BCTF SOLIDARITY | EDUCATION FUNDING | LABOUR HISTORY
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE FALL 2014
CIVIC ELECTION INSERT INSIDE!
LEADINGUS MARK HANCOCK, PRESIDENT “For these members, working at the PHS isn’t ‘just’ a job; it’s a mission to help their sisters and brothers who aren’t as fortunate.”
Work that saves lives PORTLAND HOTEL SOCIETY MEMBERS LEAD BY EXAMPLE If you were a delegate to CUPE BC’s convention in April, you know all about the Portland Hotel Society and the innovative services it provides to residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). And you heard from some of the CUPE 1004 members who are on the front lines, working with some of the most vulnerable people in our province. The PHS developed a unique model of service delivery — combining housing with health care services, addiction counselling, rehabilitation services and the services of mental health professionals. While it’s perhaps best known for operating Insite, the supervised injection site that has prevented thousands of overdose deaths, the PHS has also done an amazing job of creating social ventures that actually train and employ DTES residents.
TARGETED FOR CUTS In the months heading into convention, the provincial government forced the PHS board of directors and senior management to resign, fueling fears that the next step from the BC Liberals would be the elimination or reduction of services. CUPE 1004 members came to Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro and me and asked if CUPE BC could help put pressure on the provincial government to save the services and retain the PHS model of service delivery. That led to Paul and I taking a tour of PHS facilities and services in the DTES — and let me tell you, it was a real eye opener. In every facility we visited, every worker we talked to was passionate, articulate, and deeply caring about the folks they help every day. For these members, working at the PHS isn’t “just” a job; it’s a mission to help their sisters and brothers who aren’t as fortunate. Paul and I were truly impressed. Impressed by the services, and the incredible record of success and progress, and impressed by the commitment of the CUPE members who work there.
STREETWISE CUPE 1004’s Andy Healey, left, and Andrew Ledger showed Mark Hancock how the Portland Hotel Society makes a difference in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. By backing off from any talk of cutting or eliminating the service, it looks like the provincial government heard the message from 1004 members, as well as the resolution supporting the PHS and its workers adopted unanimously at convention.
KEEPING UP THE PRESSURE But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the BC Liberal government during its 13 years in power, it’s that if you take your eyes off the ball you might find the government changing the rules of the game. So we’re not going to just sit back and hope the Liberals don’t close down these important services and initiatives. In the coming months, you’ll see a public awareness campaign to support the PHS from Local 1004, CUPE BC and CUPE National. Not just to maintain the services they currently provide, but to advocate for their expansion to other communities dealing with similar issues to the DTES. I urge every CUPE member to find out more about the PHS and the vital, life-saving services our members provide every single day. For more information, visit cupe.bc.ca.
PREPARING FOR NOVEMBER 15 This being the last issue of Public Employee before November’s local elections, we have prepared a special, eight-page supplement that you’ll find in the centre of the magazine. The election guide has lots of information about the issues facing communities, some of the folks who are running for office, and how you can get involved. It opens up into a poster that’ll remind you and your family — and your coworkers — that Election Day is coming soon. Hope you find it useful! Twitter: @cupebc MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News +
Commentary + Leaders’ voices
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CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE CUPE spring school seeks new home In addition to CUPE jobs, there has been another casualty in the Naramata saga: the more than 30-year tradition of CUPE holding its spring school for union activists at Naramata Centre. Due to the labour dispute, this year’s CUPE Spring School was held at UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna. The Union Education department has tentatively booked the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre for next year’s week-long spring school, May 31 - June 5, 2015. Check www.cupe.bc.ca for updates.
UNITED CUPE’S national and B.C. presidents joined Local 608 members in Naramata in August to protest against the United Church’s failure to step in and resolve the Naramata Centre dispute.
Bad faith and the United Church
ON THE COVER From left, CUPE 608 President Brianne Hillson and 20-year Naramata employee Colin Drought, whose job is being contracted out, are joined on the picket line by CUPE National President Paul Moist.
NARAMATA A relationship going back four decades has taken a nosedive this year, with the United Church of Canada failing to step in to resolve a strike by CUPE 608 members at its Naramata Centre. CUPE has been using the centre for its spring week-long schools since 1976, and the facility has been CUPE-certified for 20 years. But the centre has remained closed since management’s plan to contract out local jobs in a bid to erase years of self-inflicted fiscal losses prompted CUPE’s firstever strike there. In August, CUPE National President Paul Moist joined CUPE BC President Mark Hancock and
BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair outside the United Church’s B.C. headquarters to demand fair treatment. Moist reflected on the irony of the church being an adversary. “For 40 years, we partnered with the United Church in coalitions and campaigns for social and economic justice,” he said, in remarks he would echo at a similar rally in Naramata, also attended by Hancock. “To find the Church treating workers this badly is, frankly, quite shocking.” Morale on the picket line has stayed strong, but some fear the Church will shut the facility forever — stranding its 30 loyal workers and other locals who depend on visitors to the centre.
Animated activism – in colour! CUPE BC has commissioned independent filmmaker and CUPE 1004 member Colin Askey to produce an animated film chronicling the history of strikes and other collective actions. “A History of Action” will make its debut at CUPE BC’s next convention in April, and will be available online. “We wanted to create a lighthearted but serious video that shows the real history of the labour movement and the con-
tributions those before us have made to society,” said CUPE BC President Mark Hancock. “The work that Colin has done so far makes me confident that members will really enjoy the finished product.” “A History of Action” will cover a lot of territory — from the ancient Egyptians to today’s struggles —a nd will focus on the importance of collective action to achieve progressive change.
GROUNDBREAKING This still from “A History of Action” covers the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, one of the first and most important labour actions in Canadian history.
