Public Employee - Summer 2022

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE SUMMER 2022

SPECIAL LABOUR DAY EDITION

MEMBERS’ ISSUE: Telling our stories

N IO E T EC ID EL INS L T PA EN I IC EM UN PL M P SU

2

MEMBERS’ ISSUE

KAREN RANALLETTA, TREVOR DAVIES

Dear CUPE member, To celebrate this year’s Labour Day, we’re thrilled to present this special edition of Public Employee, which is filled with stories and images produced entirely by you, the members!

Labour Day is an important celebration. As the day set aside each year to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of workers, it’s a way of recognizing how far we’ve come since those times when there was no such thing as the weekend, when people worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks just to make a basic living, when child labour and unsafe working conditions were rampant, and when immigrants and the very poor were denied such basic workplace rights as access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks. Labour Day is about celebrating the role of workers in fighting for —and winning— the rights we enjoy today.

CUPE BC has long marked the Labour Day tradition by sponsoring or staging picnics, concerts, and other events in every corner of the province. But until now we’ve never showcased the passions and the interests of you, our members. Regular issues of Public Employee cover the news about our union and its locals; members are featured for your achievements. But in this issue, we hear from you directly: stories from your lives that don’t normally get told. We hear about what issues drive you as activists, how you achieve work-life balance, and how you give back to your communities.

These are your stories, your images, and your Public Employee.

Happy Labour Day! Karen Ranalletta Trevor Davies President Secretary-Treasurer

OUR WORK, OUR ACTIVISM

CUPE MEMBERS

SHARING A PASSION FOR THE TRADES

By Lisa Scott Twenty years ago, I was doing a confined space watch for a mill shutdown, and all the workers I saw were tradesmen. Then one day I met a woman welder and thought, “If this lady can do it, so can I.” I finished that job and started my journey into the trades, and today I’m a Red Seal electrician, working for School District 28 in Quesnel.

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES BY CONNECTING PEOPLE, SERVICES

By Gabrielle Cameron SOURCES Community Resource Centres is a multi-service non-profit agency with locations on Vancouver Island, in the Lower Mainland, and in Northern B.C. SOURCES Oceanside, which serves the Island communities between Nanoose Bay and Bowser, employs just under 30 CUPE members to provide child development, mental health, and other social services for residents in a vast geographical catchment area.

I spent 17 years in the industry without having another tradeswoman friend, but everything changed when I found the BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT). That just exploded my world, because of the training I received to be a regional representative. BCCWITT regional rep training covers everything from leadership skills, mentorship training, resources for under-represented groups, and so much more.

It transformed my career and myself as a person, as I found my voice from all the education I received through BCCWITT over the years. So I want others to know that there are many supports out there for under-represented groups and an amazing community of tradeswomen, as well.

This summer, with BC Women’s Trade Society I led two youth trades discovery camps, one for girls and the other for Indigenous youth. We showcased the industry, and got some tools in the hands of kids who don’t normally have the opportunity. For more info, visit bccwitt.ca.

Lisa Scott is a member of CUPE 4990 (K–12 support staff) and CUPE BC’s skilled trades committee. She is also a regional rep for the BC Centre for Women in the Trades, a director at large for the BC Tradeswomen Society, and a board member of the College of New Caledonia.

As a sub-local of CUPE 606, our members at SOURCES Oceanside serve families in rural and remote locations that have significant transportation challenges. This might seem a disadvantage to accessing service, but Oceanside residents have built tight-knit community connections and support networks that have made our programs successful. For example, our child development practitioners provide services such as pediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, infant development and supported child development consulting, and children and youth with support needs programming. We also provide mental health services such as clinical and family counselling, sexual abuse and intervention programming, youth services, victim services, parent-teen mediation, family support services, and supervised visitation.

I’m proud of our team for so many reasons, but what stands out is the willingness to jump in and tackle a problem for a person in need. Whether it’s a client or a fellow teammate, practitioners are “all in” to provide support in a compassionate way. Our team also strives to make meaningful connections with community partners as well as the public at large. And that makes us proud to be a part of both the Community Social Services sector and the larger CUPE family.

CUPE 606 member Gabrielle Cameron is the child development services program coordinator for SOURCES Oceanside.

3

4

CUPE MEMBERS

OUR WORK, OUR ACTIVISM SOCIAL JUSTICE IS MY WORK

By Akash Gill I am a lot of things: proud daughter of first generation South Asian immigrants, dog mom, social justice warrior, E-Comm operator, union activist.

I was raised by a fiercely strong South Asian single mother who opened my eyes to the struggles many around us face. From an early age, I volunteered with different hospitals and shelters; as an adult, I began working with the homeless on the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver. The sense of community on the DTES, the way everyone looks out for each other, is truly inspiring.

Nearly four years ago, after I started working at E-Comm 9-1-1, I got involved with the union to create a safer space for people of the global majority, 2SLGBTQ+ folks and those who have not previously had representation at my organization. The way I see it, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment at 9-1-1 allows us to better serve the diverse communities whose calls we answer every day.

