ELECTION '17 | K-12 & FIRST NATIONS | NEW CANADIANS | FAHMY CHARTER
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE FALL 2016
BRING IT ON HOME How CUPE campaigns are keeping services public
LEADINGUS PAUL FAORO, PRESIDENT “Clark's pivots on education and other political hotspots may reduce the number of critical media stories, but we'll be right back where we started after the next election without a stable and sustainable funding plan."
Doing the Christy Clark Two-Step B.C. PREMIER CAN’T FOOL THE VOTERS WITH HER POLICY PIVOTS I’m a firm believer in the concept that people can change. And I’d like to believe that our BC Liberal Premier and her MLAs are among those who are capable of change. Now I’m no psychologist, but I’m pretty sure that in order to make authentic change it’s crucial to understand what you did wrong. It seems you can’t pick up a newspaper or log onto Twitter or Facebook these days without seeing a story about how Christy Clark and the BC Liberals are “restoring funding” to this service or that program. And the stories often feature commentary from pundits analysing how the BC Liberals are “pivoting” in advance of the next provincial election. I’m glad to see that the Liberals are taking some baby steps towards change, but it’s not authentic change. Let me explain why, by taking a closer look at just one of their “pivots.”
LEGACY OF DESTRUCTION The current funding crisis in our schools is a direct result of BC Liberal education policy since 2002, when Christy Clark was the minister and changed the funding formula to a per-student system that forces local school boards to do more with less. On top of that, the BC Liberals have downloaded scores of additional costs to school boards without providing any additional resources. That’s why, despite Liberal claims of increased funding, our schools today struggle to provide quality education — and it’s why the Liberals have forced districts to close more than 270 schools during their time in office. Earlier this year the Liberals demanded school boards across the province make $54 million worth of cuts to “administration.” Now, “administration” is a nice vague word — but CUPE members who work in the K-12 system know full well that a wide range of services that directly affect kids are included in that category. Services like busing, which as a result of the cuts was under threat in many districts. The BC Liberals decided that busing kids to school is a luxury that parents should have to pay for themselves. Well, CUPE members and parents spoke up and let the Liberals know that this was unacceptable.
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FIGHTING FOR THEIR FUTURE Paul Faoro, seen at the daycare centre during CUPE BC’s summer think tank in Harrison, says we owe it to the next generation to bounce Christy Clark from office on May 9 so we can build a better public education system that works for everyone.
HEADLINE CHASER Negative stories started appearing in community newspapers all over the province. If there’s anything our Premier can’t stand, it’s a negative story about her government — particularly with an election just months away. So the Premier’s “solution” is onetime funding to cover the cost of busing, for this year. The cynical calculation of the Premier’s backroom strategists is that they can make the problem go away by writing a cheque. But you and I know that one-time funding doesn’t solve a longterm problem. Clark’s pivots on education and other political hotspots may reduce the number of critical media stories, but we’ll be right back where we started after the next election without a stable and sustainable funding plan.
TIME’S UP After 16 years of BC Liberal government, the quality of our kids’ education is worse off. We’re all paying more in user fees, ICBC premiums, MSP, and BC Hydro rates. This has made life more unaffordable for the vast majority of us while the rich and wellconnected pay less in taxes. It’s long past time for change in Victoria. I hope you’ll join with us over the next several months to get the message out, join the NDP if you’re not already a member (see page six), and work on a local campaign so that, come May 9, we can elect a progressive NDP government under John Horgan — government that, for a change, is on our side. FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER
@PaulFaoro
This year’s Aubrey Burton/Reg Ford scholarships, which cover $500 of tuition costs for the children of CUPE members, go to: Jocelyn Boonstra, Local 873 (Armstrong); Natasha Louie, Local 1004 (Burnaby); Marco Carello, Local 374 (Sooke); Gavin Anderson, Local 2052 (Terrace).
CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE CUPE BC ENDORSES PROTECTION CHARTER
LOCAL ACTION CUPE 556 President Karen Garrett says that Comox Valley residents were well armed with the facts when they voted down the wastewater treatment P3 in a referendum on June 18.
Thumbs down for P3 sewage COMOX | In a referendum held on June 18, residents of Union Bay, Royston and Kilmarnock overwhelmingly rejected a proposed Public-Private Partnership (P3) for wastewater treatment. “Several factors contributed to residents saying no to the proposed P3, but in the end I think the biggest factor was that it is just too risky to proceed with a P3,” said CUPE 556 President Karen Garrett. The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) held the referendum in an effort to gain residents’ approval to proceed with a P3. That approach allowed the CVRD to bypass
the typical process of developing a project through the region’s Liquid Waste Management Plan. “CUPE Local 556 members work throughout the Comox Valley to deliver valuable services to residents throughout the region, and we understand the importance of public water and wastewater treatment services,” added Garrett. “If the CVRD continues to pursue community infrastructure for wastewater treatment, we are committed to working with them to find an affordable and accountable public solution that residents will support.”
CUPE BC’s Executive Board has endorsed award-winning Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy’s Protection Charter, which would require the federal government to protect Canadian citizens from serious human rights violations in other countries. Fahmy wrote the Charter after he spent more than a year in a maximum security prison in Egypt on bogus charges. While he was imprisoned awaiting trial, the federal government of then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper declined to intervene on Fahmy’s behalf, leaving him to languish in prison alongside convicted jihadi fighters — despite his innocence. “Defending the rights of Canadians abroad should never be an option but a requirement for our politicians,” said CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. “The Charter that Mr. Fahmy and Amnesty International have proposed would ensure that all Canadian citizens who require the support of their government overseas will get it when they need it, and not be subjected to partisan whims.”
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE CUPE BC will be hosting an Education Sector Conference at the Westin Bayshore Hotel from November 7 - 9. The conference, themed “A Better Future for All – Investing in Public Education,” will bring together CUPE members from the K-12, Colleges, and Universities sectors. To learn more, visit cupe.bc.ca.