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CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
voices WHAT CUPE MEMBERS ARE SAYING “If our members show up at a school site and there is a picket line up, they go home. If a line goes up while they are at work, they will pack up and go home. We will not cross any picket lines.” CUPE 459 president Jan Peever talks solidarity during the BCTF strike in Sooke School District. Goldstream News Gazette, Thursday, July 31, 2014.
“Management has been bolstering its ranks, having management personnel do bargaining unit work. I know what it’s like to train someone to do my job... then be out the door. This hits home for me.” CUPE 2262 president Leford Lafayette, noting that job security is a primary concern for City of Castlegar workers. Trail Daily Times, Thursday, August 7, 2014.
“Stay tuned for a new cleaning standard for our schools of ‘moderately dingy’ because the health and safety of our students and staff isn’t really that important to this board.” CUPE 703 president Leslie Franklin, in a letter to the editor, takes a school trustee to task for promoting the provincial government’s slash-and-burn approach to school budgets. Maple Ridge News, Thursday, July 31, 2014.
“The top floor is totally vacant and the warehouse is totally vacant. What bothers me is the outright waste and the poor financial decisions made by TransLink.” CUPE 7000 president Bill Magri, quoted from a Burnaby Now article, notes that TransLink has been paying $60,000 a month to rent a Burnaby warehouse where it planned to restore aging SkyTrain cars. The Province, Sunday, July 27, 2014.
“This raises a whole slew of concerns that come to the forefront. We’re already cash-strapped, [so] I want to know where that money’s coming from.” CUPE 2081 president Tony Nelson notes that fired Camosun College president Kathryn Laurin could earn $300,000 in severance pay — or more if she sues successfully for wrongful dismissal. Victoria Times Colonist, Saturday, July 12, 2014.
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BAD NUMBERS CUPE 4227 President Francine Brisson made a case with School District 93 that its decision to implement massive cuts to education assistants was seriously flawed.
Flawed budget flagged FRANCOPHONE EAS LEFT OUT IN THE COLD RICHMOND When School District 93 announced that 700 hours of funding for education assistants would be cut because special education had been over-financed for years, the news didn’t sit right with Francine Brisson. The president of CUPE 4227, representing Francophone education support staff, said the district’s plan meant that one third of its EAs would be out of a job. “The first question from EAs is ‘What about my students — who’s going to take care of them?’,” said Brisson. According to a CUPE Research brief, the district’s figures included only designated funds and did not take the per-student ratio into account that should be spent on special education. This meant that another $2 million per year could actually have gone to special education. “The board based its decision on flawed numbers,” said Brisson, adding that it took $1 million out of special education rather than balancing its budget through the whole department. While CUPE 4227 members and parents circulated a petition and wrote letters to trustees, Brisson presented the brief to the board. Members unrolled a banner naming those who would be laid off — a number representing 230 children who would not have help. Brisson advised other K-12 locals to look closely at how districts calculate their financing and to question their numbers. The Local’s battle isn’t over yet, she added, as the budget will not be finalized until October.
CUPEACT ION MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE Castlegar workers walk for first time in 60 years CASTLEGAR Frustration created by a year of fruitless talks pushed CUPE 2262 into its first-ever strike here during the summer. An overtime ban went into effect in August after the City refused to return to the table. A take-it-or-leave-it ‘final offer’ ignored CUPE’s concerns. At issue are a modest wage hike in line with neighbouring communities, standard job security language, and no concessions. Noting that this job action marks the first time in 60 years that Castlegar civic workers have struck, CUPE 2262 President Leford Lafayette said that the local was disappointed that the City chose confrontation over negotiation. The 34 workers have been without a contract since February last year.
Solid win in White Rock WHITE ROCK It took a first-ever strike by CUPE 402-01 at the City of White Rock to get a new contract. The 100 workers were off the job and on the picket lines for the month of May. The job action began with an overtime ban and escalated to a full-on strike before the City would return to the table. The key issues for the union were clear hours of work for all employees, fair treatment for casual and part-time employees and long-term disability protection for workers who become seriously ill.
BIG FAMILY CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro (back row, third from right) joins CUPE 873 executive members and CUPE National staff in welcoming new members from SN Transport to the union.
CUPE 873 gains new members PATIENT TRANSFER DRIVERS JOIN PARAMEDICS LOCAL SURREY Local membership numbers for CUPE 873 (BC Ambulance Paramedics) got a boost this summer with the addition of 98 workers from SN Transport. During a special meeting, CUPE 873 executive members, along with CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro and Regional Director Robin Jones, met with the new CUPE members to welcome them to the union and answer their questions. Faoro, welcoming attendees, said that CUPE has been a good union for himself and his family over the 31 years of his membership. Faoro urged the new members to get involved, saying that CUPE will do what it
takes to ensure that they are treated fairly and respectfully. CUPE 873 President Bronwyn Barter led the group in taking their union oath. “On behalf of our 3,900 members, I want to welcome you to our family,” she said, encouraging the new members to ask questions and share their issues and concerns. The 873 executive explained how CUPE works and how belonging to a union provides protection under the BC Labour Code. The 98 employees who work as patient transfer drivers at SN Transport, a private company, voted to join CUPE in July. At press time, they were bargaining their first collective agreement.