As I write this between calls at work, I hear the tell-tale beep go off twice in my ear, and all that I am fades away. In this moment, I am your lifeline: the calm voice guiding you through your emergency and keeping you safe until first responders arrive. In this moment, I am 9-1-1.

OFFSHIFT CUPE 8911 member Akash Gill with her 9-month-old American Pitbull Terrier, Nachattar.

Akash Gill is a police call-taker at E-Comm Emergency Communications for BC and the communications coordinator for CUPE 8911.

ON BOARD FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

selects the executive committee and executive director (ED), supports the ED and reviews their performance, ensures effective organizational and strategic planning and adequate resources, and protects the Association’s assets.

Like most such boards, the BCMSA’s provides proper financial oversight, including setting and approving an annual budget, and managing resources effectively. As well as determining and monitoring the Association’s services and programs, it must enhance the Association’s public image while adhering to legal and ethical standards and best practices. Above all, it must be accountable to the membership.

By Shaun Bradley Not long ago, I was appointed as a worker rep to the board of the British Columbia Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA), an independent, non-profit organization committed to safer and healthier workplaces for everyone with a focus on local governments.

The BCMSA board has a lot of responsibilities. Apart from determining the Association’s mission and purpose—and ensuring that the Association operates within them—the board

My role on the board is to represent the workers’ voice and help ensure that all health and safety aspects are covered. This is an important role, and I’m honoured to have a voice with an association that cares enough to educate about the issue and improve worker safety across B.C. This position has given me the opportunity to be proactive in areas that include my workplace and other union members.

If there’s an area or subject you are passionate about or want to learn more about, find a board or a committee and get involved!

CUPE 374 member Shaun Bradley is the local’s City of Colwood unit vice-president.

OUR WORK, OUR ACTIVISM

CUPE MEMBERS

THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN PUBLIC FLEETS

By David Hollingworth Advocating for the health of our communities is a priority for the Ambulance Paramedics of BC/CUPE Local 873. Over the past five years, as climate advocacy has become more critical, we’ve been lobbying for clean energy vehicle (CEV) solutions with our employer, BC Emergency Health Services, and to a larger extent, the B.C. provincial government.

The climate crisis is arguably the most important and least popular social issue right now.

This needs to change because people who care passionately about other problems often fail to recognize that climate change will inevitably impact other social causes as well. The climate crisis has no boundaries and will have devastating impacts on various social issues, disproportionately to the most marginalized members of our society.

The automotive industry is at a tipping point, seeing a massive shift towards electric vehicles. This is due in part to the lower operating cost of electric vehicles, especially for fleet vehicles that typically incur higher mileage than personal vehicles. Making the switch sooner rather than later is vital in reducing CO2 emissions while improving the delivery of sustainable transport. As driving a CEV has the rational effect of making the climate crisis seem less insurmountable, CEV deployments will also lend to a more hopeful and engaged work culture on the road to solving the climate crisis.

The introduction of electric vehicles into public fleets will reduce operating costs for society. In contrast, EV incentives for private cars only benefit those with enough money to buy an EV. This shift will have a significant impact on our mission to combat climate change.

David Hollingworth is a Vancouver-based primary care paramedic, the chairperson of CUPE 873’s environment and climate change committee, and co-chair of CUPE BC’s environment committee.

David has met with government and industry representatives on the deployment of electric ambulances. In 2019, he represented CUPE 873 as a panelist at the West Coast Electric Fleet Symposium.

SOLIDARITY The author, right, with co-worker and shop steward Juno Timleck.

UNION ORGANIZING: THE ULTIMATE IN SELF-EMPOWERMENT

By Alexandra Velo Barnet After my co-workers and I unionized our workplace, I knew I’d achieved the proudest and most meaningful accomplishment of my life until that point. That remains true today.

Unionizing helped me realize my talent for communication in a useful and meaningful way. It allowed me to put into action my beliefs about the best way to improve the issues I care about – that is, through an organized and mutually supportive working class. It showed me who my community was, and it taught me their strengths.

Unionizing made me better at my job. It made me believe powerfully in the importance of my work and thus ensure that I am compensated fairly for it. It gave everyone at my workplace a raise, to the point that even managers and other non-union staff also got pay raises to keep compensation equal. Unionizing also showed me the power of solidarity and taught me about the dignity of all labour, especially the work of the marginalized, the poor, and the criminalized.

Unionizing made me a part of something bigger than myself, and that experience has equipped me to assist and support my community and the people I care about more effectively.

Unionizing was, simply, worth it.

CUPE 1936 member Alexandra Velo Barnet is a frontline social service worker who helped organize employees at her Vancouver workplace, WISH Drop-in Centre Society.

5

6

CUPE MEMBERS

OUR WORK, OUR ACTIVISM AN ACTIVIST’S WORK IS NEVER DONE

By Karl Fultz Last year at the end of March, I took early retirement from my job as senior database administrator for Thompson Rivers University, ending 47 years of work and membership in five different unions—the last 15 with CUPE, the greatest union I have ever known.