One hundred new members welcomed BURNABY | One hundred new CUPE members have been welcomed into three locals over the past three months. CUPE 2010, representing municipal workers in the Resort Municipality of Whistler, was pleased to welcome its latest group of new members, 18 maintenance workers at the Meadow Park Sports Centre this May. In June, 66 community-based service employees who work for the North Shore Disability Resource Centre Association joined CUPE 1936. And CUPE 339, representing municipal workers in the City of
Nelson, welcomed 16 youth centre workers in July. The Kootenay Local’s newest members run the drop-in centre (including a dance studio, indoor skate park and basketball court), an employment department for youth, and a campground run as a social enterprise with profits going to the youth centre. If you know of any unorganized workers in your worksites, please contact CUPE Organizing Representative Tracey Mathieson at 604-471-4777.
WELCOME TO CUPE New members from the Nelson and District Youth Centre (from left: Nadia Abdella, Shauna Mondeville and Stephanie Meitz) appear with CUPE 339 President Mike Stefiuk and CUPE National Servicing Rep Louise Oetting. FALL 2016
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CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
Convention marks year of transitions TWO DIVERSITY SEATS ADDED TO BOARD AS DELEGATES CONFIRM FAORO, DAVIES VICTORIA | Change was in the air at CUPE BC’s 53rd annual convention (April 27-30), with delegates confirming two new officers and a new general vice-president while amending their constitution to recognize the growing diversity of the union’s membership. Paul Faoro was elected president after serving on an interim basis following the November election of Mark Hancock as CUPE’s National president. Trevor Davies was elected as secretary-treasurer after serving the same interim period, while Alison Pringle was elected as new general vice president. Delegates also passed a constitutional amendment to create two new diversity vice-president positions — one for workers with disabilities and one for LGBTQ members. Those positions will be filled by elections at next year’s convention (April 26-29, 2017, Victoria). Fahmy
VOICES
CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA
"Residents in the region will be poorly served if this project gets further bogged down negotiating a complicated, risky and secretive multi-decade deal with some unknown private, forprofit wastewater corporation that will only seek to benefit its shareholders over our residents.” CUPE 1978 President Rick Illi, in a letter to the editor, calls for a publicly owned, operated and maintained wastewater treatment facility for the Capital Regional District. Victoria Times Colonist, Thursday, September 1, 2016.
“It is work we can do and we have carpenters that are as qualified as anybody else that has carpenters working for them.” CUPE 606 President Rob Zver says that School District 68 made the right move by not outsourcing the construction work for Cedar Elementary School. Nanaimo News Bulletin, Monday, July 4, 2016.
“It was surprising to see the mayor and the city manager show up for a jaywalking ticket hearing — that seems odd.” CUPE 401 President Blaine Gurrie, after a court appearance for two of his Local members who were fined for jaywalking while picketing at the regional district transfer station during last year’s five-week lockout. Parksville Qualicum Beach News, Thursday, June 16, 2016.
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Former CUPE National President Paul Moist was the electoral officer for this year’s elections, giving delegates an opportunity to thank him personally for his 12 years as president. Among the convention highlights were a riveting presentation by Turpel-Lafond Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, B.C.’s outgoing Representative for Children and Youth, and a moving speech by award-winning Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy. Turpel-Lafond spoke of her long struggle to bring government attention to the plight of B.C. children growing up in poverty. Fahmy, thanking CUPE BC for its support and advocacy to help free him from an unjust prison sentence in Egypt, introduced his proposed charter to protect Canadian citizens from human rights abuses overseas (story on Page 3). This year’s convention coincided with the annual Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. Hundreds of delegates joined members of other unions and the Victoria Labour Council for an observance at the B.C. Legislature.
“We have more people working at the board office than ever before. We’ve got two extra exempt people working in human resources; we’ve got an extra manager for the maintenance facilities department — they just created that a few months back.” CUPE 409 President Marcel Marsolais questions the increase in excluded staff at New Westminster school board while daytime custodians get their hours reduced. New Westminster Record, Thursday, June 9, 2016.
“They can be eyes and ears out and about. It’s almost like when doctors did house calls. It would be a tremendous tool to help people stay in the small towns longer.” CUPE 873 Provincial Recording Secretary Cameron Eby, on the expanded role of B.C.’s ambulance paramedics through the new community paramedicine program. Metro Valley Newspaper Group, Tuesday, May 31, 2016.
“He’s no longer here to inspire others, and that is unacceptable.” CUPE 1908 President Kirk Graham, at a Day of Mourning ceremony in Salmon Arm, recalls a CUPE member who was killed on the job in March — shortly after inspiring a friend of Graham’s to overcome his drug addiction. Salmon Arm Observer, Tuesday, May 3, 2016.
CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE TUITION FEE HIKES
POST-SEC EDUCATION ‘NO LONGER ACCESSIBLE’
PASSION FOR PUBLIC Library sector members gather at the BCLA conference after CUPE’s session on the changing role of libraries and health and safety challenges for library workers. The session featured stories documented in the CUPE BC Library Committee’s Library Health and Safety Report.
Library workers raise their voices CUPE ENJOYS A HIGHER PROFILE AT BCLA EVENT More than a hundred CUPE members participated in the 2016 British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) Conference, where this year’s theme, “Disrupt and Transform,” examined the social role of libraries as a force for the public good. “CUPE members had a higher profile this year, partly due to a growing membership of CUPE library Locals in the BCLA,” said CUPE BC General Vice-President Karen Ranalletta, also chair of the union’s Library Committee. CUPE BC, a gold sponsor of the BCLA conference (May 11-13), hosted the president’s
reception for all delegates. The Library Committee hosted a booth that featured booklists and film recommendations from library workers for adults and children, as well as buttons and book bags. CUPE also facilitated a session about health and safety challenges for library workers. Earlier in the spring, CUPE members on Vancouver Island participated in the second annual Vancouver Island Library Staff Conference (April 29). This year’s theme was “Our Island is a Library: Connected and Caring”. More than 250 workers attended from various types of library. CUPE BC, Vancouver Island District Council and CUPE 951 gave donations to help make this conference a success.