Kudos for anti-oppression training BURNABY A new version of the “Creating Social Justice” course provided by CUPE’s Equality department is receiving accolades from the local members it targets. First presented at the Union’s week-long school in June, where it was co-facilitated by B.C. Equality Representative Conni Kilfoil and CUPE National Diversity Vice-President (Workers of Colour) Yolanda McClean, the new training includes an “anti-oppression” component that heightens awareness of the many forms of societal prejudice that can
creep into the workplace. Participants learn to recognize how privilege can blind union members to the negative impact of certain actions or behaviours on others, and how to anticipate and prevent such impacts. Alistair Maduray and Bogdan Demidas, who attended the course at Kelowna’s UBC campus, strongly recommend it. The two CUPE 23 members have unique insight into the subject of oppression, having both immigrated to Canada in 1991 from countries under totalitarian rule (Maduray from apart-
Bogdan Demidas and Alistair Maduray heid-era South Africa, Demidas from Soviet bloc Poland). For their comments on the value of anti-oppression training in CUPE, visit www.cupe.bc.ca/news/3537. FALL 2014
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NEWSBRIEFS BC NEW DEMOCRATS UNITE UNDER HORGAN
SAFER COMMUNITY CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro with CUPE 1267 President Donna-Lee Lakes and Vic Barron, coordinator of Mission Crime Prevention Services
A NEW CITY WATCH FOR THE VALLEY MISSION The District of Mission is the latest partner community in CUPE BC’s City Watch program, which brings CUPE workers together with management and local police to help make communities safer and more secure. “Local government employees are working in communities throughout B.C. every day. Without keeping them from their regular jobs or costing more money, they can help make their communities safer, with just a bit of extra effort,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro, at a launch event in late April. CUPE 1267 President DonnaLee Lakes noted that Mission CUPE workers are out in the community every day pruning trees, cutting grass, fixing potholes, repairing water mains, cleaning the streets and many other activities. “Just by being on the alert, keeping our eyes open and reporting suspicious activities to the RCMP, we can help keep Mission safer,” she said.
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Malahat-Juan de Fuca MLA John Horgan was acclaimed as Leader of the BC NDP on May 1, just weeks after his competitor, MLA Mike Farnworth, withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Horgan. Since his election, Horgan has been traveling widely across B.C., working to put the party in position to win the next provincial election in 2017. To see a video of Farnworth introducing and endorsing Horgan at CUPE BC’s Convention, go to cupe.bc.ca/ videos.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED BURNABY CUPE BC has awarded the Aubrey Burton-Reg Ford Memorial Scholarship to four students this year. The annual scholarship is awarded to children of CUPE members who are planning on entering post-secondary education. (The parent’s CUPE local appears in parentheses after the winner’s name.) Receiving $500 each from Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro on behalf of the union are Jordan Decker (Local 3500), Mackenzie Preece (Local 1978), Chanelle Sieben (Local 3742), and Dylan Addison (Local 407). Congratulations to this year’s winners!
UNITED CUPE BC’s convention slogan also applied to the BC NDP this spring, as former leadership contender Mike Farnworth joined Mark Hancock and Paul Faoro on the stage to endorse John Horgan’s bid for the party’s helm. Negotiations with the employers’ Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association cover agreements with City of Victoria workers, North Saanich, Greater Victoria Public Library, Colwood, Oak Bay, Sidney, Metchosin, Esquimalt and the Victoria Police Board. At press time, CUPE workers for West Shore Parks and Recreation and the Capital Regional District were taking their ratification votes. The no-concessions deals were ratified in August following three months of negotiations. CUPE 50 (City of Victoria workers) President John Burrows said the talks went well, adding that “it took awhile to get there, but we’re obviously happy with (the deal).”
IKEA BOYCOTT CONTINUES RICHMOND With the Labour Relations Board’s July ruling that Swedish retail furniture giant Ikea has bargained in bad faith and committed “unfair labour practices” against Teamsters local 213, CUPE BC encourages its members to continue shopping elsewhere until the dispute is settled. Online job postings by Ikea offered non-union workers an extra $2.50 an hour and other bonuses if they crossed the picket line, according to the union.
VICTORIA WORKERS RATIFY CONTRACTS VICTORIA CUPE civic workers in Greater Victoria have ratified new three-year collective agreements. The contracts run until December 31, 2016 and include wage increases of 1.75 per cent for the first year, one per cent in January 2015, one per cent in July 2015, and two per cent in 2016.
STRONGER TOGETHER CUPE delegates from B.C. take time out from a busy agenda during the 2014 Canadian Labour Congress convention in Montréal (May 5-9).
CUPEFOCUS POST-SECONDARY FUNDING
Death by a thousand cuts NO END TO THE WRECKAGE OF BC LIBERALS’ ANTI-EDUCATION POLICY The Universities Coordinated Bargaining Committee (UCBC) is drawing attention to the BC Liberals’ abysmal record on funding post-secondary education. Earlier this year, the Christy Clark government announced a three-year budget plan that will see the total operating grant for post-secondary institutions drop by almost $50 million. By 2016, per-student operating grants will have dropped by more than 20 per cent since 2001, when the BC Liberals took office and changed how universities and colleges receive core funding. Meanwhile, tuition fees have increased more “WE CAN NOT ALLOW POST- than 80 per cent under the BC Liberals. SECONDARY EDUCATION TO “Not only do we all BE PURSUED ONLY BY THOSE benefit from the proWITH THE MEANS TO AFFORD fessions taken up by ITS RISING COSTS. ” university graduates – MARK HANCOCK and the services they provide in our communities,” says CUPE BC President Mark Hancock. “We also benefit from the taxes these graduates will pay.” According to a 2012 study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, British Columbians with a post-secondary degree contribute more to the public coffers through future income taxes than it would cost taxpayers to pay for their entire degrees now.
Underfunding creates financial barriers Record high tuition fees are another example of the increases that average families are now paying out-of-pocket for public services.