As a CUPE activist, I served concurrently on multiple local committees and my executive as well as on the Okanagan District Council, CUPE BC’s Pension committee (as chair and co-chair), CUPE’s National Advisory Committee on Pensions, and the Kamloops District Labour Council. One of my proudest achievements was serving as chair of TRU’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee of Senate.

GAINING SELF-EMPOWERMENT ON AN INTERNATIONAL STAGE

By Hailey Fielden A few months ago, I had the honour and privilege of attending an international conference in Long Beach, California as a CUPE youth representative. As well, I was approached to sit on a conference panel addressing youth and queer issues and successes.

I was ecstatic to be able to attend this conference in the first place. ILGA World (ilga.org) is the largest gathering of queer changemakers on the planet, so being asked to speak on one of its panels felt surreal! Having such an opportunity to discuss young worker successes and struggles on an international stage was life-changing and incredibly scary.

During my tenure, TRU was recognized as the world’s top school by the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). TRU signed the UN’s Climate Emergency Declaration Letter at the end of 2021. This followed special commendation for sustainability when the university in 2020 was awarded accreditation two years early by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. TRU recognized my efforts with a Distinguished Service Award in 2020 and the Staff/ Faculty Environmental Sustainability Achievement Award in 2021.

After taking six months off post-retirement, I was reappointed to CUPE BC’s Pension committee as a retired member and to AASHE’s international advisory committee. I look forward to the years ahead as an activist trying to make a difference, and I firmly believe there is hope for a sustainable future and secure, decent pensions for all—with CUPE leading the way!

A life-long progressive and labour activist, Karl Fultz was presented after retirement with CUPE 4879’s first ever retiree card. He still attends local meetings.

I felt as though my words —my story and experiences— were finally going to make a difference in my own life and in the lives of so many other young workers around the world who struggle to share their individual voices.

Being able to share my story as a young queer unionist empowered me and many other young people, from countries like Iran and Nigeria, to use our strong voices to challenge the status quo and effect powerful change for young people everywhere. After attending this conference, I know I’ve become a stronger and more confident activist, ready for whatever comes!

Hailey Fielden is CUPE BC’s alternate diversity vicepresident for 2SLBGTQ+ workers, the co-chair of its pink triangle committee, and a trustee for CUPE 606.

REGENERATION Karl Fultz joins a volunteer planting team at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, helping replace mature trees that had been taken down to make way for new buildings on campus.

OUR GREAT OUTDOORS LOREEN MATOUSEK As the president of CUPE 1908, which consists of five bargaining units that spread from Chase to the Alberta border, it is my honour and privilege to live, work and play in one of the most stunning natural landscapes in B.C., located in the heart of the beautiful Shuswap on the unceded territories of the Secwepemc Nation.

Landscape photography is my hobby, so living in the Shuswap gives me the opportunity to take some breath-taking photos. I love that feeling I get when I see the perfect moment reflecting the glory of the land and the animals inhabiting it.

KIM SILVEY I live in Alert Bay, a village on Cormorant Island near the town of Port McNeill on northeast Vancouver Island. As a member of CUPE 401, I’ve worked for 15 years as a custodian and bus driver for Alert Bay Elementary School in School District 85. When I’m not at work, I enjoy scenic photography—mostly pictures taken on and around Cormorant Island. I find this pursuit affords me a work/ life balance. I am also called upon to take photos and videos for school events, which is rewarding. To see more of my photos, look for “Alert Bay Photography” on Facebook.

CUPE MEMBERS

7

8

CUPE MEMBERS

OUR GREAT OUTDOORS MAKING TRACKS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

By Julia Louie Outdoors is where you’re most likely to find me when I’m not at work, as riding and trail running are definitely my passions. In one of my non-work activities, I serve as treasurer of the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club, a 100-percent volunteer-run, non-profit trail association.

The club’s mission is to build, manage, and maintain trails through partnering with landowners public and private, and to create fun and challenging trail networks for every type of rider. Almost all the trails are sanctioned for non-motorized use and are enjoyed by dog walkers, hikers, and trail runners. The NMBC also organizes races, events, build days, and weekly group rides.

CONNECTING HUMANS AND WILDLIFE

By Larissa Deneault (Setse̓7) Just off Highway 1 near Campbell Creek, not far from downtown Tk’emlúpste Secwe̓pemc (more recently known as Kamloops), lies an educational facility that sparks an emotional connection between people, wildlife, and the habitats we share. At the BC Wildlife Park, guests of all ages learn about traditional and recent human relationships with the natural world, inspiring them to reflect on the importance of individual responsibility regarding human/wildlife interactions.

The dedicated members of CUPE 900 are the driving force behind this valuable community service, providing animal welfare to more than 65 different species and veterinary care at the wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Apart from ensuring the safety and health of members and visitors, helping guests find memorable gifts or directing them to food and refreshments, some of our duties would be unfamiliar to most CUPE members.

The average workday might include demonstrating the hunting abilities of raptors like owls, hawks and turkey vultures through flight presentations. Or taking a tortoise for a walk in the sun. Or dressing as “Betty Bee” for a live educational presentation or online video. We also contribute to horticultural knowledge by showing how “bear poop gardens” help shape animal habitats.

And, as part of a conservation project, we monitor the breeding success of endangered burrowing owls.