With tuition and other compulsory fees doubling under the BC Liberals, post-secondary education is becoming inaccessible to an increasing number of young British Columbians — including the children of CUPE members. Patrick Barbosa, a CUPE 5278 member who works at Vancouver Island University, says that wealth wasn’t much of a factor when he began university in 2001. But nowadays, Barbosa is concerned that his daughter may not be able to afford postsecondary, even with good grades and some help from him. She will acquire more than $10,000 in debt for her first year alone. “It’s patently unfair that working families have to struggle to afford postsecondary education,” says Barbosa. During their time in office, the BC Liberals have eliminated needs-based grants while offering the lowest proportion of nonrepayable student aid in Canada and charging the highest interest rate on student loans.
BC FED CONVENTION The BC Federation of Labour’s biennial convention takes place in Vancouver this November 28-December 2. To find out more about how to register as a delegate, attend a meeting of your Local or talk to a Local executive member.
Time for a talk with B.C.’s nurses MEMBERS’ HELP NEEDED TO STOP BCNU RAIDING BURNABY | The BC Federation of Labour has launched an awareness campaign targeting the BC Nurses Union’s ongoing strategy of raiding other health care unions. Called “Know a Nurse,” the campaign recognizes that nurses are dedicated advocates for quality patient care and strong public health care. But their leaders are putting all this at risk by raiding other health care unions, the campaign says.
Raiding hurts health care and the people who depend on it by undermining relationships between nurses and the other members of the health care team who work side by side to deliver high quality services. Because the BCNU is spending its members’ dues on its raiding efforts, fewer resources are available to meet the specialized needs of its nursing membership. The campaign urges union members throughout B.C. to talk to nurses and urge them to tell their leadership to stop raiding. For more information, visit knowanurse.ca.
MAKE MY DAY CUPE BC’s Michael Lanier, John Hall and Paul Faoro (top middle) attended a September 6 rally to protest the opening of health care privateer Brian Day’s BC Supreme Court challenge of Canada’s health care laws. FALL 2016
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CUPEFOCUS PROVINCIAL ELECTION
A new kind of campaign AFTER FOUR STRAIGHT NDP LOSSES, ELECTION STRATEGY GETS A RETHINK VICTORIA | At CUPE BC’s 2016 convention, delegates voted to make next May’s provincial election the highest priority for the union. After 16 years of BC Liberal government, with its record of service cuts, increased fees and higher MSP, ICBC and BC Hydro rates, delegates voted overwhelmingly to defeat Premier Christy Clark’s government and replace it with a progressive NDP government led by John Horgan. Thanks to funding from CUPE National, a provincial election coordinator began work in September — the earliest CUPE BC has ever begun pre-election organizing. The union’s B.C. Division is determined to run a different kind of campaign than in previous years.
Hammering the BC Liberal record “I’ve heard from members all over the province that it’s essential to focus on the BC Liberals’ record of broken promises, cuts to important public services and economic growth that doesn’t benefit everyone,” says CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. “And our campaign will certainly reflect that. The fight for quality public education, for properly funded health care, and for affordable quality childcare — all these are things CUPE BC fights for.” Faoro adds that voters must not let Christy Clark and the BC Liberals off the hook for their terrible record. “I know that John Horgan and the BC NDP are going to focus on the damage this
GO, JOHNNY GO BC NDP Leader John Horgan will depend on the hard work of CUPE activists and members across the province to get out the vote if he hopes to unseat Christy Clark and become B.C.’s next premier. government has done to our province,” he says, “and I’m confident that Horgan will be putting forward a realistic and positive alternative that will resonate not just with CUPE members but with progressives all over the province.”
Getting more members involved During the months leading up to the 28-day election campaign, CUPE BC will focus on building political action capacity with members. Working closely with locals and district councils, the provincial election coordinator will schedule workshops and training opportunities in all regions. The coordinator will also help members interested in campaigning get the skills they need to be effective. “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results has rarely been an effective plan,” says CUPE BC SecretaryTreasurer Trevor Davies. “We’re going to be much more focused and strategic this election so that we don’t end up with the same disappointing results of the 2013 election. By focusing on those constituencies the
NDP needs to win to form government — particularly those ridings where we have a significant number of CUPE members — we can target our resources more effectively.”
Combining the old and the new Conventional wisdom says there is no campaign tactic more effective than talking face-to-face with voters on the doorstep, and Faoro agrees. But, he adds, such timehonoured traditions must be complemented by effective use of new media. “By incorporating the latest campaign technology like our new Nation Builder website, and social media, with the old-school door knocking, we can be more focused and ensure that we get as many of our members as possible out to vote,” explains Faoro. “In so many of the ridings narrowly won by the BC Liberals in the last election, the number of CUPE members could swing the difference the other way next May 9 and elect a government that’s actually on our side.”
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE: JOIN THE NDP!
NUMBER ONE That’s how the NDP hopes to finish on May 9 — and it very well could, if enough CUPE members join the party.
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Across the province, local BC NDP constituency associations will soon be choosing their candidate for the next B.C. election, scheduled for May 9, 2017. As a CUPE member, you can help shape the future of British Columbia by joining the BC NDP. In order to vote in the nomination of your local BC NDP candidate, you need to be a
party member in good standing at least 90 days prior to the nomination meeting. Dates for nomination meetings are currently being scheduled — so join now. To make sure your membership is up-todate, contact the BC NDP Provincial Office by calling 1-888-868-3637. You can also join online: bcndp.ca
CUPEFOCUS ABORIGINAL ENHANCEMENT AGREEMENTS
BUILDING LONG-LASTING CONNECTIONS SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CUPE LOCALS ARE WALKING THE TALK OF RECONCILIATION BURNABY | As part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) spent six years traveling to different parts of Canada to hear the testimony of residential school survivors and document the impacts on them, their families, and their communities. The TRC’s final report produced 94 calls to action aimed at redressing the legacy of residential schools and facilitating reconciliation with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples affected. CUPE members were among the many Canadians deeply touched upon hearing some of the personal experiences of residential school survivors — especially delegates to last year’s CUPE National convention in Vancouver, where a presentation by the TRC’s chair, Justice Murray Sinclair, included video footage of selected testimonies. The last residential school closed just two decades ago, in 1996.