While the BC Liberals have allowed universities to raise tuition costs to levels that significantly limit access to post-secondary education for many young British Columbians, they have also made deep cuts to StudentAidBC and eliminated needs-based grants to students. These changes have negatively impacted students pursuing post-secondary studies. Student debt has risen as accessibility has declined. “We cannot allow post-secondary education to be pursued only by those with the means to afford its rising costs,” says Hancock.
Cuts to ESL affect colleges and students The Federal Conservatives have also made cuts. B.C. colleges delivering English Language Training (ESL) programs for domestic, immigrant and new Canadians face an uncertain future as changes take effect. The federal government cancelled its agreement with the province for domestic ESL programs and will take over management of those programs. This change creates uncertainty for domestic students, including new immigrants and refugees who rely on ESL training at a level that helps them apply to the post-secondary system. One-time provincial funding to mitigate the transition doesn’t begin to address the ongoing cuts and inadequate funding to post-secondary institutions.
Post secondary education benefits us all The UCBC public campaign runs from mid-September to mid-October. Catch the campaign on buses, transit shelters and billboards at a post-secondary campus near you – RRU, SFU, TRU, UBC, UNBC, and UVic. Take action at universitieswork.ca.
HIGH VISIBILITY People in Kamloops can see this billboard, which draws attention to funding cuts, on a highway near the city.
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LINKINGLABOUR
ROBIN JONES, REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Despite the legislative and administrative roadblocks put in place by an increasingly hostile government and Labour Board, our efforts have found success on a number of fronts this year.”
CUPE keeps growing ORGANIZING THRIVES, DESPITE RIGHT-WING RESISTANCE The House of Labour continues to face challenges when it comes to organizing the unorganized. Despite clear evidence that unionized workers have much more say in establishing their working conditions, as well as having access to a legislatively mandated dispute mechanism and many other rights to help workers and their families survive in some tough economic times, workers are still not joining unions. The reasons are many. Not the least of these are threats and intimidation from employers, generally levelled against the lowest paid and predominantly female- or ethnic minority-held occupations—workers who would benefit greatly from the strong representation of a union. The BC Labour Board is another factor hindering organizing efforts. Recent rulings from the Board have put a stop to our decadesold practices in forming and certifying new unions within CUPE. A further significant struggle has been a move by the Industrial Relations Office, which is contracted to the LRB for conducting certification votes, to have the LRB recommend mail-in ballots instead of in-person voting as a first option to reduce expenses and travel costs on conducting votes across the province. Such a measure would give employers three weeks or longer to try and dissuade workers from voting to join the union — more time, in other words, for management to fight back against union organizing drives and intimidate workers who are seeking to exercise their right of free association. Rest assured, CUPE will be aggressively opposing this measure and will meet with the Registrar of the Labour Board to express our concerns in this and other areas. We regard such measures as a serious assault on our right to organize. Meanwhile, despite the legislative and administrative roadblocks put in place by an increasingly hostile government and Labour Board, our efforts have found success on a number of fronts this year and I am happy to welcome more new members to CUPE.
FAREWELL, SISTER! Assistant Regional Director Rhonda Spence is retiring after 30 years with CUPE.
LOTS OF POTENTIAL I recently met with some of the 98 new members of CUPE 873 working for SN Transport in Abbotsford. It was good to see workers from this vital service in the health care community come to CUPE, their natural home beside our B.C. ambulance paramedics. We have also organized a dozen sales employees at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo and fifteen employees at the Powell River Child, Youth & Family Services Society. These are all new certifications. We’re still working on others, including possibilities in the transportation sector. With so much potential out there, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for existing members to get in touch with your local president, CUPE BC or CUPE’s Organizing department directly, if you have any leads on potential CUPE worksites to be organized. You can reach our organizing representatives, Tracey Mathieson, Rob Limongelli and Ian Clough, at tmathieson@cupe.ca, rlimongelli@ cupe.ca, or iclough@cupe.ca, respectively, or at organizebc@cupe.ca. We also have a confidential number, 1-844-CUPE YES, which provides information on the benefits of unionization and CUPE in particular. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for a couple of billboards — including one near the Tsawassen ferry terminal — that promote the benefits of joining CUPE.
THIRTY YEARS OF DEDICATION This fall, the B.C. region bids a fond farewell to Sister Rhonda Spence. Apart from her two years of service as CUPE’s assistant regional director for B.C., Rhonda’s retirement on October 31 marks the end of a life with CUPE that stretches back nearly 30 years, spanning her days as Metro Vancouver’s rep on the CUPE BC executive board and her work as a local activist, servicing rep, and champion of international solidarity for worker-to-worker projects in Latin America. We thank Rhonda for her dedication to CUPE members and wish her all the best. MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News +
Commentary + Leaders’ voices
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FEATURE
THE STATE OF K-12
TAKING THE LEAD CUPE BC President Mark Hancock, seen here at a North Vancouver picket line, says parents and teachers alike want the same results for B.C.'s 500,000 public school children.
A HELPING HAND FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION CUPE’S SUPPORT OF A FAIR DEAL FOR TEACHERS PROVIDED CRITICAL RESISTANCE TO THE BC LIBERAL WRECKING BALL
IN THE WAKE
of the BC Teachers’ Federation’s September 16 agreement with the provincial government, CUPE BC President Mark Hancock had strong words of praise for the many CUPE members, local activists and staff who supported B.C. teachers throughout their prolonged labour dispute.
“AS PARENTS, WE STOOD WITH THE TEACHERS FOR OUR KIDS’ EDUCATION AND THEIR FUTURE. AND AS TRADE UNIONISTS, WE STOOD WITH THE BCTF AND SUPPORTED THEM IN THEIR FIGHT FOR A FAIR CONTRACT.”