A shared vision of environmental stewardship unites CUPE members at the BC Wildlife Park. Operating within the unceded territory of the Secwe̓pemc (Shuswap) First Nations, we have taken steps in solidarity by learning about Indigenous cultural connections to wildlife.

Larissa Deneault is the BC Wildlife Park chair for CUPE 900.

During COVID, the NMBC saw the amount of trail users and memberships spike exponentially as people found comfort and connection through outdoor recreation.

This past spring, the club was able to host two races: a cross-country and a women’s-only enduro, both of which were hugely successful and brought many racers from all over Vancouver Island and the mainland.

Julia Louie is a member of CUPE 5278, Vancouver Island University Students’ Union staff.

For more about the NMBC, visit nanaimomountainbikeclub.com ON THE COVER Julia rides the trails near Nanaimo.

OUR HISTORY

CUPE MEMBERS

9

A TRULY HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE IN UNLEARNING RACISM, COLONIALISM

KAMLOOPS 215, ONE YEAR LATER: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEARING WITNESS

By Shelley Saje Ricci

By the CUPE 3500 executive

For most, June 21 is just another day. But for Indigenous folks, it is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration and recognition of First Peoples’ contributions to Canada. This last June 21st I was honoured to deliver the Kairos Blanket Exercise (KBE) to City of Port Moody staff, the mayor, city councillors, and chiefs of police and fire.

A year has passed since the 215 unmarked graves of Indigenous children who attended Kamloops Indian Residential School were located on the unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people. While this past year has been profoundly painful, it has provided validation for many who knew the truth, allowing families the acknowledgment needed to move forward with a new opportunity for healing.

A program of KAIROS Canada—an ecumenical movement for ecological justice and human rights around the globe—KBE is a live, participatory experience that visually and emotionally demonstrates the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada through colonization to the present.

Participants take part in talking circles and role playing, and experience Turtle Island (North America) as one of the original First Peoples.

Told to be prepared for experiential, emotional, and thoughtful learning and unlearning, participants remove their shoes and step onto the blankets representing the land. As they walk through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, Indigenous resistance, and current day results of genocide, they discover how the history of Canada has not been told accurately but from a settler-colonial perspective that hides the truth and promotes systemic racism.

I have found this exercise most effective at giving participants a holistic experience, and Port Moody was no exception. Many people cry, some giggle nervously and many feel anger—anger at “being tricked” and lied to by the Canadian government and the churches. There is a strong truth to this exercise that inspires all Canadians to learn more about “Truth & Reconciliation” and how we can actively engage in it.

Start by googling #next150 and take some of the 21 challenges.

Reconciliation starts with you!

Shelley Saje Ricci is CUPE BC’s diversity vice-president (Indigenous workers), executive-at-large member for CUPE 728, and an Aboriginal cultural educator and youth worker in the K-12 sector.

We must not forget the deep and devastating impacts that residential schools have had on Indigenous people, their families, cultures, and communities.

As CUPE members, we stand unwavering in our commitment to honour the needs of our Indigenous sisters, brothers and friends while they work to rebuild their communities, languages and traditions that were stolen so long ago.

While it can feel uncomfortable for us to hear the stories of suffering endured by others, it pales in comparison to having actually lived through it. And so for that reason it is important that we bear witness to these stories and learn from the past, support each other, leave space for others to navigate their healing journeys, and foster growth through positive relationships with one another.

CUPE 3500 is thankful for the strength in leadership shown

by Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir. We wish to extend our continuing support moving forward into and through truth and reconciliation, our promise to continue voicing the Calls to Action and to recognizing own our role in perpetuating the colonial constructs that continue to oppress Indigenous people.

BLANKET EXERCISE Shelley Saje Ricci at the Kairos Blanket Exercise in Port Moody. Tim Steinruck played the role of the European while Lolita Wegener-Wittur assisted as the medic/medicine woman.

CUPE 3500 represents approximately 850 support staff workers for School District 73 in the Kamloops/Thompson region. This message was originally sent as a letter to local members and the SD #73 community.

10

CUPE MEMBERS

OUR HISTORY

HEROIC ANTI-FASCISM AT ITS BEST

By Pamela Vivian “You are history. You are legend. You are the heroic examples of democracy, solidarity and universality” — Dolores Ibárruri, La Pasionaria My great uncle, Peter Johnson, was a strong unionist from North Vancouver who was active in the 1935-36 Seamen’s strike and one of the first B.C. volunteers to join the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). It was my great uncle’s heroic example, and that of the 400 other British Columbians who joined him in the fight against fascism, that inspired me to produce and direct the documentary film, Taking a Stand: The Story of the MacPaps.

The B.C. volunteers were part of the more than fifteen hundred Canadian volunteers, collectively known as the Mackenzie–Papineau Battalion, or MacPaps, who joined the International Brigades. The Brigades were a 40,000-strong volunteer army from 73 countries who helped the Spanish government resist a military coup led by Francisco Franco and supported by Hitler and Mussolini.