Decolonizing education In the past, education for aboriginal people in Canada was colonial and paternalistic, causing much harm and loss to traditional knowledge and ways of knowing. Aboriginal education enhancement agreements are an attempt to forge new partnerships and move forward from the destructive residential school legacy to meet the cultural needs of aboriginal youth in a respectful and inclusive manner. Tri-partite enhancement agreements between the Ministry of Education, school districts and aboriginal communities focus on increasing knowledge of and respect for aboriginal culture, language, and history to enable greater understanding about aboriginal people. In B.C., at least 50 school districts have reached such agreements. The first enhancement agreements were signed in British Columbia in 2001. Signing the agreement has led to work for aboriginal people in school districts and a greater voice in determining the in-school support that aboriginal students should have.
WORKING TOGETHER Members of CUPE Local 779 (School District 48 support staff), flanked by members of the Squamish (left) and Lil’wat First Nations, helped organize the May 6 flagraising event.
Communities based on respect CUPE 15 President Warren Williams recently attended the re-signing of the Vancouver School Board agreement in June, acting as a witness. He spoke about the importance of family and community working together for the benefit of aboriginal students. “When you see somebody from your culture in a school, you see yourself there also,” said Williams. “It makes a difference for students and parents. When parents come into the school to talk to a school counsellor or a teacher, they have a greater level of comfort.” The mutual respect and trust that aboriginal enhancement agreements can bring to a school district were very much in evidence outside a Whistler elementary school on May 6. There, the flags of two First Nations communities were raised beside the Canadian flag in a symbolic display of crosscultural cooperation. Representatives of the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations, appearing in traditional ceremonial dress before a crowd of about 75, offered prayers of gratitude with drums, followed by a pipe sharing, before the two First Nations’ flags were raised on the school flagpoles. Along with CUPE members who helped
INDIGENOUS RITES Local First Nations held a traditional dance to mark the re-signing of the Vancouver School Board’s agreement. organize the ceremony, School District 48 (Sea-to-Sky) officials and members of both First Nations presided over the symbolic flag raising, which participants described as an important sign of progress in the recognition of aboriginal communities as equal partners in B.C. education. “This event teaches our children fundamentals of how to be with each other — and that there’s a way we can do it that has deeper connection and meaning that makes us stronger,” said CUPE 779 member Kiyoshi Kosky, an educational assistant who advocated for the flag raising at the school district and was part of the organizing team for the event. FALL 2016
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LINKINGLABOUR
ROBIN JONES, REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“By poaching on other unions’ members, the BCNU is giving the middle finger to the principle of solidarity, the guiding value of the labour movement.”
BCNU leadership must be held accountable B.C.’S NURSES — AND THE LABOUR MOVEMENT — DESERVE BETTER It’s been a long time since I’ve used the word “union” to describe the organization that represents this province’s nurses. And that’s because it’s been a long time since the BCNU has behaved like a union or even recognized basic union principles. For some years now, the leaders of the BCNU have been conducting an ongoing campaign of raiding against other unions in the Health Sector. In the Canadian house of labour, “raiding” is when one union starts an organizing drive in a workplace that already has a union, for the purpose of convincing those members to leave their current union for the new one. This results in workplace infighting, wasted money, and misuse of staff resources by both sides.
UNION PRINCIPLES BE DAMNED For their actions, the BCNU have been kicked out of their national association, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, and booted from the Canadian Labour Congress and BC Federation of Labour. And rightfully so: by poaching on other unions’ members, the BCNU is giving the middle finger to the principle of solidarity, the guiding value of the labour movement. The BCNU’s rogue leadership claims that their actions are all about choice. But our experience has been that the workers who have left their other unions have yet to realize the supposed benefits of being part of the BCNU: they haven’t seen their education improve, their training improve, or their wages improve as much as promised. To put an end to BCNU raiding, we are asking for help from all our CUPE locals, District Councils and members across the province. We are asking everyone to support the BC Fed’s “Know a Nurse” campaign. The premise is simple: if you know a nurse, speak to them and let them know what is going on with their union leadership. Materials and information for union meetings and community events can be found at knowanurse.ca.
PLAYING DIVIDE AND CONQUER Raiding, unfortunately, is not the only BCNU injustice at the moment. In July, the BC Nurses locked out their unionized staff,
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A CALL FOR FAIRNESS Robin Jones, seen here with CUPE and MoveUp members at the picket line outside the BCNU office on September 2, called on BCNU leaders to get back to the bargaining table with its support staff — and on CUPE members and staff to support the BC Fed’s “Know a Nurse” campaign.
members of Move Up, who then went on strike. The BCNU wants to slash its workers’ leave provisions for sickness, medical appointments and family responsibility. BCNU leaders are also making veiled threats that perhaps MoveUP should merge with another union, Unifor. If either of those unions took this blatant example of employer meddling to the Labour Board, they would likely get a ruling of interference in the administration of a trade union. The actions of BCNU leaders do not reflect the integrity of individual RNs and LPNs, whose dedication and professionalism are second to none. I know this from recent experience: within the last year, I’ve been at death’s door a couple of times and they showed great compassion and care in nursing me back to health.
SOCIAL JUSTICE DEMANDS BETTER I doubt that these same nurses really support their union in going after other unions, locking out their staff over issues like medical appointments and sick leave, or meddling with the politics of their staff unions. Those nurses who helped me would surely be appalled if their employer did things like this. The fact that their own union is doing it is disgraceful. If I was one of those nurses, I would be ashamed, embarrassed and outraged to know that my work and values were being undermined by my leaders’ unprincipled, scab-like behaviour. CUPE, for one, is not prepared to stand by and watch as the BCNU leadership furthers its agenda of empire building and unfair labour practices on the backs of B.C. workers.