MARK HANCOCK, CUPE BC PRESIDENT
“I want to thank everyone — from the K-12 bargaining committee and local presidents to the many activists, rank-and-file members and staff, who stood tall on the picket lines beside their BCTF brothers and sisters — for doing such a great job,” said Hancock, after BCTF members ratified the agreement on September 18. “As parents, we stood with teachers for our kids’ education and their future. And as trade unionists, we stood with the BCTF and supported them in their fight for a fair contract. In doing so, we sent a message to Christy Clark that our public education system must be properly funded.” Hancock said the strike was the direct result of Christy Clark’s 12-year crusade against teachers. Clark had led CONTINUED FALL 2014
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FEATURE
THE STATE OF K-12 her party’s attack on public education since 2001 when, as Education Minister and Deputy Premier, she tore up collective agreements negotiated with the previous NDP government wherein teachers had given up wages in exchange for the ability to bargain class size and composition. Rather than allowing local school boards to negotiate class size and composition, Victoria had set them on a district-averaging basis for the past 13 years. This led to fewer teachers in the classroom, larger class sizes, and less support for students. Coupled with funding shortfalls, the BC Liberals gutted the system beyond recognition.
Students and staff suffer
COMMITTED CUPE 523 members in the Okanagan show their support for a fair deal for B.C. teachers.
K-12 PROVINCIAL FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT REACHED CUPE’s provincial bargaining committee (PBC) for its K-12 workers, representing each region of the province, met in March to develop provincial proposals. The K-12 Presidents’ Council ratified the twelve tentative proposals in April. The PBC reached a protocol agreement with BCPSEA in May, prior to the start of bargaining in June. After intense bargaining, the council and BCPSEA reached a provincial framework agreement that follows the provincial wage mandate (5.5 per cent over five years). It includes increased hours for education assistants, improvements to extended health benefit plans through standardization, and a commitment to implement a job evaluation plan to address recruitment and retention issues. PBC also bargained for an unprecedented employee support grant, in recognition of lost wages for CUPE members who do not cross legal picket lines. “This agreement is a significant improvement over our last one,” said Marsolais, who also serves as K-12 Presidents’ Council chair. “Because increases are provincially funded, this agreement will remove pressure on school boards.” The provincial agreement becomes part of
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MAKING PROGRESS The provincial bargaining committee sees "significant improvements" in the new agreement. each local’s contract after bargaining with their respective school board concludes. Local agreements must be ratified by November 30 to be included in the provincial framework agreement. At press time, 38 locals had reached tentative agreements and 26 of those had been ratified. CUPE represents 27,000 education support workers in 59 locals and 53 school districts throughout B.C. These include education assistants, school secretaries, custodians, First Nations support workers, IT workers, Strong Start facilitators, trades and maintenance workers, and bus drivers.
Since 2001, when the BC Liberals began dismantling public education, programs for students have been cut and CUPE locals have faced major layoffs. Class time for students and hours for staff have been cut through the four-day school week and extended spring breaks. CUPE 409 in New Westminster knows the effects of the structural shortfall all too well. Students lost some great programs that were slowly eroded and eventually eliminated. “We need to ensure that every student succeeds,” said CUPE 409 President Marcel Marsolais. In New Westminster, 37 EAs have been cut since last year (53 positions in total), approximately 20 per cent of the membership. These cuts will be felt both inside and outside the classroom when it comes to Foundation for Success, a life skills program for special needs kids. Students with behavioural issues will struggle in schools, with support from academic EAs also dwindling.
A war of attrition Continued library support cuts since 2009 have created a huge void in students’ education. Some libraries remain closed after school and at lunch hour. Clerical cuts have led to increased workload, making it impossible to meet all the needs of students, staff and the system. Custodians and trades positions are being lost through attrition. Custodians always seem to be on the chopping block. CUPE members know the importance of a properly maintained and safe physical CONTINUED
FEATURE
THE STATE OF K-12
ANATOMY OF A FUNDING CRISIS The current budget crisis in the K-12 system in B.C., which has been described as a “structural shortfall” in funding support, is the product of three interdependent factors: • The province’s decision to download new unfunded or underfunded cost obligations (such as the HST, all-day kindergarten, carbon compliance, etc.); • The failure of the government’s current Funding Allocation System model used in K-12 to keep pace with cost increases in areas that are currently funded (such as rising utility, benefit, and pension costs); and • The imposition of cuts in discretionary programs by a provincial government anxious to contain the size of the provincial deficit (a good example of which was the use of provincial grant monies to fund part of the 2012/13 Annual Facility Grant, a fund normally paid via separate allocations to districts).
IT'S ABOUT THE KIDS Rain didn't dampen the spirits of these CUPE and BCTF members on the line in Kamloops. While budget allocations to boards of education have either been frozen or even seen small annual increases, the net effect of factors producing the structural shortfall is to reduce the amount of net funding available to boards to support the myriad of programs and services that together comprise today’s public school system. Information compiled by B.C.’s school secretary-treasurers now
puts the size of the structural shortfall at several hundred million dollars. The budget crisis leaves nearly all of B.C.’s 60 school districts scrambling to reduce spending by cutting programs, staff and services. While the jobs of teachers and support staff come under pressure as a result, B.C.’s school-aged children are the chief victims of the funding shortfall. — CUPE Research
learning space. Most school districts throughout B.C. have eliminated their day custodians – key people who provide security and safety — and the effects of these cuts are apparent in many schools. Childcare youth workers have seen an erosion of hours and Aboriginal support workers have also been cut. “The government must come to its senses and properly fund public education,” said Marsolais. “If they don’t we’re all going to pay, somehow, in the future.”