Many of the B.C. volunteers were part of Canada’s turbulent labour history from the 1930s, fighting for secure employment, living wages and safer working conditions. A great number were labour organizers and participants in protests including the Relief Camp workers’ strike, the On to Ottawa Trek, and the Ballantyne Pier Riot.

In looking at who the B.C. volunteers were and why they left everything behind to defend democracy in Spain, the film examines the similarities of today — the rising tide of fascism, the cost of unchecked capitalism, and the power of protest to make positive change.

Pamela Vivian is a member of CUPE 2081 (Camosun College support staff). For more on Taking a Stand: The Story of the MacPaps, visit themacpaps.com

SHEDDING LIGHT ON A CITY’S PROGRESSIVE HISTORY

By Eric Damer Burnaby Village Museum provides a wonderful visitor experience, but it’s not simply an amusement park. The museum’s curatorial staff preserve and protect artifacts and research the City’s history; its programming staff provide school programs and interact with the public.

When I began work in historical interpretation nearly thirty years ago, we told nice stories about the people represented in our exhibits. Over the years, however, I learned much more about Burnaby’s history. More recently, as a researcher for exhibits and special projects, I have come to see the city as a special place with a uniquely progressive history.

During the early 1890s, real estate speculation along the interurban tram line played a big role in Burnaby’s development. By the 1920s, what began as an agricultural community dominated by affluent landowners with small estates had attracted working people who wanted a fair deal from all levels of government. From then on, Burnaby would lean to the political left.

During the Great Depression, the municipal government tried to get help from unsympathetic provincial and federal governments. Burnaby Council lost its fight, and the city lost its elected municipal government for ten years. When local residents organized self-help groups to assist each other through the crisis, co-op stores and the province’s first operating credit union came out of these efforts.

GHOSTS OF WAR Filmmaker and CUPE 2081 member Pamela Vivian and Historian Severiano Montero in Jarama, Spain retracing the steps of Vivian’s great uncle, MacPap Battalion member Peter Johnson. (Photo contributed)

CUPE 23 member Eric Damer is a researcher and history writer for Burnaby Village Museum. A freelance historian, he has published books and articles on social and educational history in British Columbia, including UBC: The First 100 Years and Great Northern Railway Disaster 1909 for the Labour Heritage Centre.

CUPE AFTER HOURS SLAYING DRAGONS, KEEPING FIT

By Monika Dean “Paddlers, are you ready?” We quietly bury our blades in the water.

“Attention…” Our form tightens, our muscles clench.

“GO!” Twenty paddles in unison lift our narrow dragon boat out of the water, propelling us forward as we settle into a sustainable rhythm.

I think of nothing but paddling in time. We move forward together, rotate our hips together, and reach as far forward as we can while maintaining constant pressure. We trust the steer person standing on the dragon’s tail to guide us on the best course to the finish line buoys. Our caller sits on the dragon’s shoulders with the drum between his knees, keeping us focused and motivated.

Nothing else exists in this moment.

As the strongest team we left last, but we are running clean, catching the boats that left before us. We pass one on the first straightaway, a few more in the corners, and bear down on another in the final stretch. Our caller challenges us: “They look tired, they have no energy, but we do, we can get them!” And we do.

The Montreal Dragonboat Festival was my first trip since attending the 2019 CUPE convention. Like many, I had been feeling a heavy impact of the past couple of years, particularly the fear that I could bring COVID home to my elderly parents. The Festival was just what I needed, a return to a much-loved outlet that keeps me mentally and physically healthy.

The lives of union activists are already stressful. From taking responsibility for complex and life-altering cases, and undertaking political action that pushes us beyond our comfort zones, to expanding our knowledge and building new skills to face a changing world, it’s a heavy burden maintaining our jobs, friends and relationships all at once. Putting the needs of others in front of our own runs in the union activist family; however, we all have dragons that need to be kept at bay. Just because they’re not currently breathing fire doesn’t mean they can be ignored.

I sincerely hope you all have your own dragonboat, whatever it may be. Perhaps some of you have completely conquered your dragons and can enlighten me some day. For those who haven’t, or are interested in trying this kind of dragonboat, let me know.

Just twenty people is all we need to enter a CUPE team in a local festival—and challenge our friends at MoveUp. As for Montreal? Our team earned a gold in both the 2km and 200m races, a silver in the 500m.

Monika Dean is first vice-president of CUPE 402, representing Surrey city workers.

CUPE MEMBERS

11

THE LITTLE MADONNA AFTERPARTY THAT COULD... AND DID!

By Angello Floresco When I was younger, I loved the ability to explore my creativity and connect with an audience through performance. This led me to the world of drag, where I performed as “Trixie.” The highlight of my drag career was organising a Madonna concert after-party in 2008 for the Sticky and Sweet tour—her first performance in Vancouver. I created the after-party show’s setlist, music remixes/ edits, video accompaniment, and choreography. My friend Jason Matlo was kind enough to create my Madonna-inspired costumes.

We had a very thought-out concept and decided to see if we could gain some attention, so we sent out press releases everywhere.