BRING IT ON HOME How CUPE campaigns are keeping services public Throughout B.C., CUPE members have been key players in the effort to keep services public or bring them back in-house. Our members have led effective campaigns to ensure that residents are getting cost-effective, transparent and reliable services. In this edition of Public Employee, we take a look at some recent contracting-in success stories. Water, wastewater in the crosshairs
ON THE COVER New CUPE 403 members pose in the George Preston Arena – one of two rinks in Langley that, after nearly 20 years, are once again publicly owned and operated.
Water and wastewater services have been a target of privatization for a number of years now, and Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Canada, a federal crown corporation, has heavily targeted these two services. P3 Canada’s mandate is to “improve” the delivery of public infrastructure “by achieving better value, timeliness and accountability to taxpayers, through P3s”. Its stated goal is to “deliver more P3s by leveraging incentives, demonstrating success, providing expertise and by promoting P3 best practices and capacity building”. In the last several rounds of P3 funding, water and wastewater have both been priority areas identified in the funding criteria: of the 23 projects dotting a project map on P3 Canada’s website, seven are in the water or wastewater category. Regardless, CUPE locals have had several success stories in which water and wastewater services have remained, or are once again, public services.
Showing EPCOR the door Water services in White Rock had always been privately owned and operated, but in late 2015 the City of White Rock voted unanimously to expropriate their water utility from Edmonton-based for-profit company EPCOR and instead have CUPE workers operate it in-house. “While (it) always viewed EPCOR as a prudent owner and operator, the City’s desire to purchase the utility assets arose out of an interest by the City Council and Administration to own its water assets and have the economic benefits go to White Rock and its residents,” the City reported. CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk agrees that the move made sense. “It’s about controlling our resources and the quality of services that public workers provide. We are very pleased that the City has taken this direction,” continued on next page
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says Guraliuk, adding that the change has brought at least five water workers into the City’s CUPE workforce. Chief Administrative Officer Dan Bottrill thanks City staff and CUPE executive members who, he says, “both sought to cooperate and come to an agreement and provided us the opportunity to move forward with an in-house solution.”
Cost savings too good to resist The District of Sooke also recently decided to end its wastewater contract with EPCOR, estimating that it could save approximately $225,000 annually by operating and maintaining the system itself. All employees agreed to the transition and have stayed on, becoming CUPE members once the District officially took over operations on October 1. One additional manager MAKING IT WORK A CUPE wastewater treatment worker on the job in early September. The CRD currently operates six public sewage treatment plants was also hired to work at the facility. throughout the region. The transition to public has also allowed the plant in Sooke to become a training Defeating P3s at the ballot box Recreation sector still at risk centre where junior operators will be able to Residents of Union Bay, Royston and Water and wastewater are not the only upgrade their skills. Kilmarnock also said no to privatized wasteservices where the tide is turning on priva“The move to publicly deliver wastewater water treatment in a referendum held this tization. Recreation is another sector where services is a big win for the community,” past June. An overwhelming majority of CUPE members have been actively camsays CUPE 374 President Shireen Clark. voters (75 percent) turned down a proposed paigning to bring work back in-house. “Not only will there be cost savings, but we P3 that would have seen the Comox Valley After more than 20 years of private, fornow have full control over how this service Regional District sign a 30-year contract profit operation, CUPE 403 was able to work operates and can ensure that decisions with an unknown with the Township of Langley to bring two being made about this “In B.C., more and more local private for-profit arenas back in-house. Since July 1, both the service are open and corporation. George Preston Recreation Centre and the transparent.” governments are seeing the After learning that Aldergrove Community Arena have been EPCOR has opervalue in public ownership, a referendum would staffed by CUPE members. ated and maintained be taking place, For CUPE 403 member Jill Hansen, the Sooke’s wastewater operation, and maintenance.” CUPE 556 memmove to once again have the arenas publicly services since 2006. bers quickly mounted a campaign asking owned and operated was especially signifiIn 2011, when the company’s five-year conresidents to support “affordable, accountcant. tract was expiring, Sooke’s Council considable, public sewage”. The Local worked Hansen started working part-time for the ered pursuing a 21-year contract extension. with CUPE National staff in developing a Township in 1980 at the two arenas, where However, residents rejected that option and campaign that focused on educating voters at first only fulltime employees were unioninstead Council went with another five-year about the risks of P3s. ized. Six months later, part-time employextension. CUPE members played a key CUPE members went door-to-door talking ees were unionized as well thanks to the role in ensuring the short-term extension to residents about P3 failures, ran a series of hard work of the executive at the time. through a campaign that focused on edunewspaper ads and also did a communityUnfortunately, in 1998 the Township decided cating the public on the dangers of P3s. wide mailing to ensure that residents had all to contract-out the arenas. “This is a prime example of a contract the information they needed to say ‘no’ to “We fought hard to keep the arenas public, that didn’t deliver the cost savings that for-profit wastewater treatment. but ultimately we weren’t successful,” says were anticipated,” says CUPE BC Secretary“We were really able to connect with resiHansen. “It was a bitter pill to swallow and Treasurer Trevor Davies. “In B.C., more and dents and have honest conversations about at the time I don’t think we fully understood more local governments are seeing the how privatized, for-profit services negawhat the implications would mean for the value in public ownership, operation, and tively affect communities,” recalls CUPE 556 future. Over 18 years we saw the effects of maintenance and saying no to private, forPresident Karen Garrett. privatization and I am very proud that this profit water and wastewater services.”