Respecting the picket line Throughout B.C., CUPE members stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with teachers to support public education. On the picket line, at rallies, and in the media, CUPE members showed solidarity with their striking brothers and sisters from the beinning to the end of the BCTF strike. “Together we are stronger than any one premier, than any one government,” said Hancock. “History has shown over and over again that workers standing together are an unstoppable force for progress and justice.” For photos of member action and public solidarity rallies, visit gallery.cupe.bc.ca
SIDE BY SIDE CUPE members in Smithers join teachers on their picket lines. FALL 2014
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CUPECOMMUNITIES MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE CUPE 2081 celebrates 40 years VICTORIA CUPE 2081, representing support staff at Camosun College, has held a number of events to mark its fortieth anniversary this year. “Our celebrations are a way for both the broader community and the CUPE 2081 community to recognize and celebrate the work we do,” said President Tony Nelson. The Local held a Family Fun Day in May that was a huge hit. Close to 350 people came out to the event, which featured a bouncy castle, face painting, a photo booth, games and food. In August, more than 300 people attended the Local’s dinner and dance, including CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro. Folks enjoyed the camaraderie, food and music. By all accounts the event was “amazing, a smash success,” said Nelson.
PROGRESSIVE VISION Woodstock legend Wavy Gravy, seen here with International Solidarity committee chair Doug Sprenger, helped dream up the Seva Foundation as a charity that has immediate impact for people.
New vision for developing world DONATION HELPS PREVENT BLINDNESS FOR SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE
FOUR DECADES STRONG CUPE 2081, Camosun College support staff, invited the community to help celebrate the local’s 40th anniversary.
What does CUPE BC have in common with Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Woodstock’s famous prankster, Wavy Gravy? We’re all part of a league of people seeking to prevent blindness and restore sight worldwide through donations to the Seva Foundation. Seva, a Sanskrit word meaning service to others, is a Berkeley, California-based international health organization, co-founded by Wavy Gravy, that works to build sustainable health projects in under-served communi-
ties. Donations to Seva, for example, go directly to eye care services for many of the world’s most vulnerable women, children and indigenous peoples. CUPE BC recently gave $500. “When we were approached by SevaCanada to assist financially, we realized that our donation would make a difference in providing eyeglasses, cataract surgeries and community ophthalmology programs in rural areas,” says Doug Sprenger, chair of the International Solidarity Committee. “While we are fortunate to have vision care for most of our union members, we are also in a position to make a difference in the lives of others.” More info: www.seva.ca
Classic cars and summer fun CHILLIWACK CUPE 411, representing education support workers, made a big impression at this year’s Classic Car Show, one of summer’s “hottest” events in the Fraser Valley. “It was great, a family event,” said CUPE 411 President Rod Isaac about the June 22 show, which drew hundreds to CUPE BC’s community events trailer. “We’re already thinking of ideas for next year.” Kids and parents tried their luck on the
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wheel of fortune. To spin they answered questions such as “What does CUPE stand for?” “What are some jobs that CUPE 411 members do in schools?” and “How have unions improved lives?” Help with answers was available on a counter display. CUPE 411 also raised money for the Community Cupboard, a charity the Local started for one of Chilliwack’s middle schools that provides supplies and food for kids who come to school hungry.
DIFFERENT SPIN Chilliwack residents play the CUPE wheel of fortune.
CUPEFOCUS LABOUR HISTORY
Island event recalls miners’ many sacrifices LARGE CROWDS ATTEND MEMORIAL VIGIL, CONFERENCE AND ART EXHIBITION CUMBERLAND This year’s miners memorial event, an annual highlight on the Vancouver Island labour calendar, was busier than usual thanks to a large conference taking place at the same time. The graveside vigil, held each year to honour workers who died in the mines as well as murdered labour activist Ginger Goodwin, was crowded with delegates from the Pacific Northwest Labour History Association Conference in Cumberland. CUPE BC’s community events trailer was a gathering place for throngs of labour activists and union members who converged on the Comox Lake Campground to share stories and music
between the various events in town. At Cumberland Cemetery on June 14, a procession of unions, labour organizations and individuals lay flowers at the graves of the many miners who had died while struggling to feed their families by working in dangerous conditions in the Cumberland mines. This annual event supports the Cumberland Museum and the town itself, while funds raised through the sale of flowers and other events ensure that local labour history is not forgotten.
HONOURING MINERS Volunteers Roger Albert, left, and CUPE 4163 executive member Dave Huxtable prepare food for one of the Miners Memorial feasts.