The release got us some major attention: we ended up doing a cross promotion with Crave 95 Radio, which involved me judging a Madonna-thon contest in Coquitlam mall and being interviewed by the radio station. I was also interviewed by CBC for their nightly news broadcast the night before the show. Not bad, for a drag concert after-party that occurred just before the explosion of the phenomenon known as RuPaul’s Drag Race!

The after-party achieved record attendance for the club. Most surprising though, was a voice mail the club received the day after the event: a message from Madonna’s crew, asking for guestlist privileges to the event! They actually knew our show was going on, and they wanted to come! Unfortunately, the voicemail was received the following day, but it was certainly a cherished gift knowing that Madonna’s crew wanted to attend our little after-party that could!

Angello Floresco is an instructional designer for SkyTrain and the communications officer for CUPE 7000.

ARTFUL TREATS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

By Krista Napl I live in Cranbrook and work in School District 5.

Around the time my eldest daughter reached her first birthday, I began decorating sugar cookies. They soon became popular as I shared them with friends and neighbours, so that inspired me to keep practicing. Three years later, I came up with Krista’s Cookies Cranbrook.

I have a lot of fun making cookies and would like to be a business, but in B.C. I can’t legally sell from my home.

I did sell cookies this past Halloween at the Cranbrook Farmers Market. It was lots of fun, and I look forward to doing it again.

Krista Napl is the recording secretary for CUPE 4165.

12

CUPE MEMBERS

CUPE AFTER HOURS

KIRK MERCER: HEAVY METAL ROCK STAR

By Loran Werrun During the mid-1980s, the Canadian west coast erupted with a new wave of speed and thrash metal music. Victoria, B.C.’s most wicked, extreme-sounding group from that period was Arcfiend. When I first met Kirk Mercer in 1990, he was the band’s bassist. At the time, the quartet developed a solid following while rehearsing behind the local skateboard shop, Spine Grind. It has been said that those rehearsals were like playing mini gigs with many spectators. Arcfiend went on to play a few venues around Greater Victoria before disbanding after losing their jam space.

After Arcfiend, Kirk and I decided to get together with a mutual friend and resurrect the band Malevolence. In 1991-92 we played numerous concerts and recorded two very well-received demo tapes at the legendary Fiasco Brothers Studios in New Westminster. Canada’s top hard music publication, MEAT magazine, said that we had what it takes to become a contender.

In early 1993, three of us split from Malevolence to become the band Purge. After parting ways amicably, the guys recruited another drummer and changed their band name to Punish. In 1996, Punish domestically released their one and only CD, “State of Grace.”

After an 11-year hiatus, Punish reformed in 2012 as a trio (the same three guys from Malevolence) and performed locally whenever called upon to do so. During the decade away from Punish, Kirk performed with the bands Within A Vision, Red Earth, and ZON: Son Of Thor. The latter was set to embark on a European tour in 2010, but an Icelandic volcano erupted, canceling all flights across the Atlantic—and their Scandinavian tour.

On August 23, 2019, Arcfiend performed for the first time in 29 years at the Vancouver Island Metal Festival in Victoria (see photo) as part of an EP record release and reunion. In September 2021, Supreme Echo Records released the Malevolence LP “Apparitions,” which is sold worldwide. Still practicing with Punish and Arcfiend, Kirk has made a solid footprint on the metal scene in B.C. Loran Werrun is a long-time band mate of Kirk Mercer, who is the Vancouver Island regional vice-president for CUPE BC and chair of its skilled trades committee. Kirk is also the president of CUPE 951, representing office workers, technicians, animal care assistants and childcare workers at the University of Victoria.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH Ken Vaughan-Evans plays a gig at Skycastle Lookout in the Slocan Valley—the highest elevation he has ever played drums. It took the band and their crew 45 minutes to get all their gear shuttled up an access road. (Photo by Larry Kushner)

FROM DELEGATE TO BAR JAMMER

By Ken Vaughan-Evans It was my first or second CUPE convention, held in Vancouver. Perusing the agenda, I noticed that one of the nights featured a jam hosted by the Yale Hotel’s very own house band. Now, I’m thinking, I’ve held my own on the drum kit for many years, having played in a few bands in Windsor, Ontario and a few since moving to Procter, B.C. in the 90s.

So I put my name on the sign-up sheet.

Next thing you know I’m up on stage behind the kit, rockin’ like nobody’s business! The gent playing guitar and running the jam says there’s an open stage at The Yale that Sunday afternoon and invites me to come down and play. Sooo….. a few of us head down Granville to the historic Yale on a sunny Sunday so I can get some more jamming in.

As the afternoon starts winding down, I finally get the nod to get up on stage. As I’m settling in behind the kit, the bass player leans in and says “Hi, I’m Clayton.” A bit stunned, I say “You ever been to Procter, B.C.?” He, in shock, just says “Shhh.” It turns out Clayton had moved out of the place I moved into just a few weeks prior!

We played several tunes, a couple with an awesome sax player named Rockin’ Rolly who, while playing, took his sax apart and put it back together. Thanks to CUPE I had one of my most memorable music experiences, and for that I’ll always be grateful.

Ken Vaughan-Evans, a former regional vice-president for CUPE BC, is a member of CUPE 748 representing staff at School District 8, Creston Community Complex, and Creston Public Library.