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New report offers damning indictment of P3s
A SOLID CASE FOR KEEPING IT PUBLIC A just-released report by the Columbia Institute and the Centre for Civic Governance presents a compelling case for local governments to keep their services in house while providing damning evidence against public-private partnerships. Back in House: Why Local Governments are Bringing Services Home is co-authored
by retired CUPE Research Representative Keith Reynolds, former Port Moody City Manager Gaetan Royer and Columbia Institute Executive Director Charley Beresford. The 60-page report examines the emerging trend of “remunicipalization”: how local governments, both in Canada and abroad, have been improving
year we were able to bring arena operations back in-house.” Knowing that the contract between the Township and Recreation Excellence was set to expire at the end of June, the local decided to put forward a proposal to the employer to contract-in arena services. “We had to work with the employer to reach an agreement we could both accept,” says CUPE 403 President Debbie Whyte. “So
the agreement is not ideal, but it’s a starting place and we now offer increased services to our community. We also now have a service that is transparent and accountable, which is really important.” Community members with a ‘Go Active’ pass can now use it at both the George Preston Recreation Centre and the Aldergrove Community Arena. The Township, meanwhile, is planning to increase
MAKING CONTACT Coalition building within communities has always been key to CUPE’s anti-privatization efforts. In July 2010, CUPE 798 hosted a packed meeting in Powell River to hear the case against Catalyst Paper’s plan for co-treatment of wastewater. The corporation’s plan was ultimately rejected.
service delivery and financial stability by bringing back in-house services that have been privatized. The report features case studies of Canadian municipalities — 15 success stories, from Conception Bay South in Newfoundland and Labrador to Port Hardy, B.C. — that have returned services in house from the private sector. It also provides follow-up analysis of earlier studies promoting outsourcing, a scan of international findings, and some best practices for bringing services back in house. To download the report, visit columbiainstitute.ca.
programming at both facilities. Residents can now also pay for municipal services such as taxes, dog licenses, and burning permits at George Preston Recreation Centre.
Spreading the message Smaller communities have also been successful in contracting-in work. During the fall of 2015, Revelstoke was able to keep garbage collection services in-house by proposing several alternate options to the status quo. And in April, CUPE 608 representing employees of the Town of Osoyoos, was able to successfully contract-in work providing janitorial services for summer washrooms and other civic facilities. The Town decided to explore other options than the contractor they were using at the time after an incident in which the contractor left the washrooms unlocked overnight, resulting in damage to City property. When the RFP came out, the Local came forward with its own response highlighting the benefits of dependable CUPE work integrated with other Town operations. The proposal was considered and accepted, with the employer and union signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding.
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NEWSBRIEFS The poll was conducted for CUPE BC by MARU VCR&C and had a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
CUPE BC SLAMS VSB ON FORENSIC AUDIT
your thoughts on YOUR magazine — and enter to win a great prize. The results — and the winner — will be announced in the Winter 2017 issue.
“Stop wasting tax dollars on ‘audits’ and put the money back into schools.” That was the message from CUPE BC President Paul Faoro in July when the BC Liberal government announced yet another audit — the fourth in recent years — of the Vancouver School Board and the appointment of a “special adviser.” “This is a public relations exercise, pure and simple,” said Faoro. “The real problem with our education system is BC Liberal education policy ever since Christy Clark was minister of education in 2002.”
‘NO PUBLIC FINANCING OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS’
CRD SEWAGE PLAN FINALLY SET
In June, CUPE BC released the results of a short opinion poll on the issue of government funding for private schools. More than 70 percent of respondents were not aware that private schools receive government funding, and a full 77 percent were opposed to the policy. The opposition cut across all demographics and regions of the province.
VICTORIA | The Capital Regional District voted on September 14 to approve a plan for sewage treatment in the Core Area. Required to meet a September 30 funding deadline, the Board approved a plan with a fully public wastewater treatment plant and a P3 biosolids treatment facility. CUPE Local 1978 has been campaigning nearly a decade for a public sewage treatment plan.
READY TO BARGAIN Members of CUPE Locals 1004 and 1936, who provide vital frontline services at supportive housing sites in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, appeared with CUPE Regional staff reps as they began negotiations with PHS Community Services Society this summer.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE — THE NEXT GENERATION After nearly two decades designing and producing CUPE BC’s flagship publication, Public Employee, Working Design’s Kris Klaasen is hanging up the pencil and mouse and retiring after this issue, while his long-time associate Elaine Littmann is moving on to other opportunities. We thank Kris and Elaine for their excellent, award-winning work over the years and wish them all the very best. As CUPE BC looks for a new production and design team for the magazine, this is a great time to hear from you, the readers. Check out www.cupe.bc.ca/ PublicEmployeeSurvey to give us
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Education support workers throughout B.C. attended rallies and school board presentations over the last few months to defend public education. CUPE 15 members (L – R) Carley Romas, Debbie Mohabir, Perpetua Siglos, and Gail Johnson rally at the Vancouver School Board office in May.
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GROUNDBREAKER Former CUPE BC President Owen Dykstra, who led the union in opposing Social Credit governments during the 1980s, passed away in late July. Here, he and later President Bernice Kirk break ground for a new CUPE BC office. “Our position is that a fully public plan would have been best, but the CRD chose a primarily public plan and we respect their decision,” says CUPE 1978 President Rick Illi. “Moving forward we will monitor the P3 portion of the service to ensure residents get the quality service they expect and deserve.”
ELECTORAL REFORM The federal government has announced that 2015 was the last election using the first-pastthe-post, winner take all system. Canadians are now being consulted about electoral system reform, with town hall meetings being held in ridings across the country. Earlier this year, CUPE’s National Executive Board adopted a resolution supporting mixed-member proportional representation (MMPR). To sign the petition supporting MMPR, visit cupe.ca/MMP-petition. To get involved in your riding, contact CUPE Political Action at political action@cupe.ca.
CUPEFOCUS NEW CANADIANS
WITH OPEN HEARTS AND HELPING HANDS CUPE MEMBERS STAND UP FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS IN A VARIETY OF WAYS BURNABY | In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis last year, a great deal of news coverage focussed on the generosity of Canadians who were opening their hearts, their wallets, and in many cases their homes to the thousands of people who had come to Canada to rebuild their lives. CUPE members are among those exemplary citizens who, in many ways, have responded to the call of those in need. For one Lower Mainland local, it’s all in a day’s work. “We have always believed that in order to build a community we need to support the community,” says CUPE 379 President Paul Simpson, whose local includes a small group of members employed as settlement workers.