HISTORY IN ART Attendees of the Pacific Northwest Labour History conference enjoyed an exhibition of artworks by the Graphic History Collective, including those by Tania Willard (above right), Nicole Marie Burton (above left) and Jay McPherson (top banner). FALL 2014
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CUPEFOCUS PENSION FUNDS
UNDERSTANDING WHERE THE MONEY GOES CONTRIBUTING TO THE MPP MAKES YOU A SAVVY INVESTOR. HERE’S WHY BY RICHARD TAYLOR
Every two weeks, you invest in your future through your pension plan. You’re not spending that money on another latte; you do not have all your eggs in one basket. In fact, you have a diversified real estate portfolio — and it’s a great example of responsible investing. You are also investing in the economy and you are an employer of thousands. Income and spending in B.C. is about $1.3 billion higher each year because of the savings in B.C. public sector pension plans, created by retirees spending their pension dollars. When you retire, approximately three quarters of the money you receive in your monthly pension BANG FOR YOUR BUCK As a contributor to the Municipal Pension Plan, you are investing benefit will be paid for by invest- in the economy and you are an employer of thousands. ment returns earned on money contributed to the Plan. Your money benefits your community and the economic wellProperties are often near existing transit, which supports bcIMC’s being of the country. The higher savings rate of B.C.’s public sector environmental stewardship and makes the locations attractive to plan members will result in around $60 billion more in investment business. The B.C. real estate portfolio is diversified to protect and just over $85 billion added to Canada’s total GDP between 2012 the investment value. Chances are, as you travel around B.C., you and 2035, according to the Conference Board of Canada. will pass by one of the many properties your pension funds have How does that work? Let’s look at some of the Plan’s investments helped finance, such as Bayview at Coal Harbour, the Residence Inn managed by the British Columbia Investment Management company Vancouver or the Northwoods Business Park. (bcIMC). The bcIMC also owns commercial real estate, including Vancouver’s The next time you Broadway Tech Centre with 1.1 million square feet of leasable area in book a vacation, eight buildings. Tenants include HSBC Bank Canada, BC Assessment, “YOUR MONEY BENEFITS consider staying at a Bell Canada, Coastal Contacts, Nintendo Canada and the British YOUR COMMUNITY AND THE Delta hotel. In 2007, Columbia Lottery Corporation. ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF bcIMC purchased the The Plan manages risk by ensuring it has a diverse global portfolio THE COUNTRY.” Delta management — if one country’s economy tanks, other parts of your investment company. Hotels remain safe. create jobs: recent renovations to two of Delta’s seven B.C. hotels Clearly, your pension plan is a valuable asset—and you are making created 75 full-time and 60 part-time jobs in 2012. Delta employed it work! 1,397 people province-wide in 2011. Richard Taylor is chair of the Municipal Pension Seventeen per cent of real estate assets managed by bcIMC are Plan Board of Trustees. located in the province, and properties are chosen with long-term This article has been edited for length and house sustainability in mind. Two thirds of the portfolio is aligned with style. For the full version, and more information, environmental certification programs. please visit: mpp.straighttalk.pensionsbc.ca.
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CUPECOMMUNITIES MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Saving lives
Sweet sounds of progress
BC AMBULANCE SERVICE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
CUPE BC and various locals once again enjoyed a high profile at this summer’s music festivals. In the Comox Valley, the Vancouver Island Music Festival (July 11-13) highlighted the pivotal role that CUPE can play in promoting sound environmental policy and the importance of keeping public water public. CUPE 556 signed on as a “Living Green” sponsor and this year combined for joint advertising in the festival programme with the message “Take Back The Tap – Say No To Plastic Bottles.” In Duncan, where the Islands Folk Festival (July 18-20) turned 30, the VIDC and CUPE BC, along with CUPE 358, continued to support public water initiatives. By sponsoring the Heritage Stage (one of six at the
VANCOUVER As part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the BC Ambulance Service, CUPE 873 ambulance paramedics were among those honoured during a special ceremony at the Vancouver Art Gallery on July 16. “Words cannot describe the gratitude I have for BC Ambulance Service’s paramedics and dispatchers,” Norman Ford, a patient assisted by ambulance paramedics, said at the event. “Six years ago, a very special paramedic, Ole Olsen, saved my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him and the other crew members who provided care.” CUPE 873 president Bronwyn Barter noted that the BC Ambulance Service has evolved dramatically since four decades ago, when ambulances were primarily used as a method of transport. “Today, the care and treatment provided by paramedics and dispatchers is part of an integrated, provincial system that starts with the initial 911 call. The result is seamless pre-hospital care and interfacility transfer service to patients from all corners of B.C.,” said Barter.
SEEGER TRIBUTE The labour stage this year featured stirring renditions from the Pete Seeger songbook.
One of a kind LAPOINTE LEAVES A LASTING LEGACY
PLAY BALL! CUPE BC President Mark Hancock shows off his pitching form on the mound at Nat Bailey stadium, just before a Vancouver Canadians game on CUPE night, June 28.
NELSON It was with profound sadness that the B.C. division learned in April of the passing of former General Vice-President Bev LaPointe after a lengthy illness. Bev, who spent 32 years (1980-2012) working with the City of Nelson in parks and public works, was a community-minded activist with a tremendous social conscience. Committed to her union for many years as president of CUPE 339 (Nelson Municipal workers), GVP on the CUPE BC executive board, chair of the CUPE BC environment
TASTY AND PUBLIC CUPE members on the Island served up cold tap water to festival-goers in Comox and Duncan. Festival), CUPE 358 also allowed the event to bridge its financial gap. The Local also provided its water distribution cart, which became a festival favorite. At Jericho Beach for the Vancouver Folk Music Festival (July 18-20), CUPE BC continued a long-standing tradition by co-sponsoring a progressive workshop at the Utah Phillips memorial stage. This year’s tribute to folk music legend Pete Seeger was a powerful celebration of the late folk music hero’s vision of how we can all do our part to protect the health of our planet and the dignity of civilization.
committee and member of the CUPE National environment committee, she was a tireless advocate for public services and environmental issues locally, provincially and Bev LaPointe nationally. “Bev’s big voice had a heart to match,” said CUPE BC President Mark Hancock. “Her generosity knew no limits, to both friends and strangers. Her natural leadership and loyalty to her friends inspired them to do better. We were all extremely fortunate to have had Bev as a colleague, activist, leader and friend in our union, and her spirit will live with us forever.” FALL 2014
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CUPEGALLERY
SHOWING OUR PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CUPE members in Vancouver (L) and Victoria (R) saw larger crowds at Pride events this year.
WAVING THE FLAG CUPE members in Mission enjoy Canada Day festivities on July 1.
TIME TO SHARE Dale Whitford and Diversity Vice-President (Aboriginal Workers) Leanne Toderian served up delicious food at National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Vancouver on June 21.
SUMMER LAUNCH CUPE 1760 members at United Way held a barbeque in early June, attended by CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro (R).