CUPE AFTER HOURS

CUPE COMMUNITIES

13

THE LARSCHEIDERS: BOOSTING CANUCK SPIRITS

By Brett Craigie

THE SKYLARK: TAKING A SPIN FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE

By Tony Rebelo If you’re a person like me who continues to take on more work, this may be important for you to read.

Those of us who love our jobs and habitually take on more work sometimes need to be reminded that it’s important to have a balanced life between work and personal time. The balance doesn’t necessarily need to be an equal split. The important thing to remember is that when you’re not working, you should actually NOT be working but instead be completely unplugged. Tools down! Turn off that phone. Be unavailable.

When I want to unplug, I spend time with my family and friends, or take some alone time to reflect. The one thing that really helps me relax is to get into my hotrod and go for a cruise. Every time I get behind the wheel of my 1965 Buick Skylark, I take off to see friends and family or attend car meets.

For those 15 to 30 minutes that I’m driving by myself, or with family and friends, I forget about everything that’s going on around me. I forget about work and just enjoy the ride, taking it all in and enjoying the time I spend on the road. It even relaxes me to spend a couple of hours washing and detailing the hot rod.

To me, it’s therapeutic and important to my work-life balance.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what your hobby is; it only matters that you make time for it. We all have many things we enjoy doing, but I truly believe that we each have one particular thing that helps us relax. Do that one thing a bit more, and you’ll thank yourself for it in the future.

Tony Rebelo is the president of CUPE 7000, representing SkyTrain and Southern Rail workers.

Some people say I can’t get enough of hockey, and it’s true. During the season I play three times a week at Britannia Centre, a Vancouver rink run by CUPE 15 members. And every now and then I get together with some of my oldest hockey buddies to cheer on our hometown Canucks and rile up the crowd at Rogers Arena.

Some years ago when the World Junior Hockey Championships were held in B.C., a bunch of my friends and I attended several games and, wearing our denim jackets bearing the Maple Leaf, became known as a cheering section for Team Canada.

Along the way, two childhood friends started a supporters section at Canucks home games. What began

as a spontaneous way to cheer the game (as opposed to when the Jumbotron tells you to), injecting energy into an arena often referred to as “The Library” for its laid-back atmosphere, organically grew into a large group of people who love their hometown team.

That’s how the Larscheiders were born.

The Larscheiders is a Vancouver Canucks fan group named after the legendary former Canucks radio colour commentator Tom Larscheid. We made our debut on December 20, 2016, when the Canucks hosted the Winnipeg Jets. Since then, you can find us in Rows 7-15 in Sections 325 & 326, though we might expand this year.

The Larscheiders is a great way to join my old hockey buddies and childhood friends, have some fun, and support the team we love. Come join us!

CUPE 1004 member Brett Craigie is a mental health worker at Portland Hotel Society.

2015 by setting me up with a flight instructor to reinstate my license and get me back into flying. In 2019, I bought my third plane, a Cessna 172. Then last year I upgraded to a Cessna Cardinal. It’s got a bigger engine than the 172, a better propeller, cruises almost 25 miles an hour faster and is a better-looking plane.

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE AIR

By Glen Hoffman Thirty-five years ago, I got my pilot’s license and in 1990 bought my first airplane, a Piel Emeraude.

A homebuilt aircraft, it was a lowwing monoplane with fixed wheels and side-by-side seating for two.

I had it a couple of years before buying a Piper Colt, which could carry me, my wife and two children.

I had that plane until I went through some life changes and stopped flying for 15 years.

After I remarried, my new wife surprised me on my birthday in

My favourite flight was when I flew to Toronto with a friend to purchase it, then flew it back to Langley. It’s funny to think that I lived in Ontario for 15 years but never knew how big it was until I flew across it: it took us seven hours just to get from Hamilton to Thunder Bay! Since 2019 I’ve made eight trips back and forth across the Rockies to Alberta.

It’s something you never get tired of, that view of the mountaintops. Locally, there’s nothing like getting into the plane after a tiring day at work and taking a 40-minute flight. When I land, I feel like a new man.

Glen Hoffman (pictured right) is a transit supervisor for Coast Mountain Bus Company and second vice-president for CUPE 4500.

14

CUPE MEMBERS

MEMBER TRIBUTES FACE PAINTING: THE COLOURS OF JOY

By Ken Davis Denise Anderson is a municipal worker in Kamloops, the recording secretary for CUPE 900, and a face painter. While she’s always happy to represent her Local as an active executive member, she’s especially proud to share her face painting talents at CUPE 900 events.

Denise has been bringing smiles to faces, both young and old, on behalf of her local since 2011. The look on the faces of children and adults is priceless. A favourite memory was when a young girl asked Denise how she learned to face paint. With tongue in cheek, Denise replied: “I practice on kids”. A little while later, an adult asked the same question and the girl piped up with a sound of authority in her voice: “She practices on kids!” It was a wonderful moment.

CINDY SKORO — THE GLUE THAT KEEPS A LOCAL TOGETHER

By Darlene Worthylake When it comes to CUPE members who take care of others, are dedicated to their local and have a wealth of knowledge they’re all too happy to share, there’s no one quite like Cindy Skoro.