Taking care of business On the job, these members do refugee intake and help new immigrants navigate through a myriad of circumstances to help them settle smoothly. They register new students, help refugees and new immigrants get everything ready for school, and conduct home and community visits with the entire family to inform them of all the resources available. They also do outreach to help new Canadians find their own community members in the area, as well as helping them integrate into schools and the larger community. Between them, the 13 settlement workers speak more than 20 languages. Simpson says it’s only natural that CUPE members become part of the refugee community as a result of their work: “In order to introduce new immigrants and refugees into our community, we become part of theirs. There’s an emotional attachment.”
WARM WELCOMES Seen here with CUPE 379 President Paul Simpson, Local members Azita Bagheral (L) and Monica Tran (R) are settlement workers at Burnaby’s welcome centre at Marlborough Community School.
Using the union network
After seeing the struggles of refugees arriving in this country, CUPE 23 member Trevor Morgan decided to take action. Earlier this year, he approached the New Westminster and District Labour Council Providing a lifeline and proposed the idea of a barbeque to help Simpson adds that refugees who come “Many families are not coming raise funds for new Canadian refugees. here from war-torn countries require “I spent five months talking to different CUPE here for a better life — they’re more personal care and a thoughtful locals and other unions and encouraging them to approach in order to successfully intecoming here so that their kids take part in this event, either through volunteergrate into a different society: “When you ing or as a sponsor or giving a donation,” says are alive next year.” involve yourself and talk to these people, Morgan. you realize how different it really is. It’s “It was touching to see such a positive about trying to give them the voice they need.” response. We had a number of CUPE members volunteering at CUPE 379 sponsors community groups that support immigrants the event, and we were able to raise more than $8,000 — which and refugees by providing resources for them. Simpson says this will go a long way towards making a difference in the lives of new can make a big difference for new Canadians who are also parents: Canadians.” many work in lower-paying jobs that make it hard to provide the The welcome event was held on June 25 at the Friendship appropriate housing, food and resources that mean security for Gardens in New Westminster, with nearly 500 people attending. their kids. “It was an amazing event,” Morgan recalls. “I am still friends with “Many families are not coming here for a better life — they’re coma refugee I met at the event. His name is Farooq and he has been ing here so that their kids are alive next year. It’s our responsibility in Canada for one year now. We go out for dinner and other outas social activists to help,” he says. ings on a regular basis. I’m glad that I can help introduce him to our great country.”
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CUPECOMMUNITIES MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Skytrain workers acknowledged for quick response TIMELY INTERVENTION MAY HAVE SAVED MAN’S LIFE SURREY | A brutal assault at a SkyTrain station might have had fatal results if not for the quick response of CUPE 7000 members. On Sunday July 10, at approximately 2:45 a.m., SkyTrain Control Operators were scanning the exterior cameras at Surrey Central Station when they noticed four individuals approaching another individual who was seated at a bench on the sidewalk. When the group began going through the man’s belongings, he began to protest and fell down. When the SkyTrain Control Operators saw the four individuals start kicking the man in the head, they immediately called 911 for police to attend. A Control Operator was able to positively identify the assailants and track their location after they fled from the assault scene, and the RCMP eventually found and arrested them. BC Ambulance and Surrey Fire Rescue also attended the assault scene, where the victim — found unconscious and barely breathing — was taken to hospital. “If it hadn’t been for the diligence of the SkyTrain Control Operators, the outcome for this individual would have been much different,” said CUPE 7000 President Bill Magri.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT From left, CUPE 4165 (SD 5, Southeast Kootenay) members Irene Bischler and Krista Napl, CUPE 2090 (City of Cranbrook) members Melissa Willman (with daughter Addyson) and Mathew Pocock, with friend Scott Bromley were just some of the many volunteers who helped build community through Seeds of Change. Members wear t-shirts designed by CUPE 2773 shop steward Karl Walker.
Together, we’re all stronger SEEDS OF CHANGE CELEBRATES VOLUNTEER SPIRIT OF GIVING CRANBROOK | Through “Seeds of Change: CUPE in the Kootenays”, CUPE locals in southeastern B.C. are shining a positive light on their communities and networking with other groups and organizations. Putting their locals on the map with residents, CUPE locals 2773 (College of the Rockies), 4165 (SD 5), and 2090 (City of Cranbrook) are encouraging members to volunteer at community events. They hope
the network of volunteers keeps growing. Their first event, the Kootenay Children’s Festival, was a win-win for everybody: parents, kids, and the community. About 28 volunteers helped with children’s face painting, cookie decorating and button making. “Members working in solidarity with community groups are helping make our community strong,” said Pam Catsirelis, President of CUPE 2773, College of the Rockies support staff. “We are proud of what this group has accomplished.”
CUPE 23 MEMBER WINS COVETED STORY AWARD
GUESSING GAME Along with CUPE 411 President Rod Isaac, this youngster waits to see what prize she’ll land on. 2016 marks the third year the local has participated at the Village Classic Car Show, a popular community event in Chilliwack.
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BURNABY | Each year, the BC Summer Reading Club presents the Community Story Award to an individual whose story best demonstrates the impact of the Summer Reading Club within their community. Lise Kreps, a CUPE 23 member who works at the McGill Branch of the Burnaby Public Library, is this year’s winner. Kreps told the story of an ESL mom who signed up not only her two daughters for the Summer Reading Club but herself as well.
“She told me her daughters wanted her to read every day, so they all sit on the couch and read their own books. One daughter times it to make sure they read for at least a half hour,” said Kreps. “All three attended last year’s Summer Reading Club medal ceremony, which she described as ‘We stand in line. Very happy! Very proud.’ When I told her about this year’s Summer Reading Club activities at our branch, she exclaimed ‘We love library!’”
CUPECOMMUNITIES MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE SANTA COMES EARLY ON SUNSHINE COAST POWELL RIVER | CUPE 798 partnered with Quality Foods to host the sixth annual ‘Christmas in July’ fundraiser this past July, raising $675 and collecting grocery carts full of food for the local food bank. CUPE members served hotdogs and pop, collected cash donations and worked to get the word out on how important it is to donate to the food bank all year round. “The food bank has an influx of donations around Christmas time, but in the summer they really need support. We do this fundraiser every year because it is really important to bring awareness to local charities doing such great work in our community,” noted CUPE 798 President Danielle Craigen.
