pacific governance. Unfortunately, the board the board level can be. It also proved the direct demonstrated further bad governance Blue Cross? Where did things impact on CUPE members when it’s absent. with its decision to indefinitely delay go wrong with the board? It At PBC, a non-profit benefits provider, the PBC’s Annual General Meeting, citing the board of directors received little to no attention all started with the decision to ongoing labour dispute as the reason. This for most of its existence. This was likely because hire a CEO with a background in undemocratic move, apart from showing when things are good, boards go unnoticed; lack of good governance and possibly privatizing public services and an but when things go wrong, the spotlight shines violating the Societies Act (a petition CUPE interest in private health care. brightly. Take, for example, the “Wanted” lawyers filed at BC Supreme Court will be posters that CUPE National distributed to withdrawn once the AGM is scheduled), expose the PBC board as a rogue’s gallery of also smacked of desperation: the decision was likely reached in supposed allies with questionable principles order to prevent a woken-up membership from making some who were “missing in action.” much-needed changes to the composition of the board itself. Among the familiar faces on that poster were multiple retired It’s clearly time for change at the PBC board, and within senior labour leaders — including one that occupied this very page for management. Poor governance decisions have resulted in a loss of some years. With such a board in place, it is easy to see why PBC business and a major labour dispute. Once the AGM finally happens, has so long been the preferred benefits provider for public sector I hope we can see a positive change at the board, a change at the and unionized workplaces. That’s their bread and butter. But with senior management level, and a return to a culture of fairness and the staff (CUPE Local 1816) locked out this summer, the light began respect for employees that was once PBC’s hallmark. to shine brightly on just what the board of directors had been At this point, the current PBC board must be wishing that things doing — or not doing. Hence those “Wanted” posters, which implied were a little more boring. that board members’ silent consent to the employer’s concession demands only proved that they had their “heads in the sand.” FOLLOW TREVOR ON TWITTER @tdaviescupebc

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We’re moving! For the past 26 years, the work of CUPE’s regional staff and B.C. Division has been done from the Deer Lake building complex on Canada Way in Burnaby. Later this fall, we’re moving to the Modello, a brand new office building on the corner of Willingdon and Beresford, near Burnaby’s Metrotown and the Bob Prittie branch of Burnaby Public Library. The Modello, a modern, eco-friendly facility connected to an apartment complex, has some great benefits: • The office building will be occupied exclusively by CUPE • At three floors and 45,000 square feet, it offers twice as much office space • Members will have more options and greater flexibility for meetings • There will be more accessibility for locals after office hours and on weekends. See you there in November!