Ever since she began her union activism in 1994, Cindy has always been unwavering in her dedication to the members and our Local.

She works tirelessly to ensure that members’ rights are preserved, and her attention to detail is unmatched. Whether serving as unit chair, unit secretary or shop steward, she is exceptionally thorough.

Art makes people feel—whether it’s joy, sadness, happiness, or inspiration. It also helps express values and bridge the gap between cultures. Denise is all about that connection.

The pandemic halted so many in-person events, so we are delighted that Denise is once again out in public, face painting and showering people with sparkly glitter at Kamloops Pride and other community events on behalf of CUPE 900—including the Labour Day picnic!

Ken Davis is president of CUPE 900, representing municipal workers across the Thompson-Nicola region.

We have come to depend on Cindy for her recall of the history of labour relations in Hope—knowledge that, time and time again, has been the deciding factor in winning the day. She passes on that knowledge and experience by mentoring new officers so we don’t lose that valuable information. Cindy is a union sister through and through, and her influence and work are highly valued and appreciated.

“It was an honour and a privilege to work alongside Cindy,” says CUPE 458 past president Louise Piper.

“The District of Hope faced many challenges during those years, and Cindy never backed down or gave up on supporting her members. Always with her beautiful smile, Cindy would welcome my visits there. She poured countless hours into her role as unit chair, and her diligence and care were felt throughout the membership. After her many years of excellent service, I wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

As the Neil Young song goes, Cindy: long may you run.

Darlene Worthylake is the president of CUPE 458, representing municipal workers for the District of Kent, District of Hope, Hope Recreation, Fraser Valley Regional District, Cultus Lake Parks Board, City of Chilliwack, and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.

Three-year-old John is a huge fan of CUPE 2090’s garbage collector Colin and his truck—so much so that he dressed up as Colin—with truck!—for Halloween this past year.

—Submitted by CUPE 2090 Secretary-Treasurer Melissa Willman

PATRICK DUKE — A SOLID UNIONIST TO THE VERY END By the CUPE 389 executive

PUBLISHED BY

Patrick Duke was a lifelong unionist, a North Vancouverite, and—with sixty years to his credit—the longest serving member of CUPE 389.

He was at every picket line fighting for better working conditions and wages. He was not someone who would stand down: he believed in his union and in trying to make a better tomorrow. The “Duke,” as we called him, was one of the first people to introduce himself to you when you first started. He always wanted to pass on his wisdom and help future generations.

Patrick worked for the District of North Vancouver in the Parks Department, building our community’s parks, trails, sports fields, water parks and skateboard bowls. The District of North Vancouver would not be what it is today without the work of people like Patrick.

Raised in North Vancouver, he felt most at home in Lynn Canyon.

HOME, SWEET HOME Patrick Duke was famously camera-shy, so CUPE 389 shared this image of Lynn Canyon, his favourite place.

(Photo by Kyle Knowles)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE Canadian Union of Public Employees, British Columbia Division 410 – 6222 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, B.C. V5H 0G3 POSTAL AGREEMENT # 42016512 T: 604.291.9119 TOLL FREE: 1.877.263.8568 E: info@cupe.bc.ca PRESIDENT

Karen Ranalletta

One of the original certifying members of CUPE 389, a shop steward for more than 50 years, and an employee since 1962, Patrick died on January 20th this year after a brief illness. At the age of 82, he was still employed by the District of North Vancouver when he passed away. The very definition of a unionist striving to make his community better, he is sorely missed.

SECRETARY-TREASURER

Patty’s memory will not be forgotten, and his legend lives on.

Steven Beasley Jessica Orcutt Greg Taylor

THANK YOU ‘MR. NELSON’!

By the CUPE 716 executive

Trevor Davies EDITOR

Dan Gawthrop EDITORIAL TEAM

COVER PHOTO

Some time ago, we paid tribute in our online newsletter to custodian Nelson Cornes, affectionately known to students as “Mr. Nelson.”

they wrote thank-you notes and posted them on the “Random Acts of Kindness” bulletin board in his work area.

Nelson, who works at William Cook Elementary School, is one of our many members who proudly deliver custodial services for School District 38 in Richmond. Education Assistant Erica Macklin told us how the students honoured Nelson with a special gesture to acknowledge his efforts to keep them safe from COVID-19:

“Mr. Nelson is always superfast to refill our paper towel dispensers and soap and is always there to help as soon as we need him for anything,” said Erica, noting some of the student feedback.

“Mr. Nelson is always smiling, and we can tell—even though he is wearing a mask.”

GROOVY HUES After CUPE 23 member Jamane Wong picked up a copy of the CUPE BC Women’s Committee’s “Colouring Our Story” colouring book at B.C. Division convention in April, her 11-year-old son Lucas went to work on it. This is one of his bright and cheerful colourings.

Rachel Kimler GRAPHIC DESIGN

Pete Tuepah and Nadene Rehnby, Hands On Publications BACK PAGE

Design by Talking Dog Communications, photo by Josh Berson

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