GREAT WORK In winning B.C.’s Bylaw Officer of the Year award, CUPE 374 member Phil Williams was cited for his outstanding contributions as an employee educator and as a liaison between the City of Colwood and local police authorities.
CUPE 374 member honoured BYLAW OFFICER LAUDED FOR CITY WATCH WORK
BIG HEARTS CUPE 798 members giving back to Powell River during the Local’s sixth annual "Christmas in July" fundraiser.
COLWOOD | Thanks to his tireless efforts promoting programs such as CUPE BC’s City Watch, Colwood Bylaw Officer and CUPE 374 member Phil Williams has been named the province’s Bylaw Enforcement Officer of the Year by the License Inspectors and Bylaw Officers Association of BC. For Colwood City Watch, Williams’ involvement has ensured that all public works employees receive training developed in partnership with the Westshore RCMP. Williams also coordinates communication between the Westshore RCMP and the City of Colwood to ensure quick
communication on issues such as missing children. According to City records, last year saw 24 incidents in which civic workers were able to assist police with the return of lost children, help people with injuries, and ensure a timely response to emergencies. “This honour is a tribute not only to the dedication and commitment of one municipal employee but also to the effectiveness of programs like City Watch, and the role that all civic workers can play in helping keep our communities safe,” said CUPE BC SecretaryTreasurer and former Colwood employee Trevor Davies. Locals interested in starting a City Watch program in their community should contact their National Representative for more information.
SUMMERTIME FUN CUPE locals across B.C. hosted barbeques to thank members and celebrate summer. For the past 20 years, CUPE 4991 (SD 57), left, have hosted a BBQ for members, retirees, exempt staff and management. Afterwards they send remaining food to the local soup kitchen. In July, CUPE 2950 hosted a hugely popular barbeque at UBC, with some 550 members attending. FALL 2016
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CUPEGALLERY
DIVERSE PROVINCE At this year’s Pride events throughout B.C., CUPE members were front and centre. Clockwise from top left: Nanaimo, Prince George, New Westminster, Victoria, and Vancouver.
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CUPEGALLERY COMMUNITY SHARING In Vancouver, CUPE members joined the annual Indo-Canadian celebration of Vaisakhi in April (below) and National Aboriginal Day celebrations in June (top right). On Canada Day in Nakusp (below right), they were joined by CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies.
CELEBRATING OUR WORK On September 5, CUPE members took part in Labour Day celebrations throughout the province, including (clockwise, from above right) Burnaby, Abbotsford, Prince George and Victoria.
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POWERINNUMBERS TREVOR DAVIES, SECRETARY-TREASURER “If you support an expanded CPP, I encourage you to write to Christy Clark, and/ or your MLA, and ask for their support for a stronger Canada Pension Plan.”
Strengthening the CPP TIME TO PUSH TRUDEAU LIBERALS Two hundred and seventy-eight billion dollars. That’s the total in assets held by the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for the benefit of all Canadians except residents of Quebec, who are covered by the province-specific Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). The CPP, first established in 1965, hasn’t seen a great deal of change in the half century since. For many years, CUPE and other unions in Canada have lobbied for improvements to the benefits provided by the CPP. As this issue of Public Employee goes to print, the federal and provincial governments are debating changes to the CPP that may see an increase to retiree benefits.
SPEAKING UP Trevor Davies, seen at the 2016 CUPE BC convention, says it’s time to put pressure on both Premier Christy Clark and the federal Liberal government to support a stronger Canada Pension Plan.
MAKING OUR SENIOR YEARS BETTER Any change to the CPP requires the support of two-thirds of the provinces representing two thirds of their populations. British Columbia’s support is needed for any change to occur. Whether you belong to another pension plan, make RRSP contributions, or save for retirement in another way, an increase to CPP benefits will have a positive impact on your life during retirement. Pension plans and RRSPs act as a supplement, or addition, to the CPP. This means that the stronger the CPP benefits are, the stronger your retirement position will be. If you support an expansion to the CPP, I encourage you to write to Christy Clark, and/or your MLA, and ask for their support for a stronger Canada Pension Plan.
MONEY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE I am proud to mention two donations that remind us just how important worker solidarity is, both here and abroad. Following the April 16 earthquake in Ecuador, CUPE BC worked with our partner CoDevelopment Canada to provide a donation of $5,000 to the CUPE equivalent “Ecuadorian National Union” (UNE). Many members of the UNE as well as some of their union offices were destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Our support helped union members rebuild their homes and the Union office, also lost in the earthquake. Following disasters like
this, we know there is always a large push to privatize public services during the re-construction. Our support not only helped union members but also ensured that the union has the infrastructure it needs to fight for public services for all citizens of Ecuador. The second donation I want to mention is the assistance we gave to the many CUPE members who lost their homes as a result of the terrible forest fires that devastated Fort McMurray and neighboring communities. Following the lead of our National Union, CUPE BC made a $20,000 donation to help CUPE members. These donations reflect the values of CUPE BC and CUPE members who work every day for stronger communities — both here in Canada, and around the world.
THANK YOUS I would like to acknowledge the following CUPE National Staff Representatives who have recently retired, or are about to, after years of service helping CUPE members here in B.C. From Research, we bid farewell to John Malcolmson and Keith Reynolds; from Legal, Linda Dennis; and from Servicing, John Horsfield, Shaheen Kamadia and Casey Thomson. Thank you all! On a more sombre note, CUPE BC was saddened this summer by the passing of two members of staff and a long-time Vancouver activist: retired former Regional Director Neil Bradbury, CUPE National Representative Alistair Mackenzie, and former CUPE 15 President Rick Gates. Our condolences to the loved ones of these outstanding union brothers, who will be dearly missed. FOLLOW TREVOR ON TWITTER @TDaviesCUPEBC
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