ELECTRIFYING NDP Finance Critic Nathan Cullen brought down the house at Convention in April with a funny, moving and inspirational speech. Go to cupe.bc.ca/videos to see the full speech.
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RESPECT AND REMEMBRANCE From left: CUPE 402 member Harry Kang, CUPE 728 member Edward Parsotam, and CUPE Health and Safety Representative Vanessa Wolff attended the City of Surrey’s Day of Mourning event on April 28.
CUPEGALLERY LABOUR DAY A ROCKING GOOD TIME Rock legends Trooper (L) were the featured act at this year’s Labour Day picnic held at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium. Right, Mark Hancock was joined by event co-sponsor Steve Hunt of the United Steelworkers, NewtonNorth Delta NDP MP Jinny Sims, BCTF President Jim Iker, and BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair.
COOL MUSIC, HOT ISSUES CUPE’s own Tanya Paterson and Stevo Knauff performed O Canada and Solidarity Forever (above L) to help warm up the crowd. Meanwhile, the teachers’ dispute with the Christy Clark government was the main topic of conversation.
MAKING CONTACT At the community events trailer, the throngs once again enjoyed hot buttered corn on the cob, here served up by Jocelyne Dore-Lawson and CUPE 389’s Carol Nordby (L); BC NDP leader John Horgan addressed the crowd; and Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro joined CUPE sisters at the CUPE Metro tent.
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POWERINNUMBERS PAUL FAORO, SECRETARY-TREASURER “We are not so much ‘electing our bosses,’ as an old slogan goes, but electing people who can impact our work with the stroke of a pen.”
All hands on deck IT’S TIME TO FOCUS ON THE NOVEMBER 15 ELECTIONS In just a few weeks, people throughout B.C. will once again be going to the polls to elect their next city or town council, regional district representatives and boards of education. This year, for the first time ever, those elected will have four long years to put their stamp on local government and determine the future of our communities — for better or for worse. These elections are more important than ever. Why? Because right-wing politicians in Victoria and Ottawa can sense an opportunity to push ahead with their anti-worker agendas of slashing public services and contracting out our jobs with no pushback whatsoever from municipalities. Less than 30 per cent of those eligible bothered to vote in the 2011 community elections. So it’s no wonder the Christy Clarks and Stephen Harpers are feeling so smug: if no one’s resisting them at the local level, they take that as consent for their reactionary programs. That’s why, on November 15, we need to get out and vote for local representatives who will stand up to the BC Liberals and federal Conservatives. We need to elect progressive people who will say “no” to privatization and “yes” to funding public services at the community level and keeping those services public. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in core service reviews at the local government level — a concept supposedly aimed at improving spending “efficiency” but which is, in fact, a smokescreen for gutting public services. That is why these elections are so important: we are not so much “electing our bosses,” as an old slogan goes, but electing people who can impact our work with the stroke of a pen. Obviously, we need to do more than just talk, and CUPE BC is once again leading the way. Our campaign for this year’s community elections has dedicated more resources than ever before,
GET SMART U.S. political strategist Jeremy Bird, seen at CUPE BC’s political action conference with Sharon Prescott, Mark Hancock and Paul Faoro. including a full-time election coordinator who has been all over the province conducting training and workshops for locals while working with the CLC and other affiliates on election readiness. This time, we’ve hit the ground running earlier than ever, with more individual members and locals engaged in political action than in our previous local election campaigns.
LOTS OF WAYS TO GET INVOLVED But there is still so much more to do. As Jeremy Bird, a key member of Barack Obama’s two election campaigns for the U.S. presidency, said at our political action conference in the spring: modern technology might play a big role in the election, but no technology can replace the traditional campaign strategies of hard work and old fashioned, door-to-door campaigning. With this credo in mind, I would encourage as many CUPE members as possible to take advantage of the advance polls in your community so that you can free up some time on November 15 to volunteer to help elect the progressive candidates where you live. From putting a sign on your lawn to spending a few hours on the phone at the campaign office, there are lots of ways to help out. For more information on how you can support progressive local leaders, please take a look at the special election insert in this issue of Public Employee. Together, we can make the difference. Twitter: @paulfaoro MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News +
Commentary + Leaders’ voices
PUBLISHED BY The Canadian Union of Public Employees, British Columbia Division
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POSTAL AGREEMENT # 42016512
TEL 604.291.9119 FAX 604.291.9043 EMAIL editor@cupe.bc.ca CUPE BC PRESIDENT Mark Hancock SECRETARY-TREASURER Paul Faoro THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EDITOR Dan Gawthrop
CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bush, Roseanne Moran, Clay Suddaby, Janet Szliske
COVER PHOTO Murray Bush
OTHER PHOTOS Josh Berson, Nicole Edmondson, Caelie Frampton, Michael Lanier, Amber Leonard, Kyle Rosetta, Doug Sprenger, Jeff Tsai, Dale Whitford, and CUPE Locals 523 and 2081 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Working Design COPE 491
CUPE education … where the action is!
Parksville School OCTOBER 26 - 31, 2014
This year’s week-long school, to be held at the scenic beachfront Quality Resort Bayside in Parksville, will feature five courses: • • • • •
Arb and Order: Building the Best Case from Grievance to Arbitration Duty to Accommodate: Every Worker’s Right! Introduction to Stewarding (PLUS four Steward Learning Series Modules) Occupational Health and Safety (Basic) Parliamentary Procedure and Public Speaking
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 10. For more information, contact CUPE Education representative Ruth Scher at 604-291-1940 or rscher@cupe.ca, or Education Department secretary Lynn Falk at lfalk@cupe.ca. FALL 2014
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